Hyderabad Hotels

So you’re after something more tangible? Hyderabad is still strewn with ancient Islamic buildings and ornate monuments hinting at its former splendour, particularly in the Muslim Quarter.A giant Buddha also adorns the city. Besides these shiny flourishes, Hyderabad boasts the world’s biggest souvenir stores in the form of sprawling bazaars. So to find the ‘real’ Hyderabad, all it takes is a bit of rummaging…

Hyderabad’s Top 10

Hyderabad History

• Sri Venkateshwara Temple – Dedicated to a Hindu god, this temple is open to visitors mornings and evenings every day of the week.
• Golkonda Fort – Located just 11km west of Hyderabad, this is actually four ancient forts that still have some of their cannons.
• Chowmahalla Palace - Reduced to 12 acres now, this palace once covered almost four times as much land.
• Mecca Masjid – This mosque began construction in 1617 but was not completed until 1694.
• Salar Jung Museum – Here several priceless artifacts of former dynasties and times in Hyderabad are housed.

Hyderabad Art & Culture

• Osmania University – The first institution of higher education ever established in the Hyderabad region.
• St. George’s Church – This church was built to service the Anglo-Indian community in the 19th century.
• Shilparamam – A historic village that preserves and displays the arts and crafts of previous generations.
• Qutub Shahi Tombs – The bodies of the sultans are laid to rest there.
• Ramoji Film City – Occupying more than 2,000 acres, this is a center of India’s homegrown film industry.

Hyderabad Shopping

• Bidri Art – This store specializes in works of gold and silver inlaid on black metal.
• Folk Painting – The folk paintings sold here are perfect as wall hangings.
• The Great Mall of Hyderabad – This huge mall, located on Punjagutta Road, contains its own cinema.
• Laad Bazaar – A collection of stores and shops dealing in traditional and non-traditional wares.
• Deccan Achar – They turn vegetables, especially pickles, into extra-spicy treats.

Gay & Lesbian Hyderabad

• The ISTA – TG Rainbow Tourism gives this hotel in the new financial hub of the city five stars.
• The Parade Ground Secunderabad – This open area has some dark spots that are perfect for low-profile cruising.
• Aks – A gay, lesbian and transgender association organized by university students and professors.
• Cyber Service Apartments – A gay-tolerant location for long-term visits to this city.
• Chat Hour – This site has a chat room for gays in the Hyderabad area.

Hyderabad Outdoor

• Hussain Sagar Lake – A number of beautiful and scenic locations surround this manmade lake.
• Jalavihar – This water park has numerous water slides and a wave pool.
• Nehru Zoological Park – More than 100 species of animals inhabit 380 acres of this mammoth zoo.
• Lumbini Park – Located in downtown Hyderabad, tourists can enjoy a laser show or go boating.
• NTR Park – Visitors can tour the park quickly in a monorail or have a meal at its own restaurant.

Hyderabad Sport

• Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium – They play cricket in this stadium near the Public Gardens downtown.
• Kotla Vijay Bhaskar Reddy Stadium – Seating up to 2,000 spectators and hosting diverse and traditional events.
• Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium – Another stadium devoted to cricket.
• Signal Sports – A sport supply store located in the Abids Circle area.
• S.A. Sports – Located in the Koti suburb, this store sells sporting goods.

Hyderabad Events

Short of cash and a good husband? Join the celebrations of Bathukamma in October, a ceremony worshipping the goddess with elaborate floral arrangements.

December’s All India Crafts Mela transforms the village of Shilparamam. Artisans from all over India arrive to sell traditional goods.

Ghazal poetry, classical dance and Qawwali devotional music is performed at the Deccan Festival in February.

In July, religious devotees gather and dancing men and women with decorated pot hats pay homage to the goddess Mahankali at Bonalu.

Explore educational opportunities at December’s India International Education Fair, held at the Hotel Fortune Katrya.

When To Go

The winter months are moderate with temperatures hovering around 22 to 25ºC (72-77ºF).

June to September is the monsoon season, with unpredictable downpours.

With temperatures reaching 45ºC (113ºF), to say summers are hot and uncomfortable would be an understatement!

Getting Around

Bus services are very efficient and long-distance bus stations can be found at Mahatma Ghandi Bus Station.

There are three major train stations, two of them with tourist counters that offer a convenient way around the city.

Another option is to rent a car (and a driver) from nearby Nampally Station.

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