I'm in Hyderabad and will be stuck here for the next two weeks. So far the place looks super boring and I need to find out some places to hangout in Hyderabad. As this is a travel forum, I hope I can get the best replies for my query. The sooner I find out some places to be at the better.! Looking forward to the replies.
Hello, welcome to the forum! Overview A city filled with so much history that every step here renders one amazed, that is Hyderabad. On one side, you have the Old City, where you would narrow alleyways, markets and even the famed Charminar. Yet on another side is the HITEC City, filled with large IT and computer companies that have made Hyderabad their new home. This is the modern Hyderabad but don't worry because there are still traces of its heritage at every nook and corner of the city. For the youngsters or new tourists of the city, one dilemma on hand might be finding places to chill out or hang out in when in Hyderabad. This guide would help you find such places so that you would find your time in the city more satisfying. Places to Hangout in Hyderabad A dose of history while chilling... 1. Paigah Tomb Complex - The Paigah dynasty is also known as the Shums Ul Umra dynasty and were the most loyal noblemen during the rule of the Nizams. They are also lovers of art and has influenced some of the heritage sites that still exist in the city. The Paigah Tomb Complex is located just off the Inner Ring Road of Hyderabad, opposite the Apollo Hospital. These tombs are the final resting places of these noblemen and is actually a little known attraction of the city. There are around 27 tombs of the Paigah noblemen and some smaller graves of their families. From the outside, the tomb complex looks a bit run down and ill-maintained, some of the walls have vandals and some parts even have chipping. Thankfully, the marble tombs themselves have stood the test of time, even the earliest tomb here, the Tomb of Abdul Fateh Khan Tegh Jung, which was the founder of the Paigah dynasty. The Tomb of Bashir-ud-Daulu and the Tomb of Asman Jah are worth mentioning because of their intricate lattice works surrounding the main tomb and gorgeous floral and geometric inlays in the tomb itself. The Paigah Tomb Complex is a serene hangout place for friends or even families where you can marvel in the beauty of the past architectural styles. 2. Qutub Shahi Tomb Complex - Next we have another tomb complex, but this time, dedicated to the Qutub Shahi dynasty. These tombs are located on the western side of the city, close to the Hyderabad Golf Club. The mighty rulers of Golconda have their resting place just a few kilometres from the centre of the city. With its domed structures filled with engravings from the Hindu, Persian and Pathan styles, they are very easy to spot. The Qutub Shahi Tomb Complex stands nestled amidst lush greenery which gives it a tranquil vibe perfect for just relaxing and chatting. In contrast, this tomb complex is dedicated to the seven rulers of the Qutub Shahi dynasty and has more intricate exteriors than interiors. Do spend some time here until sunset, when the glowing orange hue of the sun reflects upon the gorgeous domed structures and their spires. Qutub Shahi Tomb Complex (Image from Sohitraina) 3. Golconda Fort - Last on this section is the Golconda Fort, just a few kilometres away from the Qutub Shahi Tomb Complex. This fort is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the city yet you can still find isolated areas to just hang around in and enjoy the views. Built over 800 years ago originally as a mud fort by the Kakatiya dynasty rulers, the fort was strengthened and enhanced by the Qutub Shahi dynasty. It is situated upon a hillock overlooking the entire city and standing majestic with its high stone walls. That's not all though, the fort has marvellous prowesses like the ingenious acoustic system where you can hear a clap from the gateway to another area about a kilometre away, a handy feature during the times of war when emergency evacuations are needed. The rain water harvesting system and the cooler temperatures in some areas are just some more of the marvels of this fort. Truly, for a group of friends who want some place new to explore, this is great hangout attraction that you can't miss. Because nature brings out the calmer side in you... 4. Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) Garden - Named after Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, former minister of Andhra Pradesh, the NTR Garden is a laid-back attraction in the city, located close to the Hussain Sagar. Spread across 34 acres of lush lands, this is your breath of fresh air when in the city. It is an ideal hangout place because it has lots of greenery, colourful flowers and shades to rejuvenate you. For families, there are various activities that you can do here like boating or even riding the toy train. Recently, there have been new attractions that were added like a haunted house and an underwater aquarium. For the thrill-seekers, there are two rides here, the Revolving Tower and Thrillenium, where you can satisfy the adventure seeker in you. For the photography enthusiasts, there are plenty of photo opportunities with the fountains, animal statues and more. 5. Lumbini Park - Also nearby the Hussain Sagar is the Lumbini Park, perhaps Hyderabad's most popular park attraction. It is spread around 7.5 acres of lush lands and overlooks the Buddha statue of the lake. Aside from the usual play areas and greenery, the park has a huge waterfall veil area where visitors can have their photos taken in. During night time, there's a laser show conducted here for the entertainment of visitors. With the help of technological advancements such as lasers, music and video streaming, the visitors are taken to a live musical journey that they're sure to enjoy. Of course, boating facilities are also available here for exploring the vast lake. 6. Ameenpur Lake - Last on this section is the Ameenpur Lake, located on the far northwestern side of the city. If your idea of a hangout place is being close to nature and wildlife, then the Ameenpur Lake is your best bet for that. Interestingly, the lake remains quite clean and pristine despite being in the midst of the city. It is a haven for bird watchers where you can spot bird species such as egrets, Brahminy kites, flamingos, cormorants, herons and more. It is less commercialised than the other lakes of Hyderabad so you can enjoy hanging out here and just enjoying the views. Yellow Wagtail in Ameenpur Lake (Image from Janani) For the thrill of adventure... 7. Runway 9 - Runway 9 is an adventure seeker's paradise, located just off the Medchal Road, in the northern side of the city. It features a variety of adventure sports and games that the whole family or a group of friends can enjoy. It is mainly known though for the sport of go karting, where the rider is set upon a low four-wheel open vehicle that would traverse a fixed circuit or route. There are various prices for the sport, depending on the laps you want to complete, ranging from 4 laps, up to 20 laps. Another popular game here is laser tag, a fun activity that is suitable for the young and old ones. In this game, each player is given a handheld infrared-targeting device which they need to use to tag other players and win the game. Other outdoor activities such as rock climbing, archery and bungy trampoline jumping can also be enjoyed here. Indoor games such as foosball, air hockey and table tennis can also be played here. 8. Sahas in Ramoji Film City - Ramoji Film City is located on the outskirts of Hyderabad, close to the Avanthi Institute of Engineering and Technology. For the thrill seekers though, skip the film studio complex and instead opt for the Sahas Adventure Land. If you have friends or families with you, try out the sport of paintball, a competitive game of two groups whose main goal is to tag the opponent with paint-filled pellets. Want to experience the dusts of the dessert? Then try out sports such as motor biking and ATV riding. They even have a variation of the hit application game, Angry Birds, named as the Happy Hits. There are also the usual activities such as body zorbing, rope course, net course, obstacle course, zorbing and bungee ejection. You can choose from a variety of individual and group packages. Sahas (Image from Sahas Facebook) 9. Deccan Trails - If you have time to spare, venture into the Deccan Trails campsite, around two hours to the west of Hyderabad's city centre. Deccan Trails is a unique getaway from the city, where you can indulge in scenic forest views coupled with adventure activities. It even has a rustic staying experience in the form of tents where you can be one with wilderness even if just for a short while. Adventure activities here are varied ranging from the usual ones like wall climbing, zip lining, commando net climbing, Burma bridge crossing, rappelling and Tarzan swing crossing. You can also indulge in trekking trails, opt for the more exciting night treks. With a beer and some music... 