# Hyderabad/Central

Central Hyderabad is the modern city centre of Hyderabad, lying between the Musi river and Hussain Sagar lake. This article covers the entire Central Zone of Hyderabad.
Hyderabad's "New City", opposite the Old City north of the Musi River, developed after the Independence to house the government offices of the capital of Andhra Pradesh. This area is now the city commercial and government centre.
The Hussain Sagar lake and its surroundings have been beautified in the last two decades and you will find some nice amusement parks, promenades and restaurants around it.
To the west of the lake are the prosperous suburbs of Punjagutta, Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills, with shopping and restaurants. Banjara Hills is where Hyderabad's swish set lives - the industrialists, movie stars and politicians. The neighbourhoods contain some good parks and restaurants.

## Get in

Both the metro lines and the MMTS are centred around this area.

### By train

Hyderabad Deccan railway station, also known as Nampally railway station, is the major station in the heart of Hyderabad.

## See

* 17.4191878.526281 Osmania Arts College (Osmania University Arts College), Osmania University, Amberpet (Bus stop Manikeshwari Nagar). Built during the period of the last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan. The imposing facade of the building is a great sight.
* 17.40334778.4706472 Birla Science Centre, Secretariat, AG Office Rd, Adarshnagar (close to Birla Temple, Naubat Pahad - Next to Aranya Bhavan. -AG Office Bus Stop; MMTS: Lakdikapul HF HL ; metro: Lakdikapul Red ), ☏ +91 40 2324 1067. museum 10:30AM–8PM, planetarium English shows 11:30AM, 4PM, 6PM, more shows in Telugu and one show in Hindi F–W. The show at the Planetarium lasts 35 min and is moderately interesting. The Science Museum, on the other hand, is poorly maintained. The Dinosaurium at the upper level is interesting. It contains a complete skeleton of a dinosaur Kotasaurus yamanpalliensis discovered in the village of Yemanapalli in 1988. Modern Art Gallery is near the Dinosaurium (ignore the signboard near parking directing to lower level). It's the personal collection of Nirmala Birla; also quite interesting. museum ₹ 40, planetarium ₹ 40, combined admission ₹ 70, Modern Art Gallery ₹ 40. Parking ₹ 20 for car, ₹ 10 for motorcycle. (updated Jun 2023)
* 17.4033778.4670433 Kala Bhavan, Ravindra Bharathi complex, Saifabad, Lakdikapul Rd, (near the State Assembly). An art gallery
* 17.4326478.465594 Jalavihar, Necklace Rd. A popular family entertainment and event venue. The water park offers a wide range of wet and dry rides, attractions, and amenities for visitors of all ages.
* 17.42374778.5363215 Telangana State Archives and Research Institute, Rajya Abhilekha Nlym, Upl Road, Tarnaka, ☏ +91 40 2701 8371, +91 40 2700 2373.
* 17.3860278.470356 Exhibition (S. N. Vanita Maha Vidyalaya - Exhibition Grounds), Nampally (Vanitha College) (Gandhi Bhavan Bus Stop), ☏ +91 40 2460 3266. An exhibition that runs in the months of January & February every year. It showcases various items made across India. It runs every year starting 1 Jan-15 Feb in the Exhibition grounds.
* 17.383778.486997 The Kothi Residency (Koti Women's College, formerly the British Residency), Koti Main Road, Essamiya Bazaar, Kachiguda (in the suburb of Koti, just north of the Musi river), ☏ +91 40 2473 7692. A mansion built in the syle of a Palladian villa, built for James Achilles Kirkpatrick when he was British Resident of Hyderabad between 1798 and 1805. It continued to be centre of British power in the south of India until independence in 1947. Set in a large forested, walled compound, it was once the embassy of the East India Company to the court of the Nizam of Hyderabad. Within the compound is a miniature model of the Residency – built for Kirkpatrick's Indian wife Khair un Nissa, who remained in purdah. Restoration works were completed in January 2023. Inside you can see the ornate dining room, offices and pictures of the many famous dignataries who visited in its heyday. The entrance features a long flight of stairs with ornate pillars supporting a giant pediment. Although European in style, it was constructed by local artisans using locally sourced material, with funding from the Nizam. Lime and mud plaster covered the brick and stone and masonry with teak wood beams providing the structural support. (updated Feb 2024)

