During a madcap evening in one of Hyderabad’s trendiest neighborhoods, hipsters rub shoulders to the tunes of Tollywood — the moniker for the local burgeoning Telugu film industry. Banjara Hills, one of the city’s bustling enclaves, is lined with nightclubs and pubs serving popular Kingfisher beer.
The new Taj Falaknuma Palace, the former residence of the nizam of Hyderabad, is sprawling with hints of a princely India. The property completed a 10-year renovation, and jetsetters now glide along its marble floors toward the Hookah Lounge.
Meanwhile, at the recently opened Park Hotel Somajiguda, glamorati sip on cocktails at this architectural masterpiece by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and talk turns to nearby Hussain Sagar Lake. There, audiences queue for late-night shows at the Prasads IMAX, whose five screens often showcase the latest Hollywood flicks.
Insiders call Hyderabad the most happening place in southern India. It’s amazing fodder, but India’s fourthlargest city and capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh is poised for other-worldliness as the planet sets its sights on a new and improved city. Often dubbed the “City of Pearls,” this ancient city 440 miles southeast of Mumbai is no stranger to good fortune. Many of its historic landmarks tout a dynastic grandeur.
Nighttime is the time to check out Charminar, the city’s beloved landmark akin to New York City’s Statue of Liberty or Paris’ Eiffel Tower. Shutterbugs snap pictures of the four-minaret structure that originally stood in the city center. It’s a favorite lovers’ hangout and a preferred spot among the Hyderabadis, who welcome visitors to this breathtaking site.
Built in 1591, markets bustle around Charminar, with vendors of every stripe vying for the attention of passersby. Be sure to visit Lad Bazar, considered the place for shopping and as old as Hyderabad itself. Expect plenty of color, charm and stunning displays of jewels, bangles and pearls.
As the sun sets, a riveting sound and light show illuminates the historic Golconda Fort with a memorable nightly performance.
With the likes of Google, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft and other high-tech giants setting up shop amid the lush backdrop, Western influences have meshed in this mosaic of cultures, of which Hindu and Muslim are predominant. Witness the profusion of U.S. bars and luxe hotels, all of which bow to culinary bastions and sleek cafés. By the posh GVK One Mall in Banjara Hills, the night begins at the Hard Rock Café, where local bands regularly compete for their chance to perform at the upcoming Hard Rock Calling London later this summer.
At Ramoji Film City, a world of fantasy opens as the globe’s largest film studio complex regularly ushers in the curious to watch film shoots and tours. For a bird’s-eye view, the Ramoji Tower is the ticket.
Late-night moviegoers find plenty on offer at multiplexes throughout the city; Hyderabad’s main commercial center, Chikkadpally, is home to 20 cinemas. Or head to Kompally, one of Hyderabad’s fastest-growing suburbs, to take in a show at the four-screen multiplex known as Cine Planet.
Hyderabad’s night show — whether at ancient landmarks or new cinemas and trendy clubs — truly entertains.
Weblinks
Read This Next
All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 23, 2023The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko in Japan Introduces Spring Experiences
The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko in Japan offers travelers exciting experiences this spring. Opened in July 2020, the property overlooks Lake Chūzenji and Mount Nantai in Japan’s Northern Kanto region. With cherry blossoms (Sakura) set to bloom in April, the area is the perfect destination for a spring getaway.
Daily
Mar 23, 2023New Limited-Time Bonus Offers from Scenic, Emerald Cruises
Scenic Luxury Cruises and Emerald Cruises currently offer travelers savings of up to $500 per cabin and a 50 percent reduction on deposits on select 2023/2024 river and ocean itineraries. The offers are available through March 31 and can be combined with others, such as early-booking savings of up to $1,500 per couple and a Pay in Full bonus that includes free or reduced airfare options.
Daily
Mar 23, 2023The Cape Ann Museum Announces Major Edward Hopper Exhibit
This July, The Cape Ann Museum in Gloucester, Massachusetts, hosts Edward Hopper & Cape Ann: Illuminating an American Landscape, the first major exhibition to explore Hopper’s connection to Cape Ann during his formative years as an artist. Visitors will be treated to 65 works that include paintings, prints and drawings assembled from collections housed at Whitney Museum of American Art; Brooklyn Museum; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; National Gallery of Art, Washington DC; private lenders; and other institutions.
Sponsored Content
Enter to Win $500 and Get Six Months’ Free Access to the New GT App
Now through May 8, sign up for a free six-month trial of the Global Traveler app and be automatically entered for a chance to win a $500 gift card of your choice for Amazon, Apple or American Express.
March 2023
Mar 22, 2023Global Traveler Celebrates the 2022 Winners of the GT Tested Reader Survey Awards
Travel is back and better than ever! Last year brought a big boom to our beloved industry, and we were thrilled to celebrate the best of the best in December 2022 as we honored the winners of our 19th annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards at The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, located downtown at LA Live!
Austrian Airlines to Bring Back Flying Chefs
Daily
Mar 22, 2023Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf Review
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 22, 2023eFlyer Deals
Mar 22, 2023Brown Hotels Celebrates Beachside Greek Resorts Reopening with New Offer
In honor of the seasonal reopening of its beachside Greek resorts, Brown Hotels offers a generous 25 percent discount on all bookings made by the end of April. This discount can apply to Brown Hotels’ beachside properties of Isla Brown Corinthia, Brown Beach Chalkida, Brown Beach Eretria and DAVE by the Beach Loutraki.
Sponsored Content
Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler
Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler
eFlyer Deals
Mar 22, 2023Air Tahiti Nui Announces Limited-Time Sale on Flights from LAX to AKL
Through April 24, passengers booking a flight with Air Tahiti Nui from Los Angeles (LAX) to Auckland (AKL) enjoy round-trip fares from $974 per person in Moana economy class or $2,394 in Moana premium class.
ShareThis