Hyderabad (India) > Reviews > The City of Charminar & Biryani

Author's product rating:   

Value for Money	Good
Shopping	Good
Nightlife	Average
Ease of getting around	Average
Family Friendly	Excellent

Advantages:	Friendly people, Light on pocket .  Perhaps setting up an IT shop
Disadvantages:	Traffic

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Hyderabad - is a must visit if you in India. Situated banks of river Musi is the capital city of south Indian state if Andhra Pradesh. This city built by Mir Osman Ali Khan the last king of Nizam Dynasty in the 16th Century. Its name derived from the name Mir Hyder Ali Khan. Hyderabad is also known as the city of Charminar. (Char-mi-naar) means four minarets. Charminar is a heritage construction built by Mir Osman Ali in the same year when Hyderabad was formally established. This heritage building is an architectural splendor it has four minarets and a mosque on the ground floor. Charminar is soul and heart of this bustling city is must see for a visitor. If you have been to Hyderabad and not been to Charminar means your trip is waste. This city is growing more cosmopolitan by the day as more and more multinational IT & other companies are establishing their base due to the easy availability of man power. Hyderabad is producing a number of world class IT professionals.

I lived in this city for many years - the best time to visit Hyderabad is winter or spring, from September through February. Temperatures during this period range between 15° - 30°C. The rest of the year tends to be hot, with temperatures going up to 45°C in May and early June. Avoid going out in summer, as the dry heat can be unpleasant. The monsoon months ranging from mid June to August are relatively pleasant, though wet. Cottons are ideal all the year round, though blended fabrics can be worn in winter. A light sweater or wrap in winters during the morning and evening hours is handy, but no heavy woolens are needed.

Accommodation & food - You will get a fairly good choice of hotels ranging from 5 star to 3 star and budget. I will recommend Taj Krishna which is considered luxury hotel of the city, then you have Taj Banjara, ITC Kakatiya Sheraton, Hotel Manohar to name a few. Almost all the world cuisine is available in the city ranging from Chinese, Mexican, Mediterranean and Far East. However the local speciality is Biryani. Hyderabad city has given the world a dish called Biryani which has become widely popular around the world. Biryani is boiled rice with lamb or chicken with lots of herbs and spices. If you are the kind would who like to explore world cuisine then you must savor it. I am sure you will not forget it, its my experience. Nightlife - Hyderabad is opening up to night life of late. Though the city is considered conservative but the young generation is increasingly pubbing. Almost all the star hotels have a pub or a bar attached. A few luxury hotels have discos.

Getting around the city - Autos (3 wheeler public transport vehicle) are by and large the easiest and best mode of transport. Though taxis are available too if your ready to pay a little more. Prepaid taxis are available at the airport and railway stations. You can certainly arrange for taxi services from your hotel's travel desk. Buses - this is the government owned public transport system is the most economical. If you want to have a glimpse of local life, just board a RTC Bus (as it is called) you will get close to it.

Site Seeing Places - Historial Golconda Fort - a 16th century fort, Salarjung Museum - biggest one man collection, Zoological Park, Birla Temple.

Shopping - Do keep shopping on your plan as it is shoppers paradise of South India. Shop for pearls you will get a wide range in quality and price as the city famous for pearl market and exports. Hyderabad is also called City of Pearls. Check out some best bargains on clothes, bangles. Hyderabadi bangles are world famous.