Shilparamam: Beyond the Ordinary
As a resident of Hyderabad, a vibrant city in southern India known for its rich history and cultural heritage, for the past seven years, I’m ashamed to admit that my recent visit to Shilparamam was my first. Shilparamam, an arts and crafts village, is a popular tourist attraction in the city, yet I had somehow overlooked this cultural gem. That was until last Friday, when I decided to spend the afternoon exploring Shilparamam with friends.
The day was perfect, with the Guru Nanak Jayanti holiday (a festival celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism) giving us a much-needed break from our busy schedules. We arrived at Shilparamam in the afternoon, eager to discover what this arts and crafts village had to offer.
As we entered the complex, we were immediately struck by the serene atmosphere. The open-air setup, complete with several stalls, museums, and recreational facilities, was a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. We spent the next three to four hours exploring every nook and corner of Shilparamam.
Our first stop was the bird and animal park, which was home to a variety of bird species. The park was well-maintained, with clean walkways and plenty of shade. We spent a leisurely hour strolling through the park, admiring the birds and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Next, we visited the shops, which showcased a wide range of handicrafts from different states of India. From textiles to toys, jewelry to carpets, and furniture to artwork, there was something for everyone. We were impressed by the quality and craftsmanship of the products on display.
One of the highlights of our visit was the sculpture park. This unique attraction is a first of its kind in India, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of modern art.
The park features a collection of metal and concrete installations, each one more impressive than the last. As we walked through the park, we were struck by the creativity and skill of the artists.
The installations were not only visually stunning but also thought-provoking, inviting us to reflect on the themes and ideas behind each piece.
The sculpture park was divided into several sections, each with its own unique theme and style. We saw installations made from recycled metal, others carved from stone, and some that combined different materials in innovative ways.
One of the most striking installations was a massive metal tree, its branches stretching up towards the sky like a giant’s fingers. Another installation that caught our eye was a series of concrete animals, each one perfectly capturing the essence of its subject.
As we explored the sculpture park, we noticed that each installation was accompanied by a plaque with information about the artist and their inspiration.
This added an extra layer of depth to our experience, allowing us to appreciate the thought and creativity that had gone into each piece.
After spending a fascinating hour exploring the sculpture park, we visited the newly built Trimurti statue, a stunning depiction of the three key deities in Hindu mythology—Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Maheshwar, also known as Shiva (the destroyer and transformer).
The statue was impressive, both in terms of its size and craftsmanship.
As we left Shilparamam, we all agreed that it was a must-visit destination for anyone living in or visiting Hyderabad. The complex is beautifully maintained, with plenty of amenities and attractions to keep visitors of all ages entertained.
And as a bonus, right outside the gate of Shilparamam, there’s a Panipuri stand (known as Phuchkawallah in Bengali, a regional language of India). Panipuri, also called Golgappa or Phuchka in different parts of India, is a popular Indian street snack made of crispy hollow shells filled with tangy, spicy water and a mix of potatoes or chickpeas. For lovers of this delicious treat, it’s an absolute must-try.
That said, as someone from Kolkata, a city in eastern India, I’ve always believed these regional variations—Panipuri, Golgappa, and Phuchka—are distinctly different in taste and preparation. And, of course, I think nothing can beat the unique flavor of Kolkata’s Phuchka! But that’s a story for another time.
In conclusion, my visit to Shilparamam was a truly enriching experience. I was impressed by the quality of the handicrafts, the beauty of the sculpture park, and the overall atmosphere of the complex. If you’re looking for a unique and enjoyable experience in Hyderabad, I highly recommend a visit to Shilparamam.
All pictures are clicked by the author .They are copyrighted and cannot be used without permission.
Anamika Chakravorty, Content Writer and Creator for SheSight Magazine Global, Chef, Dancer, Social Media Influencer & Life Coach.
