Stand on the shore of Durgam Cheruvu as the light goes down and the cable bridge begins to glow, and you have the measure of this part of Hyderabad's west: glass towers on one side, water and rock on the other. Quthbullapur sits within Greater Hyderabad, in the Medchal-Malkajgiri district, and the surrounding western corridor is where the city keeps its lakes, its crafts village and its green edges.
This guide suits the traveller who has a day or two in the city and wants water, walking and craft rather than another monument queue. It covers the sights and experiences in and around the western side of Hyderabad, with practical notes on how to pair them.
Top things to do in Quthbullapur
1. Durgam Cheruvu
Also called Raidurgam Cheruvu and known locally as "Secret Lake", this is a popular lake tucked between the Jubilee Hills and Madhapur. Under the Qutb Shahi dynasty it served as the drinking water source for the residents of Golconda, and today it is where tech workers come to unwind after the working day.
There is an amphitheatre and the On the Rocks cafeteria, boating is available, and a cable bridge with a dancing fountain adorns the lake. Go late in the day so you catch the bridge and fountain lit up, and stay for a meal at the cafeteria rather than travelling onwards.
2. Shilparamam
The crafts village of Shilparamam sits at the entrance road to HITEC City, designed as a contrast to the futuristic Cyber Tower across the road. Its purpose is to showcase and preserve the old: a bazaar sells assorted handicraft and artwork, and there is a village of realistic-looking sculptures of villagers carrying out their traditional crafts, plus a rock museum of natural rock formations.
It is open 11AM to 8PM and is easily reached by metro at HITEC City. Most shops do not accept credit cards, so pay by UPI or cash. Next door is Shilpa Sandhya Vedika, a location for eating and shopping, which makes a natural way to end the visit.
3. Kotla Vijayabhaskara Reddy Botanical Garden
This garden in HITEC City, Madhapur, is open 24 hours daily, with tents available for longer visits. Paved walkways take you through its 19 sections, and the bamboo and palm sectors are the major attractions, with bamboo varieties planted 3 metres apart and signboards at each one giving its generic and scientific names.
The palm sector holds diverse species, and flowers appear in abundance, including yellow and purple cosmos, blue salvia and red raselia. Come in the morning for cooler walking, and bring water since you will be on your feet for a while.
4. Ameenpur Lake
A major spot for birdwatchers, with resident and migratory birds including flamingos, egrets, herons, cormorants, kingfishers and river terns. Bring binoculars and give it a quiet hour rather than a quick look, since the birds are the whole point of the visit.
5. Osman Sagar
Also called Gandipet Lake, this is a large reservoir and a popular destination, especially in the monsoon season when the reservoir is full. The Gandipet Eco Park at Osman Sagar has a 2.5-km boardwalk, an aquarium, a butterfly garden, an open-air theatre and a sensory park.
Plan for the boardwalk first and the smaller attractions after, and treat the monsoon as the season that makes the trip worthwhile.
6. Khajaguda Talab
Also known as Pedda Cheruvu, this small lake is brimming with species of birds, snakes, snails and lizards. It has been beautified with shoreside sculptures and floaters in the lake, so it works as a short, easy stop rather than a half-day out.
7. Hussain Shah Wali Dargah
In Madhapur, this is the mausoleum of Hussain Shah Wali, a Sufi saint of Golconda during the Qutb Shahi dynasty, best known for the Hussain Sagar in Hyderabad. The dargah was built by Abdullah Qutb Shah in his honour. Dress modestly and keep your visit brief and quiet.
8. Mrugavani National Park
At Chilkur, Moinabad, this park has a large variety of plants and animals including the Indian hare, civet cat, mongoose, cobra and Russel Viper, along with bird species. It rewards an early start, when the heat is lower and wildlife is easier to spot.
9. Aalankritha Art Gallery
On Kakateeya Hills, off Jubilee Hills Road No. 36, this gallery is a compact stop for contemporary art. It pairs well with the Madhapur and HITEC City sights on the same day, and you can call ahead on +91 40 4020 7171.
10. G. M. C. Balayogi Stadium
Also called Gachibowli Stadium, this is a multipurpose stadium with both indoor and outdoor activities. The outdoor athletic stadium is used mostly for football matches and hosts Hyderabad FC, while the indoor stadium is one of the home arenas for the UBA Pro Basketball League. Check what is on before you go, since the stadium is at its best when a match is being played.
11. Emaar MGF Boulder Hills Golf and Country Club
At Manikonda Village, Gachibowli, this is a golf and country club for those who want a round or a clubhouse stop. Contact the club on +91 99 4943 0300 or +91 92 4803 0300, or at enquiries@emaarmgf.com, to arrange your visit in advance.
12. Ocean Park
A water-theme park at Gandipet, and a straightforward way to spend a hot afternoon. It sits in the same area as Osman Sagar, so the two can be combined across a single day. Call +91 40 2322 5660 or +91 40 2322 3824 for details.
13. Treasure Island
A theme park at Gandipet with go-karts. It suits families and anyone wanting something more active than a lakeside walk, and it fits neatly into the same Gandipet outing as Osman Sagar and Ocean Park.
14. Hyderabad International Convention Centre
The city's convention centre is worth knowing about if your trip coincides with an event, exhibition or conference. Check the schedule before you travel and build the rest of your day around it.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Kotla Vijayabhaskara Reddy Botanical Garden in HITEC City, walking the paved paths through the bamboo and palm sectors while the air is still cool. Move on to Aalankritha Art Gallery on Kakateeya Hills, then cross to Hussain Shah Wali Dargah in Madhapur.
Afternoon: Spend the middle of the day at Shilparamam, open from 11AM, browsing the bazaar and the sculpted village, with lunch or shopping next door at Shilpa Sandhya Vedika. If you have energy left, add Khajaguda Talab for a short lakeside stop.
Evening: Finish at Durgam Cheruvu, walking the shore, taking in the amphitheatre and the cable bridge with its dancing fountain, and eating at the On the Rocks cafeteria before heading back.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reach Shilparamam?
By metro to HITEC City, which puts you at the crafts village on the entrance road to HITEC City, across from the Cyber Tower.
When is the best time to see Osman Sagar?
In the monsoon season, when the reservoir is full. The Gandipet Eco Park there includes a 2.5-km boardwalk, an aquarium, a butterfly garden, an open-air theatre and a sensory park.
Can I pay by card at Shilparamam?
Most shops do not accept credit cards, so pay by UPI or cash.
Where can I watch birds around the western side of the city?
Ameenpur Lake is a major spot for birdwatchers, with flamingos, egrets, herons, cormorants, kingfishers and river terns, and Khajaguda Talab is a smaller lake with its own birdlife.
Pick the lakes and the crafts village that suit your pace, check the metro and event timings, and start shaping your days around the western side of Hyderabad.