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Hyderabad

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Where Ancient Meets Tech Revolution

Hyderabad stands out as a major city in southern India with a rich history and diverse culture. Founded by the Qutb Shahi dynasty, it carries influences from Persian, Mughal and local traditions visible in its architecture and food. The city is known for its historic forts such as Golconda and Charminar, bustling markets selling bangles and spices and a thriving tech sector alongside traditional crafts. Its cuisine features distinctive dishes like biryani and haleem that reflect centuries of cultural exchange.

City in India
Climate zone: Tropical savanna

Tropical savanna: Tropical climates with distinct wet and dry seasons, warm year-round, featuring grasslands with scattered trees and shrubs.

See climate table
Price level: $$$
$Cheap
$$Medium
$$$Expensive, upscale
$$$+Very expensive, luxury
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Safety: 7.1
General Safety:7
Health & medical:8
Accessibility:4
Tap water:8
Read details
Tourist English: 3/5
English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants, especially by younger people and those in the service industry. However, knowledge of basic Hindi phrases can be helpful when exploring local markets or interacting with auto-rickshaw dri
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Hyderabad Summary

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Famous for historic monuments and rich cuisine. Visit grand palaces and mosques, explore lively bazaars and enjoy the city’s renowned biryani and street food.
Place score
8.0
Best at:
Local cuisine
10
Street food
9
Markets
8
Walkable
7
Architecture
7
Personal score
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Suited for
👶 8
Families
🧓 7
Seniors
🛡️ 8
Travel Beginners
❤️ 8
Couples
India – Quick facts
Power Grid: 230 V, 50 Hz
Plug: Type C , Type D , Type M
Type C:
Diagram of a Type C power plug
Type D:
Diagram of a Type D power plug
Type M:
Diagram of a Type M power plug

Read about power adapters
Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
£1 ≈ ₹126.52
Cashless info: Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common in India, especially in urban areas. Credit cards and mobile payment apps like Google Pay, Paytm, and PhonePe are widely accepted in cities.

Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers: Best value: Saily
Flexibility: Airalo
Read our in-depth comparison
Tipping: Tipping is appreciated in India but not mandatory. A 10% tip in restaurants is common. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is also customary, typically 10-15% for good service.
Public drinking: Public drinking is not commonly seen in India. Alcohol is typically consumed in licensed bars, restaurants, and hotels.
Public smoking: Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, including restaurants, bars, and public transport stations.
Independence Day
(15 August)
A national holiday celebrated with flag hoisting and parades
Diwali
(October-November)
The Festival of Lights, celebrated with fireworks and festivities
Emergency contact: Emergency Number: 112
Taxi apps: Ola, Uber
Other: India is a vast and diverse country with a rich cultural heritage, offering a wide range of experiences from ancient temples to modern cities. Prepare for varying infrastructure and safety conditions depending on the region.
Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Hyderabad, India
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
🌦️
Jul
⛈️
Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
High season: Jan. - Feb., Nov. - Dec.
Shoulder season: March, Sep. - Oct.
Crowdedness: 7 (Many tourists)
Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info
Monsoon runs June to September, with heavy downpours and occasional flooding
Ramadan: Old City bazaars stay open late, with the famous haleem available in the evenings
Heat often exceeds 40°C in April and May, so sightsee early morning or evening

Why travel to Hyderabad?

Hyderabad offers a captivating journey through India's layered history while showcasing its modern ambitions. The city's Mughal and Qutb Shahi heritage is evident in its stunning architectural landmarks - from the majestic Golconda Fort with its ingenious acoustic design to the iconic four-towered Charminar that has become the city's symbol. The opulent Chowmahalla Palace provides glimpses into the lavish lifestyle of the Nizams who once ruled this region. Beyond historical sites, the city is dotted with serene man-made lakes like Hussain Sagar with its monolithic Buddha statue and beautiful religious sites including the marble Birla Mandir Temple that offers panoramic city views. While Hyderabad has much to offer, visitors should be prepared for certain challenges. The city experiences extremely hot weather year-round, which can make sightseeing uncomfortable without proper preparation. Traffic congestion is significant, particularly in the Old City area around Charminar, where the maze of alleyways is best explored on foot despite the heat. The stark contrast between wealth and poverty can be jarring for some visitors and women travelers should dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Despite these considerations, Hyderabad's unique character, rich cultural tapestry and renowned hospitality make it a rewarding destination for travelers seeking an authentic Indian city experience beyond the usual tourist circuits.

