Hyderabad Festivals

Hyderabad is a veritable melting pot of cultures, ethnicity and religion and nothing makes this more evident than the many festivals and celebrations that are being celebrated in Hyderabad annually. Four major religions can be found in Hyderabad: Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism, although culture-wise, the Hyderabadis have developed a culture that is distinctly a mixture of Muslim and Hinduism. As such, most of the major festivals found in the city have a hint of both, especially Hinduism, which is still the most popular and practiced religion in the city.
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Hyderabad Culture

If there is one word that can be used to describe the culture in Hyderabad, it is ‘diverse’. Owing much to its very rich history, from its inception by the Qutub Shahi dynasty to the occupation of the Mughal Empire and its decline and fall, and the subsequent rise under the Asaf Jahi dynasty, the city has been the place where the traditions–both cultural and linguistic–of North India and South India meet. Hyderabad’s culture can also be seen through the various monuments and iconic architectural structures in the city that are testaments to the city’s glorious history, such as the Charminar and the Golconda fort. The residents of the city refer to themselves as Hyderabadis and they have developed for themselves a culture that is distinctly a mixture of both Muslim and Hindu traditions.
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Economy

Hyderabad is decidedly one of India’s most important economic hubs, with marked growth in the automobile and auto parts industry, poultry farming, textiles and apparel industry, and bulk drugs and pharmaceuticals. More than these, however, Hyderabad is also fast becoming a major IT city in India. Due to its wide economic growth, Hyderabad is the economic and financial capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh, and it is the state’s largest contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP) as well as state tax and excise revenues. Over the last decade, Hyderabad has posted dramatic growths and it is expected that it will continue to grow in the following years. Since the 90s, its economic pattern has changed from being primarily service-oriented to one with a broader and more diversified spectrum, including transport, commerce, and communications.
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Hyderabad Demographics

Since Hyderabad has become one of India’s most prominent IT emerging cities as well as the country’s center of scientific and technological development, many people from different parts of the country have migrated there to take advantage of the sprouting opportunities. As a result, the population of Hyderabad has become a potpourri of various ethnic groups. The north Indian states that contribute to the diverse demographic of Hyderabad include Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. Even the neighboring states such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka have their youths regularly making a beeline to the capital in order to take advantage of the better employment opportunities as well as higher levels of education. The diversity in the population from people coming from different walks, origins and orientation has made Hyderabad a city of diverse cultures that is already cosmopolitan, and this, in turn, spurs the influx of migrating people more.
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Hyderabad Basics

Learn more about Hyderabad, including information about getting there, getting around, the weather, and more. Click on the title or the photograph to find out more about any of these topics.

Hyderabad Culture

If there is one word that can be used to describe the culture in Hyderabad, it is ‘diverse’. Owing much to its very rich history, from its inception by the Qutub Shahi dynasty to the occupation of the Mughal Empire and its decline and fall, and the subsequent rise under the Asaf Jahi dynasty, the city has been the place where the traditions–both cultural and linguistic–of North India and South India meet. Hyderabad’s culture can also be seen through the various monuments and iconic architectural structures in the city that are testaments to the city’s glorious history, such as the Charminar and the Golconda fort. The residents of the city refer to themselves as Hyderabadis and they have developed for themselves a culture that is distinctly a mixture of both Muslim and Hindu traditions. Find out more.

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Mount Opera

The state of Andhra Pradesh may have many resorts to its name, but arguably none is as famous or as luxurious as Mount Opera. Backed by the well-respected Sreemitra Estate Pvt. Ltd., a company that is a pioneer when it comes to entertainment-based themes, Mount Opera is a multi-themed park resort that is not just known within the city of Hyderabad, but also on a global scale, when it comes to wholesome entertainment and relaxation.
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Snow World

The bad thing about living in countries near or right smack on the equatorial line is that you miss out on some things people in the north (and south) get. Case in point: snow. It might not be a big deal to those living in the West, or the Eskimos, but for those who have lived in a tropical or semi-tropical place all their lives, snow is something that is mystical and fun. Maybe it’s the influence of media, but snow for those who have never felt or seen it for themselves is right up there with visiting a foreign country’s token landmark. It is something to be experienced — something to wonder about.
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Gandipet Amusement Parks

Gandipet is one of Hyderabad’s more popular lakes, located about 20 kilometers away from the city. The lake has become a tourist attraction, mostly due to the pleasant landscapes around it as well as prime picnic spots along the shores. The lake also has a guesthouse for tourists who want to stay the night at the lake. The added bonus is that the guesthouse happens to be the summer resort of the last Nizam, back when Hyderabad was under their rule, so it is guaranteed to be a very splendid place to stay.
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Hyderabad Lakes

