Hyderabad

Hyderabad is the sixth largest city in India clustered on both banks of Musi river .Planned as a grid with Charminar at its centre which is its signature landmark has now grown well beyond the confines.The city's sight include grand palaces of its erstwhile rulers , the Nizams, and the colourful bazaars , the mosques of the old city and burgeoning high-tech estate cyberabad. It boosts of a uniquely composite culture , a melange of Hindu & Muslim customs ,mingled with Arab , Persian & Turkish influences evident in its language , food ,manners and arts. The city is home to the world's largest film studio, the Ramoji Film City.Hyderabad is renowned for its Pearls & Hyderabadi food originated from Mughalai style.Hyderabad has a tropical climate.The best time to visit the city is from November to February.March to June is hot and dry with the temperature exceeding 40 C .July, August, September and October can be quitewarm and humid and monsoon rain spells can last for days at a stretch

By Air
Hyderabad's new Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is located at Shamshabad, about 30 kms from Hyderabad.Direct international connectivity from Hyderabad is available for many countries. International carriers operating from Hyderabad are Air India, British Airways, Emirates, Gulf Air, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Srilankan Airlines and Thai Airways.

Domestic connectivity is excellent with Air India (erstwhile Indian Airline), Deccan, GoAir, IndiGo, Jet Airways, JetLite, Kingfisher, Paramount and SpiceJet operating from here.The airport can be contacted on their (toll free for BSNL/MTNL subscribers) number 1-800-419-2008 for all services and enquiries. .

By train

Secunderabad Railway Station
Indian Railways runs its service to Hyderabad from all over India.There are three major railway stations serving the twin cities: Secunderabad, Nampally (Hyderabad Deccan), and Kacheguda and a minor station at Begumpet.

By car

If you don't mind a long drive, Hyderabad is at a drivable distance from Bangalore (via NH7 - 552 km). It is 752 km from Chennai (NH9 and NH5) and 753 km from Mumbai (NH9 till Pune and the expressway to Mumbai.)

By bus
Hyderabad is well-connected to all parts of the Andhra Pradesh and some parts of South India. CBS / Imliban is the biggest station run by APSRTC (state-run) situated in Hyderabad and JBS / Jubilee Bus station is in Secunderabad.Imliban is said to be the largest bus station in the world. APSRTC is in the guiness book of world records for having the highest number of buses in a particular state in the world.

Bus
Getting around Hyderabad by Bus is very cheap.Buses in Hyderabad are operated by APSRTC.It operates point to point bus services which connect all places within the Hyderabad city, with a very good frequency. You can board these buses from any place in Hyderabad. You will find various bus services: Ordinary Service ,Veera & Metro Express Veera and Metro express are luxury and semi-luxury services respectively, and have few stops between any two points in the city. This enables you to commute quickly between any two places within the city. Where as Ordinary service will stop on every bus-stop. Air-conditioned buses run by the airport (Aero Express) to three designated points in the city Begumpet,Secunderabad (Keyes High School) ,Hi-Tec City (Opposite Shilparamam), Charminar (City College), Mehdipatnam (Sarojini Devi EyeHospital).
Travel time varies between depending on time of day and traffic conditions. The buses have a frequency of a bus every 30 minutes between 03:30 am and 23:00 pm and every hour at midnight, 1:00 am, 2:00 am and 3:00 am. You can reach the designated points and then take auto or metered cabs from there.

Autorickshaw
Auto rickshaws are considered the best options for short and long trips in Hyderabad city.Auto rickshaw is cheaper than a taxi and generally a better option for getting around Hyderabad.Autorickshaw will charge extra as a "half-return" if you are riding in night hours.

Car
Rent through a car agency or ask your hotel.Many Car Rental companies will provide efficient and luxurious vehicles for your convenience and comfort.You just have to call them and they will be at your door step.