### Ancient sites

* 17.384378.40258 Golconda Fort. 7AM-8PM. The Golconda Fort was the capital of the Qutb Shahi kingdom. Set aside a minimum of 2 hr to do justice to your visit -- the outer wall measures 10 km. Learning a little about the fort ahead of time is recommended, as it is easy to get confused or lost in the massive space. If you accept one of the local guides (who hustle you at the entrance gate) try to pick one who knows his stuff (₹ 500 per tour and the guide would also ask you for tips in the end, however, it is entirely up to you whether to give tips or not), rather than someone who was just passing by, spotted you and will tell you bits he once read in a guidebook. The genuine old Muslim guide who gained his encyclopedic knowledge of Golconda as an infant from his 118-year-old grandmother knows the history of every inch of the place and will show you with expertise the echo/architecture system built into the fort that the ruler used as a communication/spying system. After sunset, there is an hour-long light and sound show telling you the story of the Golconda fort which is worth seeing, though it could be a little boring. Price for foreigners ₹50/100 for normal/executive tickets. The English show runs Nov-Feb 6:30PM daily and Mar-Oct until 7PM daily. Hindi and Telugu shows are run afterwards on certain days. Afterwards, have a wander through the tiny streets and shops surrounding the fort. The beautiful scruffy old shops and houses will sell you everything from naan bread to bangles, and the fading and gaudy old painted gates and houses are a delight, as are the friendly locals. ₹100 all.
* 17.39578.3969 Qutb Shahi Tombs (Seven Tombs), Seven Tombs Colony, Shaikpet, ☏ +91 40 2351 341. Sa-Th 9:30AM-5:30PM. The tombs of the Qutubshahi dynasty. Most of them were built by Quli Qutb Shah, the founder. In 2010 local newspapers revealed that shoddy 'restoration' work allegedly using unskilled labour with road drills (bought in by one government department that didn't bother to seek professional advice or inform the local archaeological or environment departments) has been damaging these beautiful buildings. ₹10, camera ₹20. (updated Jun 2023)
** 17.39578.39610 Qutub Shahi Tombs Site Museum.
* 17.3749378.4441911 Toli Masjid, Karwan. 300 years old. Known for its splendid architecture.
* 17.38883878.4113712 Naya Qila (New Fort). It is an extension of the famous Golconda Fort on the northeastern side. Before the extension came up the elevated area was used as a launching pad by Aurangzeb (then Mughal governor of Dedcan) in 1656 during his attack on the Golkonda Fort. Although Aurangzeb failed in his attempt to capture Golkonda but attacks considerably damaged the walls of the Golconda. To avoid future attacks and loss Sultan Abdullah Qutb Shah ordered an extension of the fort which came to be known as Naya Qila (New Fort). In 2011 a golf course came up in the Naya Qila region restricting the entry of common people. This led to objections from various NGOs and heritage enthusiasts leading to free access to the heritage sites within the golf complex. (updated May 2023)
** 17.39297878.4095813 Baobab Tree (Hatiyan Jhod). This African Baobab (adansonia digitata) tree is 400+ years old and happens to be the oldest tree in Hyderabad. The tree originates from Madagascar and was planted by wandering friars during their stay at Golconda. The circumference of the trunk measures 25 meters and is irregular in shape and roughly represents an elephant and hence the name Hatiyan Jhod (Elephant Tree). The huge trunk is hollow and covers a huge space. According to legend the space provided shelter for 40 thieves during the Qutab Shahi rule. They used it as a shelter during the day and committed the crime during the night. (updated May 2023)
** 17.39077378.40648814 Jamali Darwaza. One of the 8 gates in the outer ramparts of Golconda Fort. (updated May 2023)
** 17.38891878.40764315 Banjari Darwaza and Golconda entrance. Present day entrance to Golconda and one of the largest of the gates in the ramparts. (updated May 2023)
** 17.39281278.41056616 Mulla Khayali Mosque (Next to Boabab Tree). Built to honour the royal poet of the Qutb Shahi court. (updated May 2023)
** 17.38897478.41047117 Naya Qila Habitat Centre. (updated May 2023)

### Art galleries

* 17.44205278.40110718 Alankrita Art Gallery, 41 A, Kakateeya Hills Ext. of Jubilee Hills Road No. 36, ☏ +91 40 4020 7171.
* Le Cafe De Art, Rd No.1 Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6550 6661.
* 17.4135178.4221519 Gallery Space, Rd No.12, Road Number 86, MLA Colony, Banjara Hills (Next to Pearl City Church, south of Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park), ☏ +91 40 6554 1836.
* Kalahita Art Foundation, Lakshmi Towers, Nagarjuna Hills, ☏ +91 40 2335 0543.
* Pegasus Art Gallery, Road No.72 Jubilee Hills, ☏ +91 40 23608883.
* 17.436578.3977720 State Gallery Of Art (Chitramayee), Road No. 1, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, CBI Colony, Jubilee Hills (south of Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park), ☏ +91 40 2311 3308.
* 17.4242578.4534821 Vishwakarma arts gallery, Banjara Hills, Panjagutta, Dwarakapuri colony, Esteem House, Backside of Model House (Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences Bus Stop), ☏ +91 40 6661 5039, vishwakarmarts@yahoo.com. 10AM-9PM.

### Museums

* 17.38504478.48667122 Telangana State Archaeology Museum, Public Gardens, Nampally (metro: Assembly Red ), ☏ +91 40 2323 4942. M-Th Sa Su 10:30AM-5PM, F closed. Displays a stunning array of artifacts dating back to the 1st century to the 20th century. Ranging from the Lotus Medallion of the 1st century to the Amazing Kalankari work that adorned the bed-spreads of the Nizams to a period room that displays the typical living room of the Nizam time to the Jain sculptures and Statues - this place has it all. Adults ₹10, children ₹5, camera ₹20. (updated Jan 2023)

