Invisible Cities

Some of the best trips are the ones that sneak up on you. This one was exactly that. On one fine work loaded week, Ayush had to travel to Hyderabad on a Tuesday. Office trip and all! So I decided to tag along, turning it into a much-needed workcation. And by the weekend, we were ready to transform this work trip into a full-blown Hyderabad 3 day itinerary. 

We were aiming to pack it up with history, food, and quiet moments filled with conversations.

Honestly, Hyderabad is not just another big Indian city. 

It’s where centuries of history meet IT parks. Where the aroma of biryani wafts through crowded markets, and where monuments light up even at midnight. 

Here’s a peek into how we spent three days exploring this beautiful city, in Invisible Cities style.

Day 1: Workcation in HITEC City & Karachi Bakery Tea

As you already know, it was a work trip. So, Ayush had to attend office all day. Meanwhile, what I did is…I carried my work (iPad) and explored the HITEC City on my own. 

I had googled up some of the best work-friendly cafes, and set out. Me, my iPad and google maps, against the world, haha! 

First Impressions of Hyderabad

My first impression of Hyderabad was how effortlessly it blends the old and the new. 

HITEC City is all modern. Towering glass buildings, wide roads, buzzing tech parks. But just as you drive in, you still spot old chai stalls at the corner. You even get to see rickshaw drivers chatting under a tree. Old world charm, you see!

There’s something about Hyderabad’s architecture that reflects this contrast beautifully. The new-age skyscrapers stand tall, yet they never fully overshadow the centuries-old minarets and domes.

Also, the people here were warm and approachable. 

Even when I was aimlessly walking, scouting for a café, two security guards cheerfully suggested their favorite tea stall nearby. Joking that I wouldn’t find a better cup in a fancy café. 

It felt like the city was welcoming me in its own casual, unhurried way.

Finding My Workation Spot

Soon I discovered the Roastery cafe, tucked in a quiet lane. I found a cozy spot there, and settled in. 

They had a great coffee menu, comfy seating, and Wi-Fi . Perfect for setting up my little workstation. The barista recommended their signature cold brew. This became my companion for the next few hours as I worked through my tasks.

It was soon shaping up as a different kind of travel experience. Not rushing to tick off sightseeing spots but soaking in the local work-life rhythm. 

Watching employees pop in for a quick lunch break, and overhearing startup conversations at the next table. I felt like I had blended into Hyderabad life for a day.

Evening Tea at Karachi Bakery

By evening, Ayush was off work, and we decided to take a stroll through the locality. More like a street food hopping stroll. That’s when we found the Karachi Bakery.

An iconic name in Hyderabad since 1953. We ordered tea and sandwich and Osmania cookies. 

Sitting there, sipping tea, we watched people rushing home after work. It felt like we had front-row seats to everyday Hyderabad life.

This was such a simple evening. But it set the perfect tone for the rest of our Hyderabad 3 day itinerary. 

Slow, curious, and focused on soaking in the city beyond just its tourist spots.

Day 2: Hussain Sagar Boat Ride & Charminar at Midnight

Friday was our first real vacation day, and we decided to take it slow. 

I took a half day and finished work early. Probably by 5pm. And then we set out to follow our lazy plan for the evening.

Let’s walk you through it!

Eat Street: The City’s Social Hub

Our first stop was Eat Street, a lively plaza overlooking Hussain Sagar Lake. 

It wasn’t fancy. Just a cluster of food stalls and open seating but it had character. There were families sharing snacks, college students sipping cold drinks, and couples sitting by the railing, watching the lake.

We got a cup of chai and a plate of pakoras, and just sat there for a while. A cute orange cat came by to offer some company.

It felt like the perfect pause before we started exploring.

Boat Ride to the Buddha Statue

Next, we hopped on a boat for a ride across Hussain Sagar Lake to see the iconic Buddha Statue up close. The breeze on the boat was refreshing, and as we got closer, the statue seemed to grow taller, standing gracefully in the middle of the lake.

There was a stillness about it, even with tourists clicking pictures around us. 

From the boat, we could see the iconic Necklace Road, and the cluster of parks along the lakeside. 