Dot Cabs : +91-40-2424-2424
Easy Cabs : +91-40-4343-4343
Meru Cabs : +91-40-4422-4422
Orange Radio Cabs :+91-40-4445-4647
Select Cabs (+91-40-4415-1515)

Rail
MMTS (Multi Modal Transport System) has been introduced in Hyderabad. Daily, around 84 MMTS trains run up and down to provide services in the Hyderabad city.connects various parts of the city with Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Lingampally and Falaknuma. This is the fastest service to reach your destination point.

A splendid piece of architecture standing in the heart of the city, Charminar is a striking monumentand a major landmark in Hyderabad.It is a true picture of elegance, a great tribute to the fighting spirit of human race.This imposing monument exudes a charm that is more than 400 years old.This beautiful structure derives its name from four intricately carved minarets, the Charminar looks spectacular in the nights when it is illuminated.It is surrounded by markets and many other structures which add to its grace.

Falaknuma Palace

It is located 5 kilometers due south of Charminar. Built by Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra, the then Prime Minister of Hyderabad. Falaknuma literally means "Star of Heaven" in Urdu.The palace is located on a 2000-foot-high hill.It is In the shape of scorpion with two stings spread out.Its a rare blend of Italian and Tudor architecture.t covers a total area of 9,39,712-sq-metre and is totally made with Italian marble. The palace has as many as 220 lavishly decorated rooms and 22 spacious halls .The ballroom contains a two-ton manually operated organ said to be the only one of its kind in the world. It has some of the finest treasures collections of the Nizam.Since the palace was the private property of the Nizam family until recently, visitors weren't allowed. Occasionally, however, the venue is opened for public.

The Golconda Fort

It is located on a granite hill having a height of 120m , 11kms from Hyderabad.Golkonda was the capital and fortress city of the Qutb Shahi kingdom in 16th century. It was designed with perfect acoustical system by which sound of a hand clap was heard at the top of the citadel, situated on a 300-foot (91 m) high granite hill now in ruins.The fortress city within was famous for diamond trade.The largest and finest diamond of the crown jewels of Iran, Darya-e Nur, meaning sea of light, at 185 carats was one of the magnificent diamonds taken from the mines in the region surrounding Golkonda.

Hussain Sagar

The largest man made lake in India was built by Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali in 1562, during the rule of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah. Hussain Sagar Lake is popularly known as the Tank Bund, a major spot of tourist attractions.It 24 kms long built on a tributary of the River Musi & connects the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.16 mts tall & about 350 tonnes monolithic Buddha statue made of white granite is situated in the middle of the Hussain Sagar Lake.33 statues of famous
people of Andhra Pradesh are erected on the bank by former chief minister N.T. Rama Rao. Entire cadre of water sports are conducted there that include yachting and boating.A musical fountain and well landscaped garden featured in Lumbini Park are the attracting spots. Necklace road passing around the Lake is a place to hang out with a "Eat Street".

Indira Park

spread over 76 acres of lush green area it lies alongside the Hussain Sagar.The landscaping of Indira Park was planned and designed without disturbing the natural elements already present in Park such as wild date palms, keuvda plantations and beautiful Sandalwood trees. The Musical Fountains, artificial waterfalls , a rose garden and a commercial nursery adds more splendor to the garden.

Mecca Masjid

100 yards from the Charminar stands the principal mosque.The mosque is said to comprise of bricks brought from Mecca built into the central arch and hence the name .The five arched facades were carved out of a single piece of granite. A room in the courtyard is said to contain sacred relics, one of which is the hair of Prophet Muhammad. There is large pond flanked by two stone and slab seats & is believed that a visitor who sits on one of these seats will definitely return to
Hyderabad.Mosque can accomodate 10,000 people at a time.Sultan Muhammad Qutub Shah wanted the foundation stone to be laid by the one who had never missed his prayers. Noone came forward, therefore the king himself laid the foundation for he had never missed even his midnight prayer.

