Family Friendly 6-Day Itinerary: Hyderabad and Vizag
Sunday, December 24: Arrival in Hyderabad
Welcome to Hyderabad! Start your trip by exploring the historic Charminar in the morning. This iconic monument is a magnificent example of Islamic architecture. In the afternoon, visit the fascinating Salar Jung Museum, which houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts. As the evening sets in, head to the Lumbini Park and enjoy a boat ride in the Hussain Sagar Lake, offering beautiful views of the city skyline.
Charminar: Free, 2-3 hours
Salar Jung Museum: INR 40 per person, 2-3 hours
Lumbini Park: INR 20 per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to 'Chutneys', a popular restaurant known for its South Indian delicacies. Enjoy their famous dosas and idlis. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 200 per person.
For lunch, visit 'Paradise Biryani', a renowned restaurant famous for its mouthwatering biryanis. Indulge in their flavorful biryanis and kebabs. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 400 per person.
For dinner, try 'Rayalaseema Ruchulu', a traditional Andhra cuisine restaurant known for its spicy and flavorful dishes. Explore the flavors of authentic Telugu cuisine. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 500 per person.
Monday, December 25: Ramoji Film City
Spend the whole day exploring Ramoji Film City, the world's largest integrated film studio complex. Get a glimpse behind the scenes of the vibrant Telugu film industry. Enjoy various entertainment shows, rides, and attractions. Don't miss the spectacular live performances and the thematic gardens. It's an immersive experience that the whole family will enjoy.
Ramoji Film City: INR 1,150 per adult, INR 950 per child, full day
Restaurants
A great breakfast option near Ramoji Film City is Chutney's Restaurant. Known for their delicious South Indian breakfast items like idli and dosa, the average cost for a meal here is about 150 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Dakshin Rasoi. They serve an array of flavorful vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes from the South Indian cuisine. The average cost for a meal here is about 250 INR per person.
For a delightful dinner, make your way to Paradise Restaurant. This popular restaurant offers a wide variety of North Indian and Hyderabadi dishes, including their famous biryani. The average cost for a meal here is around 400 INR per person.
Tuesday, December 26: Enchanting Vizag
Leave Hyderabad, and travel to Vizag (Visakhapatnam) by train or flight. Explore the serene beauty of Rishikonda Beach in the morning. It's a perfect spot for swimming and relaxing with your family. In the afternoon, visit the Kailasagiri Hill Park, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Bay of Bengal. End the day by exploring the Submarine Museum, which offers an intriguing insight into India's naval history.
Rishikonda Beach: Free, 3-4 hours
Kailasagiri Hill Park: Free, 2-3 hours
Submarine Museum: INR 40 per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your morning with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Chutneys. They offer a variety of dosas, idlis, and vadas. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Kamat Restaurant, known for its mouthwatering thalis and vegetarian delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Indulge in a delectable dinner at Ming Garden, a Chinese restaurant with a cozy ambiance. Try their flavorful noodles and dumplings. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Wednesday, December 27: Araku Valley
Embark on a day trip to the picturesque Araku Valley, known for its stunning landscapes and coffee plantations. Marvel at the breathtaking Borra Caves in the morning, formed millions of years ago. In the afternoon, visit the Tribal Museum to learn about the indigenous culture of the region. Enjoy a scenic train ride on the Araku Valley Light Railway, offering panoramic views of the valley. Return to Vizag in the evening.
Borra Caves: INR 60 per person, 3-4 hours
Tribal Museum: INR 10 per person, 1-2 hours
Araku Valley Light Railway: INR 100 per person, 2-3 hours
Thursday, December 28: Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
Spend the day exploring the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, a vast wildlife sanctuary that houses various animal species. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the park, and don't miss the safari ride for a closer look at the animals. The park also has a toy train and a well-maintained botanical garden. It's a fantastic place for kids and animal lovers.
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park: INR 30 per adult, INR 10 per child, half day
Restaurants
Breakfast: Paradise Bakery
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Paradise Bakery, located near the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park. This popular bakery offers a variety of freshly baked goods, including delicious pastries, breads, and muffins. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Lunch: Dharani Restaurant
For a satisfying lunch, head to Dharani Restaurant, a local favorite known for its authentic South Indian cuisine. The restaurant offers a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including biryanis, dosas, and curries. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Dinner: Zaffran
Indulge in a flavorful dinner at Zaffran, a fine dining restaurant that specializes in traditional Hyderabadi and North Indian dishes. The menu features a variety of kebabs, curries, and biryanis, all made with high-quality ingredients and aromatic spices. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Friday, December 29: Bheemili Beach and Departure
Spend your last day in Vizag relaxing at Bheemili Beach, a serene and less crowded beach. Take a stroll along the shore, collect shells, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. In the afternoon, you can visit the Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex to explore the ancient ruins of a Buddhist monastery. Afterward, say goodbye to Vizag and depart for your onward journey.
Bheemili Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex: INR 25 per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near Bheemili Beach is The Beach House Café. They offer a variety of breakfast options, including traditional Indian dishes and Western-style breakfast items. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 200 per person.
If you're looking for a delicious lunch option, head to Rama Rao Grand Bazaar. This restaurant serves authentic Andhra cuisine, known for its spicy and flavorful dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 300 per person.
For dinner, check out Palm Beach Restaurant located near Bheemili Beach. They specialize in seafood and offer a wide range of dishes to choose from. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 500 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a hidden gem in Hyderabad, visit the Qutub Shahi Tombs. This complex houses the tombs of the rulers of the Qutub Shahi dynasty and offers stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings. In Vizag, head to Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, a lesser-known spot where you can enjoy nature trails, spot wildlife, and have a picnic with your family.