Hotels in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Biryani, Pearls, and the Charminar Quarter

Hyderabad sits on the Deccan Plateau in Telangana, roughly 600 km south of Nagpur. Founded in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the city built its reputation on the pearl and diamond trade — the Charminar, erected that same founding year, still anchors the old city's skyline at 56 metres. The walled quarter around it, Laad Bazaar, sells glass bangles and attar perfume within walking distance of Mecca Masjid, one of South Asia's largest mosques. Across the Hussain Sagar lake, the newer districts of Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills hold the city's restaurant strip, boutique stays, and rooftop bars.

Where to Stay

Hotels cluster across three distinct zones. Budget and heritage options line the lanes near Charminar and Charkaman. Mid-range properties concentrate around Abids and Nampally, both within 2 km of the railway station. The Hitec City corridor — home to Hyderabad's IT campuses — draws corporate travellers to 4-star and 5-star inventory along the Outer Ring Road.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport sits 22 km south of the city; the express bus to Mehdipatnam takes about 45 minutes.
• Getting around: The Metro Rail (three lines, 69 stations) links Hitec City to the old city in under 40 minutes.
• Best time to visit: October through February; temperatures stay between 15 °C and 28 °C.
• Local currency: Indian Rupee (INR); ATMs are plentiful in Banjara Hills and Abids.