Hyderabad Trip on a Budget: Stay | Shop | Binge
By: Trisha Das
Tags: Travel Writing, Travel, Hyderabad, Travel Tips, Traveling

Hyderabad City (source internet)

If you are a foodie, you got to visit Hyderabad. Period!

Hyderabad or better described as ‘The City of Pearls’ is now the next booming hub of Information Technology after Bangalore. So, if you are planning a stay in Hyderabad or looking forward to a short visit, here are some ‘to do’ things, to experience the best of the city.

Where to Stay?

This is an important aspect, because if you’re choosing a cheap stay in the remote end of the city, you may be at a loss. Travel is pretty expensive and it will pinch your pocket big time. Try looking out for cheap deals in OYO or other online websites a month or two prior to your stay. End moment booking are costly and you may end up paying more for a basic stay. Few ideal locations to put up are, Gachibowli, DLF, Hi-Tech City, Madhapur, Nanakramguda, Begumpet, Ameerpet etc.

Best travel route to the city?

Choose your travel route depending on your budget. Unless it’s an official trip, don’t bother spending a lump sum on the mode communication. Those traveling from the northern part of the country and considering a flight journey, look for deals in domestic flights like Indigo, GoAir, Indian Airlines. Domestic flights are pretty cheap these days and fares are almost same as an AC train travel when booked in advance. Also, the air route is a good deal to save on time. Those travelling from nearby states like, Chennai, Karnataka, Maharashtra, bus or train travel is definitely a good option, unless you are looking for luxury. Usually it’s an overnight journey of 12–14 hours when travelling by bus from neighbouring states. Telangana Government has done a great job with road maintenance. Long drives are pretty awesome. Dhabads, restaurants and rest rooms can be easily located in the highway. Those planning a short overnight trip to enjoy with friends on a very short notice, having own vehicle is any day the best alternative for them. Roads are safe as there is thorough patrolling.

Places to visit?

What’s the purpose of your visit? Is it official or for pleasure?

Official visitors running out of time, yet looking to catch the best of the city, can rent a cab through various available apps online and visit places like Golconda Fort, Charminar, Salarjung Museum, Chowmahalla Palace within a day. A bit hectic but doable. These are a few of the Hyderabadi heritage that exists and are still in craze. Besides this there isn’t much that the city has in offer. Other places can be overlooked and one won’t repent missing a visit to them.

Ramoji Film City (source internet)

If it’s a pleasure trip that you’ve planned then the above places are a must in the ‘to visit’ list. Other favourites include Ramoji Film City, Hussain Sagar, Lumbini Park, Qutub Shahi Tomb, NTR gardens, Chilkur Balaji Temple and KBR National Park.

Once done with Hyderabad sightseeing, you can always plan over to the most nearby favoured places like Hampi, Vizag and Goa.

Where to shop?

Laad Bazaar at Charminar

Top places that would make shopaholics happy are Shilparamam, Laad Bazr, Charminar Bazaar and Abids. Shilparamam is famous for handicraft and woven items. For traditional wares, zarri and embroidery works, pearls and semi-precious jewelry you visit Laad Bazaar. For street shopping you have Abids.

Where and what to binge?

It will not be wrong to quote Hyderabad as the food paradise of India. Though every Indian state has its specialty, but Hyderabad undoubtedly tops that list. For Non-veg lovers this could prove paradise. To savour the best of food you have to hit the streets, especially during Eid.

Shah Ghouse famouse for Biryani and Haleem

Say Hyderabad and the name that unanimously pops up is, Biryani. Biryani is the famous cuisine here. Hyderabadis eat, sleep and rave over Biryani. Available everywhere, you can try it at any place because the basic recipe remains the same. Few top joints are Hotel Shadab in Ghansi Bazaar; Meridian Cafe & Restaurant in Punjagutta and Shah Ghouse Cafe & Restaurant in Toli Chowki.

Other famous treats in offer are Hyderabadi Haleem available in top restaurants throughout the year, but most common in the month of Ramadaan. Then you have the famous Boti Kebab, Nihari, Gosht Pasinde, Keema Samosa, Dum Pukht, Pathar Ka Gosht, Paya, and other endless variety of mouth-watering treats. A bit of research on Google to find the best joints that offer these delicacies, and your stay is sorted.

Those with a sweet tooth must try out these special desserts, Qubani Ka Meetha, Double Ka Meetha and Phirni.

Irani Chai

Tea addicts should try the famous Irani Chai. The recipe was introduced by the Persians hence the name, Irani. Made with buffalo milk, this creamy tea has a hidden ingredient in it that adds to the taste. It is best savoured with Osmania biscuits.