Hyderabad, the capital and largest city of Telangana, is situated on hilly terrain around artificial lakes, including the historic Hussain Sagar Lake, which predates the city's founding. Known as the "City of Pearls," Hyderabad was once a global hub for the pearl and diamond trade, particularly from the famed Golconda mines.

The city experiences a tropical wet and dry climate, bordering on a hot semi-arid climate. Its landscape, with lakes and low-lying hills, provides a habitat for diverse flora and fauna. Prominent environmental reserves include KBR National Park, Kotla Vijayabhaskara Reddy Botanical Garden, and lakes such as Shamirpet, Mir Alam, Fox Sagar, and Patancheru, which attract migratory birds.

The people of Hyderabad, known as Hyderabadis, predominantly speak Telugu and Urdu, with minority communities of Arabs, Marathis, Marwaris, and Pathans. Both Telugu and Urdu hold official status, and most residents are bilingual.

Hyderabad is globally recognized for its rich culinary heritage and is listed as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Its cuisine, a fusion of Mughlai, Arabic, Turkish, Iranian, and local Telugu influences, is known for iconic dishes such as Hyderabadi Biryani, Haleem, Nihari, and Baghara Baingan. Traditional desserts like Qubani ka Meetha, Double ka Meetha, and Kaddu ki Kheer add to its gastronomic legacy.

The city is also home to Ramoji Film City, the world’s largest film studio complex, and its most iconic landmark, Charminar, built in 1591, a symbol of Hyderabad’s rich heritage.