Hyderabad - what's it like?

GP&D

We're off for 6 months travelling round India, and have this notion of starting off in Hyderabad.

We'd very much appreciate it if anyone who has been could give us their opinion.

Thanks,

GP&D

traveller_from_hyd

Hyderabad is like any other Metropolitan Indian city but more cosmopolitan, polite and full of nicer people, less traffic jams, similiar pollution levels, ...

It also has lot of touristy things to do, good shopping and above all is a cheaper destination compared to most other similiar sized cities.

What else?

Shoot specifics and get to-the-point guide to a nice holiday in Hyderabad

GP&D

your comments are gratefully received

wonderwomanusa

I've always been very comfortable in Hyderabad, and the food is very good there.

Lad Bazaar, right next to the Charminar, is fascinating.

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bsprasad

[quote=traveller_from_hyd;85318 5]Hyderabad is like any other Metropolitan Indian city but more cosmopolitan, polite and full of nicer people, less traffic jams, similiar pollution levels, ...It also has lot of touristy things to do, good shopping and above all is a cheaper destination compared to most other similiar sized cities.


I have to accept all what traveller from Hyd says, except the Traffic jams. Often you find yourself in a long queue of vehicles.
Regards

B.S.Prasad

felistigresse

ok, i'll jump in with questions...

my friend and i will be spending at least a week in and/or around hyderabad. she is a huge tollywood/prabhas fan and feels she HAS to go there... anyway, does anyone have suggestions? what's a must-see, must-eat (i love spicy food), must-buy? any good day trips or connections to areas around the city?

abracax

Go to Paradise, in Secunderabad. Best food in town. Traffic jams are TFR, but lots of fun if you're not in a hurry. Really interesting markets near the Char Minar: pickles of every possible description! Good day trips to Ethipotala Falls, Nagarjunakonda, that really big dam I can't remember the name of - and all with the added thrill of the possibility of Naxalite attacks! I just headed for the pearl market and started wandering into the neighbourhoods, it was like going back to the middle ages.

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Hal

I've spent a few weeks there and as much as I have a soft spot for the city and the people, I would not start a tour of India there. There are a few things to see, but it's miles from the major sites and it's in the middle of a flat plain. It's the Iowa of India, and the traffic is insane. I'd start in Delhi or Mumbai and do a loop.

Felistigress,
Golconda Fort is good for an afternoon on the weekend, and in the evening you can take a boat from Lumbini Park to the Buddha in the lake. Charminar and the old city are a must see. There's also Ramoji Film City outside of town - a big film studio that's been turned into a bit of an amusement park.

GP&D

Again, this site proves to be excellent, thanks to all the kind people who give advice, wisdom and expertise so freely.

felistigresse

thanks - it's sounding much more interesting now. i love just wandering around cities and if i don't get smooshed by cars or people that's always a plus!

edwardseco

Its a spread out city like Delhi, actually two cities. Otherwise not a lot of casual tourism value. Abra catches some of my favorite haunts. As my budget expands and that of my favorite neice who knows every food joint in the metro, even more than the fabled Capn, I pig out a lot. There are antiquities beyond Golconda, etc. but the tourism dept does such a good job they are very difficult to locate. It is a good base jaunts nearby and the APTDC does operate some reasonable bus tours. I haven't been to Vizag so next time..

RPG

I was in Hyderabad for the first time last December and found the old city surprisingly dull, grimy and plain...and I am from Kolkata so I know about grimy cities. (But Kolkata is not plain or dull.) The architecture is basic, Charminar is ugly and the surrounding area is filthy, the famous Salarjung museum is like a flea market. The auto drivers are rapacious.

I understand there are ultramodern areas surrounding the old city, but these did not seem worth visting as a tourist.

The biryani at the restaurant in the old city (can't remember the name, not far from the museum) was certainly very good and the restaurant was an experience.

Golconda is definitely worth the trip.

sudha

has anyone been to durgam cheruvu, the secret lake? is it worth it? (our group, i dont think would be interested in fishing and trekking- sigh!! i'll miss tht )if yes, how much of time should we set aside for that?
also, it'd b great if some one could tell me of any other places to visit near to this lake.
thanks in advance

achillies

Dhurgam Cheruvu is a very nice place to go with family.

Near Dhurgam Cheruvu, you dont have anything other than IT Parks Cyber towers, Cyber pearl.

There is one cultural exhibition called Shilparamam near Cyber towers. I think you can spend quality time looking at the terrcota dolls and so many handicrafts items. You can even buy some nice dress materials there.

Enroute to Dhurgam Cheruvu you can visit Pedhamma temple and KBR park in Banjara hills.

sudha

thanks achillies for that quick response.

in fact i was wondering after seeing so many reports. most of them say that its only a lovers paradise or for those who'd love to hv some adventure. n we are in for neither anyway, i think i should visit the place now after your response.
i already had shilparamam in the list. have you visited the place? how much time will it take to see the entire village? and it must be fun for the kids if we visit KBR park, thanks for tht piece of info