Central Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Central, Hyderabad, with our comprehensive and informative travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local customs, and transportation options.


Central is a city located in Hyderabad, Telangana, Southern India, and is a cultural and historical hub that also offers spectacular natural landscapes. The city has a rich history and cultural heritage that can be traced back to the Qutub Shahi dynasty that united Central and Hyderabad in 1591. At the heart of the city, you’ll find bustling markets, mosques, and museums that showcase the city’s vibrant culture and history. To guide you through your time in Central, we’ve created a comprehensive travel guide that covers everything from the best places to visit, things to do, and where to eat and stay.

Introduction to Central

Central is a city that offers diversity and vibrancy in its landscapes, culture, and history. As one of the oldest cities in India, it has a rich heritage that echoes in its historical monuments, museums, and temples. From antique markets to Rajasthani havelis and Sufi shrines to palaces, Central offers visitors a window into the city’s past and present. The city’s natural beauty is also a must-see, with lush green parks, tranquil lakes, and stunning waterfalls.

List of Places to Visit in Central

Central offers a wide range of cultural and natural attractions that are sure to delight all visitors. Here are some of the must-visit landmarks and attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Charminar: A landmark monument that is most recognizable in Hyderabad. Charminar is a square-shaped minaret that is spread across four levels, capped with a bulbous dome.
  • Salar Jung Museum: One of the most significant art and antique museums in the world, with an incredible collection of artifacts from around the globe.
  • Chowmahalla Palace: A former residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad, now a museum and exhibition center that showcases the region’s rich history and culture.
  • Golconda Fort: A stunning and massive fort that dates back to the Qutb Shahi dynasty in the 16th century. Visitors can explore the architecture of the fort and enjoy the scenic views from the top.

Natural Attractions of Central: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Hussain Sagar Lake: A man-made lake that is centrally located in Hyderabad. The lake is surrounded by lush green parks that provide a unique setting for joggers and walkers.
  • Lumbini Park: A family-friendly park that offers boat rides, musical water fountains, and exciting lights on a boat ride ride around Hussain Sagar Lake.
  • Durgam Cheruvu: A serene lake situated in the heart of Central Hyderabad. The spot is perfect for picnics and small gatherings.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Central

Central is known for its vast and expansive green spaces, which makes it the ideal spot for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

  • KBR National Park: is an ideal spot for hiking enthusiasts because of its lush green and serene atmosphere.
  • Osman Sagar Lake: a perfect spot for cycling, offering exciting and enlivening views.
  • Necklace Road is perfect for cycling as well.

Best Things to Do in Central: Activities and Tours

Central offers several exciting and immersive experiences for visitors that otherwise cannot be found. Here are some must-do activities:

  • Heritage Walks around Charminar: Visitors can take guided tours around one of the most popular landmarks in Hyderabad, exploring its rich history and culture.
  • Boat rides at Hussain Sagar Lake: Visitors can admire the city’s skyline and view Charminar on a boat ride around Hussain Sagar Lake.
  • Food and Cultural Walks: Central is considered one of the best places for food, making it an ideal spot to explore local flavor-hotspots.

Week-Long Itinerary for Central

Central is a city that you should experience in-depth in order to understand its essence, so we have created a guide to help you take advantage of your time and experience the best things the area has to offer in a week-long itinerary.

Day Activities
1 Sightseeing tour of Charminar, Mecca Masjid & Laad Bazar
2 Historical tour of Golconda palace, Qutub Shahi Tombs & Salar Jung Museum
3 Visit the Chowmahalla Palace and have dinner at a traditional Hyderabadi restaurant
4 Visit Hussain Sagar Lake, Lumbini Park, and Snow World
5 Explore KBR National Park and Osman Sagar Lake
6 Shop at Jubilee Hills, Banjara Hills, and GVK One Mall
7 Food walk/ Beer tasting and game night

Food and Drink Scene of Central

The food scene in Central is a must-see attraction, with a mix of flavors from different regions of India. The city’s cuisine is an exciting mixture of Indian and Mughlai spices and ingredients, with a strong emphasis on the use of dry fruits, saffron, and cardamom in its dishes.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Biryani: A long-cooked rice dish with lamb or chicken that is soaked with flavorful spices and herbs
  • Haleem: A popular stew made with lentils, wheat, and meat that is slow-cooked for hours for a thick and flavorful texture
  • Mirchi ka Salan: A dish made with fried green chilies that are cooked in a peanut and sesame sauce
  • Double ka Meetha: A sweet dessert made with bread slices that are fried and soaked in sweetened milk