### Places of worship

* 17.4061878.4690423 Birla Mandir, Adarsh Nagar, Naubat Pahad (Two different routes depending on whether you want to drive right to the top or climb the stairs.). 10AM-noon, 2-8PM. The industrial house of the Birlas have the tradition of building magnificent marble temples in cities of India, all of which are known as Birla Mandir. This one is one of the best. The temple manifests a blend of South Indian, Rajasthani and Utkala temple architectures. It is made of 2,000 tonnes of Rajasthani white marble. The granite of the presiding deity is about 3.4 m tall and a carved lotus forms an umbrella on the roof. The consorts of Lord Venkateswara, Padmavati and Andal are housed in separate shrines. There is a brass flagpole in the temple premises which rises to a height of 13 m on top of Naubat Pahad (mountain). This clean, sparkling white temple dedicated to Venkateshwara has viewing areas that afford a great view of the city. Sadly, cameras and camera mobiles are banned; your bags are checked at the entrance. Shoes are not allowed, so come early in the morning so the ground will not be too hot. There is a free cloakroom available for both electronics and shoes. Free.
* 17.4085678.4632624 Khairtabad Mosque. (updated Dec 2017)
* 17.4029278.4964125 Balaji Temple (Visa Balaji), Chilkur, RTC Cross Roads (Vidhya Nagar MMTS Station 1.5 km east). 5AM-8PM. Chilkur is an important pilgrim centre in Hyderabad. The Lord here is Sri Venkateswara Swamy in a standing posture, beside whom is Goddess Sridevi and Goddess Bhudevi. People with wishes, take 11 rounds a round the core of the temple. Once their wish has been fulfilled they return to perform 108 more rounds. You will find people ticking away at the pieces of paper with the numbers to track the count. Free.
* 17.4182778.4978226 Jama Masjid Musheerabad.
* St Joseph's Cathedral, Gun Foundry Area. Established in 1820, this is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad.
* St George's Church, Abid Rd. St George's Church is one of the oldest churches in the city of Hyderabad, India. It was built in the year 1844 AD. The church was built as an Anglican church but is now under the auspices of the Church of South India. (updated Dec 2017)
* Iskon Temple, Abids. Free.
* Peddamma Temple, Jubilee Hills. Free.

### Gardens and lakes

* 17.4222278.4738927 Hussain Sagar (Tank Bund), Necklace Rd. The artificial lake is a historical landmark, built during the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah in 1562 by damming the Musi. This forms the boundary between Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Surrounding the lake are various parks, temples, statues and historical buildings. This is one of the few walkable places in the city. At the centre of the lake stands a famous 18m high 17.415678.475128 statue of the Buddha installed in 1992. Boat rides to the Buddha statue are available from Eat Street (near Necklace Road MMTS Station) and Lumbini Park. Speed boats do not stop at the Buddha statue. The road circling the lake on the north and west is known as Necklace Road, and is nicknamed "the Chaupati of Hyderabad" due to its resemblance to the Girgaon Chowpatty in Mumbai. (updated Jun 2023)
* 17.398878.46929 Public Gardens. Known as the Bagh-e-aam (Garden for the commoners), it has well laid-out gardens and is surrounded by the imposing State Legislative Assembly building, the Jubilee Hall, the Jawahar Bal Bhavan, the Health Museum and the State Archaeological Museum. This was the old zoo and now is a beautiful place for both children and adults. Free.
* 17.38504478.48667130 Sanjeeviah Park. Good for bird watching.
* 17.4013678.4502331 Chacha Nehru Park, Masab Tank. For pleasant morning walks with kids.
* 17.4400978.4304432 Krishna Kanth Park.
* 17.422678.4487133 Jalagam Vengal Rao Park (JVR Park), Banjara Hills. With lake.
* 17.4138578.4203934 Lotus Pond, Jubilee Hills.

## Do

* 17.41475478.4830451 Indira Park (E of Hussain Sagar). A sprawling 76-acre park near Tank Bund with a nice, but polluted, little pond and boating. (updated Jun 2023)
* 17.4278.412 Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park (KBR National Park). A small park in Jubilee Hills in which the Chiran Palace is located. Known as the "jungle amidst the concrete jungle", the park provides an excellent lung space and environment from the busy city life and rising pollution levels. It has over 600 species of plant life, 140 species of birds and 30 different varieties of butterflies and reptiles. You may find peacocks and a variety of small mammals and birds here. There are few water bodies present in the park providing the needed moisture for the plants and quenching the thirst of birds and small animals. The park is frequented in the evenings and weekends by young and old alike. The Chiran Palace is a modern facility designed to serve the needs of the prince, unlike other palaces of the Nizam. (updated Jun 2023)
* 17.4178.47223 Lumbini Park, NTR Marg (west of Hussain Sagar lake). 9AM-9PM. See water cascades, go on guided car rides. Go on a boat ride and see the Buddha statue at the centre of the lake. It also offers nice Laser Shows in the evening which is first in India. ₹10, rides extra. (updated Jun 2023)
* 17.4178.47224 NTR Gardens, NTR Marg (west of Hussain Sagar lake). 2-8:30PM. Built by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in memory of N.T. Rama Rao, his father-in-law and ex-Chief Minister, this is an amusement park which houses some nice attractions like a mini-train, a haunted house, a boat ride, etc. There is a cafe where the seating is in the shape of vintage cars. You can either spend money on the rides or generally stroll around and gape at the fountains and the giant insects. For rides, the ₹ 45 combo you can buy at the entrance is a good deal. ₹ 15 for entry, rides extra. (updated Jun 2023)
* 17.51487778.480875 Snow World, Lower Tank Bund Road (next to Indira Park), ☏ +91 40 6599-0167. Asia's largest Snow Theme Park. Adults ₹ 450, children ₹ 250 if under 4 ft tall. (updated Jun 2023)
* Diginet Digital Experience Zone, ☏ +91 40 5558 0009. Gamecentre. WiFi hotspot, coffee shop, shopping.
* 17.3935778.404286 Hyderabad Golf Club (Satham Cheruvu, Beside Nadeem Colony, Golconda), ☏ +91 40 2356 7207. Golf course.

