Hyderabad: India’s High-Tech Hub and Innovation Center

Once one of India’s wealthiest regions, thanks to powerful Muslim dynasties that ruled for centuries, this south-central city has reinvented itself around technology. Global tech and consulting giants such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook, Oracle, Apple, Dell, Accenture and Deloitte now operate in the city once famous for gem trading. The Koh-i-Noor and the Hope diamonds were mined near Golconda Fort, giving the City of Pearls its legendary status. Today, Hyderabad is often called Cyberabad and ranks second only to Bangalore as a leading tech hub in India.

Notably, alumni of the same elite private school modeled on Eton include CEOs of major global companies; Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen were born here. Microsoft maintains its India headquarters in Hyderabad, among several offices across the country.

The city’s modern airport earned top honors in Airports Council International’s Airport Service Quality survey in its size category in 2016 and 2017 and received a Green Gold award in 2018 for sustainability. The Hyderabad Metro Rail, an elevated rapid transit system opened in late 2017, helps bypass the city’s traffic and is expanding; some stations feature convenience stores and groceries to serve IT professionals working irregular hours. HITEC City, launched in the western suburbs in 1998, continues rapid expansion as the tech ecosystem grows.

In August of a recent year India’s first IKEA opened in Hyderabad, drawing massive crowds and even halting traffic as locals flocked to experience the familiar Swedish store—though the cafeteria mixes Swedish meatballs with local snacks like samosas and pakoras.

In contrast, the Old City preserves traditional life: burqa-clad women walk past occasional camels and cows, and bustling bazaars sell crafts, spices and jewelry. The city’s royal past remains visible in palaces and collections of precious gems; historical rulers adorned themselves with diamonds, rubies and emeralds and prized rare stones like the 183-carat Jacob diamond.

Hyderabad is the principal city of Telangana, India’s newest state formed in 2014 after splitting from Andhra Pradesh. Historically, the area was a princely state and was reorganized in 1956 among Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka. The region’s prominence rose under the Qutub Shahi dynasty in the 16th and 17th centuries and later the Mughal influence; from 1724 until Indian independence in 1948, the Asaf Jahi dynasty—the Nizams—ruled the state, leaving an enduring legacy of wealth and architecture.

Things to Do in Hyderabad

To experience the Nizams’ lavish lifestyle, visit the Taj Falaknuma Palace, once a royal guest palace that hosted figures like Queen Mary and King George V. Now a luxury hotel, it offers tours for non-guests (reservation required) and features a grand European-influenced interior: a marble foyer with cherubs and fountains, frescoes, silk and brocade hangings, and a library inspired by Windsor Castle, all blended with oriental details.

The Salarjung Museum houses the remarkable collection of the prime minister to the last Nizam, with some 40,000 objects that make it India’s third-largest museum. Its holdings include Mughal miniature paintings, Indian bronze, stone and wood sculptures, Italian marble work, a jade collection, Chinese porcelain, Japanese lacquerware, Persian rugs and European paintings, plus rare historical daggers and other artifacts.

Climb Charminar’s narrow staircase to enjoy sweeping views of the Old City from the minaret-topped arch built in 1591—Hyderabad’s iconic monument. Surrounding bazaars, including Laad Bazaar, are famous for pearls, jewelry, perfumes, colorful bangles, silk saris, spices and textiles.

H.E.H The Nizam’s Museum in Purani Haveli displays over 450 personal items belonging to the last Nizam, including a two-story wardrobe closet, marble furniture, a gold-burnished throne, silver models of buildings commissioned by the Nizams and numerous luxurious possessions.

Chowmahalla Palace, restored to its former splendor, offers grand halls and courtyards that host events beneath nineteen crystal chandeliers and detailed royal architecture dating from the 18th century.

For film and entertainment fans, Ramoji Film City—home to South India’s Tollywood industry—offers bus tours of film sets and expansive themed gardens featuring topiary elephants, peacocks and international designs.

Checking in with Jonty Ranjagopalan
Owner, Detours India

What insider experiences do you offer?
Detours India arranges visits to artisans’ workshops and homes to showcase crafts such as kalamkari fabric painting; bidri and pembarthi metalwork; himroo and paithani weaving; and cherial scroll paintings. We organize home-cooked meals, cooking classes and a White Mughal history tour exploring the legacy of a British East India Company official who married into the Nizam’s circle.

What brought you to Hyderabad?
I moved to Hyderabad over a decade ago while working for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on HIV prevention programs in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and parts of northeast India. I’m originally from a small city in the northeast.

What cultural differences should foreign investors be aware of when doing business in India?
Business in India places strong emphasis on building relationships. Decision-making is influenced by trust and familiarity as well as logic; developing a comfortable rapport often matters for successful partnerships.

How has the city changed?
HITEC City’s growth has shifted retail and commercial activity westward, and Hyderabad has become increasingly cosmopolitan, attracting global residents and blending cultural influences from across India.

What major developments do you foresee for Hyderabad?
The state government has pursued policies to attract foreign investment and improve ease of doing business. Infrastructure projects such as expressways, underpasses and potential new transit systems like a monorail are planned to support continued growth.

Hyderabad Info to Go

Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, located about 15 miles southwest of the city, is served by major domestic and international airlines. The Pushpak air-conditioned express bus connects the airport with destinations like HITEC City and runs frequently between early morning and late evening. Prepaid taxi booths are available in the arrivals hall, and ride-hailing services operate for airport pickups.

Hyderabad: Just the Facts

Time zone: GMT +5.5
Phone code: Country Code 91, City Code 40
Currency: Indian rupee
Key industries: IT, biotechnology, film, jewelry, textiles and trade

Coming and going
All U.S. citizens need a valid passport and visa to enter India. Passports must be valid for at least six months and have sufficient blank pages. Obtain a visa through the Indian Embassy, a consulate or an authorized visa service before travel.

Official language
Telugu is the official language, with Urdu and Hindi widely spoken; English is commonly used in business and official settings.

Where to Stay in Hyderabad

ITC Kohenur A contemporary luxury property in HITEC City with spacious suites, eco-friendly features like a living roof and vertical gardens, and many rooms overlooking Durgam Lake. Plot No. 5, Survey No. 83/1 $$

Taj Falaknuma Palace This opulent former guest palace sits on 32 acres above the Old City and offers meticulously restored rooms and grand dining spaces. Engine Bowli, Fatima Nagar, Falaknuma $$$$

Taj Krishna Set in manicured gardens, this luxury hotel features classic decor, inlaid marble pillars and club-level services with lake or city views. Road No. 1, Mada Manzil, Banjara Hills

Restaurants in Hyderabad

Fusion 9 Contemporary dining in Jubilee Hills with an international menu and popular Sunday brunch. Plot No. 885, Road No. 45, Jubilee Hills $$

Simply South Award-winning fine dining focused on cuisines from five South Indian states, with locations in Jubilee Hills and HITEC City. Plot No. 258, Road No. 82, Film Nagar $$

So The Sky Kitchen A rooftop restaurant offering candlelit dining, live music and a diverse menu spanning North Indian, Southeast Asian and Mediterranean dishes. No. 550-F, Aryans Building, Road No. 92, Jubilee Hills $$