Guide To Shilparamam, Hyderabad

Highlights

There are indeed a myriad of things to do at Shilparamam, but here are some of the favorites you should not miss out on.

Rural Museum

The Rural Museum is a one-of-a kind cultural experience that you can only find at Shilparamam. The museum takes you through a mini version of a typical and traditional rural Indian village. Snuggled among trees, there are about 15 life-size huts that depict the tribal ways of a rural village through sculptures and life-size models of its people. It’s a great and eye-opening experience, especially for those who are used to the city life.

Rock Museum

On the other hand, the Rock Museum is another unique attraction at Shilparamam. It showcases rock formations in its natural and untouched form. You will be able to spot its picturesque forms and it would be fun to identify and interpret the shapes of these natural rocks. The museum presents the ecological side of Shilparamam.

Shopping

Of course, the most common and popular activity at Shilparamam is shopping. This is especially popular among tourists. You will be met with a sea of artisan items from local artists. There are different kinds of traditional items like textiles and pottery, to usual items like clothes and toys. You can also fill your hungry bellies while shopping with some great Indian street food like kulfi, pao bhaji, biryani and **chaat. Be sure to get your bargaining skills ready, so you can make the most of your shopping.

You should not also miss out on other activities like boating, hanging out at the open amphitheater, relaxing by the small waterfalls, and waiting for a cultural street performance.

Things to buy

There are endless items to buy at Shilparamam. Most of the items here are handcrafted by local artisans from the region of Telangana and all over India. You will find unique items like bandhani tie-dye textile from Rajasthan, items made of bamboo from Manipur, paper-mache art from Kashmir, and even things made of brass from Uttar Pradesh. There are also plenty of traditional items native to India, such as hand-woven saris and shawls, and traditional jewelery such as bangles and earrings. There’s also an array of clothes for those who wish to buy usual clothing at a fair price.

Travelers tips

Practice your bargaining skills

Indians are known to be very skilled merchants. It is almost a craft for them to sell their goods at what they think is the best possible price for them. So, as a buyer and a tourist, you must be ready to bargain for the price you think is best for you. This also makes a way for you to interact and chat with the merchants to get to know their craft and tradition.

Be mindful of your belongings

Hyderabad is known to be one of the safest cities in India, though, of course, it won’t hurt to be on the safe side. At a huge shopping area like Shilparamam, you should expect a lot of crowds most of the time. This would be the ideal place for pickpocketers to make their move, so it’s always best to be mindful of your belongings. Especially always keep an eye on your valuables like your cellphone, wallet, and important IDs like your passport. You wouldn’t want to get your trip ruined by an unfortunate incident after all.

How to get there

Getting to Hyderabad is very convenient as the city has its own international airport, the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, which caters to flights from other countries. It also has a domestic terminal that has connecting flights from other major cities in India. There are also various railways and buses that will take you to the city from other parts of India.

By private vehicle or taxi

Once in Hyderabad, head to the community of Madhapur to find the village of Shilparamam. The most convenient way is to take your own private vehicle or a taxi.

By bus

You can also catch a bus or take the train, but you might need to get off a little farther from the place compared to if you take a taxi or a car, which can take you right to the village.

How to get tickets

Tickets to Shilparamam are bought on site the traditional way. The charge for admission is fairly cheap, at 40 INR (0.56 USD) for adults and 20 INR (0.28 USD) for children, both of which amount to less than 1 USD. Tourists must remember there is an additional charge for the boating activity; it is around 30 INR (0.42 USD) per person.

Shilparamam, Hyderabad information

Shilparamam

Address: Hi Tech City Main Road, Madhapur, Hi Tech City, Hyderabad, Telangana, India 500081

Opening hours: 10:30am - 8pm (daily)

Price: Less than 1 USD

Official website: Shilparamam

Department of tourism: Visit Hyderabad

News & updates for Shilparamam: First street vending zone to come up near Shilparamam | Shilparamam creates a rural setting