If you are looking for recommendations on where to find street art in Secunderabad , and Hyderabad, you have to the right place.
For, we have you all covered in this post on street art of the twin cities.
On my recent trip to Hyderabad, I could witness a drastic change in the infrastructure of this erstwhile capital of Andhra Pradesh.
With metro projects picking pace and loads of real-estate projects booming, the greenery which was nature’s art in this urban landscape is long gone.
However, I was happy to witness a spike in Street Art all across the twin cities of Secunderabad and Hyderabad of the present-day Telangana.
Thus, street art in Hyderabad seems to compensate for the loss of colour and vibrancy that once dominated the city’s landscape.
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Street Art in the twin cities of Secunderabad and Hyderabad
“O wow, when and where did you find this street art in Hyderabad?”, asked my friend.
“ In all these years, I have never seen this Superwoman”, she wondered, as I posted a few pics of street art on my Instagram feed.
I chuckled and told her that the street art was right in front of the two-wheeler parking slot of the eatery, where we both had earlier gone out for lunch!
Hearing this, she gaped at me in astonishment.
According to me, the beauty of street art lies in the “accessibility of art to the public”.
It is like a Rajnikanth movie that caters to the masses while grabbing the attention of the classy too.
On this note, here is a Kabali art clicked at the Hyderabad airport…
Hyderabad in itself is an artistic city
Hyderabad holds a special place in my heart : It embodies the best of the old and modern charm, while offering a very cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Also, Hyderabad has my muse not because it has contributed a very very special Laxman to the world of cricket, neither because it has contributed a Sania Mirza to world tennis ; nor because it has introduced a Waheeda Rehman to Bollywood, but because I have been brought up in Hyderabad!
Alright! I can see you rolling your eyes.
Nevertheless, let me stop bragging, and allow you to enjoy this photo guide of finding street art in the twin cities of Secunderabad and Hyderabad.
So, come with me on a virtual tour as I discover the various graffiti, traditional art and murals that adorn this urban space!
Finding Street Art in Hyderabad
The best thing about the street art in the twin cities of Secunderabad and Hyderabad, is that it not just reflects abstract modern art on public canvas, but embeds with ease the elements of traditional art forms too.
Street art along the Necklace Road
If you are new to Hyderabad, or a tourist, and even if you are a born-Hyderabadi, who is interested in exploring art and street art, then, head onto the famous Necklace road that adorns the very famous Hussain Sagar Lake, also popularly called Tank Bund.
The Necklace road has got amusement parks, eateries at Eat Street, well-manicured lawns and of course, graffiti and wall-art!
Well, this stretch was developed even before the state of Andhra Pradesh was divided into two, for political gains.
Now, it is home to some thought-provoking contemporary street art, open for public consumption. And, this art series is an extension of Maqtha Art District.
These are street art with strong social messages or depict the prevailing societal mindset that ought to change.
I particularly loved this Super-woman who shows that every woman irrespective of her race, class and religion is a Super-Woman without a cape!
I strongly feel that the beauty of street art lies in the freedom to perceive it — as per the sensibilities, and sensitivities of the beholder. While, its only limitation is an onlooker’s imagination.
What do you think of this street art?
I see the below street art as a depiction of gender discrimination.
What is your perspective on this piece of art?
A glimpse into the Maqtha Art District
The St+art foundation has done a beautiful job of transforming this colony into an art district.
However, when I visited the Maqtha colony beside the Idgah last month, I was not very happy with the cleanliness of that area. Could not cover beyond a couple of streets. So had to cut short my exploration.
However, you may want to read about the murals at Maqtha art district in a write-up on Atlas Obscura, for which I have contributed my bit.
Art around Mozamjahi Market area
According to me, a display of handcrafted items along the road-side is street art too.
And, hence, the inclusion of their art along with the murals and graffitis in this street art series is for my gratification.
As I type this, the fluffy clouds make me wonder about the creation of sky art that we witness every day! Isn’t it?
On a stroll around the beautiful 83-year-old shopping arcade of Mozamjahi Market in Hyderabad, one can find earthen pots and fruits symmetrically assorted and displayed.
You can also find potters painting earthenwares, with loads of love and dedication.
