Banjara Hills: Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, is a city rich in history and culture, known for its biryani, pearls, and majestic architecture. One of its most posh neighborhoods is in Banjara Hills, located in the western part of the city, just a few kilometers away from the heart of Hyderabad. Banjara Hills is a popular destination for tourists, locals, and ex-pats alike, with its luxurious hotels, upscale shopping malls, fine dining restaurants, and cultural landmarks. In this article, we will explore the best things to do and see in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.

History of Banjara Hills

Banjara Hills is named after the Banjara tribe, who used to travel from one place to another in search of food and water. Over the years, the Banjaras settled in different parts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and some of them found a home in the hills of Hyderabad, which eventually became known as Banjara Hills. The area was initially a rocky terrain with few inhabitants, but in the early 20th century, it started to develop as a residential and commercial hub.

In the 1960s and 1970s, It witnessed a major transformation with the construction of several high-end residential colonies, such as MLA Colony, Nandi Nagar, and Taj Krishna Colony. The area also became a hub for healthcare, with the establishment of premier hospitals like Care Hospitals, Star Hospitals, and Omega Hospitals. In the 1990s, this place saw the development of shopping malls, such as City Center and GVK One, which became popular destinations for shopping and entertainment.

Things to do in Banjara Hills

1. Visit the Jalagam Vengal Rao Park

Jalagam Vengal Rao Park is a serene oasis in the heart of this place, spread over 15 acres of land. The park is named after Jalagam Vengal Rao, a former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, and is maintained by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). The park features a jogging track, a children’s play area, a skating rink, and several gardens with a variety of plants and trees. The park also has a musical fountain, which is a popular attraction in the evenings.

2. Explore the KBR National Park

Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park, popularly known as KBR Park, is a wildlife sanctuary located in the heart of Hyderabad, adjacent to Banjara Hills. The park covers an area of 390 acres and is home to several species of birds, reptiles, and mammals, including the Indian leopard. The park is also a popular destination for trekking and nature walks, with several trails that offer panoramic views of the city.

3. Shop at GVK One Mall

GVK One Mall is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Hyderabad, located in the heart of Banjara Hills. The mall features several high-end brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Jimmy Choo, as well as popular Indian brands like Fabindia and Ritu Kumar. The mall also has a multiplex cinema and several restaurants, serving a variety of cuisines.

4. Dine at Olive Bistro

Olive Bistro is a charming Mediterranean-style restaurant located in the heart of Banjara Hills, overlooking the Durgam Cheruvu lake. The restaurant features a beautiful outdoor seating area, surrounded by lush greenery, and serves a variety of Mediterranean and European dishes. Olive Bistro is also known for its cocktails and desserts and is a popular destination for brunch and date nights.

5. Visit the Jagannath Temple

Jagannath Temple is a popular Hindu temple located in the heart of Banjara Hills, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple was built in 2009 and features beautiful architecture with a large prayer hall, a gopuram, and several shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities. The temple is a popular destination for devotees and tourists alike, and hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, such as Rath Yatra and Janmashtami.

6. Relax at the Park Hyatt Hyderabad

Park Hyatt Hyderabad is a luxurious five-star hotel located in the heart of Banjara Hills, featuring 185 rooms and suites, several restaurants, a spa, and a rooftop pool. The hotel is known for its contemporary architecture, with a façade made of glass and granite, and its impeccable hospitality. The hotel also hosts several events and conferences throughout the year, making it a popular destination for business travelers.

7. Shop for Pearls at Mangatrai Jewellery

Hyderabad is known as the City of Pearls, and Banjara Hills is home to several renowned pearl merchants, including Mangatrai Jewellery. Mangatrai Jewellery is a family-owned business that has been in operation for over 100 years and is known for its exquisite collection of pearls and diamond jewelry. The store also offers customization services, where customers can design their own jewelry, making it a popular destination for wedding shopping.

8. Experience the Nightlife at Bottles & Chimney

Bottles & Chimney is one of the oldest and most popular nightclubs in Hyderabad, located in the heart of Banjara Hills. The club features a spacious dance floor, several bars, and a variety of music, ranging from Bollywood to EDM. The club is open late into the night, making it a popular destination for party-goers and clubbers.

9. Attend a Play at Lamakaan

Lamakaan is a non-profit cultural center located in Banjara Hills, dedicated to promoting arts, culture, and social activism. The center features a theater, a café, a library, and several art galleries, and hosts several events and workshops throughout the year. Lamakaan is also known for its support of local artists and performers and is a popular destination for theater lovers and art enthusiasts.

