Charms of Hyderabad

Ruled by the Qutub Shahi dynasty, the city has a history of nearly 425 years. The capital Bhagyanagar was named after a nautch girl Bhagyamati, who later as the wife of King Quli Qutub Shah became Hyder Mahal and thus was born Hyderabad.

The city has a population of about 6.7 million and a metropolitan population of about 7.75 million, making it the fourth most populous city and sixth most populous urban agglomeration in India. Hyderabad has developed into one of the major hubs for the information technology industry in India which has earned it the additional sobriquet “Cyberabad”.

07:30 AM – 08:30 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel.

09:00 AM – 10:00 AM

After breakfast our tour starts. On the way to Charminar pass by the Assembly Building. It is the first Legislative assembly that came into being on 1st March 1952 in the old state of Hyderabad. Next is The Mozamjahi Market for it old shops, Osmania Hospital which is one of a kind Building and then the High Court. You may have short photo stop in these places to capture the beauty of these century old buildings.

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM – Hi Tea

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM – Charminar

The most charming landmarks of Hyderabad, the Charminar is the finest example of Qutub Shahi architecture. The age of this grand structure can be dated back to Quli Qutub Shah, who constructed this magnificent edifice, in 1591AD. This more than 400 year old charming structure is known as ‘The Arc de triumph of the East’. It is said that the inadequacy of water and plague forced Quli Qutub Shah to construct Charminar at the center of Hyderabad and four roads built around it in four different directions of the city.

The four minarets of the Charminar dominate the landscape of the Hyderabad. The minarets, their domed finials rising from their lotus-leaves cushion, rise high from the ground. The whole structure of Charminar contains various small and ornamental arches arranged in vertical and horizontal fashion. The cornice on the first floor upholds a series of six arches and capitals on each portico, rising to the double-story gallery of the minarets of Charminar.

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM – Mecca Masjid & Jama Masjid

Photo stop at Mecca Masjid and Jama Masjid. Know the history of the oldest and biggest Mosque in the city.

The atmosphere inside the mosque is very peaceful and serene and therefore, one can offer their prayers in solitude amidst a holy environment. Amazed to see the elegant designs carved on the arches and the Quran’s Verses etched on the walls of the mosque.

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Laad Bazaar

We start the Walking Tour of Laad Bazaar. You may shop for the specialties of Hyderabad here. Laad Bazaar is the main market for bangles, semi-precious stones, pearls, Jewellery, products such as silverware, Nirmal, Kalamari paintings, bidriware, lacquer bangles studded with stones, saris and hand-woven materials of silk, cotton. Brocade, velvet and gold embroidered fabrics, traditional Khara Dupattas, lacquer bangles and perfumes.

01:00 PM – 02:00 PM – Chowmahalla palace

Once viewed as the center of Hyderabad, the heavenly Chowmahalla Palace was the seat of the Asaf Jahi line where the Nizam’s entertained their official visitors and Royal guests. Built over 200 years ago, Chowmahalla Palace is renowned for its unique style and elegance, and is a synthesis of many architectural styles and influences. The highlight of the palace is the Grand Khilwat, the Durbar Hall. The sheer magnificence of the place is breath-taking. The Courtyard where parties can be held is a vast expanse of lush green lawns and picturesque water tanks and fountains.

02:30 PM – 03:30 PM – Lunch

04:10 PM – 04:30 PM – Qutub Shahi tombs

Visit the Qutub Shahi Tombs. These 21 magnificent domed granite tombs, with almost as many mosques, sit serenely in landscapes gardens about 2kms northwest of Golconda Fort, where many of their occupants spent large parts of their lives. The tombs great domes are mounted on cubical basis, many of which have beautiful colonnades and delicate lime stucco ornaments.

04:45 PM: Hi Tea 

05:30 PM – 08:00 PM – Golconda (Includes Sound & Light show)

The Golconda Fort used to have a vault where once the famous  Koh-I-Noor and  Hope  diamonds were stored along with other diamond.

The Golconda Fort, originally built by the Kakatiya Rulers has amazingly advanced acoustics systems that were used for signaling approaching enemy as well as for detecting conspiracies being hatched in palace corners! The Fort also is unique in the use of the natural boulders (that date back to a billion years), distinctive of the Deccan plateau, as foundation stones for the structure. This detour will trace the history of the Qutub Shahi dynasty which ruled Hyderabad between 1518 and 1687 AD. The narrative will include stories of the rulers of this dynasty with a special emphasis on the love story between Mohd Quli Qutub Shah and Baghmati. You will hear the story of Aurangzeb’s long and frustrating siege of the Golconda Fort.

Dinner time 08:30 PM – 09:30 PM

Drop back at the hotel.

07:30 AM – 08:30 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel.

09:00 AM – 09:30 AM – Birla Mandir

Visit Birla Mandir. The temple manifests a blend of  Dravidian,  Rajasthani and  Utkala architectures. It is constructed of 2000 tons of pure white marble.

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM – Tea Break

11:45 AM – 12:30 PM – Purani Haveli

Visit Purani Haveli. It was the official residence of the Nizam. It was also known as Haveli Khadeem, which means old mansion. The main building is a symbol of 18th century European architecture. Sikander Jha lived here for some time and later shifted to Khilwat Mahal. Due to this, these buildings are called Purani Haveli.

12:45 PM – 02:00 PM – SalarJung Museum

Located on the southern bank of Musi River in Hyderabad, this museum is known to be the largest one-man collection in the world and serves as a paradise for the art lovers. The Salar Jung’s family has a glorious past with great qualities of statesmanship for generations and rich contributions from the family towards the vast collection of art objects, manuscripts and printed books, which now find a place in the museum. It is a repository of the artistic achievements of diverse European, Asian and Far Eastern countries of the world

02:15 PM – 03:15 PM – Lunch

04:00 PM – 04:45 PM – Shilparamam

Stop at Shilparamam, a crafts village, conceived in the year 1992. Sprawling over 65 acres (260,00 m²) of land in the hi-tech hub city of India. Shilparamam gives a scenic ambience of Tradition and cultural heritage.

The lush and serene environment of Shilparamam is sculpted with woodwork, Jewellery, cloths and Local crafts of each region of the country .Showcasing a plethora of artistic ethos, Shilparamam is set Amidst gardens, cascading waterfalls and natural rock heights.

04:50 PM – 05:45 PM – Hi Tea

06:30 PM – 07:30 PM – Hussain Sagar Lake

Hussain Sagar Lake is one of the largest Man Made Lake in Asia. There are boats available which take you to the “ROCK OF GIBRALTER” where Lord Buddha statue is placed.

An 18-meter high monolithic statue of Lord Buddha towers over the lake from atop the Rock of Gibraltar. This boulevard is complete with beautiful lawns, restaurants, recreational facilities and good views of the city of Hyderabad.

08:00 PM -09-00 PM – Dinner

Drop back to the hotel.    

                                                                                                         Tour Ends