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Hyderabad Travel & Sightseeing Guide

January 10, 2008 |

A trip to Hyderabad

Perched on the Deccan plateau, on the banks of the River Musi, Hyderabad is the sixth largest metropolis of India. Separated from its twin city, Sinderbad, by the Husain Sagar, a manmade lake, Hyderabad is almost 400 years old and is renowned for its abounding history, culture and architecture. With innumerable mosques and temples, minarets and monuments, bazaars and parks representing the city’s distinctive character as a meeting place for north and south India, visitors will not be bored here. The city can be easily accessed via Hyderabad Airport.

Flights Hyderabad
Hyderabad Airport has domestic and international terminals and provides direct international connections from nearby countries, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Flights link destinations like London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and New York. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Hyderabad try Expedia. The comparatively small air facility will be replaced by a new airport in April 2008, when the city is scheduled to become a domestic hub. Hyderabad Airport lies at the centre of the city, and the best choice for reaching your hotel is to take a prepaid autorickshaw or taxi from the airport.

To get around this city, there is a combination of suburban railway and light rail transportation system, and the MultiModal Transport System (MMTS) which offers links between road and rail. Hyderabad also has excellent local bus connectivity, with most buses starting and finishing their routes at train stations. Autorickshaws and taxis are metered, while driving in the city is not recommended due to the recklessness of the local motorists.
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Sightseeing in Hyderabad
Hyderabad boasts an abundance of historical attractions, above all Charminar (‘four minarets’), a breathtaking structure and the legendary masterwork of the Qutb Shahis. Built in 1591, it has long been the city’s icon. The stunning Falaknuma Palace is completely constructed from Italian marble with Louis XIV décor, while the 16th century Golconda Fort is one of India’s most magnificent fortress complexes and is famous for its one-time part in the diamond trade.

Located near Golconda, the Taramati Baradari was built by a Qutb Shahi sultan and is a must-visit. The stone-built Mecca Masjid is noteworthy for its architecture and royal splendour, and is one of Hyderabad’s most beautiful mosques. Among the plentiful museums and galleries, the Salar Jung Museum is a particular highlight housing the world’s most comprehensive one-man collection of antiques.

Book Sightseeing Tours

Fun by night – eating, drinking and partying
Hyderabad’s cuisine is a mix of Mughal, Persian and Telugu influences, and you can still find numerous dining places where dishes are prepared as they were 400 years ago. Apart from local fare, visitors can experience a great variety of cookery including north Indian, Dhaba, Marwadi, Chinese and vegetarian, as well as international fare and fast food.

There is a lot to do at night in the city, which is dotted with cafés, pubs and bars, although most places serve last drinks at 23:00 due to local regulations. On weekdays, some of the pubs have special offers, while most clubs are empty except on Fridays and Saturdays. As a general rule, the majority of nighlife spots are situated around Begumpet, in Banjara Hills.

Fun by day – shopping and activities
Hyderabad offers plentiful shopping facilities for every taste and budget, from jewellery and local handicraft shops to lively bazaars and modern shopping malls. The Golden Mile of Hyderabad consisting of shopping plazas, exclusive shops and designer boutiques, and starts at Lifestyle close, stretching to the Begumpet flyover and extending to Banjara Hills. Other recreational amenities include 13 cinemas, four golf courses and several amusement parks such as NTR Gardens, Lumbini Park and Treasure Island.


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