bigtravelbuzzHyderabad is a vibrant city in southern India, known for its rich history and culture, delicious food, and bustling markets. Here are some things to know when visiting Hyderabad:
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit Hyderabad is from October to February when the weather is cooler and more pleasant.
- Transportation: Hyderabad has a good public transportation system, including buses, trains, and metro. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are also widely available.
- Food: Hyderabad is known for its delicious biryanis and other spicy dishes. Be sure to try the local specialties such as Hyderabadi Biryani, Mirchi ka Salan, and Haleem.
- Language: Telugu and Urdu are the main languages spoken in Hyderabad, but many people also speak English.
- Culture: Hyderabad has a rich cultural heritage, including dance, music, and art. The city is also home to many historic buildings and monuments, including the iconic Charminar and the Golconda Fort.
- Safety: Hyderabad is generally a safe city, but it’s always a good idea to take precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night and being aware of your surroundings.
- Shopping: Hyderabad is famous for its markets, including the Laad Bazaar and the Charminar Bazaar, where you can find everything from jewelry to spices to handicrafts.
- Technology: Hyderabad is a hub for the technology industry, with many international companies having offices in the city.
- Etiquette: Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques and other religious sites. It’s also polite to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or a mosque.
- Health: Be sure to drink only bottled or purified water, and take precautions to prevent mosquito bites to avoid dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses.
Places to Visit in Hyderabad
Hyderabad is a historic city with many tourist attractions. Some of the popular places to visit in Hyderabad include:
- Charminar
- Mecca Masjid
- Golkonda Fort
- Qutub Shahi Tombs
- Chowmahalla Palace
- Salar Jung Museum
- Hussain Sagar Lake
- Birla Mandir
- Falaknuma Palace
- Nehru Zoological Park.
Best Time To Visit Hyderabad
The best time to visit Hyderabad is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is pleasant and cool. The temperature ranges between 15 to 29 degrees Celsius during this time, which is ideal for exploring the city’s tourist attractions. It is advisable to avoid visiting during the summer months, from April to June, when the temperatures can soar up to 45 degrees Celsius, making it very uncomfortable for outdoor activities.
Things to Do in Hyderabad
Hyderabad has a rich cultural heritage and offers a range of activities and experiences for visitors. Some of the top things to do in Hyderabad are:
- Visit the iconic Charminar and explore the nearby bazaars for shopping and street food.
- Explore the historic Golkonda Fort, known for its architectural brilliance and sound and light shows.
- Take a boat ride on the picturesque Hussain Sagar Lake and visit the famous Buddha statue.
- Experience the rich culture of Hyderabad by visiting the Chowmahalla Palace and Falaknuma Palace.
- Visit the Salar Jung Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of art and artifacts in the world.
- Indulge in the famous Hyderabadi cuisine, known for its rich flavors and aromas, especially the famous biryani.
- Visit the Ramoji Film City, one of the world’s largest film studios, for a behind-the-scenes look at Indian cinema.
- Take a tour of the historic Qutub Shahi Tombs, which offer a glimpse into the city’s royal past.
- Explore the lush greenery and diverse wildlife at the Nehru Zoological Park.
- Attend a traditional Telugu cultural program or a musical concert to experience the local art and culture.
How to Get Around in Hyderabad
Hyderabad has a well-developed transportation system, with a variety of options available to visitors:
- Taxis: Taxis are easily available in Hyderabad and can be booked via ride-hailing apps like Ola or Uber, or through local taxi services. They are a convenient and reliable way to get around the city.
- Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are a common mode of transportation in Hyderabad, and they are ideal for short distances. They are a bit cheaper than taxis, but make sure to negotiate the fare beforehand.
- Metro: Hyderabad has a modern metro system that connects major parts of the city. It is fast, efficient, and an affordable way to get around.
- Buses: The city has a well-connected bus network operated by Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC). Buses are the cheapest mode of transportation in Hyderabad, and they are a good option for getting around the city.
- Trains: The city also has a suburban railway network, which connects some of the nearby towns and cities with Hyderabad.
- Self-drive cars and bikes: Self-drive rental services are available in Hyderabad, which allows tourists to rent cars or bikes and explore the city at their own pace.
It’s recommended to plan your travel in advance and use a mix of these transportation options depending on your location and destination.
Where to eat in Hyderabad
Hyderabad is famous for its cuisine, especially its biryani, which is a must-try for visitors. Some popular places to eat in Hyderabad are:
- Paradise: Famous for its biryani and kebabs.
