22 Unique Experiences In Hyderabad You Must Try At Least Once

The Durgam Cheruvu Hanging Bridge has surely caught the fancy of people who love going on drives, photo ops, and leisurely onlookers. The new bridge connecting Jubilee Hills and Hitech City has changed the face of Hyderabad and given it a swanky new facelift. Scores of people walking onto the bridge for a picture will stand true to the beauty of the Durgam Cheruvu Bridge. While in the area, visit the Durgam Cheruvu Secret Lake Park, where you can hire a boat ride on the serene lake amid the chaos. We found self-pedalling boats, bigger ones for groups and even faster jets for the adventure lovers. With a view of both the city's buildings on all sides and the bridge, the rides offer a super unique experience in Hyderabad.

Price: INR 60 onwards for entry

Timings: 5 AM to 9 AM and 4 PM to 8 PM

Activities: Walking, Boating and Speed Boating

How To Reach: The closest metro station is Durgam Cheruvu Metro Station

Adventure lovers, you don't have to travel too far to quench your thirst for kayaking. The Kotapally Reservoir in Vikarabad arranges plenty of water activities, and you can head out there to take your share of a kayak. Raft in the lake all you like and explore the surroundings when you're done. Several food stalls are set up around the lake and you can indulge in some roasted corn after a strenuous water activity. But you can also picnic at the lake by carrying your own snacks and eatables.

Price: Free; kayaking charges apply according to booking vendors

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM (Sunrise to Sunset)

Activities: Kayaking and trekking

How To Reach: You can easily reach here by a bus by getting off at Vikarabad Bus Station

Overlooking green gardens stands a tall white structure that houses the Jewel of Nizam, a restaurant that sounds (and looks) like something straight out of a fairytale. Jewel of Nizam, The Minar is a fine dining restaurant located in Golkonda Resort, Gandipet. Get a slice of authentic Nizami delicacies like Anokhi Kheer, Barkas Patthar Gosht, and Kacchi Dum Biryani. Their wine collection includes Redvale, Torres Vina Sol, Riff Rosso Merlot Cabernet, and of course, Sula. It calls for a perfect dinner date. Read more about it here.

Price: INR 3,000 for two (approx.)

Timings: 12 PM to 4 PM, 7 PM to 11 PM

How To Reach: The best way is to drive down to Golkonda Resort

If you like to take matters into your own hands and dislike pre-planned touristy itineraries while travelling, let us introduce you to the Telangana State Tourism Board's latest offering. You can now rent your spacious caravans by the hour to explore places within the state. While there are options to rent them for just a day, you could also go big and hire the caravans for a couple of days. Telangana has some untouched hidden gems that are great to drive to and explore on your own. If you're not up for driving, you can also hire cars from the Tourism department.

Price: INR 100 per km onwards (depending on the vendor)

Whether you just want to hang out with your pets or are looking for a daycare centre that takes care of your fur-balls, you should check out The Pet Cafe in Banjara Hills. With quirky lights, humorous animal posters, and vibrant paintings against soft colours on walls, it has nailed the homely vibe. So, your doggo and kitties can feel at home away from home, as well as indulge in some drool-worthy treats here. Their menu for pets includes fish rice, sausages, chicken and peanut butter pupcakes, pet-friendly ice cream, and a special Super Bowl, whereas humans can munch on continental food. 

Price: INR 600 for two (approx.)

Timings: 2:30 PM to 7 PM

Hyderabad is popping with new microbreweries in 2024! While we just had one or two places to chug a chilled glass of brewed beer pre-pandemic, at least ten places have opened up now, all with their unique flavours. So gather your friends, get bar-hopping, and let us know which one's your favourite! We suggest hitting up 36 Downtown Brew Pub or Broadway in Jubilee Hills.

Price: INR 3,000 for two (approx.)

Timings: 12 PM to 12 AM

If you've driven past the Osmania University College for Women or Koti Women’s College before and gawked at the massive British Residency building, we have good news! The 200-year-old heritage building that was a part of the college premises and closed to the public previously has now been restored. You can now visit the palatial building to marvel at its architecture and history for just INR 100. Take a quick trip to Gokul Chaat later, and you will have a budget-friendly date for yourself!