Finding street art in Gachibowli as well as on the walls across the State Assembly is quite possible, however, due to heavy traffic, I could not stop my bike and click a few captures.
Finding Street Art in Secunderabad
Around Sangeet Theatre and St.Ann’s School, Marredpally
With the Hyderabad metro coming up, there is more concrete than before.
But thanks to a social initiative, the metro pillars have been sensibly adorned with traditional art.
Street art in Secunderabad is in contrast to the street art that beautifies its twin – Hyderabad.
For, the metro pillars in and around Sangeet Theatre, and St.Ann’s School stretch have been embellished with Cheriyal paintings.
What are Cheriyal paintings?
Cheriyal paintings are actually miniature scroll paintings originating from a place named Cheriyal nearby Hyderabad.
The paintings of Cheriyal are often compared with the Patachitra of Orissa and Bengal, and endowed with a GI tag.
However, I feel that Cheriyal paintings have their own ethos with earthy themes avoiding the mystical!
They are rooted in everyday traditions, happenings and in the beauty of the presumably ‘unfanciful professions’ in the ‘minds of the modern world’.
For example, the below painting depicts an art form called ‘Haridasu’ which is an outcome of the Bhakti movement in India. Usually, these artists dress in a unique colourful attire with an ‘akshaya patra’ ( a vessel for collection of grains/cereals) on the head, a ‘tambura’, and ‘chidatalu’ (cymbals) singing songs of praise of Gods and walk along various streets.
They do not voluntarily seek alms from every home instead people themselves come out on hearing the songs, during the festive season of Sankranthi. This beautiful tradition was on a decline in the last decade though it is seeing a revival in these couple of years, thanks to today’s youth. These art forms should not be just considered as a mere symbol of our culture and tradition but should be preserved and protected to pass onto the next generation. Else, we would be just celebrating every festival with a cupcake and a Whatsapp message!
The below mural painting was such a treat when I discovered it. I stopped my bike and kinda stared at every expression depicted by the strokes – the mutual love of the cowherd and cows that have been beautifully manifested on this metro pillar. There are no celestial beings involved in this particular painting and still, it looks divine!
I was excited to see the miniature scroll painting getting a bigger canvas through the street art in Secunderabad.
You may want to read my write-up in Vistara magazine on Cheriyal Paintings
Street art near Safilguda – Anandbagh
A newly constructed underpass near the fag end of the AOC centre, adjoining Safilguda railway station is home to some vibrant paintings on its walls. From exhibiting the historical monuments of Hyderabad for which the city is famous for to depicting the changing times across the rural and urban diaspora, this series of art oozes with creativity and nuances of rural living.
It particularly infuses life into elegant and simple old ways of living and dressing! Makes me wonder, why, in the quest for modernity, should we Indians lose our unique dressing sense and ape the western world? Does dressing in an Indian attire lead to regressiveness? I don’t think so…Then, why do some of us, both women and men get stares when in public and social gatherings, and are labelled as ‘uneducated and regressive’ when we dress in a saree or a veshti!
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This Street art series along the walls of the underpass celebrates simple joys of living and imparts hidden messages against gender discrimination and so on.
Conserving traditions through Street Art
Hope you liked this photo guide on finding street art in Secunderabad and Hyderabad. Also, I wish you get to explore many more places in the twin cities, that offer street art for public consumption. Do visit these places soon, because, street art in any city is transitory, changing with the times and moods of the public. Also, it can fade over time due to exposure to varied weather conditions!
The urban spaces of the twin cities of Secunderabad and Hyderabad are bound to offer many more of such artistic delight(for that matter, every town and city). So, go out, explore these hidden gems tucked away at places where you least expect and surprise yourselves on your discovery 🙂
Do leave your feedback in the comments section.
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I’m such a sucker for street art! I seek out tours in every new urban city I travel to around the world. Love how different the styles are place to place.
Hey, I had no idea Hyderabad had so much street art. I have been there a couple of times but never seen any of these. Will make it a point to look out for them the next time I am there. Wonderful post.
How interesting! I’d never thought that Hyderabad and Secunderabad had such rich and interesting street art. We’ll definitely try and explore some of these areas when we’re in that part of the country next. Thanks for sharing!