🏯Places worth seeing
  • 1 Birla Mandir
  • 2 Charminar
  • 3 Chowmahalla Palace
  • 4 Mecca Masjid
  • 5 Qutub Shahi Tombs
  • 6 Salar Jung Museum
🎡Places for activities
  • 1 Golconda Fort
  • 2 Lumbini Park
  • 3 Necklace Road
  • 4 Nehru Zoological Park
  • 5 Public Gardens
  • 6 Ramoji Film City
  • 7 Snow world
  • 8 Treasure Island
🏞️Natural landmarks
  • 1 Durgam Cheruvu
  • 2 Himayat Sagar
  • 3 Hussain Sagar
  • 4 Musi River
  • 5 Osman Sagar
🛍️Shopping
  • 1 Abids
  • 2 Begum Bazaar
  • 3 General Bazaar
  • 4 Laad Bazaar
  • 5 Moazzam Jahi Market
  • 6 Ward 150 Monda Market
  • 7 Nampally
  • 8 shilparamam
  • 9 Urban Primary Health Centre, Sultan Bazar
🎈Events
  • Deccan Festival
  • Bonalu Festival
  • Bathukamma Festival
  • Lumbini Festival
  • Hyderabad Literary Festival

Knowledge before you go

  • Watch belongings in crowded Old City areas.
  • Visit Golconda Fort early morning; climb to clap acoustics pavilion for sound demo.
  • Sample biryani at Paradise or Bawarchi; pair with Irani chai from cozy cafes.
  • Explore Charminar markets by day only; haggle for pearls and Laad Bazaar bangles.

How to travel to Hyderabad

Hyderabad is well-connected to major cities in India and international destinations through Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, located about 22 kilometers from the city center. The city is also accessible by train, with three major railway stations: Secunderabad, Hyderabad and Kacheguda, connecting it to all parts of India. Long-distance buses operate from Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS) and Jubilee Bus Station (JBS), linking Hyderabad to nearby cities and states.

Access summary

  • From Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD): Taxi or airport bus, about 40–70 minutes.
  • From Bangalore: Frequent overnight trains and buses, typically 10–12 hours.
  • From Mumbai: Direct flights around 1.5 hours; trains and buses also available.

Where to stay in Hyderabad

Hyderabad offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit various budgets. Luxury hotels and resorts are concentrated in Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills and around HITEC City, while mid-range and budget options are available throughout the city, particularly near the Old City and transportation hubs. Business travelers often prefer staying in the Gachibowli or HITEC City areas, while tourists interested in historical sightseeing might opt for accommodations closer to Charminar and Golconda Fort.

How to get around Hyderabad

Getting around Hyderabad can be challenging due to traffic congestion. The city has a metro system connecting major areas, though coverage is limited. Buses operated by TSRTC are extensive but can be crowded. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are widely available, with ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola being convenient options. The area around Charminar in the Old City is a maze of alleyways best explored on foot, though the heat can make walking uncomfortable.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-72 %
Daily expenses in Hyderabad are around 72% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-20 %
Your exchange rate (GBP to INR) is 20% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is considerably cheaper compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

Backpacker Mid-range Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation
£20
£44
£117
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person
£8
£23
£53
🍝 Food per day
£10
£19
£59
🚕 Transportation per day
£2
£3
£6
Food & Drink
🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person
£6.50
🍛 Lunch Set, per person
£2.30
🍟 Fast food combo
£3.70
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day
£3.10
☕ Cappuccino
£1.60
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l
£1.60
Transportation
🚌 Public transport ticket
£0.41
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi
£3.70
⛽ Petrol, 1 l
£0.90
Other
🎞️ Cinema ticket
£2.50
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult
£6
🤧 Cold medication
£1.05
💇 Basic haircut
£3.40

Safety information overview

General safety
7
Hyderabad is generally safe for tourists, though standard precautions should be taken. Avoid displaying valuable items, be cautious in crowded areas and women travelers should dress modestly. The Old City can get very crowded, so maintain awareness of your surroundings, especially at night.
Health & Medical
8
Medical facilities in Hyderabad are good, with several international-standard hospitals. However, travel insurance is recommended. Stomach issues are common for visitors, so stick to bottled water and be cautious with street food. The heat can cause dehydration, especially during summer.
Accessi­bility
4
Accessibility is challenging in Hyderabad. Many historical sites lack proper facilities for those with mobility issues. Uneven pavements, crowded streets and limited ramps make navigation difficult. Newer areas and major hotels have better accessibility features than the Old City.
Tap water
8
Tap water is not safe for drinking. Stick to bottled or filtered water, which is widely available. Always check that bottled water seals are intact before purchasing. Some higher-end hotels provide filtered water for guests.

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