Hyderabad is very much a city where two ways of life – ancient and modern – exist side by side. Sophisticated five-star hotels, shopping malls, eating places and entertainment facilities sit next to a maze of markets and tiny houses, while large vehicle-choked roads meet narrow ancient lanes. You’ll find the people here are very warm and friendly and, since becoming involved in the booming IT industry, Hyderabad is starting to become much more cosmopolitan.

If you are heading for Hyderabad, hold on tight: this is a city on the move. Nicknamed “Cyberabad,” the city has taken major strides since the early nineties in establishing itself as an Indian hub for the IT, pharma and biotech industries. The city is also now a major center for higher education, boasting a staggering 13 universities and business schools.

The capital of Telangana is cleaved in two by the River Musi and crowned by Hussain Sagar Lake. Hyderabad is flanked by its twin city, Secunderabad, which lies immediately north of the lake.

Prior to partition, Hyderabad was the capital of one of the largest and richest princely states of India. Its cultural heritage from this period strongly persists today and is one of the city’s major attractions. The city has attracted a large number of expats due to its many facilities; here you can find hundreds of gyms and yoga centers, a selection of pubs, and – famed for being a city of literature – it boasts a decent smattering of foreign bookstores and book vendors on the streets. The shopping here is fantastic; whether you are seeking out organic produce or Guess jeans, you’ll generally find what you are looking for. All you have to do is ask a neighbor or fellow expat and they will point you in the right direction.