Hyderabad

Eco-friendly travel guide to Hyderabad advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Hyderabad, India.

The picturesque The Ibrahim Bagh mosque that stands atop the Golconda Fort in Hyderabad

Air quality: 3 / 5

Exploring by foot: 4 / 5

Exploring by bicycle: 4 / 5

Public transportation: 5 / 5

Parks: 5 / 5

Outdoor activities: 4 / 5

Locals' English level: 3 / 5

Safety: 3 / 5

Accommodation: US$20 - $150

Budget per day: US35 - $200

Responsible Travel

Among the 29 states in India, Hyderabad is a capital of the state Telangana and de jure (practices that are legally recognised, regardless of whether the practice exists in reality) capital of Andhra Pradesh. Being the fourth-most populous city, it has the fifth-largest urban economy in the country. It was ruled by Qutub Shahis, Mughals and Nizams, which shaped its rich cultural history that reflects in many historical places. Hyderabad is not only considered as one of the popular tourist places, it has been officially designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. It is among the 66 cities named by UNESCO in the list of new Creative Cities which aims at pushing the Sustainable Development Goals through innovative thinking and action.

Hyderabad is one of the most populous city, the emission of high toxic particulate matter from the vehicles and the energy used for urban commuting makes it fourth ‘worst’ polluted cities in India, which is quite alarming. But to play your part as a responsible tourist, you should take note of the following:

You need to know the most vital point, that while exploring Hyderabad you don’t always need to hire a cab. Hyderabad can be toured by using a bicycle as well as many local guides help the tourists to cover the city highlights as well as many forgotten nooks and hidden places, by walking. You can also opt for electric rickshaws and eco-friendly taxis.

There are plenty of eco-friendly five-star hotels as well as resorts at very reasonable prices in Hyderabad, where you can stay that not only plays your part as a sensible tourist but also the charm of it makes you closer to nature.

Hyderabad is a great shopping place. You can buy souvenirs and things from the local shops as opposed to from big brands.

The city is famous for Biryanis, Kebabs, Haleem, and many more. Make sure to try the delicacies at the local food stalls to get the authentic and mouth-watering tastes of the dishes and do not forget to use the eco-friendly containers.

Minimize the carbon footprint by using recyclable things, avoid using plastic bags, plastic bottles.

Educate yourself about the city and its history a bit so that you wouldn't be fooled if anyone thought to trick you.

Air Quality and Pollution

When Delhi, the capital of India tops the chart of most polluted cities in India, Hyderabad isn’t far behind. But Hyderabad has an action plan in place for keeping air pollution levels under control, like installation of remote sensor-based PUC systems, promoting battery-operated vehicles are among the 32 measures mentioned in the city action plan that have been reflected on the city’s air pollution. A quick sweep over the Hyderabad air pollution.

Respect the Culture

Hyderabad, the city is the mixture of old Islamic culture and the Hindu traditions of the Telugu people. That’s why Telugu and Urdu are two widely spoken languages here. While exploring the city you must keep this in mind, the city is the fine blend of two different yet so alike cultures. So make sure to try to understand the sentiments of the locals’ as well as their cultural values. Museums and other such tourist spots hold much pride showcasing the concoction of the religion as well as heritage. To have a taste of these two blended cultures, do not forget to visit the old streets, old markets of this city, you will be surprised to find the diversity.

Top 10 Places to Visit

The Shahis, Mughals and the Nizams left no stone unturned to make the city rich and beautiful. While visiting Hyderabad, make sure to visit these top 10 places:

Golconda Fort: Golconda or Golkonda, the capital of Qutub Shahi dynasty, this fort is one of the complex yet beautiful forts not only in Hyderabad but in India. The structure of this fort holds the memorandum of all the rulers from Kakatiya kings, Musunuri Nayakas, Bahamani Sultans, Qutub Shahi Dynasty to Mughals. Initially, a mud fort which over a period of 62 years, initially a mud fort which was expanded by the first three Qutb Shahi sultans into the present structure of this massive fortification. The light and shadow shows are held in the evenings in three languages, I.e. English, Hindi and Telugu with the voice-over by Bollywood superstar Mr Amitabh Bachchan, depicting the history of the lives of the rulers, their glory of this magnificent fort. To enter the fort you are required to pay a minimal Golconda fort entry fee of Rs. 15; it is Rs.200 foreign tourists; Rs. 130 for light and shadow show. You have to pay extra if you are planning to take your camera inside, please note, camera tripods are not allowed.