## Buy
### Bazaars

* 17.38333378.4833331 Sultan Bazaar. Wholesale clothes market. (updated Dec 2017)
* 17.384378.4752 Mozamjahi Market, Nizam Shahi Rd. Fruit market.
* 17.373178.47063 Begum Bazaar. Wholesale market.

### Jewelry

* Ghanshyamdas Jewellers (opp Abids Police Station). Genuine pearls
* C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons-The Flagship Boutique, Taj Deccan, ☏ +91 40 3256 1869.
* Jagdamba Pearls, Gupta Estate, Basheer Bagh, ☏ +91 40 6656 6777. One of the oldest and the largest pearl companies in India.
* Lilac Boutique, Liberty Rd, Himayathnagar (near TTD, opposite Dadu Sweets), ☏ +91 92 4658 1851. Designer and made-to-order & customised heavy suits, sarees and fancy blouses.
* Mohal Jewells. On the Golden Mile Somajiguda for Pearls, Silver, Gold. ☏ +91 40 2341 9757
* Ornaments & jewellery (Punjagutta, Abids and Somajiguda)
* Pearls of Hyderabad, (Abids and Somajiguda Jewellery shops). Choose from 3 varieties, natural pearls, cultured and imitation.

### Handicrafts

* Bidri Crafts, Gunfoundry, Abids, ☏ +91 40 2323 2657, +91 40 2323 3663.
* Kalanjali, Margadarsi House, 5-10-195, Fathemaidan Raod (Opp: Ploice Control Room, Nampally, Hyderabad), ☏ +91 40 2323 1147, +91 40 2329 7196, fax: +91 40 2323 3204.
* Lepakshi (Gunfoundry, Abids), ☏ +91 40 2766 8178.
* United Designers, Banjara Hills Rd#4, ☏ +91 40 2335 5441, +91 98 85404944. M-Sa 10:30AM-8PM. Designs by a new wave of young Hyderabadi fashion designers, they also have natural hand-made soaps for body and hair. (updated Dec 2017)

### Other

* The Golden Mile of Hyderabad for shopping, consisting of shopping plazas, malls, designer boutiques and upmarket shops - Starting from Lifestyle near the Begumpet Flyover and extending all the way till Road No.1 Banjara Hills.
* Ladida-lingerie store, #2, R.K.Plaza, Greenlands Rd, Panjagutta (Opp. Joyalukkas Jewellers), ☏ +91 40 40020267. 11AM-9PM. Lingerie shop (lingerie, ladies wear, nightwear). ₹ 300-2,500.

## Eat
### Budget

* Chutneys, 1: 2: Nagarjuna Circle, Near Punjagutta flyover, ☏ +91 40 2335 0569, +91 40 2335 8484, +91 40 5557 8651. Vegetarian, and quite well-known in Hyderabad. South Indian dishes like dosas, idlis and uttappas. "North Indian" also available, but best avoided. Is extremely crowded on weekend nights, and there is a waiting time of up to 30 min. Does not serve alcohol. ₹ 150.
* Cafe Bahaar, Opp. Commissioner Office, Old MLA Quarters, Basheerbagh, ☏ +91 40 2324 3798, +91 40 2323 7605. Biryanis and meat curries, moderately priced.
* Baawarchi, Plot no. 66, RTC Cross Rd's, Chikkadpally Musheerabad (Opposite Sandya Theatre), ☏ +91 40 2760 5308, +91 40 2763 4490. 11:30AM-11PM. Biryanis ₹ 150.
* Kholani's Kitchen, 4-3-548/1, Shop No. 16 & 17, Needs Arcade, Tilak Rd, Abids, ☏ +91 40 2475 3444, +91 40 2475- 657. 11AM-11PM. Try the excellent malai kebabs (chicken) and apollo fish ₹ 200.
* Rayalseema Ruchulu, 1st Main Rd, Shanti Nagar, in the lane behind JNTU, Masab Tank, ☏ +91 40 6510-0033, +91 40 6510-0044, +91 98 85650789. Noon-3:30PM, then 7-11PM. Mildly spiced food from Rayalaseema, rustic decor. Not for vegetarians. ₹ 200.
* Taj Mahal Restaurant, # 4-1-999 Abids (part of Taj Mahal Hotel), ☏ +91 40 2475-8250, +91 40 6551-1122. 11AM-11PM. One of the original "Udupi" style restaurants, this is strictly vegetarian and does not serve alcohol. It is part of the Taj Mahal Hotel, not to be confused with the Taj chain of luxury hotels. The food in the restaurant is tasty and good, and like Udupi restaurants, serves South Indian, North Indian and "Chinese". You are advised to stick to South Indian. The ambiance in the air-con section is old-school. ₹ 200.

