Hyderabad-Deccan , General info:
7/10

A 400-year-old city founded by the Qutbishahi kings near the ancient Golconda forts, Hyderabad has been the seat of Nizams. Aftre India's freedom, it has been the capital of Hyderabad state, and since 1960 the capital of Andhra Pradesh. It is emerging as a vibrant knowledge centre, with its strong base of Information technology and biiotechnology sector. The Charminar is its symbol, a domed four-pillared 182-foot structure, that testifies to the triumph of human endeavour over pestilence. It is said to have been built to mark the city's resurrectin from plague.

Hyderabad-Deccan , Cheap stuff:
5/10

Being almost a geographic centre of the Indian sub-continent, it reflects the merger and blending of different linguistic and social sub-cultures of India. One finds a fair mix of various ethnic groups. One can see the ancient and the modern co-existing in this city. The maximum number of films in any language other than Hindi are made in Hyderabad, ie in Telougu. Ramoji Film City, located 30 km from the city, is a landmark. Well, landmarks abound.

Hyderabad-Deccan , Don't miss:
7/10

The Golconda, The Char Minar, Salarjung Museum, Tank Bund, The State Assembly, The Birla Temple, Shilparamam, Ramoji Film City, Osmania University, Banjara Hills.Falaknuma Palace

The Pathargatti, on way to Charminar has jewellery and pearl shops.

Hyderabad-Deccan , Food:
2/10

A variety of food. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian. The Hyderabadi biryani is famous.

Hyderabad-Deccan , Hotels:
2/10

A variety to choose from. Some of them are on par with the best in the world.

Hyderabad-Deccan , Safety:
2/10

Well, if you overlook the bit of rash driving on all roads.

Karachi , General info:
8/10

Karachi is the main financial and industrial hub in Pakistan, a country with a GDP greater than Norway and Denmark combined. Karachi contributes nearly 70% of Pakistan's $420 billion GDP (source: CIA World Facts Book). Karachi's sea ports (Karachi main and Port Qasim) handle nearly 100% of Pakistan's international trade. The city's attractions include its mild weather, and its open space inland. Karachi International Airport has historically been a hub for international airlines, though recently it has lost its luster to Dubai and Mumbai.

Karachi's industries include automobile plants (Toyota, Suzuki, Nissan and local auto and auto parts manufacturers), textiles, steel, oil refineries, chemical and fertilizer, food processing, space launch systems (Sonmiani Beach), and nuclear power.

Karachi' tourist attractions include its white sand beaches, moonlight crab fishing, and its sea dolphins, fine Pakistani cuisine mostly focused around goat meat, beef, chicken, and fish.

Karachi , Cheap stuff:
7/10

Karachi has been found to be the least expensive and the most cost-efficient city of the world in terms of hotel rates for its Sheraton, Marriott, Holiday Inn, Avari (ex Hilton) and Pearl Continental (ex Intercontinental) hotels. Average room costs under $150 per night at these hotels. The finest 7-course dinner at one of the most expensive restaurants will cost under $20, while a good meal in a medium restaurant will be under $8.

The city has recently become a dumping ground of inexpensive Chinese products, thus totally annihilating local manufacture of same products. The Chinese products, however, are available at prices much lower than anywhere else in the world. A 1.0 GB USB flash memory is available for under $5.

Pizza Hut ($6 for a 10-inch pizza with five toppings), McDonalds ($1.20for a full meal), and Kentucky Fried Chicken ($1.50 for a 12-piece all white meat pack) are some of the American brands with outlets across the entire city. But watch for the toppings and add-ons --- they all have some local flavoring also available.

Karachi , Different stuff:
8/10

The spped at which the city moves beats any big city.

Karachi , Don't miss:
10/10

Don't miss grilled food, lassi (yougurt drink), and

Beaches, moonlight crab fishing and dolphin dance at the beach.

Karachi , Food:
10/10

Siekh kabab, Chicken tikka, Beef tikka, Fish (fried and tikka) and Biryani. Be sure to eat it with tandoori naan.

Drinks include lassi (yoghurt drink), roohe afzaa (watermelon extract with vanilla and natural sweeteners), mango lassi, mango and orange (kinnoo) juices.

Local ice creameries are full of faluda (icecream with rose syrup and spaghetti in milk) and pistachio ice cream on a stick.

Karachi , Hotels:
8/10

Taj Mahal, Avari, Mehran, Pearl Continental, Marriott, Sheraton, Holiday Inn, Meridien, and over 500 other hotels

Karachi , Safety:
5/10

As in all large cities, Karachi has a high crime rate, though the murders rate in Karachi is still above half that in New York, and on a per capita basis, it is as low as that of San Francisco. Be sure to -not- carry any valuables with you, or a large sum of cash or expensive cameras and jewelery, unless you are with a group. Carjacking and cellphone jacking are favorite hobbies of local criminals.

Keeping a low profile, regardless of where you are, is always a wise choice. Showing off cell phones, cameras, and jewellery, and carrying a lot of hard cash is not a good idea. Travel with those Pakistanis who have been to other parts of the world and make good friends. This might help in addressing safety issues. People, in general, are quite progressive, hospitable, and hard working.