Nehru Zoological Park

The biggest Zoo in India, is a prefect place for nature lovers.Spanning over 300 hectors,it has over 250 species of animals and birds, most of which are kept in conditions close to their natural habitats.The Lion Safari Park, Natural History Museum and Children's Train are the added attractions.animals bred here are supplied to other sanctuaries and national parks to speed up the process of conservation.

Qutub Shasi Tombs

In the memory of the seven Qutub Shahi kings who ruled Golconda for nearly 170 years are these tombs dedicated. They are the most authentic evidence of the Qutub Shahi architectural traditions. It is amidst picturesque and landscaped gardens, known as Ibrahim bagh.Despite the combined assault of time, weather and man the tombs still retain their original glory.The larger tombs are double storeyed while the smaller ones have single storey.Each one of them is erected on a wide quadrangular terrace reached from all sides by flights of steps.The complex contains 30 tombs while few are found outside its compound.It is located 2 kms from Golconda.

Ramoji Film City

Filled with unlimited fun, thrill and excitement, its a great visual extravaganza. The land of movies,entertainment and magic, everything that dreams are made of. The Film City, spread over 2,000 acres of land studded with hills, valleys and lakes.Buses take off every ten minutes from the main gate of the City on a guided tour of the vast spread of exotic gardens, outdoor sets, studio floors, state-of-the-art technology labs, centres of digital film facilities, hospitality centres, complexes storing props and period costumes, recreation joints, communication resources and a bewildering variety of equipment.

Fundustan -The magnificent realm of merriment, magic and marvel! Dadajinn, the amiable guardian angel of Fundustan, embodies the lively childlike spirit that lives in all of us.Fundustan has been created from the blueprint of a child's fantasy.
Thrillville- Adventure Land,
Wonderville- Toyland.
Borasura - the first ever themed walkthroughs in Asia
Presto Magic- Toyshop
Deli Express- Train Restaurant
Dadajinn's Ark- Video Games Parlour
Timberland: Play Zone for kids
Ballerina Fount- Dancing Fountain.
Enthraller- Dome Amphitheater
Faunadale- Animal Kingdom .Great place for all animal lovers.
Corolla- Valley of Flowers
And a couple of multicuisine restaurants.

Ramoji Film City
Hyderabad - 501512 Andhra Pradesh, INDIA
Ph: +91-8415-325856, 246555/ 666
Fax: +91-8415-305039
Web: www.ramojifilmcity.com

SalarJung Museum

The SalarJung Museum is well known for its prized collections belonging to different civilizations dating back to the 1st century.Its the biggest one-man collections of antiques in the world.It is a royal treat to the connoisseurs with collection of over 43000 art objects and 50000 books and manuscripts.The museum infrastructure is a semicircular shape spread on two floors, with 38 galleries, displays only a part of the original collection.A reference Library, reading room, publication and education section, chemical conservation lab, sales counter, cafeteria etc are present apart from gallaries. Guides are available at fixed timings free of charge.The museum is open from 10:00 to 17:00 (except on Fridays).

Shilparaman

Its an arts and crafts village exhibiting various art forms and handicrafts of diverse artists from all over the State. You can buy absolutely traditional souvenirs here. Shilparamam hosts a multitude of ethnic art and crafts from all over the country. The yearly All-India Festival of Arts and Crafts held here in February highlights the cultural and creative traditions from every corner of the country.Exhibition of art does not limit itself to the artifacts, but all forms of creativity. There is an open amphitheater where both experienced and amateur rural artists, musicians and dancers
demonstrate their wide array of skills. The artists display their talents ranging from classical music, versatility in instrumental music, folk dances, classical dances and theatrical performances. The theatrical performances are not only in regional languages but also international languages including English, French, etc.Exhibiting the rustic richness and creativity of Hyderabad, it has captivated the imagination of visitors.The lush and serene environment of Shilparamam is sculpted with woodwork, jewellry, cloths and local crafts of each region of the country. Showcasing a plethora of artistic ethos, Shilparamam is set amidst gardens, cascading waterfalls and natural rock heights.

