After Mumbai, our recce for the most interesting experiences in a city has brought us all the way down south to Hyderabad. And offering it all from a seven-course authentic feast, to a glamorous cinematic experience, to a stroll through its glorious past, the ‘City of Nizams’ didn’t disappoint!
Steeped in history, thronged with people, and always abuzz with something exciting, the beauty of Hyderabad lies in its chaos. While some of Islamic India’s most impressive architecture looms over the old part of the city, the far younger neighbourhoods like Hi-Tech City, Banjara Hills, and Jubilee Hills are full of glittery new openings and experiences. Here’s a curated list of upcoming events you may check out.
For the love of cinema!
What: Ramoji Star Experience
Why: A little outside of mainland Hyderabad, a magical cinematic experience awaits you at Ramoji Film City. Once you are welcomed with a souvenir chocolate box at the premium lounge, take a guided tour of the popular film city in a vintage bus. and make memories along the way. You get to visit the grand shooting set of the global blockbuster Bahubali, and get an express entry into action theatres and filming locations. Visit the Eco Zone featuring a series of attractions including Butterfly Park, Exotic Bird Park, WINGS, and Bonsai Garden. There are also thrilling adventures and rides for all ages!
Who: Often known as the home of ‘Tollywood’, Ramoji Film City holds the title of the world’s largest integrated film studio complex in the Guinness World Records. India’s only thematic holiday destination featuring the magic of cinema, the complex is spread across a sprawling 2,000 acres and was set up by Ramoji Group in 1996. Apart from taking you on a dreamy celluloid journey, it also features a funfair.
Where: Ramoji Film City | When: November 26 to December 14 | How: The day-long tour starts at 9.45 am, where you’ll taken around in a vintage A/C coach. The tour is bookable via Bookmyshow.com
A feast to remember
What: The Bohra Feast
Why: This isn’t your regular weekend brunch menu! The unique cuisine of Bohras took centuries to travel from Yemen to East Africa, before finally landing on the coasts of Gujarat and Maharashtra. And you get to have to taste of now in Hyderabad! The most essential ingredients that makes the 𝗕𝗼𝗵𝗿𝗶 𝗰𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲 stand apart is its ancestral recipes prepared in traditional style. Savour the flavours and spend an eventful afternoon as the seven-course meal arrives hot and fresh from the kitchen of home-chef Khadija Mustansir Kaukawala.
Who: Widely spread across the globe, from the Middle East, Pakistan, Egypt, Africa, Iraq, Iran, India to western world, the Bohri cuisine has adapted from all the influences and hence, is a unique treat to indulge in. Aish at The Park Hyderabad has come together with home-chef Kaukawala to curate a special multi-course sit down menu with the best that it has to offer!
Where: Aish, The Park | When: November 27 | How: The experience is bookable via Bookmyshow.com
Peek into the past
What: Salar Jung Museum Visit
Why: Take a look into the mirrors of the past human civilisations through the collections at the Salar Jung Museum, ranging from 2nd century BCE to early 20th century CE. Over 46,000 artefacts, 8,000 ancient manuscripts, and over 60,000 printed books offer you a journey to a whole another world. The exhibits on display are divided into more than 38 galleries and dedicated to categores like Indian Art, Middle Eastern Art, Persian Art, Nepalese art, Japanese Art, Chinese Art and Western Art. Apart from this, a special gallery is devoted to the illustrious Salar Jung family, “The Founder’s Gallery”.
Who: The Salar Jung Museum was established in 1951 under the supervision of Salar Jung Estate Committee. In 1961, the museum along with its library was declared as an institution of national importance. Located on the southern bank of River Musi, the Salar Jung Museum is a repository of rare objects from nearly all over the world, right from Europe to the Far Eastern nations in Asia.
In addition, on either side of the main building, there are two more blocks together housing a huge collection of the art and antiques of European, Middle Eastern, and Far Eastern origin, apart from rare manuscripts and chronicles of the rich India heritage – dating from the Mauryan to the Mughal dynasty and the rule of the Nizams.
Where: 9FCJ+J3X, Salar Jung Rd, near Minar Function Hall, Darulshifa | When: November 26 to 30 | How: The museum is open all days a week between 10 am and 5 pm, except for Fridays. You can walk in and buy an entry ticket at the counters.
Ready to rock on?
What: Mixtape Presents Tiny Fingers & C6 Live
Why: All that sauntering through the museum all day calls for a cool-off time. And what better way to unwind than an electric rock concert! Tiny Fingers, hailing from Tel Aviv in Israel, is flying all the way down to Hyderabad to offer you a musical night, packing post-rock, live electronics, psychedelic, dub step and math rock into one super-intense and truly unique musical mélange! Enjoy power-packed performances from their latest hit album, The Fall, and expect this live act to be a mind-blowing experience of futuristic sounds and visuals. The same has led them to be handpicked to open for The Mars Volta, Damian Marley, Dub Trio, All Them Witches, and many more.
Who: Tiny Fingers are one of the leading forces in the Israeli alternative music scene, and are considered the pioneers of the uprising new local psychedelic rock scene. The band has already released five albums, and has toured intensively throughout Asia, the US, ad Europe in recent years.
Where: EXT by The Moonshine Project, 2nd Floor, 385, Road Number 82, Jubilee Hills | When: December 1 | How: Book your tickets via Paytm Insider.
Art attack!
