South Travel Guide

Discover the rich culture, scenic landscapes, local cuisine, and transportation options of South located in Hyderabad, Telangana, Southern India.


Introduction to South

South, located in Hyderabad, Telangana, is a diverse region of Southern India that offers visitors an enchanting mix of culture and nature. South India is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, vibrant traditions, and tasty cuisine. This travel guide will help you explore the best of South, including its must-visit attractions, hidden gems, biking routes, local experiences, cultural customs, and practical travel advice.

List of Places to Visit in South

South is a region with several attractions, museums, and natural scenery that require a visit. Here are some of the top places to add to your South itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

South is dotted with important cultural attractions that tourists fancy:

  • Charminar: A famous monument and mosque built in 1591, it is one of the most iconic landmarks of Hyderabad, offering a glimpse of the city’s rich history and architecture.

  • Golconda Fort: Dating back to the 13th century, Golconda Fort is an impressive structure that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding region. It played a significant role during the reign of the Qutb Shahi dynasty.

  • Salar Jung Museum: One of the biggest and most important museums in India, it houses a collection of over 40,000 artefacts from around the world, ranging from manuscripts, paintings, textiles, and sculptures.

Natural Attractions of South: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

South is blessed with beautiful natural scenery, national parks and outdoor activities, favoring adventurous people

  • KBR National Park: home to 600 species of plants and animals in the heart of Hyderabad.

  • Nehru Zoological Park: It is one of the largest zoos in India that houses a wide range of animals, including tigers, lions, elephants, and deer.

  • Durgam Cheruvu: This lake nestled in the heart of Hyderabad offers some natural scenery with boating activities for visitors to enjoy.

Hiking/Biking Routes of South

South has incredible hiking and biking routes for nature lovers, leading to significant monuments and offering townscapes in Hyderabad.

  • Kotla Vijay Bhaskar Reddy Botanical Garden: offers bike rides and a nature walk to visitors; tourists can also catch a glimpse of various bird species.

  • Bhongir Fort Trek: lies about 50 km from Hyderabad, it offers a challenging trekking experience to visitors.

  • Osman Sagar Lake: is favorite for cycling routes around South, Hyderabad, providing a scenic experience for tourists.

Best Things to Do in South: Activities and Tours

South has plenty of activities and tours that visitors can partake in to get a glimpse of its culture, food, and local life. Here are some of the top things to do in South:

  • Night Bazaar Shopping: offers visitors an opportunity to shop for traditional clothing, accessories, and local perfumes at affordable prices.

  • Hyderabad Walking Tour: offers tourists the opportunity to tour the Old City of Hyderabad and learn more about its history and have a taste of local cuisine.

  • Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation Tour: This tour takes about 10 days and covers several parts of Telangana, including Hyderabad and Karimnagar, providing a comprehensive overview of South India.

Week-Long Itinerary for South

A week-long itinerary is an ideal duration to visit South fully. Here is a suggested itinerary for a week in South Hyderabad:

Day Destination
1 Visit Charminar and Chowmahalla Palace
2 Explore Salar Jung Museum
3 Trek to Bhongir Fort and Kotla Vijay Bhaskar Reddy Botanical Garden
4 Visit Golconda Fort and Qutub Shahi Tombs
5 Visit Durgam Cheruvu and Nehru Zoological Park
6 Go on a Hyderabad Walking Tour and visit Birla Temple
7 Explore local markets and go shopping at Charminar night bazaar

Food and Drink Scene of South

South offers an incredible food and drink scene. Visitors can enjoy lip-smacking local cuisine that features bold flavors and spices. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages of South:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Hyderabadi Biryani: A flavorful rice dish made with meat, spices, and herbs. It’s a famous and loved dish of Hyderabad.

  • Mirchi ka Salan: A famous vegetarian dish with green chili, peanut, sesame seeds, tamarind in a spiced gravy that delights the taste buds.

  • Hyderabadi Haleem: A traditional delicacy that is a slow-cooked stew of wheat, meat, and spices.