Birla Mandir

Its marvelous edifice ,an enchanting temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, the Birla Mandir stands in all its grandeur on the hilltop of Kalapahad. Made of pure white marble from Rajasthan, the Birla Mandir overlooks the serene and placid waters of the Hussain Sagar lake. One gets to view the intricate carvings of the temple, the ceiling and the mythological figures, which are a standing testimony to the dexterity and sculptural excellence of the craftsmen.Although modern in construction worship is carried out as per the traditional Agama rules, the Pancharatra Agama in particular.

Birla Planetarium

Located on the panoramic hillock of Naubat Pahad,the Planetarium offers visitors, daily sky shows, both in Telugu and English, unfolding various aspects of the Cosmos, the beautiful mysteries of the Universe, the comets, the Hubble Space Telescope, Eclipses, the puzzling Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO's) and the very recent clash of the Titans. As the sky show begins, the visitors are transported into the galaxy as they watch a large umbrella of an open dark sky with full of shining stars ooking down upon them. The sound effects give the feel of being in an outer space, which
adds to the thrill and excitement. The latest addition to the planetarium is the Dinosorium - a new wing which houses among other exhibits, a 160 million years old mounted "Kotasaurus Yamanpalliensis", excavated in Adilabad district and presented to Science Museum by the Geological Survey of India. Apart from this highlight, the Dinosaurium also has a collection of smaller fossils of dinosaur eggs, marine shells and fossilised tree trunks. Eatables are not allowed inside the planetarium but it houses a roof top restaurant with a wide range of menu.

Krazi Chicks

Krazi Chicks is a popular amusement and entertainment centre situated underground for kids. Attractions include various rides ,bumper cars and video games. It’s a fairly low-profile place .
Phone: +91 40 2475 3473

Movies

Hyderabad has a large selection of movie theatres among which are a number showing popular Hollywood movies,in English with foreign subtitles.

Ocean Park Gandipet

In nearby Gandipet is the popular Ocean Park, an outdoor water park offering fun for all the family. A section aimed primarily at kids includes a variety of slides & rides.The dry section of the park meanwhile offers s other amusement rides. A guest house near the park offers overnight accommodation for.
Phone: +91 40 9233 3335; website: www.oceanparkindia.com

Thunderbowl

A mixed selection of attractions are found at Thunderbowl,like bowling lanes as well as a ball pool for the little ones and a video game arcade for kids of all ages. Phone: +91 40 2322 1737

Treasure Island Gandipet

Travel just 15kms out of Hyderabad to the town of Gandipet where the Treasure Island musement park awaits. Over 60 acres of land offers swimming, horseback riding and go-carting.There are a loads of activities for the children and pub for adults in the evening.They also have cottages for overnight stay.

Sanjeevaiah Park

Tourists and locals alike flock to this pleasant greenbelt area for walking, relaxation, picnicking or playing sport. A rock garden, rose garden and floral clock are among the park’s most notable visual features.

Sitting beside the Hussain Sagar, with cool breeze caressing you, and a multitude of eating options to choose from;enjoy the food with a view.

Durgam Cheruvu

Also known as the Secret Lake - this lake tucked away in the depths of Madhapur provides tranquility Best time to visit is late in the night.