Charminar: Situated at the east bank of Musi river, Charminar is one of the most recognized structures in India. The Charminar, constructed in 1591, is a monument and on the top floor, the existence of a mosque makes the monument a bearer of history and religious significance of the past 400 years. It is also known for its popular and busy local markets surrounding the structure and has become one of the most visited places in Hyderabad over the years. Entry fee in this monument is Rs. 100 per tourist, the Charminar timings are from 9.30 AM to 5.30 PM. It is opened to visitors on all days of the week.

Makkah Masjid: Makkah Masjid or Mecca Masjid, one of the largest congregational mosques in India, having the capacity of 20,000. Built at a walking distance from the Charminar, Chowmahalla Palace and Laad Bazaar, Makkah Masjid is one of the busiest areas of Hyderabad. It is said, Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah the fifth ruler of the Shahi Dynasty commissioned the breaks that were used for the construction of the central arch of this Masjid to be made from the soil of The Mecca (The holiest city in Islam and the capital of the Makkah province of Saudi Arabia) Hence, giving the mosque this name. The timings are from 4.30 AM to 9.30 PM with no Entry Fee.

Chowmahalla Palace: Hyderabad the land of the Nizams, this palace was built by Nizam Salabat Jung. It was the official residence of the Nizams when they ruled their state. The heir of the Nizams, Barkat Ali Khan Mukarram Jha is the owner of this palace. All the ceremonial functions including the accession of the Nizams and receptions for the Governor-General were held at this palace. The present Nizam and his family decided to restore the Chowmahalla Palace and open it to the public in January 2005. It took over 5 years to document and restore the palaces of the first courtyard to its former glory. The palace also has a collection of vintage cars like the Rolls Royce, which were used by the Nizam kings. One can visit throughout the week except for Fridays and national holidays.

Salar Jung Museum: One of the three national museums in India, the Salar Jung Museum is situated on the southern bank of the Musi River. It was originally a private art collection of the Salar Jung family, it was endowed to the nation after the death of Salar Jung Ⅲ. Having the vast collections of sculptures, carvings, paintings, textiles, manuscripts, ceramics, clocks, metallic artefacts, carpets, and furniture from all over the world make it one of the largest museums in the world. Entry fee is Rs.20 for the Indians, Rs 500 for the Foreign Visitors, Free for Students with ID Cards (up to 18 Yrs), 50% Concession for defence personnel in uniform & organized Kisan parties Rs.50 for Still Camera. One can visit throughout the week from 10 AM to 5 PM except for Fridays and the national holidays.

Ramoji Film City: Spread over 2500 acres Ramoji Film City is one of the largest film studios in the world, situated just about 30 kilometres away from Hyderabad. A must visit place which has the capacity to house almost 50 film units at once. Listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, this film city has sets like, London street, Hollywood sign, Japanese gardens etc. with the fun-filled rides throughout the film city making it a trip to remember. Timings are from 9 AM to 5.30 PM every day. There are different packages for the film city tour, read the package highlights before choosing one.

Hussain Sagar Lake: An artificial lake connecting the twin cities Hyderabad and Secunderabad was excavated during the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah on the tributary of Musi River. At the centre of the lake stands the statue of Lord Buddha with a weight of 350 tonnes that can be accessed by the boats available there. There are various recreational activities in which one can indulge such as boating with the choice of speed boats as well as motorboats, water skiing, parasailing and cruising. With 0 entry fee, you can choose the ferry rides according to your taste. It is open for all from 8 AM to 10 PM. Lumbini Park near Hussain Sagar Lake, which is the venue for one of the most kaleidoscopic lights and sound shows in Hyderabad.

Birla Mandir: Birla Mandir is one of the top 10 places to visit in Hyderabad. Industrialists Birlas have constructed various mandirs (temples) all over the country, hence the name Birla Mandir. Dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara of Tirumala Tirupati Temple, it is said that almost 2000 tonnes of marbles were bought from Rajasthan for building this temple. Located at the top hill of 280 feet, this temple’s magnificent stature makes it praiseworthy. The Birla Mandir is open every day from 7 AM to 12 PM in the morning and 3 PM to 9 PM. Entry is free.

Nehru Zoological Park: Named after the first prime minister of India, Shri Jawaharlal Nehru, this park boasts of almost 1500 species from mammals to reptiles, that have been kept in zoological order. One of the largest zoos of India, Nehru Zoological Park presents a plethora of extensive range of activities to do. Various safaris such as lion safari, bear safari and bison safari along with the toy train ride through the Butterfly Park, Jurassic Park, aquarium etc make the trip more joyful. One can visit every day apart from Monday of a week from 8 AM to 5 PM. With Rs. 50 on the weekdays and Rs. 60 per adult on the weekend there are charts of the fees of different safaris and the toy trains.