Local Beverages

  • Irani Chai: A traditional tea made with milk, masala tea, and Iranian tea leaves. It is served with Osmania biscuits.

  • Nimbu Pani: A refreshing drink made with lemon juice and sugar, perfect for a hot and humid day.

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

South has several budget and luxury accommodation options to suit all budgets, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Some options to consider include:

  • Taj Falaknuma Palace: A luxurious palace-turned-hotel that offers guests an exquisite experience of Hyderabad’s rich history and heritage.

  • ITC Kakatiya Hyderabad: A high-end hotel located in the heart of Hyderabad that provides luxury accommodation and modern amenities to visitors.

  • Hotel Raj Comfort Inn: A budget-friendly hotel that offers comfortable and clean rooms at an affordable price.

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

South has several souvenirs and local products that visitors can buy to remind them of their visit. Some of the best things to buy in South include:

  • Pearls: Hyderabad is famous for its high-quality pearls, and visitors can buy them from local markets.

  • Handicrafts: South is known for its handicrafts, such as lacquer toys from Nirmal and brassware from Bidri.

  • Hyderabadi Biryani Masala: Visitors can also buy a packet of Hyderabadi Biryani Masala to take home and prepare the famous dish themselves.

Local Culture and Customs of South

South is known for its warm hospitality, rich history, festivals, and cultural customs. Visitors are expected to dress modestly, respect local traditions, and greet locals with a Namaste (folded hands). Local festivals, including the Dussehra festival, Ugadi, and Bathukamma, offer a glimpse of South’s vibrant culture.

Best Time to Visit South

The best time to visit South is during the winter months, between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. Summers, between April and June, can be hot and humid, while monsoon season, from July to September, can hamper outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of South

Here are some do’s and don’ts of visiting South:

Do:

  • Dress modestly and respect local customs and traditions.

  • Bargain when shopping in local markets and stores.

  • Tip guides, drivers, and hotel staff accordingly for their services.

Don’t:

  • Eat street food from unhygienic stalls.

  • Speak or act disrespectfully towards the locals.

  • Drink tap water or eat fruits and vegetables that are not peeled or washed.

Safety and Health

Safety in South

South is a relatively safe region for tourists. Visitors should ensure that they keep their valuables, such as passports and cash, safe and avoid venturing into isolated areas, especially at night.

Health in South

Visitors should ensure that they have the necessary vaccinations before visiting South, including Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and polio. Visitors should also carry insect repellent, sunscreen, and drink bottled water.

Getting to South: Transportation Options and Logistics

South is well-connected to the rest of India through various transportation options, including:

Airports Near South

  • Rajiv Gandhi International Airport: The nearest international airport, located in Hyderabad.

  • Vijayawada Airport

  • Rajahmundry Airport

Bus Stations Near South

  • Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station: The largest bus station in Hyderabad, with regular services to other parts of Hyderabad and Telangana.

  • Jubilee Bus Station: Located near Secunderabad, offering regular services to other parts of Hyderabad and Telangana.

Other Options

  • Trains: South is well-connected to other parts of India through train services from Hyderabad and other nearby stations.

  • Private Taxis and Cabs: Visitors can also hire private taxis and cabs to explore South and nearby regions.

How to Get Around in South

Visitors can get around South using various transport options, including buses, trains, taxis, and auto-rickshaws. Visitors can also rent cars and bikes to explore South at their pace.

Where to Go Next from South: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

South is well-placed to explore other destinations in the Telangana region of India, including:

  • Warangal: A city famed for its stunning temples and rich history, located about 140 km from Hyderabad.

  • Nagarjuna Sagar: A picturesque destination offering a glimpse of the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and Ethipothala waterfalls.

Conclusion

South is a rich cultural and natural destination that offers visitors an opportunity to explore the best of Hyderabad and the surrounding region. Visitors can enjoy outdoor adventures, delightful cuisine, and beautiful scenery while discovering the rich history and culture of South India. With this comprehensive guide, you’re set to explore South and enjoy an incredible travel experience.