calif road map oTaj Mahal Hotel (Himayathnagar) HOTEL $$ (off Map p898; %27637836-9; tajcafe@gmail.com; Himayathnag

Hyderabad s long-distance bus stations are mind-bogglingly efficient. Mahatma Gandhi bus station (Map p900; %24614406), more commonly known as Imlibun, has advance booking offices (%23434269; h8am-10pm). For trips to Karnataka, go with KSRTC (%24656430). Visit www.apsrtc.co.in for timetables and fares.

the Park hotel, out the back are tables in the sand on the edge of the beach where you can indulge in delicious spicy fried fish ( 120) and tiger prawns ( 160). It s also a great spot for a cold beer with ocean views and a big outdoor screen. It s an overwhelmingly male clientele, but isn t seedy like some Indian bars.

oTaj Mahal Hotel (Himayathnagar) HOTEL $$ (off Map p898; %27637836-9; tajcafe@gmail.com; Himayathnagar; s/d from 900/1200; aW) Despite its unfortunate location in front of an overpass on Himayathnagar Rd, the Taj is a peaceful, sunny, stylish place where the staff are warm and welcoming and the hallway floors look like Jaipuri marble. calif road map Rooms are surprisingly calif road map tasteful, with sleek lamps and chunky, contemporary wooden furniture. Comfy and classy for less than the going rate makes this a great choice.

ANDHRA PRADESH calif road map MAJOR TRAINS FROM HYDERABAD calif road map & SECUNDERABAD DESTINATION TRAIN NO & NAME FARE ( ) DURATION (HR) DEPARTURE TIME & STATION Bengaluru 2430 Rajdhani 1025/1355 (A) 12 6.50pm calif road map Secunderabad (Tue, Wed, Sat & Sun) 2785 Secunderabad Bangalore Exp 274/715/970 calif road map (B) 11 7.05pm Kacheguda Chennai calif road map 2604 Hyderabad Chennai Exp 297/779/1058 (B) 13 4.55pm Hyderabad 2760 Charminar Exp 312/837/1119 (B) 14 6.30pm calif road map Hyderabad Delhi 2723 Andhra Pradesh Exp 465/1252/1715 (B) 26 6.25am Hyderabad 2429 Rajdhani 1725/2245 (A) 26 7.50am Secunderabad (Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri) Kolkata 2704 Falaknuma Exp 442/1187/1623 calif road map (B) 26 4pm Secunderabad 8646 East Coast Exp 430/1178/1624 (B) 30 10am Hyderabad Mumbai 2702 Hussainsagar Exp 312/823/1119 (B) 15 2.45pm Hyderabad 7032 Hyderabad Mumbai Exp 297/792/1089 calif road map (B) 16 8.40pm Hyderabad Tirupathi 2734 Narayanadri Exp 284/794/1009 calif road map (B) 12 6.05pm Secunderabad 2797 Venkatadri Exp 277/723/979 (B) 12 8.05pm Kacheguda calif road map Visakhapatnam 2728 Godavari Exp 297/779/1058 (B) 13 5.15pm Hyderabad Fares: A 3AC/2AC; B sleeper/3AC/2AC