The best time to visit Hyderabad is between October and February.

The Hyderabad city is the largest bangle producer city in the world. Also it is very famous for Pearls besides the historical buildings and museums.

Exports of Hyderabad are : Software, Basmati rice and spices, medical transcription and oil exports. Infrastructure is being built at an unbelievably fast pace. Talk about flyovers, by-pass roads, new airport terminals, alternate telecom services entertainment parks, a "hi-tech city" in the making, a film city already in place - Hyderabad has a lot going for it.

Warangal (157 km north-east of Hyderabad.) Visit Warangal for its famous architecture dating back to the Chalukyan rule here. The fort of Warangal was constructed by the Kakatiyas between the 12th and 14th century. You can see the ruins of the mud-brick fort that still survive in certain portions. The great temple at Harnamkonda was built by King Rudra Deva on the slopes of the hill in 1163. The main attractions of the temple are its exquisitely carved pillars and the monolithic idol of the Nandi Bull at the entrance. The Warangal Fort has an impressive and beautifully carved thorana (leaf like) arches, and pillars spread over a radius of 19 kms between Hanumakonda and Warangal.
Pakhal Lake (50 km) The man made lake is located at a distance of about 50 kms from Warangal. It was built during the rule of King Ganapathi Deva amidst undulating forest-clad hills. It is hailed as a live example of Vastu Shastra. The Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the shores, provides shelter to a host of tigers and a large variety of other animals and birds in its dense green forests.

• Belum Caves: 320 Kms
• Nagarjunasagar: 200 kms
• Nalgonda: 115 kms
• Medak: 60 kms
• Warangal: 150 kms
• Nizambad: 180 kms
• Vizag: 700 kms

On the crossroads of national highways 7 & 9. buses of the Andhra Pradesh Road Transport operate to all centers in the region.

The twin cities of Hyderabad and Secundrabad are extensively covered by railway network. Hyderabad is connected to New Delhi on the all air-conditioned Rajdhani Express.

Shilparamam : Annual Crafts Festival (March) "Shilparamam near Madhapur has become internationally famous for the Annual Crafts Festival that is organised in the first two weeks of March every year.
Lumbini Festival : (December) The Lumbini Festival is organised by the Government of Andhra Pradesh for three days in December and celebrates the state's Buddhist heritage.

Deccan Festival : Qutub Shahi Tombs (April) Deccan Festival highlights Hyderabad's arts, crafts, culture and cuisine. It also includes a pearls and bangles exhibition and a food fair, besides music concerts, dance performances, plays and poetry readings. It is held every April at the Qutub Shahi Tombs. Besides these, Bonalu, Batkamma, Dusshera, Ugadi, and Sankranti are the major festivals celebrated in Hyderabad.

Hyderabad is known for its rich history and culture with monuments, mosques, temples, a rich and varied heritage in arts, crafts and dance. It is a mixture of diverse religions, castes and creeds. Languages spoken by people are Urdu, Hindi, Telugu and English. The city is famous for its Pearl industry and these pearls are exported to various parts of the world. Coming to Professions, Hyderabad has good base for IT, Micro Biology, MBA, Fashion Technnology, Hotel Management etc., World has already named this city as Cyberabad for its forward march in the IT field.

Mecca Masjid : One of the largest mosques in India, the Mecca Masjid can accommodate 10,000 worshippers/visitors at any given point in time. The construction began way back in 1614 during Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah's reign but was finished during 1687 and several bricks on the central arch were brought all the way from Mecca. Non-Muslims are denied entry into the mosque.

Birla Mandir : The Birla Mandir is an arresting sight when illuminated. Built entirely out of marble from Rajasthan, it stands atop the Kala Pahad. You can view the intricate carvings on the walls of the temple, the ceiling and the mythological figures, all of which are a standing testimony to the dexterity and sculptural excellence of the craftsmen. This magnificent structure is a blend of Orissa and South Indian Temple Art.

The Charminar : Charminar, the hub of the city, has four wide roads radiating in the four cardinal directions. The four minarets command the landscape for miles. The structure is square, each side measuring 100 feet, with a central pointed high arch at the centre.

Golconda Fort : Golconda fort (Shepherd's Hill)was the citadel of the Qutub Shahi dynasty, which ruled the Hyderabad region from 1507 to 1687. The earlier 12th century mud fort that stood here was transformed between 1518 and 1580 into a splendid fortified city of grand palaces, mosques and gardens by successive Qutub Shahi rulers. This great fortress is protected by three formidable lines of defence. The first, an outer fortification made of enormous blocks of granite, encircles the citadel and its entire township. The middle wall surrounds the base of the hill, while the innermost one follows the contours of the highest ridge. Visitors enter through the Fateh Darwaza ("Victory Gate")on the east side, which has a Hindu deity carved above its arch.

At Madhapur are located two attractive spots of Hyderabad ,Shilparamam and Durgam Cheruvu.
Durgam Cheruvu : Durgam Cheruvu is a small picnic spot behind Hyderabad"s IT hub, the Hi Tech City. The place consists of a lake surrounded by rocks and hills of small size which make the scenery photo perfect. You can climb these rocks, spend time in garden, go boating, or just sit around watching nature. You can try some mild rock climbing/trekking as well in between the rocks which is quite adventurous.

