Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, is a city which combines both the ancient and the modern. It has the most sophisticated five star hotels, shopping malls, eating places (especially those serving the world famous Hyderabadi biryani, a dish of rice and meat) and entertainment facilities. And it is a maze of markets and tiny houses - a busy, noisy place where narrow ancient lanes meet large vehicle-choked roads. Different in the layout of buildings, the way of life of the people and the very atmosphere, these two cities exist side by side, presenting two very different images. The buildings of present day Hyderabad are a rich mix of Medieval Indian, Saracenic, Mughal and Colonial architecture, a combination of the Hindu and Islamic influences with a hint of the erstwhile British Raj.


Hyderabad is highly cosmopolitan, a cauldron of a variety of cultures, not only because of its past but also because of the influx of people from all over the country to its institutions, research and educational, and to its various industries, including many high-profile technological firms.

Hyderabad especially draws tourists to its minarets and its pearl bazaar. The gypsy tribes called the 'Lambadas' and 'Banjaras' native to the region are known for their colorful traditions, costumes and handicrafts.