Hyderabad Tour & Travel Guide

The Hi-Tech City of Nawabs…

Hyderabad - Pearl City of India, situated on the banks of River Musi and on the Deccan Plateau, is also the capital city of newly formed Indian state Telengana. A city of contrasts, Hyderabad takes the tourists for a surprise. Single city with two distinct lifestyles, one part of the city is soaked in history, heritage & traditions and bustling with age old commercial engagements while the other part is the country’s Information Technology hub decked with modernity and world class technology.

Rich in history that dates back to Qutb Shahi dynasty of 1518 era, populous and buzzing with business, the Old City of Hyderabad is the reminiscent of bygone days. The old city is on the banks of river Musi and has almost all the historical attractions that a visitors would like to see. Even the most popular Golconda fort and Charminar are in this district. This area is one of the most populous zones of India buzzing with life that in some ways is the same since 1800. Those crowded by-lanes and rustic lifestyles create the aura old world charm. Explore the lanes of Old Hyderabad, with its tea stalls and spice markets and enjoy your rendezvous with the upsurge of urban life and commerce. Rising above the Old City are some of Islamic India's impressive architectural remains. Tourists spend their time in this area and the place is the bull’s eye for those who are looking forward for some authentic hydrabadi food and nick-knack shopping like bangles, stone studded souvenirs etc.

As a note of caution, though it is the city of pearls, do be aware touts. Prefer buying pearls from government outlets.

Hyderabad's other flank is far younger and modernized – it is also known as 'Cyberabad', locally. This is the Hi-Tech City or IT Hub that has the maximum IT companies including Microsoft and Google with India headquarters here. Presently Hyderabad competes with Bangalore and Chennai for the crown of India's IT capital. Other places here are the Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills areas that are lavish and cater to the modern living with flashy malls, multiplexes, pubs and fine dining restaurants.

So, when in Hyderabad visit Golconda Fort, Chaminar, Hussain Shah Wali Dargah, Moula Ali Dargah, Mecca Masjid, Qutub Shahi Tomb, Archival Museum, Salurjung Museum, Balaji Temple, Ramoji Film City and some of the Lakes, parks & museums. Shoppers will love the Cut Glass Bangles, Pearl jewelry, Stone Studded jewelry, Handicrafts, Sarees and more. Hyderabadi cuisine is a confluence of selective spices, unique cooking techniques and richness of taste passed on by the Nawabs. Delights for the foodie in you include Hyderabadi dum Biryani, Haleem, Falooda, Khubani la meetha and not to miss the Irani Chai.