Laad Bazaar: One of the oldest and popular markets situated adjacent to the Charminar is said to be as lively as it is now since the Shahis and Nizam's era. The word Laad which means Lacquer, this market possesses the varieties of bangles which have lacquer as one of its key materials. Not only bangles, but the bazaar also has a variety of shops of Zari, embroideries, pearls and others. Bargaining is a must if you decide to buy from the shops here, you will be surprised to get beautiful things at much cheaper prices. From 11 in the morning to 11 in the night you will find the market thronged with the locals and the tourists.

A view of the Golconda Fort, Hyderabad

Explore

Hyderabad is a beautiful city with eye-catching landscapes, palaces and monuments which would make it very apparent that they were made by royals. The city’s significance as a historical as well as commercial participation in India is enormous. There are significant museums, parks and landmarks which are the must-visit places in Hyderabad. You can explore Hyderabad by eco-friendly public transports as well as by feet.

City Parks

There are 24 parks and gardens in Hyderabad, amongst them, these are the names of some famous parks which you would want to explore.

Sanjeevaiah Park: Built on the banks of Hussain Sagar Lane, Sanjeevaiah park is situated at the heart of Hyderabad. The park is named after Damodaram Sanjeevayya, an erstwhile chief minister of Andra Pradesh. The park is the home of about 100 species of resident and non-resident or migratory birds and more than 50 species of insects and butterflies. The park hosts several events for the public occasionally. Events ranging from roller-skating races to social awareness campaigns, the park has encouraged public initiatives.

Lumbini Park: Officially, T. Anjaiah Lumbini Park is an urban park adjacent to Hussain Sagar in Hyderabad. Situated near other tourist places, this place attracts many people. Boating is one of the best parts and people go to the Buddha idol placed in the middle of the tank band in the boats. Lumbini Park has one of the largest water screens in India, where the multimedia fountain plays daily to a large audience, with perfect synchronization of music, rhythm, with laser lighting to laser animation, it has all.

NTR Gardens: Another park which is adjacent to Hussain Sagar, NTR Gardens is famous for Japanese Garden, souvenir shops, a visitors train, a waterfall and a fruit restaurant.

Indira Park: Indira Park is situated at the heart of Hyderabad in a residential locality called Domalguda which lies along the Hussain Sagar Lake. This park is known to be one of the best ecologically maintained parks in the city, containing an award-winning rock garden designed by the commissioner of customs and excise duties.

Ocean Park: Among many amusement parks, Ocean Park is the must-visit park in Hyderabad. It consists of many water games as well as rides for every age group. Ocean Park is a great excursion option for not only locals but also for tourists.

Kidwai Garden: If you want to experience picturesque views of lush greenery spread all over with the aromatic flowers and blooming trees, then Kidwai Garden is just where you would want to visit.

Botanical Garden: An ideal place to enjoy nature, the Botanical Garden in Hyderabad attracts many tourists around the world. This garden is a house of 600 varied species of plants. The dense flora with narrow lanes through the garden makes the experience out of the world. This garden is the home of many birds, insects as well. If you want to take a break from pollution and city life for a couple of hours, this place is a must-visit for you.

A view from Sanjeeviah Park, Hyderabad

National Parks

There are 3 national parks in Hyderabad which are thoroughly preserved. Coming closer to the wildlife has its excitements as well as it helps to know about the animals and their nature.

Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park: Initially a palace which was given to Prince Mukarram Jha on his coronation by his father Prince Azam Jha. Apart from this ‘Chiran Palace’ and its complex has Mor (Peacock) Bungalow on a hill hock, Gol Bungalow, elephants and horses stables, with cattle, a motor garage that has a fleet of exquisite vintage cars, petrol pumps, numerous outhouses, two wells and two water tanks. The park has over 600 species of plant life, 140 species of birds and 30 different varieties of butterflies and reptiles. You can get many glimpses of peacocks, small Indian civet, pangolin, jungle cat and porcupines.

Mahavir Hirana Vanasthali National Park: Named after Jain saint Mahavir, this national park is mainly a deer park. Once it was used as a hunting place for the Nizams, the park is the home of Panther, blackbuck, chital deer, wild boar, civet, porcupine, peacock and many more. There are 30 species of reptiles and over 120 species of birds.