What: The Sarovar Stories
Why: Have you ever found yourself intrigued by something so ordinary that you wish to create an art, equally extraordinary, out of it? Enchanted by the lotuses, artist Sunayana Malhothra committed herself to exploring its fleeting moods and unplumbed depth. Her ‘Sarovar Stories’ are a part of Malhothra’s vivid imagination of what a ‘sarovar’ full of lotuses will look like at different times of the day — blooming, shrivelling, and coming back to life. Experience the relationship of the artist with these majetic blooms, understand their beauty and mythological significance, and be lost in a stunning juxtaposition of colours, tones, and texture, generating a meditative ambiance.
Who: Artist Sunayana Malhothra, famous for her paintings that tend to evoke a meditative aura reflecting her fascination with elements of nature and spirituality, has come together with curator Ruchi Sharma for this unique exhibition at Kalakriti Art Gallery.
A soulful serenade
What: Arijit Singh – One Night Only Tour
Why: Nothing warms heart like a night spent listening to a few mushy Bollywood melodies. And it only gets better if they are sung in Arijit Singh’s soulful voice! The music maestro is making his way to Hyderabad for his One Night Only Tour, and this is your cue to grab a seat (before they are all sold out!) to listen to him live, singing his most romantic, soulful melodies! Sing along to Singh’s chart-topper songs like “Tum Hi Ho”, “Channa Mereya”, “Phir Le Aya Dil”, “Duaa”, and “Kabira”.
Who: A universally recognised Bollywood artist, Arijit Singh’s dexterity extends to being a singer, composer, music producer, and a soulful live performer. Cited as one of the most accomplished singers from India, Arijit’s iconic repertoire consists of over 1,000 songs.
Where: GMR Arena, 6FV3+MH7, Airport Approach Road, beside Novotel Hyderabad Airport, Shamshabad, Mamidpally | When: December 17 | How: Book your tickets via Paytm Insider.
It’s laugh o’ clock!
What: Oh Hello! By Rahul Dua
Why: Drum rolls, please! Stand-up comedian Rahul Dua is coming to the city to get people to fall off their chairs laughing. Combining his small-town charm with big city disillusionment, Dua comes to the stage with his strong punches, measured delivery, and relevant, ridiculously hilarious stories. His new comedy special, Oh Hello! is aimed at causing nothing but mayhem and madness. Be ready for uncontrollable fits of laughter, you guys!
Who: One of the best performers on Amazon Prime Video’s comedy hunt, Comicstaan, Rahul Dua has emerged as one of the most popular names in the Indian comic scene. The stellar performer has done over a hundreds of shows in India and abroad.
Where: Shilpakala Vedika, Shilparamam, Hitech, Hitech City Rd, Jubilee Enclave, HITEC City | When: December 23 | How: The show is bookable via Bookmyshow.com
Eat, shop, love
What: Figma Carnival
Why: In an age where everything imaginable is a mere click away, the enigmatic charm of flea markets continues to attract crowds by the dozens even today. Brace yourself for one of the biggest flea carnivals in the city! Trot out through lanes and get your hands on the best deals on latest in fashion, food, music, drinks, games and more. What’s more? There will be pet fashion shows, fun games, and exciting prizes for all.
Who: Touted as one of the biggest flea carnivals in the city, Figma will everything exciting under one single roof. Additionally, DJ Rhea will bring the party to town with her upbeat music along with Band Capricio smoldering up the stage and electrifying the night.
Where: N Convention, Plot 2-92/1, opposite Cyber Tower, Shilparamam, Madhapur, | When: December 23 | How: The show is bookable via Bookmyshow.com
Weekend madness
What: Underground Sunday Ft. Artbat Music
Why: Be ready to dance the night away, fellas! For this is surely going to be one of the most exciting Underground Sunday episodes of the year at Prism Club. Starring Artbat Music, the globally-acclaimed Ukrainian electronic act, the night will be all about captivating tracks that have an impressive capacity to fuel both intimate dancefloors and huge arenas with energy and drive!
Who: Artur and Batish, the versatile duo behind Artbat Music, have built upon a series of about 10 successful releases that charted globally and conquered numerous dancefloors all over the world. Prism, with its global-standard lighting systems and enthralling exteriors, is hands-down the most hip and happening club in the city. Its Underground Sunday series have had hosted some of the most iconic names in the international and national music industries, including Marshmallow, Claptone, Nucleya, DIVINE, Gully Gang, and more.
Where: Prism Club & Kitchen,Old Mumbai Hwy, Financial District, Gowlidoddy | When: December 25 | How: Book your tickets via Paytm Insider.
Monumental memories
What: Hyderabad Heritage Walks
Why: What better way to explore this enchanting city than walking through its oldest bylanes and exploring many of its nooks and crannies, while a professional guide amuses you with fables and folklores of an era gone by? The Tourism Department of Telangana has introduced ‘Hyderabad Heritage Walks’ with four different routes to pick from — Charminar to Chowmahalla Palace; Charminar to Badshahi Ashurkhana; Charminar to Purani Haveli; and the State Central Library to the City College — each offering a distinct stroll through the city’s noteworthy heritage.
Who: These heritage walks are conducted by the official tourism department of Telangana on all Sundays of every month.
Where: Prism Club & Kitchen,Old Mumbai Hwy, Financial District, Gowlidoddy | When: December 25 | How: For bookings and further details, contact 9553485577 or log onto the Telangana Tourism website for more information on the walks:
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