10.Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre

1.DINE HILL

Best For Chicken Dishes
Arabian, Chinese, Indian, Tandoori

Road No 1, Masab Tank, Hyderabad
Phone 65579221, 64505485, 9290679696

2.ZAFRAAN NIRVANA

North Indian

Road No 2, 4th Floor,
Lumbini Shopping Mall, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
Phone 64511988

3.CELEBRATIONS MULTI CUISINE RESTAURANT

Multi Cusine

Plot No.66A, Road No.1, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
Phone 9949466333

4.KRISHNA FAMILY VEG DINING

Chinese, North Indian, South Indian

Kimtee Square, Above Labell, Road No. 12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
Phone 9848077365, 23303001

5.TERRACE BAY

Open air Restaurant Multi-cuisine

501, BabuKhan Mall, 6-3-1111/B, Somajiguda, Hyderabad
Phone 23418545, 23418546

6.COLLAGE

Continental, European, Indian, Japanese, Mediterranean, Teppanyaki,

Road No. 2, I.T. Park Nanakamguda, Gachibowli, Hyderabad
Phone 45566666

7.PARADISE

Best for Biryani,Kebab
Hyderabadi

Paradise Circle, Secunderabad

8.Kentucky Fried Chicken

Hitech City, Madhapur, Hyderabad

9.GRILL ROOM

MultiCusine
6-3-249/a 1st Floor, 1st Avenue, Road No 1,
Opposite City Center Mall, Above F9, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

10.SHANGHAI CHEF

Above Big C, Hitech City, Madhapur, Hyderabad
Phone 66786661, 66786662

11.DRUMSTICKS

North Indian Food

Police Lane, Kondapur, Hyderabad

12.OHRI'S SERENGETI

North Indian Food
8-2-682/3, Road No.12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

13.SPICE JUNXION @TAJ DECCAN

South Indian Cuisine
Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

14.RAJDHANI

Gujrathi & Rajasthani food

Rajdhani Restaurant, 4th Floor, Big Bazar, Ameerpet, Hyderabad
Phone 64593999, 64593998, 9322136279, 9346274771

15.KAMAT LINGAPUR HOTEL

South Indian Cuisine
1-10-44/2, Chikoti Gardens, Opp Shoppers Stop, Begumpet, Hyderabad
Phone 27764242, 27764252, 27764201

16.AROMAS OF CHINA

Chinise Cusine
City Center, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
Phone 66683334

17.THE SQUARE, NOVOTEL

Multicusine
Novotel and HICC Complex, Hitech City, Madhapur, Hyderabad
Phone 66824422, 9246664422

18.YOKO SIZZLERS

Sizzlers and Steaks

Opp City center Mall, Banjara hills, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
Phone 64586166, 66256166

19.BLUE FOX

Beside HUDA Maitrivanam, Ameerpet, Hyderabad
Phone 23745622

20.BARBEQUE NATION

Sizzlers

ANR Centre, Road no 1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
Phone 64566693, 64566692, 9346166695

There are some great hotels, night clubs and pubs that remain open till late night. You can
indulge into flavors of the Hyderabadi cuisine or may be just sit in the cool and calm
environment with a drink or party hard.

1. Under Deck , Hotel Taj Banjara , Banjara Hills
This Pub with English Pub décor located in posh area.

2. Escape, Greenlands ,Begumpet
The pub is situated in the basement of the Hotel Green Park . The pub is open till
midnight.

3.99 MHz, Prajay Corporate House , Begumpet
This music lounge emphasizes on good music and beverages.

4.Fusion 9, Banjara Hills
Another lounge in the posh Banjara Hills area with a Friday Jazz night and great food

5.Dublin , ITC Kakatiya Sheraton , Begumpet
With live music every night

6.Downing Street , Begumpet
Another medium sized bar with a small dance floor, popular with locals.

7.Bottles and Chimneys , Near Airport, Begumpet
The place is relatively expensive with loud music and good décor and crowds.

8.Touch , Trendset Towers, Road no. 2 , Banjara Hills
A rooftop bar that reminds you of Skybar in LA . Trendy and happening.

9.Liquids Again,Road no. 1, Banjara Hills
A cool lounge that plays Trance and Pop music.

10.Tulips coffee shop
The 24 hour Coffee Shop

There is a night bus service in Hyderabad, which will take you for a tour around the city at night.

ICICI Bank

HDFC Bank

Citi Bank

State Bank of India

AXIS Bank

HSBC Bank