Mrugavani National Park: Situated at Chilkur in Moinabad Mandal Mrugavani National Park just at a distance of about 25 kilometres from Hyderabad is the house to 600 different types of plant life. With 350 spotted deers, you can catch the sight of Indian hare, forest cat, Indian rat snake, Russell’s viper, Chital and the Flowerpecker. With a library and an education centre, a museum and an auditorium which exhibits wildlife, visitors may also go for safari rides or nature walks with guides.

Walkway at the Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park, Hyderabad

Beaches

If you are looking for beaches in Hyderabad, then you will find none. But there are many beaches nearby if you plan a long weekend or quick escape from the rowdy streets of Hyderabad. The name of some of the beaches and their distance from Hyderabad, to help you to plan accordingly.

Vodarevu Beach: It is the nearest beach from Hyderabad which you will want not to miss out. Luxuries coconut trees and golden sand. Things to do Include swimming, fishing, boating and hiking up to the lighthouse. Distance from Hyderabad is 305 Kilometers.

Suryalanka Beach: Suryalanka is one of the frequently visited beaches. Things to do include dolphin spotting and swimming.

Machilipatnam Beach : It is a fine place for a lazy weekend and the scenic wonders are simply breathtaking. You can enjoy the calmness of the sea, hire a boat and sail.

These are the names of the beaches which are within 350 kilometres from Hyderabad, if you are okay with travelling a bigger distance there are more beaches, to name a few, Yanam Beach, Chirala Beach, Kakinada Beach and many more.

Morning shot at Suryalanka Beach

Landmarks

Other than places that have been mentioned above under the title of top 10 places to visit in Hyderabad, several landmarks depict the city. Some of the landmarks, that are as popular as the names mentioned above are:

Taj Falaknuma Palace: Just 5 kilometres away from the Charminar, Falaknuma Palace is situated on a hillock, owned by none other than the Nizams is one of the popular landmarks of Hyderabad. Designed by an English architect William Ward Marret. The palace was built in the shape of a scorpion with two stings spread out as wings in the north. The middle part is occupied by the main building and the kitchen, Gol Bangla, Zenana Mehal, and harem quarters stretch to the south. This palace had been renovated and restored by the Taj Hotels and is used as one of the hotels of their chain hotels. Taj Falaknuma Palace is not open for the general public if you want you can book a day tour.

Shri Jagannath Temple: Built by the Odia community, Shri Jagannath Temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Jagannath. It is said, this temple is the replica of Puri Jagannath Temple and the red colour of the temple is due to usage of sandstone around 600 tonnes were brought from Puri. Timings are 6 AM to 12 PM and 5 PM to 9 PM.

Qutub Shahi Tombs: One of the popular landmarks in Hyderabad is Qutub Shahi Tombs situated to the famous Ibrahim Bagh, near Golkonda Fort. They contain tombs and mosques built by the various kings of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. Timings are from 9.30 AM to 4.30 PM.

Necklace road: Built in the same way as the Queen’s Necklace of Mumbai, the Necklace Road of Hyderabad also resembles a necklace. Stretched across a length of three-kilometre, Necklace Road connects three major parks of the city, namely NTR Gardens, Lumbini Park and Sanjeevaiah Park. The road runs from NTR Gardens and Lumbini Park in Hyderabad to Sanjeevaiah Park in Secunderabad. And from Sanjeevaiah Park it runs to the Tank Bund Road which is later connected to the NTR Gardens. This gives it the shape of a necklace. Timings are from 8 AM to 10.30 PM.

Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium: Located in Uppal, this stadium has the capacity of 55,000 audiences is one of the major landmarks of Hyderabad.

The glorious Taj Falaknuma Palace

Museums

Other than the Salar Jung Museum and Chowmahalla Palace, there are many museums in Hyderabad. Being the city of Shahis, Nizams and Mughals, museums display the heritage, culture of the city. Let’s look at the same as them.

The Nizam’s museum: this particular museum showcases the gifts, memoirs that the Nizams got from all across the world. We get a glimpse of their rich lifestyles, heritage and hobbies. If you are a fan of vintage cars, this is the perfect place for you. 1930 Rolls Royce, Jaguar Mark V, Packard are the few names to take among the long list of vintage cars.

Natural History Museum: Located in Nehru Zoological Park, this museum holds the records and elaborates the history of several extinct animals and other creatures. One of the largest zoos of Asia showcases the lives of the extinct and still living animals’ and creatures’ by real looking stuffed models.

