If you’ve been to Hyderabad you will know what an astonishing and interesting cit it is. Hyderabad is the capital city of the Telengana State in southern India and is a major centre for the technology industry, pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, travel and tourism, retail and real estate industries. The city buzzes. And it is not just filled with corporate entities, it is filled with history too.

The old city of Hyderabad is extraordinary, long narrow lanes in ancient quarters, old world-chai shops, spice merchants, handicrafts, art and music, with some of the most vibrant colours, smells and peoples. The women are beautifully dressed in exquisite local fabrics, the men stand tall and regal. And they stand side by side with some of the most impressive Islamic architecture.

There are forts, mosques, tombs and palaces, some of which have been renewed and refurbished, some of which are in a state of disrepair. Either way, they are all worth a visit and Hyderabad has many tourists. Places of interest include Golconda Fort, Charminar, Chowmahalla Palace, Lamakaan, Mecca Masjid, Qutb Shahi Tombs and there are many museums. It’s a good idea to get a guide in Hyderabad, the city is large, there is a lot to see and the traffic can be terrible.

The software industry in Hyderabad deserves special mention. Hyderabad has become a specific IT centre and there are enormous IT parks that have been developed. HITEC City is in the Madhapur suburb and is so huge that it is worth going to have a look at. IT and ITES have set up companies in the city, leading to the nickname ‘Cyberabad’ instead of ‘Hyderabad.’ It is very funny but very apt. Hyderabad is teeming with IT companies and start ups; it is the biggest growing industry here.

An enormous amount of money has gone in to developing the digital infrastructure in Hyderabad and you will find that it is one of the most technologically advanced cities in India. All companies now, big and small, use digital, meaning staff are constantly in demand. If you’re not in IT, and you’re living in Hyderabad, get into IT. It is absolutely the future. Look at www.aceproschool.com and get yourself in the industry.

Entrepreneurs that have come out of Hyderabad include Prem Watsa who is the Chairman and CEO of Fairfax Holdings. He is known as the Warren Buffet of India. The CEO of Adobe is Shantanu Narayen, another Hyderabad native, and Rajat Gupta is the MD of McKinsey and Co.

Hyderabad is a global trade centre and you will find people of all nationalities living and working in the city. If you want ‘in on the action’ and a piece of the pie, do an IT course. Get a diploma and find yourself a job at one of the huge IT parks here. Microsoft, Google, Thoughtworks, Samsung, Motorola, IBM – they are all located in Hyderabad. Dell, Yahoo, Hewlett-Packard as well, and in fact there are too many to mention but if you know the name of a big company, they’re in Hyderabad.

The city, apart from the traffic which you get used to, is a great city to live in. Apart from all the culture of the ancient world, it also has the glitz and glamour of a more contemporary India. It’s a great place to be, no matter your age.