The best thing about Hyderabad is that it has something to offer for everyone, irrespective of their interests, class, taste and budget. Hyderabad is one of the most happening cities in India and perhaps the most interesting city you would ever visit. Hyderabad today stands tall among the modernized cities, still it retains the old, unique charm which you cannot find anywhere else.
If you are reaching Hyderabad by train, you will be very politely requested by a lot of auto drivers to avail their service as you walk out of the railway station. The twin city Secunderabad has a busier station, but the auto drivers are the same there as well. . The positive aspect is that the auto drivers are not rude to you or cheat you as much as other metros - they are very polite and they charge only a little extra when compared to other metros like Chennai.
If you have the patience to walk out of the station and take a running auto from outside rather than the one in the stands, you will get autos that are willing to take you at the meter fare. The chances of you getting into an auto with untampered meter are as slim as Urmila matondkar?s waist.
If you are a budget traveler , you have plenty of choices. You can travel by the city bus, which may be crowded. Hyderabad also has seven-seater autos plying in some areas and they are very cheap, quick and popular. Some of the regular autos allow sharing of fares with a co passenger as well. If you are particular about following the road rules, sorry!! Hyderabad is not the happiest place you will be in. Signals are jumped and be alert to people turning any direction without the slightest indication. Also, do not be surprised if your auto driver drives through a no entry or tries to take the auto across the road divider.
Hyderabad is famous for its briyani. Food is something that Hyderabadis enjoy and you will get all kinds of food - right from idlis and sambar to Aloo gobi , haleem and lassi. Also, you have choose the restaurant depending on you budget . The most popular ones are budget restaurants are Paradise (speciality - Briyani, Secunderabad) Abhiruchi (for Andhra meals, Secunderabad) Parwaz (for its briyani, Hyderabad). It has plenty of Dhabhas and of course - the Irani cafes which are full at any time throughout the day. If you are the one who prefers three star or five star food and service, there is plenty of choice in that as well.
For the curious tourist, Hyderabad offers plenty of interesting options. The Charminar, the Qutub-shahi toms, Golconda fort are the testimonials of the rich history of this charming city. If you visit Golconda fort, do not miss the Sound and light show - It is different and very interesting. Charminar and Mecca Masjid are a must see too, for they represent the spirit of this historic city. The Falaknuma palace may also interest those who freak out on history. If you are interested in watching antique collections, the Salarjung museum offers the largest collection.
For those who enjoy spending time with animals, the Nehru Zoological park has the widest range of animals you can ever see in any zoo, right from Lions till the most unknown varieties of birds and snakes. The Tank bund is also an interesting place to see and you can also go for boating in this lake that separates the twin cities.
The city is hot in summer, but the abundant supply of fruits and tender coconuts more than makes up for it. Temperatures cross 40 C in months of April and May. While you bear the brunt of such high temperature, it is understandable if you have a fantasy of playing in snow. This need not be a fantasy, at least in Hyderabad. You can still play in snow when the temperature outside is 40 C. Welcome to Snow world - the only one of its kind in India. One hour slot in snow world costs Rs 250 per head, but, for those who are willing to enjoy the difference, this is a very good option . You just need to walk in ? they provide the kit required and the place also has some snacks . Do not miss out the sliding experience in snow, if you happen to visit snow world.
Runway 9 is a go-karting facility away from the city, but it offers a wonderful weekend getaway. You can test your car racing skills and for those who wondered how it would be to participate in a car race, but never tried it because you thought it was too expensive, this comes at a cost of 125 Rs, which is not very expensive. Close to Runway9 is Dholari-dhani, a miniature of a rajasthani village. You also get to enjoy rajasthani food if you wish. The entry fee is Rs 75 and if you opt for food, it may cost another 100 Rs extra.
The Ramoji film city, located around 25 Kms away from the city is a huge area which simulates the background and settings for almost any scene in a movie. Film producers would appreciate it better, but it is also open for the public and those of you who are interested in movies and locations, Ramoji film city might interest you. The state is crazy about films and you can feel that with close to 40 theatres in city. With other options like Bowling alley available, you have plenty of options to entertain yourself.
For the impulsive shoppers, Shoppers Stop and Lifestyle offer the high end brands of clothes, but Koti and Abids are the place to be if you want to stick to a budget and test your bargaining skills. You get anything in Abids ? you can also buy a bag to carry the things you shopped and you can bargain on that as well.
Hyderabad is one of the most charming cities in India. What I like about Hyderabad is that it has its own unique culture. This City is making news nowadays for its achievements in software, but it has a rich history and very friendly people which will make your visit one of most cherished trips you would love recollecting.