A business traveller’s guide to Hyderabad

Hyderabad: the City of Nizams. The City of Pearls. A buzzing hive of commerce and innovation, with “Cyberabad”, the beating pulse of India’s information technology industry, at its heart. This city of contrasts – skyscrapers towering over ancient monuments, next-gen technology blended with century-old traditions – epitomises unity in diversity. 

India’s sixth most populous city is a melting pot of old-world charm whispered through labyrinthine bazaars, handmade crafts and rare museum collections. Meanwhile, its tech giants are revolutionising the digital world. With a radius of 52km spanning multiple suburbs, Hyderabad Information Technology and Engineering Consultancy City, aka Hitec City, is the city’s business district. The city is a magnet for Indian film buffs too, with Ramoji Film City, the world’s largest film studio complex, located here.

Where to start

Booming Hitec City is a leading driver of India’s IT industry. Located in western Hyderabad, close to the affluent neighbourhood Jubilee Hills, this tech-driven township encompasses technology and office parks, restaurants and an arts and crafts exhibition centre. Adjacent is an award-winning convention centre – the Hyderabad International Convention Centre, or HICC – all within 40 minutes’ drive of Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. 

Hitec City is also well connected to the city’s prominent landmarks. A 15-minute cab ride will take you to Golconda Fort, a fortress complex where you can relive the grandeur of the early modern Qutub Shahi dynasty. Nearby are the seven Unesco-listed, Indo-Islamic Qutub Shahi Tombs, dome-like structures dedicated to the former kings of Golconda. In the old city, time travel at Charminar, a monument whose name means “four minarets”. The detail of its 400-year-old architecture will leave you spellbound.

A couple of minutes’ walk will lead you to the imposing Makkah Masjid, one of the nation’s largest mosques, with a capacity of 10,000 people.

Where to take clients

With close to 75,000 restaurants in Hyderabad, you’re left with the dilemma of where to go and what to eat. Make reservations for Awadhi cuisine at Dum Pukht Begum’s , located at ITC Kohenur in Hitec City. You’ll dine regally under chandeliers, surrounded by tapestries and exquisite silverware. TGs - The Oriental Grill at Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli dishes out decadent teppanyaki, while Golden Dragon at Taj Krishna, Hyderabad in Banjara Hills is a go-to for business talks over Chinese cuisine.

Bar and grill Daily Rituals in Jubilee Hills is known for dynamic cocktails and creatively plated classics, from Caesar salad to dal makhani (creamy lentils). Head to the boho-chill Malibu Cocktail Bar & Kitchen on Medchal Road for drinks, pan-Asian cuisine and DJ beats once meetings are done.  

Where to stay

State-of-the-art Hitec City drives business in Hyderabad, offering easy access to tech parks and multinational offices. If your business dealings centre on the district, the Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre couldn’t be better located and even connects to the HICC via a corridor. Bright, smart rooms and suites, an inviting swimming pool and a luxurious spa to unwind in make this a drawcard for the discerning business traveller. The Westin Hyderabad Hitec City also woos with spacious, modern accommodation, gourmet dining options and rejuvenating wellness facilities. 

The luxurious Trident Hyderabad, in the centre of Hitec City, offers gorgeous sunset panoramas from its pool, plus elegant restaurants and rooms with skyline views. For a change in scenery, Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel in Gachibowli blends sustainability, including rooftop-generated solar power, into its sophisticated approach.

What to say

Hyderabad is a tech city, and you can start conversation by mentioning two of its prized technology centres, T-Hub 2.0 and T-Works, which span artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and life sciences. The city’s infrastructure is top-notch, too, and you’ll score brownie points by praising it.

Downtime done right

Hyderabad is well-served by ride-hailing companies like Ola and Uber. Jump into an auto rickshaw to ride to the historic, heart-shaped Hussain Sagar lake – its huge Buddha statue will take your breath away. Or get some outdoor cardio by renting a bicycle to take on the Healthway, India’s first covered solar cycling track. Retail therapy awaits at traditional bazaars, such as Punjagutta, and the golden mile, a key thoroughfare that runs between the Begumpet Flyover and Banjara Hills.

What to know

Business meals in Hyderabad tend to be more on the casual side. If you need to talk seriously, do so at a fine dining restaurant, especially at one of the luxury hotels, where your dinner will likely be jazzed up by live music. Don’t be surprised if your colleague invites you home for drinks and dinner – it’s part of Hyderabadi hospitality. You’ll get to meet their family and have a great evening where food is the highlight.

Take something home

For more than 40 years, Krishna Pearls have bedecked glamorous customers with chic jewellery in an ode to Hyderabad’s long-standing pearl culture. Karachi Bakery ’s goods, especially its crispy fruit biscuits, are an excellent choice to share with colleagues or family. Head to the shops in Laad Bazaar for glittering lac bangles, which were bestowed a geographical indication tag last year, certifying Hyderabad as their official place of origin. You’ll be wearing a 500-year-old craft on your wrist.