Hyderabad, a Mughal city, gives the other Mughal cities of Delhi, Agra, and Fatehpur Sikri a run for their money as far as splendour and elegance is concerned. Muhammad Quli Qutab Shah, the 5th Sultan of Golconda, established Hyderabad in 1593 and it rapidly developed into a centre of Islamic culture and a key political hub in the Deccan. The city is known for its memorable architecture and its monuments, the most famous of them being the Charminar. Hyderabad is at the heart of India's pearl trade, and is famous for its wide variety of pearls.
By Air
All important domestic airlines like Indian Airlines, Sahara, and Jet Airways connect Hyderabad with the rest of the country. The city also receives international flights.
By Rail
The twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad are very well connected to Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Bhubhaneshwar, Kolkata, Chennai, Cochin, and Rajkot by the railways network. Of the two railway stations, the Secunderabad Railway Station, which is centrally located, is more commonly used.
By Road
Hyderabad lies at the crossroads of national highways 7 and 9, linking it to all centres in the region by buses of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation.
Hyderabad is fairly warm throughout the year and does not receive much rainfall in the monsoons. Temperatures do, however, come down marginally in winters. December nights are cool. The maximum temperature is 38 degrees Celsius, minimum temperature 12 degrees Celsius, annual rainfall is less than 200 mm. Although the climate is suitable for visit anytime of the year, the best time to visit Hyderabad is between October and February. June to November are monsoon months, and are accompanied by lovely weather.
The old spirit of Hyderabad lives on in the narrow, bustling bazaars around the Charminar. Here, you'll find parts of bazaars dedicated to a particular commodity. The Laad Bazaar, for instance, is the street of the bangle sellers. There are streets of silver beaters and flower sellers too! Traditional Hyderabadi cosmetics, bridal accessories, and attar (perfumes) are also available here.
Justifying Hyderabad's sobriquet of the "City of Pearls", you'll find them in all shapes and sizes at Sardar Patel Road, the main pearl market of the city. For handicrafts like Bidriware (black metal inlaid with silver filigree), Budithi (brassware), Pochampally silks, kalamkaris (textiles hand painted with vegetable dyes) and exquisite stone carvings, the state emporia, Lepakshi (Minerva Complex, Sarojini Devi Road), or Central Cottage Industries Emporium (also in Minerva Complex) are recommended. Another well-stocked shop is Kalanjali on Nampally High Road. The main shopping areas of Hyderabad are Abids, Basheerbagh, Nampally, and Sultan Bazaar.
| NAME | CUISINE | ADDRESS |
| Alex's Chinese Restaurant | Chinese | Himayatnagar |
| Blue Diamond Deluxe Chinese Restaurant | Chinese | Basheerbagh |
| Copper Pot Ramada Hotel Manohar | Indian | Begumpet |
| Deewan Restaurant | Mughlai | Banjara Hills |
| Schezuan Garden | Chinese | Banjara Hills |
| The Jewel of Nizam | Mughlai | Masab Tank |
| Mainland China | Chinese | Banjara Hills |
| Southern Spice | South Indian | Banjara Hills |
| Narula's Kitchen | American | Habshiguda |
| Reshmi Dhaba | Indian, Mughlai | Parklane |
| Taj Mahal | Multi-Cuisine | Secunderabad |
| Food Express | Multi-Cuisine | Punjagutta |
| NAME | ADDRESS | CODE | PHONE |
| The Bookpoint | Himayatnagar | 91-40 | 232138 |
| Gangarams | S.D. Road | 91-40 | 7805117 |
| Walden | Greenlands Road, Begumpet | 91-40 | 3313434 |
| NAME | ADDRESS | CODE | PHONE |
| Escape | Greenlands | 91-40 | 3757575 |
| One Flight Down | Nampally | 91-40 | 3204060 |
| Passport | Begumpet | 91-40 | 7819917 |
| Spanish Fly | M.G.Road | 91-40 | 7842267 |
| Outswinger | Secunderabad | 91-40 | 7703200 |
Bowling Alleys and Pool Parlours
| NAME | ADDRESS | CODE | PHONE |
| Six Pocket Parlour | Indira Park | 91-40 | 7605703 |
| Spot Black Snooker | Kachiguda | 91-40 | 7562808 |
| Shooter's Den | Secunderabad | 91-40 | 7845045 |
| Pool Virus | Secunderabad | 91-40 | 7718690 |
| Q'pid | Banjara Hills | 91-40 | 6576211 |
| Thunder Bowl | Himayatnagar | 91-40 | 3221737 |
| The Alleygator | Secunderabad | 91-40 | 6215000 |
| The Alley | Somajiguda | 91-40 | 6504030 |
| Family Entertainment Centre | Ameerpet | 91-40 | 3736158 |
| Sun World Recreation Centre | Secunderabad | 91-40 | 7848025 |
Hyderabad has a rich cultural heritage, which encloses within itself an amalgam of various religious and cultural communities. While many are common with the rest of the country, some are celebrated with a distinct touch that carries the flavour of the city.
Til Sankranti (January) marks the entry of the sun into the northern hemisphere. The day, held auspicious by Hindus, is marked by worship of the Sun God and people to kite flying. Til Sankranti is also known as the harvest festival.
Ugadi (March/April) is the Telugu New Year. On this day, houses are cleaned, and painted and a 'toran' of mango leaves is strung in front of each house.
Muharram (June-July), the day of martyrdom of the grandsons of Prophet Muhammad, is celebrated with piety. The Muharram period lasts over a month and is observed by Muslims and Hindus with temperance.