- Bawarchi: Known for its spicy biryani and kebabs.
- Shah Ghouse Café: Famous for its biryani and haleem.
- Chutneys: Known for its South Indian breakfast items like dosas, idlis, and vadas.
- Karachi Bakery: Famous for its biscuits and cakes.
- Rayalaseema Ruchulu: Known for its spicy Andhra-style cuisine.
- Hotel Shadab: Known for its biryani, haleem, and kebabs.
- Minerva Coffee Shop: Known for its South Indian filter coffee and breakfast items.
These are just a few of the many great options available in Hyderabad, and there are plenty of other restaurants and street food stalls to explore.
Famous street stalls in Hyderabad
Hyderabad is famous for its street food, and there are plenty of stalls and food carts throughout the city. Some popular street food options in Hyderabad include:
- Ram ki Bandi: Known for its famous dosas and uthappams.
- Pista House: Famous for its haleem during the month of Ramadan.
- Gokul Chat: Known for its chaat items like pani puri, sev puri, and dahi puri.
- Subhan Bakery: Famous for its fruit biscuits and dilkhush.
- Maharaja Chaat: Known for its chaat items and aloo tikki.
- Shahi Dastarkhwan: Famous for its biryani, haleem, and kebabs.
- Nimrah Café and Bakery: Known for its Osmania biscuits, chai, and Irani chai.
- Badam ki Jali: Famous for its sweets like badam ki jali and khubani ka meetha.
These are just a few of the many street food options available in Hyderabad, and there are plenty of other stalls and carts to explore.
Where to stay in Hyderabad
Luxury accommodation
Some of the best luxury accommodations in Hyderabad are:
- Taj Falaknuma Palace – a luxurious palace hotel with scenic views and a range of dining and recreational options.
- Trident Hyderabad – a contemporary luxury hotel with well-appointed rooms and multiple dining options.
- The Park Hyderabad – a boutique hotel with modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and a variety of dining options.
- Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre – a luxury hotel with spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and multiple dining options.
- Taj Krishna – a 5-star hotel with elegantly furnished rooms, a spa, and multiple dining options.
- ITC Kohenur – a luxury hotel with a range of dining options, an outdoor pool, and a spa.
- The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace – a modern luxury hotel with well-appointed rooms, multiple dining options, and a spa.
- Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli – a contemporary hotel with luxurious rooms, a fitness center, and multiple dining options.
- Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel – a modern luxury hotel with well-appointed rooms, multiple dining options, and a spa.
- Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Hyderabad Banjara Hills – a luxury hotel with modern rooms, multiple dining options, and a spa.
Budget accommodation
There are many budget accommodation options in Hyderabad, including guesthouses, hostels, and budget hotels. Some popular options include:
- Zostel Hyderabad – backpacker hostel located in the Banjara Hills area.
- Red Fox Hotel, Hitec City – a budget hotel in the heart of Hyderabad’s IT district.
- Hotel Tara – budget hotel located in the Abids area, close to many of Hyderabad’s top attractions.
- Nest Guest House – affordable guesthouse in the Jubilee Hills area.
- Guest Inn Suites Castle – budget hotel located in the Gachibowli area, close to the Hyderabad International Convention Centre.
These are just a few of the many budget accommodation options available in Hyderabad.
Travel Tips Hyderabad
Here are some travel tips for visiting Hyderabad:
- Stay hydrated: Hyderabad can get very hot and humid, especially in the summer months. Make sure to drink plenty of water and other fluids to stay hydrated.
- Try the local cuisine: Hyderabad is known for its delicious food, particularly its biryani. Be sure to sample some of the local cuisine while you’re in town.
- Plan for traffic: Hyderabad is a busy city, and traffic can be congested at times. Be sure to leave extra time when traveling to your destination, especially during rush hour.
- Dress modestly: Hyderabad is a conservative city, and it’s important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. This means covering your legs and shoulders.
- Use public transportation: Hyderabad has a good public transportation system, including buses and a metro. Using public transportation is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city.
- Be cautious with street food: While Hyderabad is known for its street food, it’s important to be cautious when eating food from street vendors. Make sure the food is freshly cooked and served hot to avoid getting sick.
- Visit during the winter months: The best time to visit Hyderabad is from November to February when the weather is cooler and more pleasant for sightseeing.