Price: INR 100 for entry

Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM [Only open on Saturday, Sunday and Monday]

How To Reach: The nearest bus stop is Koti Bus Stop, which is about a five to seven-minute walk away. 

Gol Bungalow at the Taj Falaknuma Palace is probably the most romantic restaurant in Hyderabad. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience to visit the restaurant, overlooking a stunning view of the city. The entire experience speaks royalty, with an exclusive horse carriage ride arranged to take you to the palace entrance, where you will be welcomed with a shower of rose petals. The dinner reservation includes a tour of the palace, including the royal study and library. Your meal is accompanied by live music as a group of singers regale you with qawwalis of both the golden years gone by and some current ones from Hindi movies. While dining here is expensive, we recommend visiting on special occasions.

Price: INR 18,000 for two (approx.)

Timings: 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM

How To Reach: Drive down to Taj Falaknuma

Have friends that avoid going to movie theatres because it's just too uncomfortable, and they'd rather watch them on OTTs? Let us introduce you to the cosiest movie theatre in Hyderabad. We were surprised by the range of pampering we experienced at The Platinum Cinemas by Movie Time at SLN Terminus. The experience is unlike your typical movie outing, what with all the seats in the theatre that recline, doubled up with cosy personal blankets and tiny pillows! You can charge your phone with your personal USB outlet and enjoy the latest movies playing on the big screen while placing orders for popcorn from your seats.

Price: INR 400 per ticket (approx., prices may fluctuate)

Google Rating: 4.2/5

If catching up with friends over coffee or a meal is getting too mundane for you, head to the Sportika Badminton Arena for a fun game. The indoor courts are super well-maintained and are ideal for groups of friends looking to enjoy some physical activity together. We recommend booking slots in advance, since the courts get booked pretty fast, especially on weekends.

Price: INR 600 per hour onwards

Timings: 6 AM to 12 AM

Google Rating: 4.5/5

Want to take your love for pizza to the next level? You can now learn to make one from scratch from a professional chef! Roy's Pizzeria, run by Chef Vaibhav Roy, regularly organises private pizza-making sessions for cooking enthusiasts. You will learn the chef's secrets on how to make your own pizza base and sauces in the session. If you love subtle flavours but miss out on them in store-bought pizzas, you can learn how to make your own gourmet pizzas at home right from the expert!

Timings: 4 PM to 10:30 PM on weekdays, 1 PM to 10:30 PM on weekends

Google Rating: 4.5/5

ZNMD gave us all major travel goals, some of which included going skydiving. If you're not up for the rigorous training or are scared of heights but would still love to experience the euphoria, head to Gravity Zip at Gandipet. The indoor skydiving arena ensures you're safe enough to experience skydiving in a controlled yet fun environment. You could also visit the newly cropped-up cafes like Old Madras Baking Company and others and have a fun day out while you're out there! Read more about it here.

Price: INR 3,500 onwards

Timings: 12:30 PM to 11:30 PM

Google Rating: 4.4/5

Most people love watching movies in the privacy of their homes so they can kick their feet up and enjoy themselves with just their loved ones. However, some movies demand that big-screen drama. If you're looking to rewatch some of your old favourites on the big screen with just your buddies or family, head to the Star Track Home Theater Experience at SP Road. The private theatre can also be hired for occasions like bridal showers and other small get-togethers. The theatre can seat up to seven people at a time and you get to bring your own content to watch.

Price: INR 2000 onwards

Timings: 11 AM to 10 PM

Google Rating: 4.9/5

Escapades Culinary Studio has been conducting baking workshops in Hyderabad for thirteen years now. What's cool is that you can book a baking class just for your loved ones and yourself if you'd like to gift them a unique experience on a special occasion. We found siblings getting together for a fun day of baking here. If you're looking to learn baking seriously, they also offer five weekend courses and 25 day courses taking you through the nitty-gritties of baking and pastry making.

Price: Subjective to workshop

Timings: 8 AM to 5:30 PM, Fridays closed

Google Rating: 4.9/5

One of the more unexplored places in Telangana, Vizag Colony is a quiet getaway if you'd like to go somewhere that has less crowds. The place has coracle rides and boat rides that take you up to a little island amid the fresh backwaters. You can also contact the local families to cook for you at a nominal cost. They offer delicacies like Fish Fry, Fish Pulusu and Hot Steamed Rice made from fresh catch from the waters. 