What beautiful street art! We love to take photos of street art as we travel so it’s fascinating to see how different these images are from what we typically see in Europe. Thanks so much for sharing!
Wonderful street art. From adorning the walls of great museums, it made its way to making a statement on the streets in Hydearbad. Thanks for sharing wonderful post about the street art of Hyderabad
What fantastic pictures! It’s not a city I have been to but it makes it seem so vibrant!
That was an amazing read about the street art of Hyderabad. I love this city, lived there for a year. I literally went back to my memories in Hyderabad, while going through this article. Thanks for sharing. We definitely stop by to check out those street art.
I wish that I read your post before I went to Hyderabad two years ago, I had no idea there was so much street art! I’ll definitely have to pay better attention and take photos the next time that I go back.
Wow lovely Street art. I have never been to Hyderabad. But would love to see this. Especially the superwoman with laundry is such a powerful one. Of course would love to eat Hyderabad biryani. I know Rajnikant has a colossal fan following but this is new for me. Haha
Wooooow, I always enjoy the street art in every city that I visit, it’s one of the windows to see how the city functions and what kind of people are living in them, and these are beautiful
This is new for me! I have been to Hyderabad but didn’t see this. Need to go there again. These days every city has its share of street art and it’s good to see how the city evolves around them and shows a part of it thru these arts.
Yes, true. Happy that they are replacing the pan stains in many cities and towns 😀
You had me convinced to visit at the Superwoman street art. I agree with you that the juxtaposition of the superwoman doing laundry is an incredible message to send that superheroes are around all of us.
We would be glad to host you.Do visit India 🙂
I love finding street art when I travel and I think it’s great that the younger generation is bringing back traditions that otherwise may disappear. I think a lot of times younger kids get a bad reputation for not caring about tradition, so to see that they are bringing back the festivities is great.
Exactly. The millenials are being sensible and sensitive to the richness of our art and traditions 🙂
Thank you for this visual guide of Hyderabad. Rich in colors and very colorful. What a unique point of view of this amazing technology center. Loved seeing the street art and reading the article as well.
Thnak you so much for reading and glad that you liked it.
Your this photo guide on street art is really interesting and super colorful. I loved how you had gone into the detailing and explained us the meaning of each. The ones representing social causes and our culture are my favourite too. Great clicks.
Thank you so much for reading the article ,Suruchi:)
I never knew street art was such a hit in Hyderabad! i’m a particular fan of the big modern street art coating the sides of the buildings. great post
Wonderful to know that you too have interest in exploring street arts. Thanks for dropping by 🙂
I have never heard before of the street art in Hyderabad and Secunderabad! In my opinion, the street art in Secunderabad seems to be more authentic and in line with Indian culture and spirit than the street art in Hyderabad and that’s why I prefer it.
Bang on, Milijana. I too like the ones in and around Secunderabad. They remind me of our ancient art forms 🙂 Thank you for reading the aticle!
I love street art. I was especially taken by those in Belfast expressing the angst of the “Troubles.” And these ones in the twin cities of Secunderabad and Hyderabad are no different. And you have such great perspectives of them. I also look for them every time I visit a city!
Glad to share similar interests,Carol. Hope you get explore more of street art in your travels:D
I adore street art. I’ve seen some brilliant street art in Aruba, Iceland, and Bristol in the UK. What really colourful and vibrant street art! The superwoman is fabulous
It is my favourite too,Mellisa. Glad you get to see much more of street art in Europe. India is surely catching up 😀
I don’t like this photo guide. I freaking LOVE it! I’ve never know that street art is a pretty big thing too in India. I love the series of paintings in the railway station as it tells lots of stories. And those Cherial Paintings really take street art to the new level! I shouldn’t miss this when I travel to India! 😁
lol… I am so so happy to know this,Debbzie , though you freaked me out with that first statement of yours 😀 Welcome to India and hope you get to visit this country soon 😀
Wow! what a nice way to express art. I really enjoy your article, hopefully, one day I can visit here and see all those incredible artworks!