Aside from the historical monuments found in Hyderabad, there are also several lakes that are considered must-visits for tourists who go there. Some of these lakes also have historical values attached to them, while most are just beautiful bodies of water where people can unwind away from the hustle and stressful day at work. During weekends, the lakes are a favourite spot for families to hold their picnics and outdoor activities.
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Chilkur Balaji Temple

About 25 to 30 kilometers from Hyderabad is Chilkur, a sleepy, unassuming village that is pretty much like any other rural village in the region. However, it has become one of the more important pilgrimage sites in the state of Andhra Pradesh. This is because Chilkur is the site of one of the more popular temples in Hyderabad, the Chilkur Balaji temple. It is also known as the Visa Balaji temple because it is particularly popular with devotees who want to get visas for going overseas. It is not uncommon to see a lot of young people paying their respects to the temple.
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Hyderabad Places Of Worship

Hyderabad is primarily a fusion of two cultures: Hindu and Islam, and this fusion is never more apparent than the places of worship that dot this historical and beautiful city. What’s more, these religious sanctuaries hold their own in terms of aesthetic appeal as well, with some becoming architectural wonders that evoke more than religious feelings of wonder. Most of these structures have withstood the tests of time and the elements, holding out the example of peaceful co-existence of cultures then, now, and in the future generations.
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Mrugavani National Park

In a world where technology and modernism are demanding more and more of the Earth’s space and resources, it seems that national parks are fast becoming the last places of refuge for indigenous species of animals and plants in the world. Governments around the world are also starting to realize the importance of preserving these last bastions of wildlife sanctuary, and as such, have declared them off-limits to human and civilization encroachment. It is a very good decision, as national parks are also among a country’s prime tourist attractions.
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KBR National Park

Hyderabad is a city that has seen a surge of progress and growth in the past ten or so years. Thanks in part to the decision of the Andhra Pradesh government to make Hyderabad the next cybercity of the new millennium, Hyderabad has become a progressive jungle of concrete and steel, steadily climbing the ladder of global recognition. What’s even more surprising is the fact within this jungle of noise and buildings and modernization, there lies another jungle that is the complete antithesis of the megacity: one that is teeming with life that is more primal and uncivilized and yet, exotically beautiful. This place is called the Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park, or commonly abbreviated as KBR National Park, and no tourist of Hyderabad should ever visit the city without checking the park out.
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Hyderabad Parks

As a city that has found itself to be one of India’s most progressive, both in terms of technology and metropolitan growth, Hyderabad is not without its places of relaxation and amusement. Aside from the usual areas people hang out such as the Old Markets or the various historical city sights, one of the more popular places to go to to relax are the various parks and gardens found all over Hyderabad. For most people, these places are an ideal gateway from the normal buzz of everyday living. For a people whose culture spawned the philosophy of yoga, rejuvenation and serenity is a natural part of Indian living.
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National History Museum

When one thinks of a museum in Hyderabad, the ones that immediately spring to mind are those that highlight the city’s rich past, such as the Salar Jung Museum or the AP State Museum. Both are very impressive and has received a lot of press and attention mainly because they are important and wonderful windows to Hyderabad’s intricate and interesting past. However, there is another side of Hyderabad that visitors — not just tourists — should see, and this is the living, primal Hyderabad. Hyderabad is not just the sum of its people’s history and culture, it is also a city that is made alive by the creatures and animals that have made India and, by association, Hyderabad their world. That is why it is important that everyone who visits Hyderabad as well as the Hyderabadis themselves take the time to visit museums that showcase such creatures. Fortunately, there is one that is worth checking out.
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The Nizam’s Museum

Almost every tourist who visits Hyderabad makes it a point to visit the Salar Jung museum, or the Andhra Pradesh State Museum. However, not many go to another less known, but definitely not the least, museum in Hyderabad: the Nizam’s Museum. The reason for this is simple; since the tourism development corporation of Andhra Pradesh has not included this museum until recently in their itinerary for conducted tours, most tourists are not even aware of its existence. It is a shame, too, as the Nizam’s Museum offers a glimpse of the treasures and life of the last Nizam of Hyderabad.
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AP State Museum

Located at Hyderabad’s Public Garden, the AP State Museum offers a vibrant and fresh view of the culture and art of Andhra Pradesh. It is also the state’s oldest museum and one of its finest. It is the culmination of a ruler and his state’s passion and steadfast desire to preserve the rich cultural heritage of his governed state; the result is a building that has become one of Hyderabad’s frequent tourist stops.
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Hyderabad Museums

Hyderabad is a city rich in museums. Listed here are some of the major museums in Hyderabad. Click on the titles or images to find out more information about each museum in Hyderabad.