### Mid-range

* 4 Seasons, 9-4-77/3/D/4/5/6, Yousuf Tekri, Tolichowki (opposite R.T.A Office), ☏ +91 40 65578671. Serves multiple cuisines, but raved about for its Arabic and Lebanese food. Lunch and dinner. Credit cards accepted. Around ₹ 800 for two.
* Ming's Court, Baseraa Inn Hotel, Basheerbagh (opposite Old Gandhi Medical College), ☏ +91 40 2329 8811, +91 40 2329 8822, +91 40 2329 8855. 11:30AM-3:30PM, 7-11:30PM. Mostly Indian Chinese. ₹ 500.
* Ullaasa, 7-1, 59/1, Athithi Inn, 5th Floor, Dharam Karam Rd, Ameerpet, ☏ +91 40 2373-9091, +91 40 2373-9097. 11:30AM-11PM. Nice ethnic ambience and the rooftop setting is amazing, and the food is excellent. ₹300.
* Bombay Palace, # 6-1-79 & 80 Hampshire Plaza, Lakdi-Ka-Pul, ☏ +91 40 2333 5555. 7:30-11PM. Has a decor that reminds you of Mumbai. Menu specialities include ragda patties and other items popularized by Mumbai's streets in addition to Mughlai and Hyderabadi dishes. Live Ghazals every evening. ₹ 300.
* Moksh, Necklace Rd, ☏ +91 40 6620 0111, +91 40 6620 0112. 11AM-3:30PM, 7PM-midnight. The ₹ 199 non-veg, lunch buffet is really tasty. Service, ambiance and the lake-side location is awesome. 199.
* MoMo Cafe, 1-3-1024 Lower Tank Bund Rd, ☏ +91 40 2752 1222. 24 hr. Mughlai, Chinese and Hyderabadi dishes. ₹ 300-500.
* Celebrations, Plot No.66A, Rd No.1, Jubilee Hills, ☏ +91 40 4010 0888, +91 40 2360 2888. A complex of four restaurants and one bar.
* Chinese Pavilion, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills (opposite JVR Park), ☏ +91 40 6678-5680. 11:30AM-3:30PM, 7:30-11:30PM. Makes an attempt to move away from Indian Chinese. ₹ 500.
* IndieJoe, 5th Floor, City Centre Mall, Road No. 1, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6657-0000, +91 40 6668-3333. 12:30-3:30PM, 7:30-11:15PM. Serves global cuisine. Only buffet for lunch and only a la carte for dinner. ₹ 500.
* Mainland China, G. S. Plaza, Gr. Floor, S-2-672, Road No. 1, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 2330-4500, +91 40 5521-4500, +91 40 2330-4700. 12:45-3:30PM, 7:30-11:30PM. Excellent Chinese place, though it tends more towards Indian Chinese. Try the dim sums and the darsaan for dessert. Good ambience and excellent service. ₹ 700.
* Our Place, 8-2-602/E, Charan Pahadi, Rd No. 10 Banjara Hills (look out for a small lane that goes upwards), ☏ +91 40 23353422. Has received great reviews for its kebabs and tandoori dishes. But avoid the Thai stuff, as it looks like a pale imitation. The ambience is great, the seating is outdoors amidst much greenery. Often, they have live gazal music for dinner. ₹ 350.
* Punjabi by Nature, MJ Towers, Rd No.12, Banjara Hills. (opp. SBI Banjara Hills Branch), ☏ +91 40 2331-7284, +91 40 2331-7285. Noon-11:30PM. Kitschy decor, good food, but overpriced. As the name suggests, serves Punjabi and Mughlai food, but the menu is entirely mainstream. The drink menu has exotic stuff like golgappa with vodka, and gulab jamun with brandy. ₹ 500.
* Serengeti, 8-2-682/3, Rd No. 12, Banjara Hills (Ohri's Banjara), ☏ +91 40 2330-2200. Noon-3:30PM, 7-11:30PM. Cuisine is from the Northwest Frontier Province while the decor tries to create the ambience of an African safari. The food is good, the wine list is extensive and quite good. ₹ 600.
* Sahib Sindh Sultan, City Centre, 5th Floor, Road no. 1 & 10, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 66683337. Noon-3:30PM, 7-11:30PM. Themed on the eponymous 19th century train. Seating is available inside the "carriage" or on the "railway station". Waiters are dressed in turbans and railway announcements are interspersed with the music. The food is good, the pickles interesting and you have a good choice of drinks. Try the licchi ki taheri for dessert. ₹350.
* Southern Spice, 8-2-350/3/2, Road Number 3, Plot Number 34, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 2335-3802, +91 40 2335-3803, +91 40 6682-2619. Noon-3:30PM, 7-11:30PM. Highly rated for Andhra delicacies like ragi sangati and gongura mamsam ₹ 300.
* Tex Mex, Plot 217, Road No 2, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 2354-1493, +91 40 2354-2835. Noon-3PM, 7:30-10:30PM. Indian and World cuisine. ₹ 500.
* Zafraan Exotica, Road No. 12, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 96521 15500. 11AM-3:30PM, 7PM-midnight. A rooftop restaurant with an exotic ambience. Serves Mughlai and Chinese. ₹ 500.
* Angeethi, Unit 701-703, 7th floor, Reliance Classic, Rd # 1 Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6525 5550. 12:30-3:30PM, 7-11:30PM. The ambience is of a Dhaba, complete with a pan shop, a well and a quack peddling herbal remedies for "marital problems". Interesting variations on traditional Punjabi dishes, but the dessert selection is meagre. ₹ 500.
* Barbecue Nation, Banjara Hills (opp. City Centre Mall). Unlimited starters on a barbecue grill on your table. Desserts are OK. ₹575+taxes (Happy Hours before 8PM: ₹525+taxes).
* Terrace Bay, 501, 5th Floor, Babukhan Mall, Punjagutta, ☏ +91 40 2341-8545, +91 40 2341-8546. 1-11PM. A fairly successful attempt to recreate Mexican cuisine in Hyderabad. To be visited more for the food than for the ambience. ₹ 600.

