aran isles The Vizag area s natural harbours have long been conducive to dropping anchor, which helped monks fr

YMCA HOSTEL $ (Map p896; %27801190; secunderabadymca@ yahoo.co.in; cnr SP & SD Rd, Secunderabad; aran isles r from 500, without bathroom from 350; a) One of the better cheapies, this cheery hostel has clean, aran isles no frill rooms, some with private balcony. It s near the clock tower.

If you re pressed aran isles for time, APTDC runs three-day tours ( 1950) to Tirumala from Hyderabad. KSTDC (p 849 ) and TTDC (p 998 ) offer the same from Bengaluru aran isles and Chennai, respectively. APTDC also has a full-day tour ( 340) of temples in the Tirupathi area.

DON T MISS The splendid architecture of Hyderabad aran isles s glory days is what brings most visitors to the region. aran isles The 16th-century Qutb Shahi produced some masterful architecture including the stunning Charminar, Golconda Fort and their final resting place at the opulent tombs. The lavish 18th-century nizam lifestyle is on display at sites such as Chowmahalla Palace, Nizam s Museum and the Falaknuma Palace, previously the residence of the sixth nizam and now a decadent hotel. Top State Festivals

The Vizag area s natural harbours have long been conducive to dropping anchor, which helped monks from Sri Lanka, China and Tibet come here to learn and practice meditation. Bavikonda (h9am-6pm) and Thotlakonda (h10am-3pm) were popular hilltop monasteries on the coast that hosted up to 150 monks at a time with the help of massive rainwater tanks and, at Thotlakonda, a natural spring.