Telangana
Hyderabad Travel Guide
Charminar, Golconda Fort, old bazaars and the city of biryani.
- Best months Oct–Feb
- Ideal trip length 2–3 days
Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, is a large city founded in 1591 by the Qutb Shahi rulers and later the seat of the Nizams. It combines old-city landmarks such as the Charminar and the bazaars with fort and palace history, museums, lakes and a modern tech-driven side. Plan two to three days, with the old city best seen on foot in the cooler hours.
Best time to visit
Recommended
October to February is the most pleasant season, with mild days and cool evenings. Summers, from about March to June, are very hot, and the monsoon from June to September brings heavy showers that can slow down travel across the city.
How to reach
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad has domestic and international flights and is well connected to major Indian cities. Taxis, app-based cabs and airport buses link it to the city, which is a drive of roughly an hour depending on traffic.
Hyderabad is served by several major stations, including Secunderabad, Hyderabad Deccan (Nampally) and Kacheguda, with trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and other cities. Check which station your train uses, as they are in different parts of the city.
Hyderabad is linked by national highways to Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Vijayawada and Nagpur, and government and private buses run from several bus stations. Within the city, the Hyderabad Metro, buses, autos and cabs are all available.
Where to stay
Staying near the old city puts you close to the Charminar, markets and food streets, but it is crowded. Areas such as Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills and the Hussain Sagar side are quieter and more spread out, and the Metro makes it practical to stay near a station and travel across the city.
Top things to see and do
- 1
Charminar and Laad Bazaar
A landmark monument of 1591 in the heart of the old city, with the busy Laad Bazaar nearby, known for its bangles, pearls and other traditional goods.
- 2
Golconda Fort
A large hilltop fort on the western edge of the city, known for its walls, gateways and panoramic views from the upper ruins.
- 3
Chowmahalla Palace
A palace complex of the Nizams with courtyards, halls and a collection of historic artefacts, giving a sense of the royal court.
- 4
Salar Jung Museum
One of India's large museums, with a wide collection of art and antiques gathered by a single family; check its weekly closing day before your visit.
- 5
Hussain Sagar Lake
A large artificial lake in the centre of the city, with a tall Buddha statue on an island and promenades around its shores.
- 6
Qutb Shahi Tombs
A group of domed tombs of the Qutb Shahi rulers set in landscaped grounds near Golconda, a quieter place to visit.
Food to try
Hyderabad is famous for its biryani, cooked in the dum style, and for dishes such as haleem, which is especially associated with the month of Ramzan. Try Irani chai with bun maska or osmania biscuits, kebabs and sweets such as double ka meetha and qubani ka meetha. Vegetarian options are also widely available.
Travel tips
- Visit the old city and the fort early in the day or in the evening, as summer afternoons can be extremely hot.
- Take the Metro for longer distances, as traffic can be heavy, and check the opening days of museums before you go.
- Dress modestly when visiting mosques and shrines, and avoid entering during prayer times unless you are invited.
- Ramoji Film City is on the outskirts of the city and needs most of a day, so plan it as a separate trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days are enough for Hyderabad?
Two days cover the Charminar, Golconda Fort, Chowmahalla Palace and a museum. Add a third day for Ramoji Film City or the Qutb Shahi Tombs.
Is the Salar Jung Museum open every day?
It has a weekly closing day, which has traditionally been Friday. Timings and closures can change, so verify before your visit.
When can I try haleem?
Haleem is most closely associated with Ramzan, when it is widely sold across the city. Dates of Ramzan shift each year, so check the calendar.
Official sources
Timings, fees, permits, closures and transport change often. Please confirm current details with the official sources above before you travel.