By Tisha Ghosh
Hyderabad also known as the Pear City not only serves history culture and great food but it has so much more to offer. Did you know this magnificent city can be explored fully within a budget? Be it a student a backpacker or a miser everyone can enjoy the incredible views this place has to offer with these tips. Let us get started. 1.Getting Around Hyderabad on a Budget Hyderabad can be accessed without breaking the bank. You can easily spend a few hours planning all the transportation within the limits of your budget. Opt for Public Transport: The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) buses are every budget traveler’s best friend. They cover nearly every area in the city and the ticket prices range from as low as 5 to 50 depending on the distance. Take the Metro: Starting with a very affordable price ticket of 10 Hyderabad has an extremely well kept metro system. Not only does it help you avoid traffic but also saves money especially for reaching popular destinations like Lumbini Park Charminar or Hitech City. Share Autos and Cabs:Shared auto rickshaws also called share autos are in plentiful supply and are much cheaper than private autos. In the same way you can save money while taking long trips with the Uber and Ola ride sharing apps by indicating that you want to use a carpool. Walk When Possible: Most of the points of interest in the Old City of Hyderabad are within walking distance of each other which is super convenient. Not only does this mean saving on transportation fare but also immersing oneself in the local culture. Quick Facts: TSRTC bus tickets: Starting from 5. Metro fares: 10- 60. Share autos: 20- 50 for short distances. Walking distance between Charminar and Mecca Masjid: Less than 5 minutes. 2.Affordable Accommodation Options Hyderabad is home to numerous stays that will provide great services without making a hole in your pocket. Here’s how you’ll be able to find somewhere to stay without going all out. Hostels and Dormitories:If you are a solo traveler looking for new experiences then possibly try out dorm rooms at Zostel Hyderabad or the Hosteller where rooms start from as low as 500 yen per night. These are ideal for single travelers. Budget Hotels:There are various cheap options for staying in Hyderabad on OYO and FabHotels which start from as low as 800 to 1200 yen around the city. Home Stays: Locals will offer you a taste of their unique lifestyle using services like Airbnb. Prices for such homes usually cost about 1000 yen a night. Avoid Peak Seasons:The Rates change depending on the demand so you should visit during the offseason (which is April to June) if you want to find better deals. Quick Facts: Hostel dorms: 500- 800 per night. Budget hotel rooms: 800- 1200 per night. Off-season discounts: Up to 30% on accommodations. 3.Exploring Attractions for Free or Cheap Many attractions in Hyderabad have little to no access fees or charges. Hence exploring and getting to know the city is not expensive. With this in mind here is everything you need to know about the city’s attractions and how to afford them. Visit Iconic Monuments: Monuments like the Charminar and the Golconda Fort charge very minimal entry fees ( 25 and 30 respectively) making them tourist friendly. The fee barrier for the monuments makes them even more electric for Indian citizens. Explore Free Attractions: Neighborhoods like the Laad Bazaar and places of interest such as the Necklace Road and Hussain Sagar Lake are free of charge. Such vibrant places capture the true essence of culture in Hyderabad. Museum Discounts:The grand Salar Jung Museum priced at just 50 for adults offers discounts for students making it more affordable. In addition students can visit for as low as 20. The Museum is a priceless bundle of history and art making it a must visit. Parks and Gardens:Spend some quality time in KBR National Park or Lumbini Park that are filled with greenery and fresh air. Their entry fees range from just 20 to 30 making them accessible to everyone. Quick Facts: Charminar entry fee: 25 for Indians. Golconda Fort entry fee: 30 for Indians. Salar Jung Museum: 50 for adults 20 for students. Lumbini Park entry fee: 20. 4.Budget-Friendly Food Experiences Hyderabad is a food lover’s paradise and your wallet never has to be in a pinch! Street Food Delights: Partake in delicious Hyderabadi biryani at Paradise or Shah Ghouse for less than 200. And make sure you try the roadside Osmania biscuits which come with Irani chai which cost only 20. Local Eateries:You must also try small places like Pista House for some delicious haleem or Chutneys for mouth watering South Indian breakfast dishes. A typical meal is priced between 120- 180 range. Food Courts: Order inexpensive local cuisine at the Shilparamam food court and Ramoji Film City during your trip for affordable combo meals. Pack Snacks: When exploring tourist destinations bringing your own snacks and water can mitigate overpriced food costs. Quick Facts: Average street food cost: 20- 200. Irani chai: 20. Biryani meal at Shah Ghouse: 200. South Indian breakfast at Chutneys: 120- 180. 5.Shopping on a Shoestring If you know where to look in Hyderabad it is truly a shopper’s delight and you can get some sweet deals while being budget friendly. Laad Bazaar:A great place to shop for bangles! To purchase a pair it would cost you around 30 cedis and the most notable thing here is how important bargaining is. Sultan Bazaar and Jambagh Flower Market:Extraordinary markets that are filled with affordable clothing accessories as well as souvenirs. Everything can be purchased for up to 200 cedis. Street Shopping: For unconventional jewelry and other handicrafts its a must to visit the Shilparamam as it is an amazing tourist location with very beautiful but affordable items. Avoid Overpriced Souvenirs: It would be wise to avoid this type of shopping around the attractions as it is mostly useless and they tend to sell more at the government run places which is why it is best to go there for genuine items. Quick Facts: Laad Bazaar bangle prices: Starting at 30. Handicrafts at Shilparamam: Starting at 500. Bargaining tip: Always start with 50% of the quoted price. 6.Additional Money-Saving Tips Plan Ahead: The earlier your train and bus tickets get booked the cheaper they will be. Check the IRCTC and RedBus platforms as they have bargains. Carry a Reusable Water Bottle: Avoiding the purchase of plastic water bottles is easy if you carry one with you. Public water stations and plenty of restaurants will refill them for you. Use Local Apps:Remember to check Paytm or PhonePe when ordering food taking the metro or when shopping since they may offer better rates. Stay Updated on Free EventsQuick Facts: IRCTC ticket booking: Discounts for early bookings. PhonePe and Paytm: Regular cashback offers. Average savings on metro rides with Paytm: 10-20%. Final Thoughts With these tips you can appreciate the beauty of Hyderabad’s history delicacies and culture at an affordable price. Get your bags packed and gear up for a visit like no other when adventure awaits in a city like no other.