This is Part 14 of Incredible India, our state-by-state travel series. Start from Part 1: Ladakh or read the previous part, Part 13: Puducherry.
Telangana is best known for Hyderabad, a city where the 400-year-old heritage of the Qutb Shahi and Nizam dynasties sits alongside a booming tech hub. Beyond the capital, the state has ancient Kakatiya temples, forts and quiet lakes.
Best time to visit
October to February is the most pleasant. Summers (April-June) are very hot. During Ramzan, the old city comes alive at night with haleem stalls, and Bathukamma and Bonalu are colourful local festivals.
Top places to see
- Charminar and Laad Bazaar: the 1591 monument and the bangle market beside it.
- Chowmahalla Palace: the elegant palace of the Nizams.
- Golconda Fort: famous for its acoustics and the evening sound and light show.
- Qutb Shahi Tombs: a beautifully restored necropolis of the sultans.
- Salar Jung Museum: one of India's largest private art collections.
- Hussain Sagar: the lake with its giant Buddha statue, and Necklace Road.
- Ramoji Film City: one of the world's largest film studio complexes.
- Warangal and Ramappa: the Kakatiya Kala Thoranam gateways, the Thousand Pillar Temple and the UNESCO-listed Ramappa Temple.
Getting there and around
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is well connected worldwide. Within Hyderabad, use the metro, app cabs and autos. Warangal and Ramappa make a long day trip or an overnight stay by road or train.
Sample itineraries
- Hyderabad (3 days): old city and Charminar; Golconda and Qutb Shahi tombs; museums and Hussain Sagar.
- Add-on (1-2 days): Warangal and the Ramappa Temple.
Practical tips
- Visit the old city early to avoid heat and traffic.
- Buy pearls from reputable shops and ask for certificates.
- Many monuments are closed on certain weekdays; check before you go.
What to eat
Hyderabadi biryani, haleem, mirchi ka salan, Irani chai with Osmania biscuits, and double ka meetha. Try our Hyderabadi biryani recipe.
Next in Incredible India: Odisha.
