Hyderabad Explorer
Travel Tips
Everything you need to know before you arrive — from the best season to visit to how to bargain in Laad Bazaar.
Best Season
Oct – Feb
Currency
Indian Rupee (₹)
Language
Telugu, Urdu, Hindi
Time Zone
IST (UTC +5:30)
Nearest Airport
RGIA — 22 km
Emergency
112 (All services)
Planning Your Trip
When to Visit
Winter
October – February
The ideal window for visiting Hyderabad. Days are warm and sunny, evenings are pleasantly cool, and the city's outdoor monuments and bazaars are at their most enjoyable. The Deccan Festival (February) and Bonalu (if it falls in this window) add cultural richness.
- Perfect sightseeing weather
- Deccan Festival in February
- Clear skies for photography
- Comfortable evening walks
Summer
March – May
Hyderabad summers are fierce — temperatures regularly exceed 40°C in April and May. If you must visit, plan all outdoor activities before 10 AM and after 5 PM. The city's air-conditioned museums and palaces become welcome refuges.
- Visit museums & palaces
- Early morning sightseeing only
- Carry water at all times
- Mango season — try local varieties
Monsoon
June – September
The monsoon brings relief from the heat and transforms Hyderabad's lakes and gardens into lush, green beauty. Hussain Sagar fills to the brim and the city's parks are spectacular. However, heavy rains can cause flooding in the old city — check forecasts before venturing out.
- Lush green landscapes
- Hussain Sagar at full capacity
- Ramadan often falls here — haleem season
- Lower hotel rates
Getting Around
Transport Guide
App-Based Cabs
Ola, Uber, Rapido
Tip: The most reliable option. Always confirm the fare before starting. Surge pricing applies during peak hours and rain.
Auto-Rickshaws
Metered or negotiated
Tip: Always insist on the meter in newer autos. In the old city, negotiate before boarding — start at 60% of the first quoted price.
Hyderabad Metro
HMRL (3 lines)
Tip: Clean, air-conditioned, and punctual. The best way to avoid traffic. Does not reach the old city directly — combine with an auto for the last mile.
TSRTC City Buses
Telangana State RTC
Tip: Cheap and extensive but crowded and slow in traffic. Good for adventurous travellers who want a local experience.
Rental Cars
Zoomcar, local agencies
Tip: Driving in Hyderabad city traffic is challenging. Hire a car with a driver for city sightseeing — it is not much more expensive and far less stressful.
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
RGIA is located in Shamshabad, approximately 22 km south of the city centre. Allow 45–90 minutes depending on traffic.
- Pre-paid taxi counter in arrivals — fixed fares, no haggling
- Ola/Uber pickup from designated zone outside arrivals
- TSRTC Airport Express buses to Mehdipatnam & Secunderabad
- No metro connection yet — cab is the best option
Where to Base Yourself
Neighbourhood Guide
The Old City
Historic, atmospheric, sensory overload
The soul of Hyderabad — dense, fragrant, and alive with centuries of history. The old city is where you find Charminar, Mecca Masjid, Laad Bazaar, and the finest biryani and haleem in the world. It is chaotic and beautiful in equal measure.
- Best explored on foot or by auto
- Visit Charminar at dawn to beat the crowds
- Friday afternoons — many shops closed for prayers
Banjara Hills & Jubilee Hills
Upscale, leafy, cosmopolitan
The city's most affluent residential and commercial neighbourhoods — home to Hyderabad's film industry, its best restaurants, and its most stylish cafés. A world away from the old city, but only 20 minutes by cab.
- Best area for international cuisine
- Road No. 12 has excellent restaurants
- Safe for solo travellers at night
Hitech City & Gachibowli
Modern, corporate, international
Hyderabad's IT corridor — gleaming glass towers, international hotel chains, and a young, cosmopolitan crowd. Not the most atmospheric part of the city, but convenient for business travellers and those who want modern amenities.
- Best area for business hotels
- Good metro connectivity
- Shilparamam craft village nearby
Secunderabad
Colonial, residential, unhurried
The twin city of Hyderabad — originally a British cantonment, now a quieter, more residential counterpart to the bustle of Hyderabad proper. Home to the famous Paradise Restaurant and excellent budget accommodation near the railway station.