Sudha Car Museum: Named after, Guinness World Record holder Mr. K Sudhakar, who gave the idea of this museum is a must-stop for not only the car lovers but for everyone, who wants to witness something unique. This museum showcases various cars and automobiles in the shape of shoes, stiletto, bed, handbag, helmet and lipsticks. With the 30 different designs of the bicycles.

The State Museum: Located in Public Gardens, the state museum showcases antiques and art objects in the country. The indo-Islamic architecture with subtle domes, high arches, stylish windows are every bit of a royal. The Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan contributed his personal collection of art objects and antiques collected from around the world to the museum. The Museum showcases Hindu, Jain & Buddhist sculptures and bronzes, decorative art objects, paintings. The museum’s main attraction is its 2,353-year-old Egyptian mummy, Roman coins etc.

Birla Science Museum: Built by the industrialists Birlas, this museum is located near Birla Mandir. The museum has various sections, each section is dedicated to specialized fields. These are Nobel Gallery, Archeology and dolls museum, Interactive Science Section, Antarctica Diorama, NRSA, Dinosaurium, IEEE and Dvaraka Diorama.

Railway Museum: Showcasing the various aspects of the Railway sector, this museum is a must-stop if you want to know about how it worked during the rule of the Nizams. You will be delighted to find the prototypes of the engines, coaches, working and ticking models etc. Audio-visual narrations depicting the growth of railways in an exclusive air-conditioned lounge is something to look for.

Inside the Sudha Car Museum

Eat

Hyderabadi cuisine is the perfect blend of Mughal, Nawabi, and Andhra delicacies. It is known to be one of the celebrated cuisines in India, people from all around the world enjoy the profound use of desi ghee, dry fruits, meats and spices. Traditional Dum-Biryani is the most celebrated dish from Hyderabad and is served at restaurants in the entire country.

Traditional Local Restaurants

There are many local traditional restaurants, the names of the few:

Paradise Restaurant: The little cafe that opened in 1953, has emerged as a leading chain of restaurants with 6 outlets throughout the city, mastering the command over not only Biryanis but also Indian and Chinese delicacies. But the secret of the success of this chain of restaurants is mouth-watering biryani, which is the best by locals’ opinion. Massive venues consisting of different eateries make them a must-visit restaurant.

Ulavacharu: If you want to have a taste of authentic Andhra coastal food, this is the place for you. Bamboo chicken and the Raju Gari Kodi Pulav combination can give a serious fight to Hyderabadi Biryanis.

Barbeque Nation: This restaurant offers a fun and engaging dining experience. One of the best restaurants in the city offers large varieties of delicacies, from pre-fixed five starters. With international cuisines with the flavour of India, this is a must-stop for the food lovers.

Chutneys: In India and the entire South Asia, chutneys are available in an incredible number of variants. With the delicious traditional South Indian food, including a signature selection of six different types of chutneys.

Shah Ghouse: Undoubtedly one of the best biryanis in the city. The Mutton Biryani with The double ka Meetha and Haleem at Shah Ghouse is highly recommended.

Adaa, Taj Falaknuma: The dishes here, be it the Biryanis or the Haleem or the chef’s tasting platter of desserts, you will feel no less than a Nizam when you leave after having the taste of the delicacies.

Prawn Biryani in Hyderabad

Vegetarian and Vegan

If you think, the place of Shahis, Nizams and Mughals can only offer delicious biryanis or non-veg delicacies, you will be surprised to find, many restaurants are vegetarian. Vegans can also find decent places to eat out. Let’s check out some of the places.

Terrassen Cafe: It serves delicious dishes like Pumpkin Soup, Phoebe & Joey sandwich, Smoked Tofu Pizza with cashew nut cheese.

Tatva: It is a vegetarian restaurant that surprises every time with their lips-smacking Gulab Kebab, Shepherd's pie which swaps lamb with soya beans.

Rajdhani: Want to have a taste of Gujarat and Rajasthan while touring Andhra Pradesh? Well, this is the place for you. With delicious Thalis you will be left licking your fingers. Farsaan and Dal Baati Churma followed by sumptuous gravies and Khichdi are the must-try.

Sage Farm Cafe: Are you a fan of organic food? If yes, this is one place you must visit. Tucked inside a villa in Jubilee Hills, this cafe is right beside sage organics, needless to say, the food ingredients come from there.

Street Food

To know about a place and its culture, street food is the best way one can possibly take. India being a diverse country, you will find different tastes in every different state. Hyderabad is not an exception to that either. Seating in an air-conditioned restaurant one might get prim and proper dishes made by educated chefs. But street food is the one that comes up from the origin of people and their day to day lives. Let's take a plunge into some of the well known traditional street food in Hyderabad.