Salar Jung Museum

Touted as having the largest one-man antique collection in the world, the Salar Jung Museum, located in the southern bank of the Musi river, is widely known in India for its immense collection of antiques from different civilizations, some of which date back to the first century. With over 43,000 objects of art, 47,000 printed books, and 9,000 manuscripts, the museum is a veritable paradise to scholars and artifact connoisseurs. The museum is a testament to what one man can do in pursuit of cultural beauty and elegance. Find out more.

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Hyderabad Clubs

10 Downing Street

The most famous of all the Hyderabad nightclubs. The place to see and be seen. Open daily until midnight.
Find out more information about them on their website, including any special events going on.
#10, Ground Floor, My Home Tycoon
Begumpet, Hyderabad 500016
040 66629323
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Hyderabad Bars

Vintage Bar

Elegant bar open until midnight. Happy hour runs until 6 pm. Good collection of liquor, catering primarily to a business crowd.
Hotel Pearl Regency
11-5-431, lLakdi-Ka- Pul,
Hyderabad 500004
040 66666555
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Hyderabad Nightlife

For any progressive and up-and-coming metropolis, a thriving, breathing nightlife is almost a requisite. Any major city can attest: after a hard day’s work, it is customary, or even a necessity, for hardworking professionals and teens to middle age yuppies to just let loose at some bar or disco somewhere, and get the stress out. A city’s nightlife also speaks much of its progress and modernity; randomly ask any tourist or professional and they’ll answer that an exciting and lively nocturnal life quite apart from what they do during the day is a  very important part of their activities. This is why, for any city to be truly alive, it must not cease its activities after the sun goes down.
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Kukatpally

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Those who are planning to reside in Hyderabad and are needing a place to settle in need not look any further than Kukatpally, located in the northwest fringe of Hyderabad. Kukatpally is a major residential and commercial suburb and it also has one of the highest population densities in all of Andhra Pradesh, thanks mainly to the fact that it is relatively close to the IT hub in Hyderabad.
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Abids

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Abids is the Hyderabad’s main commercial hub. It is rather well known as Hyderabad’s oldest and most famous business area, going as far back as the time of the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad, in the late 19th and early 20th century.
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South Indian Restaurants

South Indian food is a generic term for the cuisines of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This cuisine uses a lot of rice, lentils and mild spices.

Tabla India

Offers dishes from all across India, including South India.
Find out more about this restaurant on their website.
5th Floor, Bhaskara Plaza, Rd No.1,
Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
040 66828283
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Punjabi Restaurants

Diverse cuisine from Northern India that uses a lot of ghee (butter), cream, varieties of wheat, and spices.

Punjabi By Nature

Huge restaurant that has won awards for design and includes a 30 foot high waterfall.
Find out more about this restaurant on their website.
MJ Towers, Ground Floor, Road Number 12
Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
040 23317284
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Pizza

Pizza Hut

International chain of pizza restaurants with many locations across Hyderabad.
You can find out more about this chain on their website.
Some of their locations are:
D.No. 1-98/6/51, Shristi Towers,
Arunodaya Colony, Madhapur, Hyderabad
040 39883988
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Italian Restaurants

Little Italy

Vegetarian restaurant offering Italian and other food, located close to many tourist spots.
275, Film Nagar, Opp. KBR Park, At Apollo Crossing,
Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, 500033
040 23558001
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Hyderabadi Restaurants

The specialty dish is Hyderabadi Biryani, a meat and rice dish. Shown above are the traditional accompaniments for Hyderabad Biryani, namely Chilli Curry and Burrhani Raita, which is yoghurt with fesh garlic, black rock salt and other spices.

Bawarchi

Top of the line Hyderabadi food in a noisy and crowded environment.
Opposite Sandhya 70MM Theater, RTC X Roads,
Hyderabad, 500020
040 27634490
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Gujarati Restaurants

A primarily vegetarian cuisine from Western India. Staples include Dal (pulses), Rotli (flat bread), and sabzi (vegetables and spices).

Gujarat Bhojanalay

Offers home made style Gujarati food in copious portions.
Kapadiya Market, Sultan Bazar, K.S. Lane, Near Royal Plaza,
Hyderabad, 500001
040 24750079
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Fast Food

Subway

International fast food chain specializing in subs. Normally open from 7 am to midnight.
Find out more about them on their website.
There are many locations across Hyderabad, including:
Vinayaknagar Colony, Shop A2, Plot No. 73,
Gachibowli, Hyderabad 500032
040 69997858
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Chinese Restaurants

Tung Kein Chinese Food

Popular chinese restaurant offering authentic Chinese cuisine.
Badam Sohana Apt 6-3-1085 Somajiguda , Raj Bhavan Road
Hyderabad, 500082
040 66620527‎

Mainland China

Large chain of Chinese restaurants and winner of numerous awards for fine dining.
Find out more on their website.
G. S. Plaza, Gr. Floor, S-2-672, Road No. 1,
Banjara Hills, Hyderabad 500034
040 23304500
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Andhra Restaurants

Andhra cuisine is hot and spicy, even spicier than traditional Hyderabadi cuisine. It is primarily vegetarian with some sea food. The main food is Pulihara, which is rice and green chillies.