### Splurge

* 17.4214878.465371 The Water Front, Beside Eat Street, Necklace Rd, ☏ +91 40 2330 8899, +91 40 6527 8899. Has a nice view of Hussain Sagar lake, but the food, at its best, is passable. ₹ 700 (cover charge of ₹ 300, ₹ 500 on weekends).
* Arena, Taj Deccan, Rd Number 1, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6666-3939. 24 hr. Coffee shop serves Sunday brunch. Sushi Bar.
* Fusion 9, Number 4, First Avenue, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6657-7722, +91 40 6657-7755. 11AM-4PM, 7-11:30. Lounge bar and restaurant, with a wide range of cuisines from different parts of the world. Closed until December 2017 for renovation.
* Golden Dragon, Taj Krishna, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6666-2323, +91 40 2339-2323. 12:30-14:45, 19:30-23:45. Opulent Chinese restaurant. ₹ 800.
* Hall Of Fame, Plot Number 1098, Road Number 36, Jubilee Hills, ☏ +91 40 64516969, +91 40 64526969. 11AM-11:30PM. Sports grill. American, Italian and Mexican food with sport viewing.
* Kebab-e-Bahar, Taj Banjara, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 2339-9999. 7:30-11:45PM. Kebabs from all over, including Hyderabad and Northwest Frontier.
* Little Italy Bar and Restaurant, 275, Film Nagar (opp. KBR Park, at Apollo Crossing), ☏ +91 40 2355 8001. noon-3:30PM, 7-11:30PM. Italian style, completely vegetarian. ₹ 700.
* Spice Junxion, Taj Deccan, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6666-3939. noon-7:30PM, 7-11:30PM. South Indian cuisine with a trendy twist. Lunchtime platters with 10 starters, 8 main course items and 4 desserts served in a span of 40 min. Regular menu items are dosa with mutton curry and idly with chicken curry. The condiment trolley has 17 types of chutneys, pickles, spicy powders, papads and vadiyalu from South India. Desserts; paan ice cream, all-spice chocolates and traditional south Indian sweets are made in-house.

### Bakeries

* Karachi Bakery, Mozamjahi Market, Road No.1, Banjara Hills (Near Image Hospitals Madhapur. Beside Paradise Food Court Kothapet).
* My Cafe Latte, Plot No. 1100, Road No. 36 Jubilee Hills, ☏ +91 40 2355 3709. Coffee, mocktails and sandwiches, with Hollywood themed decor.
* Sarvi Bakers and Confectioners, Opposite Care Hospital, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6663-1113, +91 40 6663-1114. Place for sandwiches, burgers and puffs. ₹ 50.
* 17.415878.443122 Ofen, Plot Number 49, Road Number 10, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 2337 2205, +91 40 2337 2235. Daily 8AM-11PM. Excellent place for breads and related foods - especially for health conscious. Includes breads like whole grain breads, ragi breads and sugar free cakes. ₹150.
* The Chocolate Room, Plot no 268, Kavuri hills (near Madhapur Police Station Crossing, Jubilee hills), ☏ +91 40 6458-9595. Wonderful drinking chocolates and crepes. Also a good place to hang out and have a conversation, though it does get crowded on weekends during the evening. ₹150.
* Almond House, Shop No. 3-6-237, Lingapur Building Himayath Nagar, ☏ +91 40 2322-6068. Quality Indian sweets.
* 17.400778.48793 King & Cardinal, 3-5-907, Himayathnagar X Roads, Himayathnagar, ☏ +91 40 6661 5444. Pizzas and burgers. Also serves Indian Chinese snacks. ₹100.
* Universal Bakers, 3-6-12, Himayatnagar, Himayathnagar Paradise, Himaythnagar & Masab Tank. 8AM-10PM. Baked biscuits, cakes and burgers. Has 3 outlets.

## Drink
### Pubs

* Easy Rider, ☏ +91 498 4903 2297. Lakeview Palace, Road no 1, Banjara Hills, (opposite Taj Banjara). 11:30AM-11PM
* Hard Rock Cafe, 1 Mall Rd. GVK No 1 Banjara Hills. Part of world wide chain. Excellent ambiance, check their website for events.
* Club8, Life style building Ameerpet, cheap beer, usually have a (1+1) offer available before 7PM.
* H2O Amrutha castle, (near lumbini garden). ₹ 150-300.

### Bars

* Atrium Bar, Taj Deccan, Road No.1 Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 2339 2684, +91 40 6666 3939. 11AM-11:30PM.
* Fashion (FTV), Banjara Hills. Trendy lounge bar.
* Liquids Again, 5th Floor, ABN Amro Bank Complex, Bhaskara Plaza, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6625 9907, +91 406625-9908. 11AM-11PM. Sleek, trendy lounge bar. ₹ 900.
* Seventh Heaven, 6-3-883/5, Seventh Floor, Venkat Plaza, Punjagutta, ☏ +91 40 6666 8833, +91 40 6666-8822. 11AM-11:30PM. Nice rooftop bar and restaurant.
* Touch, 1st Floor, Trendset Towers, Road Number 2, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 2354 2433, +91 40 2354 2422, +91 40 6651 6666. 11:30AM-11:30PM. Upscale, celebrity hang-out, great place but very expensive. Has a dress code, shoes mandatory. ₹500.
* Hydrate, # 6-1-79 & 80, Hampshire Plaza, Lakdi-Ka-Pul, ☏ +91 40 2333 5555. Elegant bar at Hampshire Plaza.

