All set for the walk
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
It is 4.30p.m. as 10 women meet at KBR Park in Hyderabad. For a little more than an hour, they walk across the Park’s inner zone with a collective goal: walk, converse, discover and forge a meaningful connection in a new city. Meet the City Girls Walk Hyderabad, a women-only group launched by SM Sambavi in November, 2025. Their motto is simple: Walk together not just for fitness but to engage, know each other and build a community.
Diverse backgrounds
Making new friends
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
The women celebrate their differences. Siri Talada, an introvert, moved to Hyderabad two months ago and has made friends through the walks. “My favourite part is meeting women from different work backgrounds and getting to hear their perspectives and advice, especially from women who are a little older than me,” says the graduate.
While Sharmishtha, a document processing specialist at a consulting firm, thrives on the relaxed, non-judgemental atmosphere that makes talking to strangers less intimidating, Mrunal, an IT professional and flatmate of Sambavi, likes the inter-generational friendships. “The best part is that you can join even if you don’t know anyone and still feel comfortable. The interpersonal warmth makes it easy to connect and make new friends,” says Mrunal.
Inspiring group
Sambavi (sitting, third from right) celebrates the power of female friendship
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
A native of Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu, Sambavi, a sustainability professional with a pharmaceutical company, lived in Delhi for two years before shifting to Hyderabad. Moving to a new city as a young professional, she found the women in the group City Girls Delhi (the group was earlier called City Girls Who Walk Delhi) inspiring. “I met some amazing women who motivated and cheered each other. Their career growth was consistent and that inspired me in my own journey.”
Enduring connection
For an enduring companionship
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
When she moved to Hyderabad and did not find women-only groups, she launched an initiative with guidance from the Delhi group. Sambavi celebrates sisterhood and the power of female friendships. “Women share warmth and a strong bond with their female friends. There is enduring companionship and connections.”
With over 15 sessions alternating between morning and evening, the group brings together locals as well as those new to Hyderabad. It has held walking sessions at Botanical Garden, KBR Park, Durgam Cheruvu, Malkam Cheruvu, Gandipet and Nehru Zoological Park. “We talk about careers, share what is good or toxic about workplaces, shopping and the best dining options in Hyderabad.”
According to Sambavi, social walking has more benefits as it is free from intense performance expectations. “I was motivated to join the Delhi group because there is no pressure to maintain a strict pace. Our focus is the human connection and shared experiences to create a sense of belonging.”
The group’s focus is not just fitness but a human connection
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
As the members disperse with a promise to meet soon, Sambavi hopes the group moves forward helping women share experiences and grow together.
(For details, contact: @City Girls Walk Hyderabad on Instagram)
Published – September 19, 2026 12:16 pm IST