The nightlife in Hyderabad is not like Mumbai or Bangalore. You will not come across many college going people as part of the Nightlife in Hyderabad. T2 at the Taj Krishna or Dublin at Sheraton are some of the great places for night outing in Hyderabad. But if you are a party animal like, then Treasure Island is the only place where you can party till 4 a.m in the morning. Some of the other cool places for partying late night in Hyderabad are Ten Downing Street, Liquids, A Pub and Touch, which are all visited by an up market decent crowd.

Nehru Zoological Park : The Nehru Zoological Park was declared open to the public on 6th October, 1963. The Park extends over 400 acres, and is the premier picnic spot of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The Lion safari park, Natural History Museum and Children's train are the added attractions.

Ocean Park : Situated at Gandipet just 15 kms from Hyderabad, offers a spectacular mix of Internationally popular Water Rides and Amusement Rides for all age groups and provides full day entertainment. Ocean park is open all 365 days of the year from 11a.m to 8 p.m for the convenience of visitors.

The Hyderabad city is the largest bangle producer city in the world. Also it is very famous for Pearls. You can purchase Kondapalli toys, gun metal craft, stone carvings, wood carvings, brassware, Kalamkari art, Banjara embroidery, etc, at the places listed below: Lepakshi, RTC Crossroads and Gunfoundry Cottage Industries Emporium, Minerva Complex, Sec'bad Arts and cratfs from all over India at Shilparamam (watch out for the colourful exhibition) Some big shopping malls and stores at Hyderabad offer an international shopping experience. Western outfits, Jewellery, designer wear, perfumes, accessories and all the big international brands are available.

Some of the popular shopping centers are: * Amrutha Mall, Somajiguda * Minerva Complex, SP Road * Shoppers' Stop, Begumpet * Lifestyle, Greenlands * Kalanjali, Basheerbagh

Hyderabad place is famous for its Biryani, which is delicious. In addition to the traditional Hyderabad food and dishes, there are many fast food joints offering fast food and Chinese delicacies.

For example : Domino's, Pizza Hut, Pizza Corner, and McDonald's.
Pizza Hut RMK Plaza,
R.No. 12 Banjara Hill,
Hyderabad Domino's Pizza Himayatnagar, Hyderabad - 500029
Kamat Hotel Aladdin Complex, 72, S.D. Road, Hyderabad

Salarjung Museum : The pride of the Museum is the outstanding Mughal jade collection, which includes an exquisite, translucent leaf shaped cup. Miniature paintings are also well represented, including those of the local Deccani School, as are Indian stone and bronze sculpture, inlaid ivory objects and medieval Islamic manuscripts. A prized 13th century Koran has the signatures of three Mughal emperors.

NTR Gardens : NTR Gardens Spread over 34 acres, is unique with large scale use of fibreglass in the form of insects and fruit as well as a number of other attractions such as the Machan Tree, ( machan in Hindi means a scaffold) railway ride and lots more. It's worth visiting, especially after the lights are turned on in the evening.

Nehru Zoological Park : The Nehru Zoological Park was declared open to the public on 6th October, 1963. The Park extends over 400 acres, and is the premier picnic spot of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The Lion safari park, Natural History Museum and Children's train are the added attractions.

Hussain Sagar : Hussain Sagar ,located in the heart of the city, is popularly known as the Tank Bund, not only bridges the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, but also forms a continuum between Hyderabad's historical glory and contemporary status. Right in the middle of the lake stands a monolith Buddha statue. It is the largest stone statue of Buddha in the world, at a length of 17.5 m.
Osman Sagar, This is an artificial lake created by building a dam over the River Musi. A popular tourist attraction, it is also one of the drinking water sources for the city. A sprawling lawn with colourful blooms towards the lower side of the dam is a good place to spend an evening. You can also go boating in the lake.

• Always carry a road map or a city map as the possibility of your getting lost in the crowded lanes of Hyderabad is quite high.
• The weather here is unpredictable, so it is advisable to pack medicines for common ailments.
• Leave your footwear before entering into the mosques or temples and respect the tradition of the place.

Tourism & Culture Dept. Govt. of Andhra Pradesh,
A Block,
3rd Floor Secretariat Hyderabad - 500 063,
Phone: +91-040-23456717

Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Tourism House,
Himayatnagar,
Hyderabad - 500 063
Phone: +91-040-23262151 +91-040-23262152

APTDC Central Reservation Office Tank Bund Road,
Hyderabad - 500 063
Phone: +91-040-2345036

Director of Tourism Govt. of Andhra Pradesh Tank Bund Road,
Hyderabad - 500 063,
Phone: +91-040-23452492

ICICI Bank ATM,
Shree Krishna Complex,
Abids,
Hyderabad, 500001.

ICICI Bank Ltd,
D.No.2-42/1 to 8,
GBR Towers,
Chaitanya Puri,
Dilsukhnagar,
Hyderabad, 500060 Ground Floor,
Gottipati Towers,
Mehdipatnam,
Hyderabad,500028

SBI ATM
Center Opp Airport,
Begumpet,
Hyderabad - 500003

SBI ATM
Center Bank Street,
Koti,
Hyderabad -500095

Bangles and pearl purchasing is something which is not to be missed out during shopping at Hyderabad, as this city is famous in exporting pearls to other parts of the country.

Entering with footwear into the temples and mosques is not allowed.