10. Indulge in Authentic Hyderabadi Biryani at Paradise

No visit to Hyderabad is complete without trying the city’s famous biryani, and Paradise is one of the most popular places to do so. Paradise is a chain of restaurants that has been in operation since 1953 and is known for its authentic Hyderabadi biryani, made with long-grain rice, succulent meat, and aromatic spices. The restaurant also serves a variety of kebabs, curries, and desserts, making it a popular destination for foodies.

Restaurants in Banjara Hills

Banjara Hills, Hyderabad is known for its wide range of dining options, from traditional Hyderabadi cuisine to international flavors. Here are some of the best restaurants to try:

1. Dakshin

Dakshin is a renowned restaurant located in the ITC Kakatiya hotel, known for its authentic South Indian cuisine. The restaurant offers a range of dishes from different South Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. Some of the must-try dishes at Dakshin include the Hyderabadi biryani, Malabar paratha, and appam with stew.

2. Fusion 9

Fusion 9 is a popular restaurant located in the heart of Banjara Hills, known for its fusion cuisine that combines Indian and international flavors. The restaurant features stylish and contemporary décor and offers a range of dishes from different cuisines, such as Thai, Chinese, Italian, and Indian. Some of the must-try dishes at Fusion 9 include sushi, Thai curries, and Indian kebabs.

3. Kebabs and Kurries

Kebabs and Kurries is a popular restaurant located in the ITC Kakatiya hotel, known for its North Indian cuisine and kebabs. The restaurant offers a range of dishes from different regions of North India, such as Kashmir, Punjab, and Awadh. Some of the must-try dishes at Kebabs and Kurries include the galouti kebab, dal makhani, and biryani.

4. Barbeque Nation

Barbeque Nation is a popular chain of restaurants that has several outlets in Hyderabad, including one in Banjara Hills. The restaurant is known for its unlimited barbeque buffet, where customers can grill their own food at the table. The restaurant also offers a range of dishes from different cuisines, such as Chinese, Indian, and Mediterranean. Some of the must-try dishes at Barbeque Nation include barbeque chicken, tandoori prawns, and paneer tikka.

5. Chutneys

Chutneys is a popular vegetarian restaurant located in the heart of Banjara Hills, known for its South Indian breakfast and snacks. The restaurant offers a range of dishes such as idli, vada, dosa, and upma, and also has a chaat and sandwich section. Some of the must-try dishes at Chutneys include masala dosa, onion uttapam, and chole bhature.

6. Ohri’s Gufaa

Ohri’s Gufaa is a unique restaurant located in the basement of a building in Banjara Hills, designed to resemble a cave. The restaurant offers a range of dishes from different cuisines, such as Chinese, Indian, and Continental. The décor and ambiance of the restaurant, with its dim lighting and cave-like structures, make it a popular destination for romantic dinners and special occasions.

7. B-Dubs

B-Dubs is a popular restaurant located in the GVK One mall in Banjara Hills, known for its American-style chicken wings and burgers. The restaurant offers a range of flavors for its wings, such as classic buffalo, honey mustard, and Asian zing, and also has a range of burgers, sandwiches, and salads. B-Dubs is a popular destination for sports fans, as the restaurant also features several TVs showing live sports events.

Hotels in Banjara Hills

Banjara Hills in Hyderabad is a posh locality that is known for its upscale residential areas, commercial spaces, and dining options. The locality also houses some of the best hotels in Hyderabad, ranging from luxurious five-star properties to comfortable budget hotels. Here are some of the best hotels to stay:

1. Taj Krishna

Taj Krishna is a five-star luxury hotel located in the heart of Banjara Hills. The hotel features a blend of contemporary and traditional architecture, with a central courtyard that is surrounded by guest rooms. The hotel offers a range of amenities such as a swimming pool, spa, fitness center, and multiple dining options, including a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city.

2. Park Hyatt Hyderabad

Park Hyatt Hyderabad is another luxurious hotel located in Banjara Hills, known for its sophisticated interiors and modern amenities. The hotel features a range of guest rooms and suites, each with plush furnishings, high-speed internet, and stunning views of the city. The hotel also has a range of dining options, including a fine-dining restaurant, a poolside bar, and a patisserie.