A reminder that this city loves its open spaces. Trust me!

Walking Along Necklace Road in Hyderabad

Once we got back, we decided to walk along Necklace Road towards Lumbini Park. It was one of my favorite parts of the day. No rush, no agenda, just us walking and conversing.

We passed by the Secretariat building, the entrance to NTR Gardens, and the NTR Memorial. 

The entire vibe was simple and grounded, and somehow nostalgic.

There were balloon sellers, kids running around with cotton candy, and locals sitting on benches chatting about everything under the sun. 

This was so much in contrast to the hustle that we observed last evening at the Hitech city. 

All this, despite the traffic whizzing past.

Biryani Stop: The Paradise Biryani

By the time evening rolled in, our stomachs were rumbling. We knew it was time for our first official stop on the Hyderabad biryani trail. We headed straight to Paradise Biryani.

The biryani arrived in a steaming handi, the aroma hitting us before it even landed on the table. The first spoonful was everything we had hoped for. 

Long-grained basmati rice perfectly spiced, tender meat falling off the bone, and just the right amount of heat. 

It was good. Not Kolkata Dada Boudi Biriyani level good, but good. 

Ayush and I, as usual, got into a “serious debate”. He claimed the rice was the best part, fragrant and flavorful. While I insisted the melt-in-your-mouth meat was what made the dish. 

In the end, we were too full to decide the winner of this debate, but you know who won, right?

Charminar at Night: Hyderabad’s Crowned Jewel

Post-biryani bliss, we drove to the iconic Charminar. If there’s one thing you must do in Hyderabad, it’s seeing Charminar at night.

It was built in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. Charminar was constructed to commemorate the founding of Hyderabad.

Legend has it that the ruler prayed for the end of a plague that had devastated the city. And when his prayers were answered, he built this monument as a symbol of gratitude.

The drive itself felt like stepping back in time. 

The streets grew narrower, the sounds got louder, and soon we were in the heart of the Old City. At midnight, the monument was bathed in golden light, standing tall and proud as if telling stories from centuries ago.

The area was still alive. 

• Shopkeepers arranging bangles in neat rows. 
• Tea sellers calling out for one last round of chai, 
• and the smell of kebabs wafting from tiny food stalls. 

There were fewer crowds compared to the day, which meant we could stand and savour the symmetry of the four minarets. Only to and by ourselves!

I remember Ayush quietly saying, “It feels like the city is holding its breath.” 

And that’s exactly how it felt. A rare, still moment in a city that rarely sleeps.

Day 3: Forts, Palaces & The Grand Biryani Finale

Saturday was our power-packed day. We made it all about Hyderabad’s history, architecture, and a fitting finale to our biryani quest.

Let’s begin…

Qutb Shahi Tombs

Our morning began at the Qutb Shahi Tombs. The gardens were fresh from the morning dew, and the tombs stood like sentinels of history.

This complex is where the entire Qutb Shahi dynasty (1518 to 1687) are buried.

There are 21 tombs in total, each one unique. 

These tombs are considered one of the earliest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture in the Deccan. They perfectly blend Persian, Pashtun, and Indian influences. How enchanting!

The best thing is that it wasn’t crowded. This made it feel like we had the entire place to ourselves.

A rare luxury in a city as alive and bustling as Hyderabad. You understand my POV, right?

Golconda Fort Guided Tour

From there, we drove to Golconda Fort, a place that truly blew us away. We hired a local guide, which turned out to be the best decision.

• He demonstrated the fort’s famous acoustic system. A clap at the Fateh Darwaza echoed clearly all the way up to the highest point of the fort, nearly a kilometer away.
• Later, he explained how the fort once had a clever network of Persian wheels to pump water uphill. 
• And, how Golconda was once a thriving diamond market.

Standing there, it hit us. 

This was where legendary gems like the Koh-i-Noor were believed to have been traded!

The climb to the top was a workout, but the view was worth every step. 

From the top, Hyderabad stretched out like a patchwork quilt. Old monuments, modern skyscrapers, and lakes glinting in the distance.