This is such a find! Used to live in Hyderabad, and have visited often for work, but never noticed! You have a knack for noticing the unnoticed! Btw… the superwoman one is my fav too 🙂
Such a different street art style in India!
Beautiful and inspiring. Here is a place where street art is viewed as a good thing (Here in Japan, people hate street art as it is dirty). I have to check out this part of India!
What a lovely discovery of art around the street. So much talent on it. I love seeing graffiti and do my OOTD with it. 🙂 That building is amazing. I wish I can visit that place one day.
The rich culture is clearly manifested in these beautiful and artistic street art! They’re marvelous. 🙂
Beautiful street arts and designs. I hope I can visit Hyderabad one of these days. Captivating photos.
Wow these are awesome! I love the Superwoman one 🙂
i’d love to have a photo walk along this street! the art is something really nice to look at and share to people who appreciate the work! lovely!
Wonderful sharing! love the superwoman, Thank you very much for this amazing article. What a good post and I love your good written I will show this to my friends.
These artworks look fantastic! It´s impressive what one can do with a bit of color. Thanks for sharing that!
Oh wow. I never knew that street art was thing in India. This made me learn a thing or two about the art in your country. Thank you
OMG! I love the street art! I have visited Hyderabad once but only went to the touristy places. Would love to go again just to see this street art!
The photos in this are stunning! And you dialogue is so laid back and conversational.. love it!
What incredibly beautiful artwork! It would be amazing to wander the city finding these hidden gems.
I love the superwoman street art and what that represents 😉 I will definitely want to take a look when I visit India.
This is such a beautiful post. The pictures are a treat for the eyes.
These are amazing!!! I wasn’t into street art until I started traveling and got to appreciate it more. They really make the place vibrant. I especially like the one near Safilguda. Thanks for sharing this.
This is such a lovely post! Loved your writing.
Railway stations in Mumbai are being beautified nowadays and now adorn paintings that are vibrant and colourful. Even a taxing journey feels bearable in their presence.
Imagine stepping out and watching such gorgeous street art every single day! I would commend you for observing something your friend so easily didn’t. Else we would miss out on them too. Beautiful pictures, Meens.
Being the centre for all the happening events, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Hitech City has got some fancy street art going for it. French artist Delphine Delas has battled air pollution and scorching heat to give the financial district an artistic touch. Four pillars in Hitech City display her work which is heavily influenced by the colours and culture of India.
Meenu… love the new look of the blog.. And ofcourse the logo too. But what really stole my heart is that superwoman street art. Its not just the way it has been done, but also the depiction it brings with it!!! Super super!
Oh I love this, Meenakshi. It makes me want to go out more and take this all in.
Just the other day, I was telling my husband (who is from Mumbai) about the forgotten ‘half-saris’ that made young girls look and feel so elegant and grown up!
LOVed loved loved this post. Want to write something similar for Goa too!
Thankyou for a virtual tour of the twin cities.
Gosh I’m bowled over by your photography skills Meenu and your eye for details.
I love street art and I am always in awe of them. The super woman one stood out and like how.
Such mesmerising pieces all of these and loved your detailed back story.
Thank you so much for this bright and radiant post.
This is a beautiful detailed post. Your effort truly stands out. Amazing.
What misses our poor eyes is always caught so well by your lens Meenu! Loved your tongue and cheek reason for Hyderabad being famous for…I vouch by it!
Haridasu(s) arequite similar to Vasudeva(s) from Mharashtra.
Street walls do define the character of the city. It reflects the refined taste of its dwellers. With these paintings, Hyderabad and Secunderabad soon will be known for its rich heritage and artisans of great caliber.
What amazing street art! I love it! Thanks for sharing.
Thankyou for sharing these gems. I don’t know when I would really visit these fabulous places but photography through your eyes brings about life in all of them. You have a sense of keen observation that people like me don’t . Yes and why do people stare when we follow our own traditions and dressing sense.?
Thanks for capturing these, and for your post. I’ll be in Hyderabad later this year and will look out for these bright and beautiful works of art!
What a rich, informative and colorful post, Meenakshi! A s always, your pictures stun and the information you share educates me about a novel issue.
The next time I am in Hyderabad, I hope to see at least some of this wall art live. Thanks for sharing.