3. The Golkonda Hotel

The Golkonda Hotel is a popular four-star hotel located in Banjara Hills, known for its comfortable rooms and excellent service. The hotel features a range of guest rooms and suites, each with modern amenities such as high-speed internet, flat-screen TVs, and mini-bars. The hotel also has a range of dining options, including a multi-cuisine restaurant, a bar, and a coffee shop.

4. The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace

The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace is a luxurious five-star hotel located in the nearby Hitec City area, just a short drive away from Banjara Hills. The hotel features a range of guest rooms and suites, each with plush bedding, high-speed internet, and 24-hour room service. The hotel also has a range of amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and multiple dining options, including a rooftop lounge and a contemporary Indian restaurant.

5. Amrutha Castle

Amrutha Castle is a unique three-star hotel located in the heart of Banjara Hills, designed to resemble a medieval castle. The hotel features a range of guest rooms and suites, each with unique decor and modern amenities. The hotel also has a range of dining options, including a multi-cuisine restaurant, a bar, and a coffee shop.

6. Aditya Park Hyderabad

Aditya Park Hyderabad is a popular three-star hotel located in Banjara Hills, known for its comfortable rooms and excellent service. The hotel features a range of guest rooms and suites, each with modern amenities such as high-speed internet, flat-screen TVs, and mini-bars. The hotel also has a range of dining options, including a multi-cuisine restaurant, a bar, and a coffee shop.

Hospital in Banjara Hills

Banjara Hills in Hyderabad is a well-known locality for its upscale residential areas, commercial spaces, dining options, and healthcare facilities. There are several renowned hospitals in Banjara Hills that provide world-class medical facilities to patients. Here are some of the top hospitals:

1. Care Hospitals

Care Hospitals is a leading chain of hospitals in India with a branch located in Banjara Hills. The hospital is known for providing state-of-the-art medical facilities and personalized care to patients. Care Hospitals in Banjara Hills offers a wide range of specialties, including cardiology, neurology, oncology, gastroenterology, and more. The hospital has a team of experienced doctors, nurses, and support staff who provide the best possible care to patients.

2. Star Hospitals

Star Hospitals is a multi-specialty hospital located in Banjara Hills, known for its advanced medical facilities and personalized care. The hospital offers a range of specialties, including cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, gastroenterology, and more. The hospital has a team of experienced doctors, nurses, and support staff who provide round-the-clock care to patients.

3. Omega Hospitals

Omega Hospitals is a leading cancer care hospital located in Banjara Hills. The hospital is known for providing comprehensive cancer care services, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and more. The hospital has a team of experienced oncologists, nurses, and support staff who provide the best possible care to cancer patients.

4. Virinchi Hospitals

Virinchi Hospitals is a multi-specialty hospital located in Banjara Hills, known for its advanced medical facilities and personalized care. The hospital offers a range of specialties, including cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology, and more. The hospital has a team of experienced doctors, nurses, and support staff who provide the best possible care to patients.

5. Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute

Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute is a renowned cancer care hospital located in Banjara Hills. The hospital is known for providing comprehensive cancer care services, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and more. The hospital has a team of experienced oncologists, nurses, and support staff who provide the best possible care to cancer patients.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Banjara Hills

Where is Banjara Hills located?

It is a neighborhood in Hyderabad, India. It is located in the western part of the city, just a few kilometers away from the city center.

What are some popular landmarks in Banjara Hills?

Some popular landmarks in Banjara Hills include the Jagannath Temple, KBR National Park, and the Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park.

What are some shopping destinations in Banjara Hills?

Banjara Hills is known for its high-end shopping destinations, including GVK One Mall, City Centre Mall, and Hyderabad Central Mall.

What are some popular restaurants in Banjara Hills?

Banjara Hills is home to several popular restaurants, including Barbeque Nation, Ohri’s, and N Grill. These restaurants are known for their delicious food and cozy ambiance.

Is Banjara Hills a safe neighborhood?

Yes, Banjara Hills is considered a safe neighborhood in Hyderabad. However, it is always important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

What are some popular hotels in Banjara Hills?

Some popular hotels in Banjara Hills include Taj Banjara, The Park Hyderabad, and Hyatt Hyderabad. These hotels offer luxurious accommodations and top-notch amenities.

What is the best way to explore Banjara Hills?

The best way to explore Banjara Hills is on foot or by car. The neighborhood is easy to navigate and has several scenic spots that are worth visiting.

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