Hyderabadi Biryani: Now, you can ask what’s new in this, you can have the taste of the biryanis at any hotel or restaurants. But you will be surprised to see many roadside stalls, small cafes also serve this dish which tastes heavenly every time you try.

Phirni: Made up of rice, milk and sugar this particular sweet dish hits your taste buds with force, that you will not think twice before asking for it again and again.

Haleem: Hyderabadi Haleem is one dish which is found at almost every corner of the city, each one being better than the other. The Arabic dish made with the local herbs makes it more a desi street food.

Boti Kebab: Whether you are having a bad day or a foul mood, deliciously made with marinated lamb pieces that are served on the sticks, are the must-try for all the meat lovers.

Andhra Dhosas: Commonly served as breakfast in the state, a variety of Dhosas is healthy as well as tasty. Don’t forget these dosas at least once if you visit Hyderabad.

Lukhmi: Lukhmi is nothing but a non-veg Samosa. The outer layer is crispy and fluffy while the inner layers contain the meat mix which is soft and delectable.

Chaat: Any street food in any state of India is incomplete without the mentioning of Chaat, be it the regular samosas, masala puri, hot Mirchi bajji, kachoris or missal pav.

Nihari: This list would be incomplete if we don’t mention the name Nihari. This mouth-watering lamb-stew is not only the Eid speciality, you will find this dish at many street food stalls around Hyderabad.

Chicken Shawarma: Tender chicken meat served within a roti laden with vegetables and mayonnaise. The heavenly taste will surely knock you off of your feet.

Phirni which is a dessert made of rice and milk is a staple to have after dinner

Drink

With food, we need drinks to go with. Here are some of the famous drinks of Hyderabad.

Hyderabadi Lassi: Curd, sugar and water blended in such a way, that it leaves a creamy lingering taste in your mouth and of course mind. A must try while touring the city.

Falooda: You can drink and eat it both. Sounds magical enough? Traditionally Falooda is made from mixing rose syrup, vermicelli, psyllium or basil seeds, tapioca pearls and pieces of gelatine with milk or water.

Irani chai: Introduced by Persian settlers, this chai has been winning hearts since ages. One of the drinks that define Hyderabadi taste is a must-try.

Kharbooja Sharbat: One of the famous Hyderabadi drinks, Kharbooja sharbat is something that energizes your taste buds instantly.

Pudina Sharbat: This particular drink can be found at every corner of all the streets of Hyderabad, served in tall glasses, Pudina Sharbat is something you wouldn’t want to miss.

Falooda to beat the heat

Tap-water

Though tap-water is not considered as safest by many tourists, you will be amazed to know, Hyderabad’s tap-water is the second safest for drinking in India, after Mumbai. You can always buy mineral water bottles, but that increases your carbon footprint immensely. You can always carry a bottle or two, to fill it up when empty, all you have to do is find good quality tap water. To help the locals and the tourists, there are signboards on which the government has pointed out the taps from which you can drink or refill your water bottles.

Organic Cafés

There are many organic cafes in Hyderabad, here are the names of a few:

Aranyak cafe and organic food store: One of the best in the city, with a classy environment with a wide range of products, Aranyak cafe has impressive loyal customers.

Pakka organic cafe: Always busy, this cafe is the favourite hot spot for many organic food lovers. Quiet ambience with soft music one can’t ask for more to have delicious food.

The gallery cafe: A nice vegetarian cafe with a beautiful art gallery in it. Admiring the paintings and the crafts while having a bite of organic food, makes this cafe irresistible to many.

Aura Cafe: Amidst greenery, the ambience is beautiful for the quiet snack. They serve non-vegetarian as well as organic food.

Beyond Cafe: A nice place with indoor and outdoor sitting arrangements, with good food, this cafe also is a house of paintings and crafts.

Humming bird cafe: A colourful mirror background, with good organic food. It's a place to go and pass time with a loved one.

Coffee Rex: A nice place with organic food, this cafe may not be on the top list of organic cafes, but Coffee Rex never fails to amaze you with every serve.

Breweries

When it comes to breweries, Hyderabad has a large number of pubs, where you can taste some local or international brews. Here are the few names of the famous breweries. Make sure to book your seat in advance.

Belgium Beer House
Hy life Brewing Company
Pier 33
The Hoppery
10 Downing Street
Zero 40 Brewing
Repete Brewery & Kitchen
Over the Moon

Activities

Some of the activities that can be done while visiting Hyderabad:

Heritage walks through the lanes of the city, explore the Charminar and its surroundings, watch Golconda fort light and sound show, walk through the KBR National Park, trekking, paragliding, white water rafting and bouldering are some of such activities that the Hyderabad Adventure Club promises.