Amaravathi Restaurant

Specializes in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian Andhra food.
2-52/2, 3 & 4, Hitech City Main Road,
Madhapur, Hyderabad 500081
040 23114471‎
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American Restaurants

Fusion 9

Named Fusion 9 because it serves 9 different types of cuisine, including American food.   Offers a young and casual atmosphere and an eclectic menu.
1st Avenue,Opposite Barista Coffee Shop
Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, 500034
040 65577722‎
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Hyderabad Cuisine

Hyderabadi cuisine, a blend of Persian and Mughlai influence, is considered to be a legacy from the Asaf Jash dynasty leaders, the Nizrams, who elevated food preparation and cooking into what many considers to be a sublime art form. Much of Hyderabadi Cuisine is also influenced by Telugu food where rice and spices are primarily used, often to great effects. Coupled with the distinct Persian influence, Hyderabadi cuisine is decidedly spicy, so people who are adverse to a little spice in their food should probably look somewhere else. Those who do, however, will miss out on something that is truly unique; Hyderabadi cuisine has been shaped by 400 years of Hyderabadi culture and tradition. It employs the use of special and unique ingredients that are carefully chosen and cooked to the correct degree. Herbs, condiments, and spices are also added that gives a distinct texture and flavor to the dish. Hyderabadi cuisine is slowly cooked and involves the direct use of fire. It is the method of preparation as well as the spices that are used that give the dishes their names.
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Hyderabad Restaurants

There are so many Hyderabad Restaurants to choose from and all of them offer exciting dining choices. The restaurants in Hyderabad have an amazing variety when it comes to tasteful and tempting menus. A few of the better restaurants are discussed here.
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Mahavir Harina Vanasthali

In this day and age of technological advancement and modern civilization, one of the more pressing serious trade-offs man has to make in exchange for progress is the rapid decline of forests and the countryside. As a result, several species of wildlife are facing extinction and rarity. In the face of this alarming concern, governments around the world have started to save what they can in order to preserve the beauty and balance of nature and the ecosystem. Thus, wildlife reserves and national parks are born. They are declared and owned by a country’s national government and are protected from urban development and pollution. They are, in a sense, the last sanctuary for Mother Nature.
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Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

The Nagarjuna Sagar dam currently holds the record of being the tallest masonry dam (that is, a dam made by way of masonry and is of either gravity or arch type) in the world. Standing at a height of 124 meters, a length of 1 kilometer, and holding back 11,742 million cubic liters of Krishna River water, it is not really surprising if one starts to feel a rush of sheer awe and insignificance when standing before such a massive marvel of architecture and engineering. It also happens to have created the world’s third largest man-made lake, creating a reservoir that plays a very vital role in the irrigation of vast tracts of land in the surrounding region.
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Laad Bazaar

Mention vacation and chances are, shopping will be among the top three things that immediately come to mind, if not the top two. It is a very fair assumption as shopping is a very common activity for tourists due to several reasons. One, there are things that are indigenous only to a certain place and more often than not, they are not exportable to the international market. Two, even if those things are exportable, they are usually more expensive when bought out of their native place. Finally, selections are always better when bought in their own native area.
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Mir Alam Tank

Most people and tourists are familiar with India’s Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, and with good reason. It is, after all, the largest zoo in India, with a wide selection of animals; nearly 1,500 species of birds, reptiles, and animals are housed there. It also has a museum of natural history, elephant rides, and children’s train. Also, the safari trips it runs daily are pretty much popular for everyone. It is understandable, then, if visitors are not able to notice another tourist attraction in the area, but it would really be a shame when they do. After all, the Mir Alam Tank has contributed incessantly to the city for the past 200-odd years since it was built; it has provided drinking water to the people of Hyderabad for 125 years before both Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar reservoirs were finally built. During that time, waters coming from Mir Alam Tank were said to be so sweet and pure that people who have tasted it were said to have carried containers of it whenever they went out of Hyderabad.
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Raymond Tomb

Back in 1775, a Frenchman by the name of Michel Joachim Marie Raymond left France for Pondicherry, India. His excuse to his father was that he’ll become a merchant; instead, he became a soldier. In 1786, he joined the army of the ruling Nizam of Hyderabad as an ordinary soldier but eventually he was given a 300-strong army under his command. He was appointed as the Amar-e-Jinsi or the Appointer of Ordinance in 1796 and under this title, he established several cannon and cannonball factories. During his tenure as Appointer, cannons and ammunitions were forged, as well as several foundries; Gunfoundry near Fathe Maidan was the most famous of the remaining foundries today.
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