## Sleep
### Budget

* Aahwaanam, NTR Estate, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Abids (Opp. Ramakrishna Cinema Hall), ☏ +91 40 2474 0301, +91 40 2474 0305, +91 92 9133 3108. Check-in: 24 hr, check-out: 24 hr. Basic budget hotel. Most rooms are not air-conditioned. ₹ 600-1,000.
* Classic Lodge & Boarding, 5-8-112 to 173, 21st Century Commercial Complex, Nampally (Opp. Board of Intermediate), ☏ +91 4023200159, +91 4023200537, +91 8121179866, +91 9000005320, info@classiclodge.in. Check-in: 24 hr, check-out: 24 hr. Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned deluxe rooms & 25-bed dormitory with multiple bathrooms, and all basic facilities available. ₹300-1,600.
* 17.39247778.4772941 Hotel Geetanjali, 4-1-938/26/A, New Marketing Complex, Abids, Tilak Rd, ☏ +91 40 66635500. Check-in: 24 hr, check-out: 24 hr. Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned rooms. Budget hotel, offers room service, clean & economical rooms and free wifi, online reservations, rated environmentally friendly, no restaurants. Close to transportation. ₹ 800-1,500.
* 17.3845678.489032 Hotel Haridwar, 4-6-464, Esamiya Bazar, Koti, ☏ +91 40 2465 6711, +91 40 2473 2780. Check-in: 24 hr, check-out: 24 hr. Basic functional hotel with attached vegetarian restaurant. Caters mainly to visitors from North India. ₹ 350-850.
* 17.401478.48523 Hotel Minerva, 3-6-199/1, Himayat Nagar, ☏ +91 40 2322-0448. Close to the Birla temple and other attractions. Good budget choice in an area where there aren't many budget hotels. ₹ 1,300-1,800.
* Sitara Paradise, No. 6-3-788/34, Opp. Lane of Chandana Bros, Ameerpet, ☏ +91 40 2373 5222, +91 40 2373 5333, +91 40 6684 4449. Small hotel in the middle of the Ameerpet shopping district. Don't expect a quiet stay, but the rooms are spacious and elegant. This hotel is geared more towards weddings and celebrations, not for business travellers or tourists. ₹ 1,100-1,500.
* 17.4040678.465464 Best Western Ashoka, 6-1-70, Lakdi-ka-Pul, ☏ +91 40 2323 0105, +91 40 6651 0222, +91 40 3062 0222, +91 40 6651 0220. Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned rooms. ₹ 600-1,500.

### Mid-range

* 17.4075278.468865 Amrutha Castle, #5-9-16, Opp. Secretariat, Saifabad, ☏ +91 40 6663 3888. Designed after castles from medieval Bavarian Europe. All-suite accommodations, meeting and event space, onsite restaurants, a fitness centre and swimming pool. Close to important attractions.
* 17.4043478.465166 The Central Court, 6-1-71, Lakdi-ka-Pul, ☏ +91 98 493-23232, +91 40 2323-2323, +91 40 2323-3262. Centrally located and targeted at the business traveller who needs a place to sleep. Provides complimentary internet and most other business facilities. In addition, it has a couple of reasonable restaurants.
* Quality Inn Residency, 5-8-231/2, Public Garden Rd, ☏ +91 40 3061 6161, +91 40 2320 4080, +91 40 5551 4060. Check-in: 24 hr, check-out: 24hr. Business hotel, internet, conference facilities. Venue, a vegetarian restaurant is part of the hotel, as is One Flight Down, a basement pub. The location is more suited for access to the main city rather than Hi tech city. ₹ 3,300-11,000.
* 17.405878.46417 Rukmini Riviera, 6-1-1062, Lakdi-ka-Pul (behind Hotel Dwaraka), ☏ +91 40 6678-5566, +91 92 4659 1237. Check-in: 24 hr, check-out: 24 hr. Basic, functional and clean hotel. 2 restaurants, one is vegetarian and the other has a bar. It is located near the city centre, at a reasonable distance from both tourist attractions and office complexes, though it is not suitable if you need access to Hi tech city. 2 banquet halls, geared more towards weddings and other celebrations. ₹ 1,600-2,200.
* Hotel Marjan International, Opp. Public Gardens, Chapel Rd, Nampally, ☏ +91 40 2324 4041, +91 40 2324 4042, +91 40 2324 4043. An adequate and comfortable hotel, located close to the Nampally railway station. Large rooms, restaurant. ₹ 2,500-3,500.
* Athithi Inn, # 7-1-59/1, Dharam Karam Rd, Ameerpet, ☏ +91 40 2373 9091. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Cozy hotel, slightly far from the city centre. Room service and laundry available. Has conference room facilities. Houses 2 restaurants. ₹ 2,000-4,000.
* 17.3934978.470528 Hotel Harsha, 39 Public Garden Rd, Nampally, ☏ +91 40 2320- 2729, +91 40 2320 1188, +91 40 6663 1188. Check-in: 24 hr, check-out: 24 hr. Close to the railway station. Basic, but adequate facilities. Vegetarian dining available. As it is close to the main road, it is somewhat noisy. ₹ 1,600-2,500 (higher rates for foreigners, payable in US dollars).
* Hotel Mandakini Jaya International, 3/1 & 3/2 Reddy Hostel Lane, Hanuman Tekdi, Abids, ☏ +91 40 2475 2929, +91 9951242929, sales@hoteljayainternational.in. Chic hotel in the market area of Abids and well connected with city and other business centres. Good for business and leisure travellers and is very close to the airport. From ₹ 1,700.
* Minerva Grand. Promoted as a "Boutique Business Hotel". Rooms are elegantly furnished and provide a cozy atmosphere without pampering you too much. It has a business centre, internet in all rooms, and both locations have branches of Blue Fox, a multi-cuisine restaurant.
* Sai Prakash, 5-4-434, Station Road, Nampally, ☏ +91 40 2461 1726. Close to the airport, strictly adequate. ₹ 1,500.
* Falcons Nest Imperia Suites, 1299F, Road no 68, Jubilee Hills (Close to Apollo Hospitals, Film Nagar, Annapurna Studios,), ☏ +91 40 2360 0060, +91 40 2360 0029, info@falconsnest.in. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. A good,, reasonably priced hotel. Has been renovated, and the suite rooms are luxury. Free WiFi and a complimentary breakfast.
* I K London Residency, 6-3-656, Kapadia Lane, Somajiguda, (in the lane diagonally opposite NIMS), ☏ +91 40 6662 5555, +91 40 6675 9516, +91 40 6675 9517. Check-in: 24 hr, check-out: 24 hr. Caters to business travellers and has easy access to Punjagutta, Begumpet and the secretariat areas. Complimentary breakfast, WiFi and most other facilities you'd expect from a business hotel. ₹ 2,500-5,000.
* 17.4134778.44499 Minerva Grand Banjara, 8-2-616, Road No 11, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6612 7373. This is a newer property. Has Stir, an all-day coffee shop. ₹ 3,000-6,000.