Yoga and Retreats

Began in India as a variant of traditional yoga, which was a main meditation practice; it has spread across the world and returned to the Indian subcontinent in different forms. You will find Yoga retreats in every state in this country. Hyderabad offers you many Yoga retreats, some of them are:

Nirvana Yoga Studio
Sai Sanjeevani Yoga Nature Cure Clinic
Yog Vignana Kendra
Bodhi online yoga training academy

Accommodation

When someone is visiting a place, the first thing they think about is accommodation. There are plenty of hotels, resorts, guest houses at the prime positions in Hyderabad. While booking a hotel, resort, or renting an apartment or a guest house, you should check their locations as well as affordability. Nowadays, most opt for online bookings, don’t forget to read the reviews on them.

Taj Krishna Hotel, Hyderabad

Green Hotels

There are large numbers of hotels, resorts in Hyderabad. But if you want to live in eco-friendly hotels, Here are the names of the few of many:

The Park Hotel: This hotel is certified as a green building having won a LEED GOLD certification.
Taj Falaknuma Palace: a green hotel, with excellent stay and amazing food. The best part is you can choose the option of reserve now and pay when you stay. With greenery, this hotel is eco friendly yet stylish.
Taj Deccan: This eco-friendly hotel has a clean ambience and it's quite affordable.
Taj Krishna: The hotel is located in the heart of the city that helps the tourists to go around the city easily.
Vivanta Hyderabad: With clean facilities, this eco-friendly hotel has managed to make loyal customers from all around the world.

Court of the Taj Falaknuma Palace

Hostels and Guest Houses

If you want to stay for a longer period, staying at hotels can be a bit expensive. Hostels and guest houses come with a lesser budget as well as it helps the locals to earn extra. Some of the many hostels and guest houses:

Just like Home guest house
Filmnagar Home stay
Anjani Mansion
Pramod Prime Homes Nagole
Comfortable stays
Cosy Banjara Guest House

Apartments

If you want to stay longer, renting apartments can be a good option for you. You may come across many tourists with whom you can enjoy the daily lives of Hyderabad.

Here are the names of some of the apartment you want to look to stay:

Olive Studios
Olive service Apartments Hitech City
Marriott Executive Apartments
Vazeer Residency
Blueberry Service Apartments

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfers share their homes, cities and lives in profound, meaningful ways, making travel anywhere in the world a truly social experience. You will find many hosts if you want to couch surf in Hyderabad. There are multiple online sites which help tourists to take this option of staying. Do not forget to search online if you decide to couchsurf.

Camping

Who doesn't like nature! Camping makes it easier to come closer to nature and enjoy the warmth and beauty. Here are the best camping sites near Hyderabad within 250 kilometres, which are highly recommended:

Ananthagiri hills
Pocharam Dam
Ethipothala Waterfalls
Laknavaram Lake
Nallamala Forest

Ananthagiri hills

How to Get There

Before going to Hyderabad you need to know the best ways to reach there. The most popular ways are by flights and trains. If you are from India, then there are other modes of transportation that might interest you. Hyderabad city is very well connected with other cities by several modes of transportation.

Air

The fastest way to reach Hyderabad is the air. The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is well connected with most of the foreign countries. The prices of the tickets may differ, make sure to book it at least before three to four months of your journey so that tickets won't cost you much.

Rajiv Gandhi International airport

Bus

A bus can only be the option if you are travelling from the nearby cities of Hyderabad. But yes, there are buses from other states of this country, AC luxurious buses. But that's more time consuming as well as physically stressful.

Ordinary bus in Hyderabad

Train

The train is the best transportation mode if flights seem to be costly for you. If you are from India and want to visit Hyderabad, then there are many trains from different cities that connect the city to various places in this country.

Blue line Hyderabad

Hitchhiking

Though a very pocket friendly way to travel the city, hitchhiking can be very tricky if you are not being careful. It isn't the safest mode of transportation if you are not a local and don’t know the city well.

Others

Other than these three modes, you can certainly take other modes of transportation.

Moving Around

Hyderabad is a city where you can find history in it’s every nooks and cranny. If you want to divulge the originality of the city, you have to leave the usual transportation mode and look for slower mode of transportation.