- Best area for budget stays
- Direct trains to most Indian cities
- Hussain Sagar is a short auto ride away
Respect & Customs
Etiquette Guide
Do
- Remove shoes before entering mosques, temples, and many homes.
- Dress modestly in the old city — covered shoulders and knees are appreciated.
- Accept chai or food when offered by a host — refusing is considered impolite.
- Greet with "Adaab" (a slight bow with hand to forehead) in Muslim areas — it is warmly received.
- Bargain in bazaars — it is expected and part of the experience.
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially women.
Don't
- Do not enter the prayer hall of a mosque during prayer times unless you are Muslim.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during Ramadan daylight hours out of respect.
- Do not point the soles of your feet at people or religious objects — it is considered disrespectful.
- Do not use your left hand to pass food or money — the right hand is customary.
- Do not photograph military installations, government buildings, or airports.
- Do not assume all Hyderabadis speak Hindi — Telugu is the primary language.
Essential Knowledge
Practical Essentials
Money & Payments
- ATMs are widely available — withdraw cash on arrival as many old-city shops are cash-only.
- UPI payments (Google Pay, PhonePe) are accepted almost everywhere, including street vendors.
- Carry ₹10, ₹20, and ₹50 notes for autos, chai stalls, and tips.
- Avoid exchanging currency at the airport — rates are poor. Use a bank or authorised dealer in the city.
Safety
- Hyderabad is generally safe for tourists, including solo women travellers in most areas.
- The old city is safe during the day — exercise normal caution after dark in unfamiliar lanes.
- Use app-based cabs at night rather than negotiating with unknown auto drivers.
- Keep a photocopy of your passport and visa separate from the originals.
What to Pack
- Light cotton clothing for most of the year — Hyderabad is warm even in winter.
- A light jacket or shawl for December–January evenings and air-conditioned restaurants.
- Comfortable walking shoes — the old city's lanes are uneven and extensive.
- A scarf or dupatta for visiting religious sites.
Photography
- Golden hour at Charminar (6–7 AM) is the best light for photography — and the fewest crowds.
- The Qutb Shahi Tombs glow beautifully in afternoon light (3–5 PM).
- Always ask before photographing people — a smile and gesture goes a long way.
- Golconda Fort's Sound & Light Show is spectacular but challenging to photograph — just enjoy it.
Food Safety
- Drink only bottled or filtered water — tap water is not safe for visitors.
- Street food is generally safe at busy, high-turnover stalls near Charminar.
- Avoid pre-cut fruit from street vendors — opt for whole fruit you peel yourself.
- If you have a sensitive stomach, ease into the spice levels gradually.
Connectivity
- Buy a local SIM at the airport (Jio or Airtel) — data is cheap and coverage is excellent.
- Most hotels, cafés, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi.
- Download Google Maps offline for the old city — signal can be patchy in narrow lanes.
- Ola and Uber apps work seamlessly throughout the city.
The Heart of Hyderabad
Navigating the Old City
Start at Charminar
Use Charminar as your compass. Everything in the old city radiates outward from it — Mecca Masjid is 100 metres to the west, Laad Bazaar stretches north, and Chowmahalla Palace is a short walk south.
Walk, Don't Drive
The old city's lanes are too narrow and congested for comfortable driving. Take a cab to Charminar, then explore on foot. Wear comfortable shoes — you will walk more than you expect.
Friday Timing
Friday is the Islamic holy day. Many shops in the old city close between noon and 3 PM for Jumu'ah prayers. Plan accordingly — arrive early or after 3 PM.
Bargaining in Laad Bazaar
Prices in Laad Bazaar are negotiable. A good rule: counter at 50–60% of the first quoted price and settle somewhere in between. Smile, be friendly, and never show too much enthusiasm for a specific item before negotiating.
Eat Where the Locals Eat
The best food in the old city has no signage. Follow the queues. If a small stall has a crowd of locals, join it — the food will be extraordinary.
Important Numbers
Emergency Contacts
112
All Emergencies
Single national emergency number
100
Police
Hyderabad City Police
108
Ambulance
Free emergency ambulance service
101
Fire
Fire & rescue services
1800 599 0019
Tourist Helpline
Ministry of Tourism, toll-free
181
Women's Helpline
Telangana State Women's Helpline
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