Distance from Hyderabad: 8 km

Best Time To Visit: September to May

Built in the 17th Century, The Bansilal Step Well was once used as a drinking water tank and has been in ruins for years. It has been restored to its full glory this year and is also known as the 'Nagannah Kunta'. The stepwell now has a swanky tourist plaza overlooking the step well, complete with a cafeteria, history interpretation centre and washrooms. The open ground connected to the step well also makes for a great garden and amphitheatre now. If you've always been enamoured with the step wells in temples around Hyderabad or Rajasthan, head to this hidden treasure in our own Secunderabad.

Price: INR 50 for entry

Timings: 10 AM to 1 PM, 4 PM to 8 PM

Google Rating: 4.3/5

There's a new bookstore in town, and it's welcomed warmly by the readers' community in Hyderabad. What's unique about Luna Bookstore is that it does away with popular, trending titles and focuses on the magic of discovering new authors and books. We found at least five authors we've never heard of before here. The space is warm, inviting and super quiet, welcoming you to spend hours gawking at the collection here. Get a gift card for your book lover friend or pay a visit to their awesome book collection. Either way, the friendly neighbourhood bookstore is a must-visit.

Timings: 11 AM to 6 PM on weekdays, 11 AM to 7 PM on weekends, Monday closed

Google Rating: 4.3/5

Would you believe if we told you there’s a replica of the Tirupati Balaji Temple in Hyderabad? Developed and run by the same TTD authorities from Tirumala, the temple in Jubilee Hills is marvellous, just like the original one. Right from ornate steps, the grand door, carved walls, and the massive idol, you can get the real feel and loads of positive vibes. Yes, you can also have the famous prasad after the darshan and photograph the architecture.

Price: INR 25 per person for entry

Timings: 5 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 8 PM

How To Reach: The nearest metro station is Jubilee Hills Checkpost Metro Station

Google Rating: 4.7/5

Pro-Tip: Dress modestly when you visit, and be mindful as it can get pretty crowded on peak days. 

If you want to spend time talking with your SO and wandering around a nice street (very filmy), Necklace Road is the place. We’re also including Tank Bund, as a long walk will take you to all the spots. Take in the views of the Hussain Sagar, the Buddha statue, the Ambedkar statue, and the new secretariat and stop by for all kinds of munchings —ice cream, cotton candy, pani puri, bhel and more! There’s something different every time, so see what opportunities you find on Necklace Road.

Price: Entry is free unless you are going to a park.

Timings: Open 24 hours, but we suggest opting for non-peak hours like 9 PM to 11 PM and 4 AM to 9 AM

How To Reach: Khairtabad Metro Station is the nearest.

There’s so much to do at Birla Planetarium. This place has a science museum and dinosaurium, which means you can learn more about the stars, planets and the galaxy, revisit your childhood science experiments and marvel at dino fossils. You'll find a 160-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton, complete and massive. Apart from that, there are six planetarium shows every day, 3 in English and 3 in Telugu. You can get the tickets on the premises, and the timings for all will be mentioned daily.

Price: INR 250 onwards for entry

Timings: 10 AM to 9 PM

How To Reach: Lakdikapul Metro Station is the nearest.

Google Rating: 4.2/5

This quirky car museum has made its way to the Guinness Book Of World Records for the largest tricycle made in 2005, and you can check out that and more here. From unusual car designs to vintage models that were once loved by many, the Sudha Car Museum is a fun place for kids, adults, and car enthusiasts. Don’t forget to check out the burger car when you go there. Yes, it is exactly what the name says —a car shaped like a burger.

Price: INR 50 for entry

Timings: 9:30 AM to 6 PM

How To Reach: Malakpet Metro Station is the nearest

Google Rating: 4.2/5

Shilparamam is the place to be for all things cultural and shopping, but it especially lights up on festive nights, when shopping and food continue until midnight and early hours. Sankranti, Ugadi, and Dussehra are the main festivities, during which vendors and food stalls line up their stalls in Shilparamam. There are also cultural programs, like skits, dances, and music shows. Keep an eye on their website for more updates.

Price: INR 60 per person for entry

Timings: General timings on regular days are 10:30 AM to 8 PM

How To Reach: Take the metro; the nearest station is Hi-tech City Metro Station 

Google Rating: 4.3/5