Hyderabad is not the first place tourists choose when they visit India, so not many people realise what a gem it is! Hyderabad has easy flights back to Australia, so it really is worth considering for your India itinerary (when we get to travel again post COVID).
Hyderabad is famous for its history of pearl trading and quite unlike any other city in India I have visited. It has the reputation of being the place where North India meets Southern India and anyone from any Indian state can feel at home (thanks Jonty!). The Old City is rich is Islamic architecture and the Mughal inspired cuisine boosts the best biriyani, haleem and falooda.
Unlike other Old City centres in India, there is sadly nowhere nearby that’s good to stay (as far as I know). And the traffic is incredibly awful at peak times (avoid these like the plague). But having said that, Hyderabad is still so worth the effort. Plan to stay for about 1 week. To make it easier to find the best experiences, these are my top ten tips from 2019. Do click on the links to get the best photos and tips at a glance.
- Take a City Walk Food tour with Jonty’s Detours – it’s worth every dollar.
2. Hang round the Charminar (often).
3. Visit the Irani Tea House (often).
4. Stock up on custom jewellery and accessories at Laad Bazaar (you will wear it back home).
5. Do go to the Qutb Shahi Tombs.
6. Explore Galconda Fort.
7. Chowmahalla Palace is worth a visit and so is the British Residency (Read ‘White Murghals’ by William Dalrymple).
8. If you have extra time, Ramoji Film City is a bit of fun, but it’s not an essential stop.
9. Give up finding a hotel close to the Old City and just travel in at off peak times. Try The Park or one of the Taj hotels.
10. Enjoy the food.
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