Local Beverages

  • Irani Chai: A thick and syrupy tea that is flavored with spices, especially cardamom and cinnamon
  • Lassi: A popular yogurt-based drink that is often flavored with rose or mango

Where to Stay in Central: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Central has a wide range of accommodation options available, including boutique hotels that are perfect for backpackers and budget-minded travelers. Here are some of the best lodging options in the city:

  • Taj Falaknuma Palace: This luxurious hotel boasts views of the stunning palace, and visitors can experience a sense of royalty at the hotel.
  • OYO 10806 Hotel Chandraas Residency: A budget-friendly hotel that is perfect for backpackers and solo travelers.
  • Fab Hotel M Hotel Hitech City: A convenient location for business travelers in Hyderabad, you can experience top-notch service and amenities with great access to various tech parks and offices.

What to Buy in Central: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Central is renowned for its local handicrafts and artifacts that reflect the city’s culture and history. Here are some of the best souvenirs to buy:

  • Pearls: Hyderabad is known for its natural and authentic pearls available in different varieties, giving buyers an opportunity to get hold of unique designs.
  • Kalamkari: A type of hand-painted or block-printed cotton textile, it’s unique and can add interest to any home décor.
  • Traditional Jewellery: Hyderabad’s silver jewelry is unique and something that must be seen and admired.

Local Culture and Customs of Central

Hyderabad has a rich culture and customs that visitors should understand before visiting the city. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Respect for elders is an important aspect of Indian culture.
  • Dress modestly out of respect for locals.
  • Remove shoes before entering temples or mosques.

Best Time to Visit Central

October to February is the best time to visit Central as the weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities while exploring the city.

Do’s and Don’ts of Central

Here are some things to keep in mind during your trip to Central:

Do:

  • Explore bazaars and markets, such as Lad Bazar, and relish the food flavor established at each place.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious or cultural landmarks.

Don’t:

  • Avoid public display of affection as it is frowned upon in Indian culture.
  • Don’t litter or throw garbage careless as hygiene, in a general sense, is important to the citizens of Central

Safety and Health

Safety in Central

Central is generally safe, and instances of crime against tourists are rare. As a popular tourist destination, there is a slightly heightened risk of petty theft and pickpocketing. Visitors are advised to take precautions and be aware of their surroundings.

Health in Central

Visitors are recommended to drink bottled water and carry personal hygiene kits to protect themselves from common illnesses. Healthcare in Hyderabad is of world-class quality, with several top hospitals available.

Getting to Central: Transportation Options and Logistics

Hyderabad has a well-connected transit network, with several transportation options to explore Central.

Airports Near Central

  • Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), Hyderabad’s international airport is approx 35 km south-west of Central.

Bus Stations Near Central

  • Central Bus Station (CBS)

Other Options

  • Inner City Flights: The best option for quick and reliable travel for both domestic and international flights.
  • Metro Rail: Light Rail Transit (LRT) network extends across the Hyderabad metropolitan area and provides fast and efficient transportation around the city.

How to Get Around in Central

Central offers a variety of transport options, including buses, cabs, and auto-rickshaws, offering demanding visitors flexible choices for accessing various parts of the city.

Where to Go Next from Central: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

When you’re ready to explore beyond Central’s borders, you’ll find an endless array of destinations and excursions. Some of the top places to visit outside Central Hyderabad are:

  • Warangal: An ancient city in Telangana with iconic landmarks such as Warangal Fort, Thousand Pillar Temple, and Bhadrakali Temple.
  • Bidar: A historical city located in Karnataka known for Bidar Fort and other important historical monuments.
  • Medak: A picturesque town situated on the hills with thick lush green forests and waterfalls that provide a perfect blend of exotic beauty and nature.

Conclusion

Central Hyderabad offers an exciting and diverse travel destination, and our travel guide provides a comprehensive resource for planning your trip. From cultural landmarks, exciting food, and drink, natural beauty, recreational experiences, the city has it all. With this guide, you can discover everything the city has to offer and plan a visit that is both enriching and enjoyable.

Qutubshahi Tombs Qutubshahi Tombs The Birla Mandir. The Birla Mandir. Hussain Sagar Lake. Hussain Sagar Lake. Snow World Snow World