Shilparamam

The basics

While many people come to Shilparamam simply to eat and shop, there's plenty more to do at the crafts village, including visiting the on-site Handicraft Museum or strolling around its gardens and lake. Tours from Hyderabad to Shilparamam are available, many of which include round-trip transportation; going with a guide is a great way to navigate the stalls, find the best products, and enhance your understanding of traditional crafts.

Things to know before you go

• There’s a small fee to enter the complex.

• Bring cash, as not all vendors or food stalls accept credit cards.

• Shilparamam is wheelchair-accessible and there’s a battery-operated car available to make getting around easier.

How to get there

Shilparamam is situated in the suburb of Madhapur, within the boundaries of the Hyderabad Information Technology and Engineering Consultancy City—more commonly referred to as HITEC City. Travel by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or by joining a tour that includes transportation. The HITEC City metro station is about a 10-minute walk from Shilparamam.

When to get there

Shilparamam is open daily from late morning until evening, with typically fewer crowds on weekdays. Come first thing in the morning to avoid the heat of the day. A number of events take place throughout the year, from themed craft fairs to traditional dance performances—check the website for up-to-date details.

What to Buy at Shilparamam

You'll find lots of great things to buy at Shilparamam, from traditional saris to Indian costume jewelry. You'll can also browse plenty of home decor items, ranging from wooden bowls to cushion covers. Keep an eye out for metal sculptures created using the dhokra method, a type of lost wax casting that's been used in India for thousands of years.