Given below are a few important ways of transportation

Walk

You will be amazed at how self-guided tours can help to know the culture and the rich heritage of Hyderabad. If you are not confident to make it alone, you can always hire a local guide. Many tour guiding programmes are held by the hotel itself.

Bicycle

The eco-friendly way to experience the city life. It's healthy and helps you to explore the city faster than your foot. Many online sites offer generous discounts for bicycle tours around the city. Make sure to read the reviews on them before booking.

Electronic Vehicles

If you find walking and cycling a bit stressful, worry not. You can hire eco-friendly cars. You can rent this car online or can book a car via different apps. Though traffic can be the issue here as it is in many big states, cars are always relaxing even if you have to wait in the long queue of traffic.

Public Bus

There are 97 bus depots across Telangana nearly 10,000 buses, including over 2,000 hire buses. This is the cheapest way to roam the city. All you have to know the nearby bus stops of the places you want to visit.

Tram, Train and Subway

The trams don’t run in Hyderabad city. But there are plenty of local trains that cover mostly the whole city. If you don’t want to be stuck behind a long queue of traffic, trains may be the better option for you. But local trains are mostly used by the local people, who know their way out of the railway stations thoroughly. If you want to travel via train then you must educate yourself about the surroundings. Subway trains or metros are another travel mode which is more comfortable than local trains.

Sustainable Shopping

If you want to do sustainable shopping, Hyderabad has wide varieties of shops that use eco-friendly things.

Food Markets

The city of Shahis, Nizams and Mughals have exquisite cuisines. Which leads us to the food markets of this city, which are sprawled over every nook and cranny of Hyderabad. Here are the names of some famous food markets:

Charminar Area
Pragati Gully
Madina
Sindhi Colony
Tank Bund

Charminar Area

Flea Markets

Hyderabad is no stranger to such flea markets, and if you're in the mood to shop, check out when these popular flea markets are happening in Hyderabad and pass time. Some of the best flea markets are:

Sunday Soul Sante - Sunday Soul Sante is one of Hyderabad's most loved flea markets for all the right reasons. Hundreds of stalls with music and food, what more do you want.
Stepping out the night - Over 60 stalls of footwear, accessories and clothes this market is one of the crowded markets in the city.
Jummeraat Bazaar - From home decor, sports kits, clothes etc. You name one and you are going to get it here. A must visit in the city, this flea market surprises with its stock.

Second Hand Stores

Some of the best second-hand stores in Hyderabad:

Jummeraat Bazaar - From stolen Antiques to Second-Hand Mixer Grinder to not-so-new Wheelchair, Jummeraat or Chor Bazaar has it all.
Antique Market - One of the best markets for second-hand things, from the Nizam era to the British Era, you will find the second-hand antiques here.

Eco-Fashion

Apart from buying antiques and crafts, you can always go for Hyderabadi sustainable fashion. You will get to experience Hydrabadi style with reusable clothing. Some of the shops, Upasana, Expressions By UV, Bandhej etc.

Recycling

With the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ the country, as well as the city, has taken many initiatives that will ensure the cleanliness of the city. Dustbins are allotted at mostly every corner of the lanes that are taken to recycling systems installed in the city. Government is taking steps to make sure people reduce their carbon footprints while educating them about the necessity of the recycling process.

Waste

Around 4000 metric tonnes of waste is generated in Hyderabad daily. Some companies are given tender to make sure the city remains safe and clean, the companies collect the waste and then recycle it in their installed recycling system. Though Hyderabad is still struggling with it. Government has taken many initiatives such as picking up waste from the door.

Work and Study Abroad

If you want to work and study here in Hyderabad then it won’t be a problem. The University of Hyderabad, one of the best universities, with a very low cost, they accept exchange students. If you are okay with part-time jobs, you can upload your resume on jobsites such as, www.naukri.com , www.simplyhired.com etc, or you can ask the locals about any part-time job opening they know about.

Exchange Student

As mentioned above, exchange student programmes are very much available in Hyderabad. All you have to do is, contact your home university, if they have collaboration with the university here.

Au Pair

There are many Au Pair jobs available in the city. To have a good salary or the likeable job you have to submit your resume to online portals like, www.aupair.com , www.greataupair.com , www.topaupairs.com . The jobs they provide like, child care, old age home jobs etc.

Volunteering

If you are here as a tourist, and you want to volunteer for the social causes here there are many foundations, like, Youngistan foundation, Allipuram Foundation, iVlounteer etc. They will help you to choose the place where you want to volunteer according to your likes and comfort. Some of the volunteer jobs include Cleaning temples, Planting trees, Educating kids etc.