### Splurge

* 17.4051578.4645710 Hampshire Plaza, 6-1-79 & 80, Lakdi-ka-Pul (Diagonally Opposite To Amravathi Theater), ☏ +91 40 2333 5555. Check-in: noon, check-out: nooh. Well worth a stay if the location is right. Well-appointed rooms, with WiFi and all amenities you would expect at the price. ₹ 7,000-11,000.
* Marriott has 2 properties within walking distance of each other in the Tank Bund area near Hussain Sagar Lake and the Courtyard:
** 17.4235178.4877311 Courtyard Hyderabad, 1-3-1024 Lower Tank Bund Rd, ☏ +91 40 2752 1222. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Opened in December 2009. Business hotel, many rooms have a view of the lake. ₹ 5,000-7,000.
** 17.424278.487212 Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre, opposite Hussain Sagar Lake, Tank Bund Rd, ☏ +91 40 2752-2999. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. The more expensive rooms have a view of the Hussain Sagar Lake right across the street. Wi-Fi and wired internet available in all rooms, charged extra. There are 3 restaurants and a bar, including Bidri an Indian restaurant serving Hyderabadi cuisine. ₹ 7,000-16,000.
* 17.43778.446513 Aditya Park, Aditya Trade Centre, lane beside Huda Maitrivanam, Ameerpet, ☏ +91 40 6678 8888. Close to business areas, but far from tourist attractions or from Hi tech city. Free internet, and have a restaurant Promenade and a bar Harry's. ₹ 4,500-6,000.
* 17.4044178.4536614 The Golkonda, 10-1-124, Masab Tank Crossroads (opposite Polytechnic), ☏ +91 40 6611 0101, +91 40 2332 0202, +91 40 2332-0404, toll-free: +1800 425-0202. This is one of the few 4-star hotels in this area. Free breakfast and free internet. Has a fitness centre and a swimming pool. Suitable for business travellers and tourists. ₹ 5,000-9,000 (extra for foreigners paying in dollars).
* 17.4361678.4537815 Green Park, Greenlands, Begumpet, ☏ +91 40 6651 5151. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Close to the city's business areas. Rooms are well-furnished, free breakfast coffee shop, internet and access to the minibar. Once upon a time is the speciality restaurant. The Mustang Bar and Torque the pub. ₹ 5,000-11,000.
* 17.4326178.4573516 ITC Kakatiya, 6-3-1187, Begumpet, ☏ +91 40 2333 5555, reservations@itchotels.in. If price is no object, this is the place to stay. Located in the centre of the business district. It has 3 full-service restaurants. Deccan Pavilion is open 24 hr, and serves up a Sunday brunch from 12:30-3PM. South Indian restaurant Dakshin and an Irish-themed pub Dublin. ₹ 15,000-30,000.
* Taj, a famous Indian hotel chain, has five iconic hotels in Hyderabad of which three are on the same street in Banjara Hills:
   * 17.4096578.4488417 Taj Banjara, Road No. 1, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6666 2323. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Taj Banjara is by the side of its own private lake. The lake is not very well-maintained or clean, but the rooms are. Conference facilities and good for business events. Open-air restaurant Kabab-e-bahar serves Indian BBQ. Underdeck, a basement pub. ₹ 5,000-16,000.
   * 17.4181178.450718 Taj Deccan, Road No. 1, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6666 3939. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. The least expensive of the 3 Taj hotels. Restaurant Spice Junxion serves fusion South Indian cuisine, with a wide variety of pickles, spiced martinis are a speciality of the restaurant. ₹ 5,000-13,000.
   * 17.4164978.4500119 Taj Krishna, Road No. 1, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6666 2323. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. This is the closest that Hyderabad has to a grand old hotel. Taj bought a failing property and turned it into one of the premier hotels in Hyderabad. The hotel interiors are over the top, but rooms are tastefully done, though the hotel's age shows in some places. Golden Dragon Chinese restaurant, Ahala the pub, conference facilities available. ₹ 9,000-15,000.