You have to be there to feel this!

Travel tip: 

• Go early in the morning to avoid the heat, 
• carry water, 
• and wear good walking shoes. 

Also, If you have time in the evening, stay back for the sound-and-light show.

Charminar by Day & Nimrah Café in Hyderabad

We couldn’t resist seeing Charminar in daylight, so we returned. The vibe was completely different this time. Louder, more chaotic, but full of life. 

The streets were bursting with color.

• Bangle shops glistening under the sun (I bought two pairs, okay?) 
• pearl traders calling out prices, 
• and the smell of biryani, kebabs, and Irani chai filling the air.

We stopped at the iconic Nimrah Café & Bakery for a cup of Irani chai and a plate of Osmania biscuits. 

It was crowded, but that only added to the charm.

This chai was everything we needed then to wash off the weariness of the heat. Oh, what aroma!

Chowmahalla Palace

Next up was Chowmahalla Palace, the former seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty. 

The moment we stepped in, it felt like entering another era. The Durbar Hall with its Belgian crystal chandeliers was breathtaking. 

And the vintage car collection was a surprise treat. Rows of perfectly preserved Rolls Royces and classics that once belonged to the Nizams. You had to see the glitter in Ayush’s eyes in this section, haha!

It was quiet, elegant, and a perfect place to pause before wrapping up the day.

Biryani Stop #2: Hotel Shadab

By now, we were starving and it was finally time for the very popular Shadab biryani. This is one of the most loved biryani spots in Hyderabad. Almost the Dada Boudi Restaurant of Hyderabad!

Shadab’s biryani was a level up from Paradise. Spicier, more robust in flavor, and definitely MAGICAL. Every bite was pure. I am having flashbacks of the taste even while writing this. It had that smoky aroma and rich masala flavor that lingers long after the meal.

Ayush and I ate in happy silence, and at one point, we just looked at each other and grinned. This was the biryani we had been waiting for. If there’s one food memory I’ll carry from Hyderabad, this is it.

We wrapped up the evening and headed home, full and content. It was the perfect finale to our last full day in Hyderabad.

Yum!

Day 3: Quick Stop at Salar Jung Museum & Farewell

On our last day, before heading to the airport, we made a quick stop at Salar Jung Museum. It’s one of the largest art museums in India and houses the personal collection of Salar Jung III, the former Prime Minister of Hyderabad.

We barely had an hour, so we rushed through a few galleries. Mainly, 

• European paintings, 
• Mughal miniatures, 
• Persian carpets, 
• and ivory carvings

But the star of the show was The Veiled Rebecca. 

A marble sculpture so delicately carved that the veil looked almost translucent. It was mesmerizing.

This museum deserves at least half a day, and I left with a mental note: I will definitely come back to Hyderabad just to explore Salar Jung at a slower pace (and, of course, to eat Shadab biryani again!).

Tips for Your Hyderabad 3 Day Itinerary

• Best Time to Visit: October to February for pleasant weather (summers can be scorching).
  
• Getting Around: Ola/Uber are convenient, but auto rickshaws are great for short hops. Just bargain before you ride.
  
• Must-Try Foods: Hyderabadi biryani (Paradise, Shadab, Pista House), Irani chai with Osmania biscuits, haleem if you’re visiting during Ramadan.
  
• Shopping Tips: Laad Bazaar for bangles, Moazzam Jahi Market for fresh fruits. And spices, Shahran Market for pearls.
  
• Comfortable Clothing: Wear light, breathable clothes and good shoes. Forts and palaces involve a lot of walking.
  

Wrapping Up Our Hyderabad Trip…

Hyderabad gave us everything we were hoping for.

Lakeside serenity, grand palaces, centuries-old forts, late-night street walks, and some of the best food we’ve ever eaten.

Even though we had to rush through a few places (like Salar Jung Museum), the city left us full, in every sense of the word. 

If you’re planning your own Hyderabad 3 day itinerary, this mix of boat rides, historic walks, local food stops, and a proper biryani trail will let you experience Hyderabad’s soul in just a weekend.

Happy Hyderabad to you!