Pick Your Base- HYD

Co-ordinates: 17.4065° N, 78.4772° E

Region: West

ICAO Code: VOHS

IATA Code: HYD

Runways: 09R/27L, 09L/27R

Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, diverse culture, and booming tech industry. The city offers a blend of traditional charm and modern convenience for crew members relocating to Hyderabad as their base. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview to help you transition smoothly.

CONNECTIVITY

1. Airports and Transportation:

• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD): The primary airport serving Hyderabad, located about 24 km from the city center. It's well-connected with domestic and international flights. It has a single terminal. STAFF GATE: GATE NO 8

• Local Transportation: Hyderabad has a robust public transportation system including:

  • TSRTC Buses: Extensive network covering most parts of the state. You can find the routes here

  • Hyderabad Metro: A modern metro system with expanding routes. Although the connectivity of this metro isn’t as established as in cities like Mumbai and Delhi, it can reduce the cost and time of travel. You can find an extensive metro guide here

  • Auto Rickshaws and Cabs: These are widely available through services like Uber and Ola. Although these apps work differently from the airport: unlike other cities, you aren’t assigned a cab, rather you book and sit in any cab (from the category of cabs. Eg: Uber Go, Ola Prime etc) and provide the OTP. I would also like to caution you against drivers who refuse to take you to the airport at the booking price and ask for extra.

  • Personal Transport: If you have your personal car/bike, you can get a monthly pass for airport parking for ~ Rs 200. For this, you need company approval and proof of registration in your name.

  
  

PEOPLE & CULTURE

1. Diversity and Hospitality:

• The city’s residents come from various parts of India, with a growing expat community as well.

• Festivals and Events: Experience vibrant festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, and Eid. The city also hosts numerous cultural events and exhibitions.

2. Food Culture:

• Famous for its Hyderabadi Biryani, the city offers a rich array of cuisines, from street food to fine dining. Don’t miss local specialties such as Haleem, Mirchi Bajji, and various South Indian delicacies.

3. Night Life: Personally, I love the nightlife in Hyderabad- the crowds are cheery, the music is great & the vibe is JUST RIGHT !

LANGUAGE

1. Predominant Languages:

• Telugu: The official language of the state.

• Urdu: Widely spoken due to the city's historical connections.

• English and Hindi: Commonly used in business and daily communication, especially in urban areas.

2. Language Tips:

• Basic knowledge of Telugu or Urdu can be helpful but is not essential. English is widely understood in most professional and public settings.

ESSENTIAL APPS

1. Transportation:

• Ola and Uber: For convenient cab services.

• TSRTC: For bus schedules and routes.

• TSavaari (metro): For metro route planning.

2. Utilities and Services:

• Paytm/PhonePe/Gpay: For digital payments and bill payments.

• Instamart/ Blinkit/BigBasket: For grocery delivery.

• Zomato/ Swiggy/ Eat Club: For food delivery.

3. Navigation:

• Google Maps: For directions and real-time traffic updates. I have had bad experiences while using this app in some parts of the city as it sometimes tends to go haywire.

ACCOMMODATION & RENT

1. Popular Areas for Crew Members:

• Banjara Hills: Known for its upscale living and proximity to the city’s amenities.

• Jubilee Hills: A posh area with high-end residential options.

• Gachibowli: Close to major tech parks and a growing expat community.

• Kondapur and Hitech City: Popular with professionals due to their proximity to IT hubs.

• Shamshabad: Proximity to the airport and a common choice for cabin crew living in Hyderabad.

2. Rent Range:

• 1 BHK Apartments: ₹15,000 - ₹25,000 per month.

• 2 BHK Apartments: ₹25,000 - ₹45,000 per month.

• 3 BHK Apartments: ₹45,000 - ₹70,000 per month.

3. Finding Accommodation:

• Online Portals: Use platforms like nestaway.com, zolostays.com, 99acres, Magicbricks, and Housing.com to search for rentals.

• Local Real Estate Agents: Can provide personalized assistance and options based on your preferences.

MY FAVORITES

• Chutneys is a MUST TRY for all South Indian food lovers. This food chain can be found in multiple places across the city.

• A 23km long Cycling Track: This is the country's first solar roof track. If you are someone who likes to stay fit, this track is God-sent for cycling, walking, and running.

  
  

• For updates on social events, I follow these guys

• The popular malls here are Inorbit and Sarath City Mall which have everything you’re looking for.

• I have recently discovered pickleball as a recreational sport and I’m obsessed! There are two courts that I visit regularly: Kondapur and Madhapur. They charge approximately Rs.800 and 1200 an hour respectively.

Hyderabad offers a dynamic and enriching experience for crew members moving to the city. Embrace the culture, explore the local food, and enjoy the blend of tradition and modernity that makes Hyderabad a unique place to live and work. Good Luck!