outside of the golconda fort and gardens hyderabad

Hyderabad Holidays

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Old meets new in Hyderabad

Holidays in Hyderabad are your passport to one of India’s most fascinating destinations.

Visit the Old City, where merchants sell their wares in packed streets overlooked by eye-catching architecture. Then head to the modern districts of Hyderabad, with sleek shopping malls sitting alongside high-end restaurants and the very best hotels.

Must-see landmarks on Hyderabad holidays include the sprawling Golconda Fort and magnificent Qutb Shahi Tombs, as well as the lush greenery and biodiversity of the Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park.

History lovers will find plenty to explore, with highlights including the 16th-century Charminar monument and Chowmahalla Palace.

Check out our Hyderabad holiday packages and begin planning your Indian adventure.

aerial view of hyderabad with the charminar monument in the foreground

Things to do in Hyderabad

One of India’s most exciting cities, Hyderabad offers a wealth of attractions and activities that will keep you entertained morning, noon and night.

part of the golconda fort hyderabad

See the mighty Golconda Fort

Golconda Fort is one of the jewels in Hyderabad’s crown and a must-see on any visit here.

The story of this fortified monument can be traced all the way back to the 13th century and today it provides an intriguing insight into India's past.

Sitting atop a granite hill, its drawbridges, gateways and ramparts also offer stunning views of the surrounding area.

It's worth setting aside at least a couple of hours to properly explore and soak up the views.

Where to stay in Hyderabad

The historic Old City

The Old City sits just south of the Musi River and is home to many historic attractions, including the Charminar monument and Chowmahalla Palace.

It's also where you’ll find numerous traditional markets, which help make this area a great choice for visitors looking for an authentic taste of local life during their holiday to Hyderabad.

close up of the charminar monument hyderabad
the fort golconda gardens hyderabad

Live the high life

Hyderabad is home to many modern neighbourhoods that provide a stylish contrast to the hustle and bustle of the Old City.

These include Jubilee Hills and Banjara Hills, which boast high-end shopping malls, nightclubs and fine dining restaurants.

They're also close to Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park and HITEC City, Hyderabad’s tech hub.

Take a look at Tolichowki

The suburb of Tolichowki is well worth considering as a base for your holiday to Hyderabad.

Quieter than Jubilee Hills and Banjara Hills, it’s close to Golconda Fort and the Qutb Shahi Tombs, two of the most imposing and historically significant destinations in the city.

The area also has good transport links to other parts of Hyderabad.

hydersbad old tomb with pink flowers in the foreground
the mecca masjid in hyderabad

All you need to know about Hyderabad

Currency

The local currency in Hyderabad is the Indian rupee. ATMs are commonplace and haggling is standard practice in markets and tourist shops.

Languages spoken

The official languages spoken in Hyderabad are Telugu and Urdu. Visitors will find that English is also widely understood and commonly used for business purposes.

Getting around

Taxis and the recently opened metro system are the most convenient ways to travel around Hyderabad. Buses, trains, boats and auto rickshaws provide alternative options.

Public holidays

The city celebrates a number of public holidays including Republic Day on 26 January, Independence Day on 15 August and Gandhi Jayanti on 2 October.

More about Hyderabad

Glorious cuisine

Like most Indian cities, Hyderabad offers a real treat for the senses, particularly when it comes to food.

The city’s best-loved local dishes are an amalgamation of Telugu and Marathwada cuisine, while Turkish, Iranian and Arabic influences can also be detected.

Rice, wheat and meat feature heavily, alongside a wide variety of herbs and spices. Biryani, a rich rice dish usually prepared with chicken or mutton, can be found on many menus.

One of the top places to try it is Secunderabad’s Paradise restaurant, which has its own roof garden. Chutneys is another popular eatery.

a plate of chicken biriyani hyderabad
the northern courtyard of the chowmahalla palace

A rich history

In Hyderabad you can venture through the ages, with the city’s many historical sites giving a fascinating insight into its proud past.

Hyderabad’s roots lie in the story of Golconda Fort, which grew into a major citadel during the Qutb Shahi dynasty of the 16th and 17th centuries.

The city proper was established in 1591 and shortly afterwards the Asaf Jah dynasty was founded.

Hyderabad holidays will allow you to visit the former seat of the dynasty, Chowmahalla Palace, for a glimpse of the grandeur and opulence that local rulers enjoyed during this period.

A city of hidden gems

Golconda Fort, Chowmahalla Palace and the Charminar monument might be Hyderabad’s most famous attractions, but the city also has plenty of other places to put on your itinerary.

Lesser-known sights that are worth seeking out include the Paigah Tombs, the intricate Toli Masjid mosque and the Mahabodhi Buddha Vihara temple, where you can try meditation.

The Sudha Cars Museum is a little slice of heaven for auto enthusiasts, while the Purani Haveli palace can lay claim to having the world’s longest wardrobe.

Wherever you choose to go, holidays in Hyderabad deliver experiences to savour. 

the paigah tombs in hyderabad
a black necked stork on water in hyderabad

Why we love Hyderabad

“Hyderabad is regarded as one of India’s up-and-coming cities and it’s easy to see why. There are pieces of history at every turn, along with great hotels and restaurants. This is a destination that combines old and new to magical effect.”

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