Every December we go on a family holiday and last December just before visiting my parents in India, we had a family vacation in Hyderabad, India.
We traveled by direct Emirates flight from Dubai to Hyderabad. It took us approximately 3 hours 35 minutes. There are other airlines that fly directly to Hyderabad from Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.
As we are Indian Passport holders we didn’t have to apply for visa. For UAE residents and foreigners, they can contact Indian consulate in their country for tourist visa.
Travel during Covid
All Covid-19 travel requirements has been lifted. You no longer need to show proof of vaccination or negative PCR test. Even face masks are not required.
About Hyderabad
Hyderabad is the capital and largest city of South Indian state of Telangana. It is a major center for technology industry. Hyderabad is located on the Musi River in the heart of Telangana plateau, a major upland region of the Deccan(peninsular India).
Hyderabad is a bustling 400-year old metropolis and it famous as the former seat of super wealthy Nizams. It is the fourth populous city in India.
On our 4 day visit to Hyderabad, we stayed in Falaknuma and explored the city.
What is the best time to visit Hyderabad?
The best time to visit the city is from October–February as the weather is pleasant and good for sightseeing and trips. Summer time from March-May is severely hot and not a good time to visit.
Where to stay?
Whether it is luxury, mid-range or budget hotels, Hyderabad offers great options. We stayed in the ultra luxurious Taj Falaknuma Palace which was the Royal palace of the Nizam.
Getting Around
Public transportation system is good in Hyderabad. You can travel by train, bus, taxi and auto-rickshaw. We had rented a car with the driver throughout our 4 day trip.
Things to do and see in Hyderabad
We stayed in Hyderabad for 3 nights and 4 days and explored most of the city and outskirts. And 3 or 4 days is sufficient to explore the city.
The first day we arrived from Dubai in the evening and checked into our hotel and it was already late, so we unpacked, freshened up and relaxed.
Day 2 was a day packed with sightseeing and exploring. After a leisurely breakfast we visited the old part of the city and spent time at Charminar that was built in 1591 by the fifth king of Qutub dynasty.
Charminar has a mosque with four grand arches. The roof and minarets offer panoramic views of the city. Laad Bazaar or Choodi Bazaar closeby is good for jewelry shopping.
After that we visited the fort of Golconda, Qutub Shahi Tombs, Salarjung Museum, Birla Mandir, Chowmahalla Palace, Mecca Masjid, Hussain Sagar Lake, Statue of Equality and Tank Bund Road.
It was a hectic day filled with historic and cultural sites. We reached our hotel late in the evening, right in time to enjoy Qawwli and spicy Hyderabadi cuisine. Hyderabadi Biryani is a delicacy that is not to be missed!
The whole of day 3 was spent at Ramoji Film City. An hour’s drive from Hyderabad and it is the world’s largest film city complex as certified by the Guinness World Records.
Spread across 1,666 acres, this thematic holiday destination has natural and artificial attractions including an amusement park. We spent the whole day at Ramoji Film City and returned late in the evening.
Day 4 was our last day in Hyderabad and we had a late afternoon flight, we took the historical Falaknuma Palace tour and did some shopping. Must-buy items in Hyderabad are pearls, lac bangles, perfumes, Pochampally sarees, Bidri work home decor, Kalamkari fabrics, Pickles and Sweets.
Overall we enjoyed our holiday to Hyderabad, our highlight of the trip was our stay at Taj Falaknuma Palace.
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