10. Over the Moon - Located on the eighth floor of the Daspalla Hotel in Jubilee Hills is the Over the Moon, the most popular posh lounge of Hyderabad. Over the Moon is spread across two floors, the lower floor being the live music indoor section and the higher floor offering the panoramic view of the city amidst an open-air dining experience. With a vast menu comprising of cuisines from India, Asia and Europe, you are spoiled for choices when it comes to meals here. The bar menu is quite extensive too, including rums, vodkas, gins, wines, beers and even non-alcoholic ones. They are best known though for their freshly brewed beers and themed nights where fun games are arranged for the guests. If you're more of a musically-inclined individual, then you can just opt to groove to the latest music offerings courtesy of the live DJ. Over the Moon (Image from Over the Moon) 11. Turning 21 - A favourite amongst the residents and employees of HITEC City is Turning 21, another rooftop lounge. The ambience is quite simple, with a central bar surrounded by the sitting areas and glass-enclosed walls. During night time, you can enjoy the view of Hyderabad from the glass walls, along with the city lights. Turning 21 has cuisines ranging from Indian, Arabian, American and Continental. Their bar menu is extensive comprising of mocktails, beers, wines, tequilas and more. They also offer Happy Hours during weekends for free-flowing drinks that would sure fire your night up. For events, do try and visit during Saturdays when Bollywood Nights are done. But throughout the week, there are usually some live performances still that one can enjoy. 12. Hoppipola - Last on this section is Hoppipola, another lounge in HITEC City. In contrast to the previous two, this lounge is a bit more charming and cute, with its European approach to the interiors. There are different brightly coloured chairs, stained-glass effect windows, eccentric lamps and even potted plants which add to its lovely ambience. The cuisines served here are mainly Mediterranean and Continental. You can enjoy sangrias, margaritas, mojitos, beers, rums and whiskies in the bar. During Thursdays, they offer an unlimited beer promo for the price of just Rs. 399 per head. On weekends, you can enjoy live music in the lounge as well. But during day time, you can indulge in board games and reading books amidst the soft playing music. Scrumptious food over long chats... 13. Autumn Leaf Cafe - The Autumn Leaf Cafe is located in Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad. With its minimalist designs amidst an open setting of trees, this cafe is a nice respite from the concrete jungles of the city. It's small and cozy, perfect for hanging out whether you're a lone traveller or a part of a group. The menu is comprised of Indian, Italian and Continental cuisines. Classic dishes such as Grilled Chicken, Veg Lasagna and White Sauce Pasta are some of the best sellers here. For those with a sweet tooth, there are also some desserts and smoothies here that you can enjoy. You can just bring a book or magazine here and spend some hours on this charming cafe. Autumn Leaf Cafe 14. Churrolto - Churrolto is a small cafe located in HITEC City of Hyderabad. It has a simple ambience with wooden chairs and tables. Their menu is just very limited with a few Mexican meals such as Spanish Rice and Bruschetta. The menu also has a few pizzas and pastas. Churrolto is mainly known though for its variety of desserts like the Classic Churros, Churro Pops and Churro Ice Cream Sandwich. They also have unique drinks to quench your thirst, must-try ones are Melony Mint and Berry-ed Iced Tea. 15. Little Things - Last but not the least is Little Things, another cozy cafe in the Banjara Hills area. It has bright interiors that are refreshing to the eyes, with the mixture of green and red hues. Sitting areas are very limited but the good thing is that this cafe isn't crowded most of the time. So if you want to catch up on some reading or maybe just have desserts, this is the place to be. The cuisine here is mainly Continental with an assortment of pastas and wraps. There are also a few Indian snacks in the menu. Best seller desserts here are Red Velvet Cream Cheese and White & Dark Marquise. Conclusion This ends our guide on the best hangout places in Hyderabad. This guide is varied and included different types of hangout places. So first, you have the heritage sites slash hangout sites where you can get a glimpse of the past whilst enjoying some time chilling out. Then you have the gardens, which are perfect places to rejuvenate and relax. If that's not enough, enrich that brave side of you with thrilling adventure activities or maybe just try out a dish or two at the loungers and cafes mentioned above. Good luck and I hope this helps you!
