The process of social interaction is continuously gaining momentum in Hyderabad. Events organized by individuals and groups are a great way to connect with strangers. Once participants meet, discover shared interests and safety concerns are addressed, creative activities focused on art, books, music, food, wellness and travel can help form new bonds.
Check out four such networking groups.
up club
Selfie fun with new friends. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
“People are lonely, but they don’t have to be,” says Sagar Aggarwal, referring to urban loneliness. The founder of the Bengaluru-based Upar Club believes there are more opportunities to form meaningful relationships today than there were a few years ago. “The social scene is improving; there is still some stigma around meeting strangers but this is changing.”
The club above, launched in September 2024, has about 1,000 members in the city. “Once you meet people, over time, they cease to be strangers.” The intention to connect with people motivates individuals to attend these sessions. “Making connections with strangers online has changed our sense of friendship. People think that friend requesting is the same as making friends, but it’s not.”
Sagar Aggarwal Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
To join the club, one has to use its app which has an ID verification process and geolocation tagging to address security concerns. “People don’t have to think only about movies, music or stand-up comedy shows for entertainment. New trends in curated experiences make these encounters an alternative form of entertainment.”
small world
Participating in an event. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Started in Bengaluru in 2019, Small World organizes events on all days of the weekDue to digital overload after the pandemic, the group founded by Saurav Arya saw a rise in demand for offline programs, “It’s been a good two years in Hyderabad,” says Saurav, a former engineer who now travels and builds remote businesses,
Group events – Chai Pe Cha Cha, Coffee Conversations, Social Mixer, Speed Dating, Try Club and Human Library in Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, NCR and Kolkata also cater to IT professionals and people new to the city, especially in the 21-35 years age group, eager to make new friends.
Saurav Arya Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Saurav explains that icebreaker sessions help participants start conversations. These sessions encourage them to converse on topics beyond work, exploring shared interests.
To ensure that participants stick to the rules, events are held in cafes or restaurants. “We have also held sessions in pubs where responsible drinking is encouraged. If any participant is intoxicated or is of unsound mind, we refuse entry.”
From around 25 nominations for its sessions in 2023, the number has grown to 100 in 2025. The team enters 2026 with two new programs – Intellectual Society and Eye Contact Booth. While the Intellect Society offers sessions with subject matter experts sharing insights on chosen topics, people can engage in silent, one-on-one eye contact with fellow participants in the Eye Contact Booth.
check out
Tickets for all the meet-up events are listed on platforms like BookMyShow, District by Zomato and Swiggy.
international
Versatile Group | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Internationals is an exclusive destination for foreigners and NRIs living in Hyderabad. The 18-year-old organization with a global presence was founded for people who travel abroad to work for a short period of time and are looking to connect or discuss people over shared interests and overcome culture shock.
At home with new friends Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
“We share information about schools, shops, restaurants, doctors and discuss other local issues that newcomers can connect with,” says Sana Betaib, an expatriate entrepreneur who will join the group in 2022 in Hyderabad. She now serves as an ambassador for the forum which meets once or twice every month for meet-ups announced on its website. With a large and versatile community, activities for families, singles, and children are planned and held at various locations to help members become familiar with the city.
Sana Betaib Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
“Friendships are for life,” says Sana. While some members have moved to different places, they are still connected in the countries where they are posted or travel together, while others have found their partners. “Many people from different countries met and got married in Hyderabad.”
matching events
Youth created the iconic pose of Shahrukh Khan. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
When IT professional Hrithik Raina came to Hyderabad in 2024, he felt lonely. “I had no friends and I didn’t know where to go,” he recalls. A year later, with some experience working in other meet-up organizations, Hrithik co-founded Milap Events in April 2025 with Sonal Kashyap and Chaitanya, Ishaat, Faizal, Satvika, Harshita as team members. “I like the idea of meeting people from different backgrounds. It’s interesting to learn about their world.”
Hrithik Raina with Sonal Kashyap Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
“The community hopes to create a non-judgmental space where people can discuss life, travel experiences, likes, dislikes and the worst advice they have received in life,” says Hrithik.
Music Session | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
His love for Hindi film songs is also evident in the meet-up titles – Rubaaru, Anjaana Anjaani or Nayi Dosti, which feature events to help people play games, participate in open-mics or dance sessions. With over 60 events so far, Hrithik believes consistency is the key. In 2026, Hrithik aims to take the Milap event to Bengaluru and then to Pune.
published – December 31, 2025 09:50 AM IST