Where to stay in Hyderabad

See

As you would expect from a city with a rich heritage, Hyderabad has many historical monuments, but there is much more to see. By Indian standards, Hyderabad's monuments are not very old, which means that they are better preserved. Many of the attractions including the iconic Charminar are in Old City, albeit the even older Golconda Fort and Qutb Shahi Tombs in Golconda. In Central Hyderabad, you find some of the major attractions built after independence, such as the Buddha Statue located on an island in the midst of the Hussain Sagar Lake, and the Birla Mandir. Hyderabad offers a feast for history buffs.

Do

Many resorts and amusement parks offer adventure sports, watersports and other rides. While some are located within the city, most are found on the outskirts.

• Heritage walk
• Friends of Snakes Society
• Hatsclub Hyderabad Adventure & Trekker’s club

Eat

No visit to Hyderabad would be complete without sampling its unique cuisine, a rich blend of royal Mughlai flavours, Nizams special, and spice-up culinary traditions of South India such as: Hyderabadi biryani, pathar-ka-ghosht, nahari, haleem, double-ka-meetha, khubani-ka-meetha, seviyon-ka-meetha and kheer. A popular dish of Hyderabad is biryani. It is prepared with a blending of Mughal kitchen and the style of cooking practised by the Nizams. Hyderabadi biryani has a distinct aroma. Garnished with pudina, fried onion & boiled eggs. Mostly it is served with dahi-ki-chutney and mirchi-ka-salan.

Drink

There is plenty to do at night in Hyderabad, though local regulations have most places serving last drinks by 23:00. On weekdays, drinks in some of the pubs have the best offers, as most clubs are empty until Thursday or Friday nights, when the clubbers emerge. But the sheer number of nightlife spots makes it hard to choose which ones to list. As a general rule they tend to be clustered around Begumpet (Secunderabad) and Road No.1, Banjara Hills (Central). Alcohol is available easily from numerous liquor shops, known as wine shops in local parlance, spread across the twin cities, in restaurants with bars attached (including most upscale ones) and in pubs.

Stay safe

Hyderabad used to suffer from terrorism between 2007 and 2013. There were bomb blasts at Mecca Masjid, Lumbini Park, places often frequented by travellers and also at busy marketplaces. Since the city is free of terrorism since 2014, the chances that you will be in danger are quite low. However, you should still make your own risk assessment, as the intrusive security will more likely dampen your enjoyment of your Hyderabad vacation than any physical danger. Every shopping mall, theatre and palace has metal detectors and security guards patting you down. The Old City used to be a communally sensitive zone, and a venue for religiously aggravated riots between Hindus and Muslims.