Hyderabad Untold

Ruled by the Qutub Shahi dynasty, the city has a history of 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”.

08:30 AM

Tour Starts

09:30 AM – 09:45 AM – On route to Charminar

The Charminar is a massive and impressive structure with four minarets. Each of these minarets is beautifully crowned by a dome with petal like designs at the base level. It should be noted that these minarets have different stories, which are marked by its carved ring. There is a beautiful mosque located at the western end of the open roof on the top. When taking into consideration we can say that it has a Islamic architecture style. When it is illuminated during dawn, the view is spectacular.

10:00 AM – 11:15 AM – Chowmahalla palace

India has many palaces which were built by some of the great ancient rulers. Chowmahalla is one such palace which remains a masterpiece. The design and the features of this palace are marvelous and even the modern buildings built with modern technology cannot compete with the beauty and charm of these palace.

This palace stands as a symbol which represents the culture and skills of our ancestors. It is where the rulers of the state (Nizam’s) lived. All the major ceremonies during the reign of the Nizams were conducted in this palace. At present the palace is owned by a member of the Nizam’s lineage named as Barkat Ali Khan Mukkaram Jah.

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Tea

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Charminar

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 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. The projected canopy, decorative brackets and decoration in stucco plaster add graceful elegance to it. On the upper courtyard, a screen of arches topped by a row of square jails provides a delicate charm to the muscular look of the Charminar.

Photo Stop at Mecca Masjid and Jama Masjid. Know the history of the oldest and biggest mosque in the city.

01:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Laad Bazaar

After the tea 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,  Kalamkari 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.

02:30 PM – 03:30 PM – Lunch

04:00 PM – 05:00 PM – Hi Tea

05:00 PM – 08:00 PM – Golconda Fort

Followed by a visit to the Golconda Fort with amazing Sound and 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 diamonds.

It was built by the Kakatiya Rulers who had 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 the city 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.

08:30 PM – 09:30 PM – DINNER

 Drop back to city centre.

08:30 AM

Tour Starts

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.

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – 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.

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM – Tea

11:30 AM – 01:00 PM – Salar Jung Museum

Collection of antique items is something many of us have indulged in. But collecting artifacts from across the globe will just seem like a dream. One man who managed to fulfill his dream was Nawab Mir Yousuf Khan, popularly known as Salar Jung III. The Salar Jung Museum is a testament to his passion for arts and antiques. Located in Hyderabad, this museum is known to be the largest one-man collections. Being one of its kind in the world, it serves as a paradise for the connoisseurs of arts.

01:30 PM – 02:30 PM – Lunch

03:30 PM – 05:00 PM – Shilparamam

A place of the old world innocence and simplicity combined with the highly talented craftsmanship of traditional Telugu culture as well as other cultures of India. Shilparamam Cultural Society is keeping the antiquity of Indian heritage alive in the midst of its modern changes. Thatched roof complexes, sparkling waterfalls, terracotta horses at the gate, statues dressed in traditional attires in rustic surroundings–it is a trip that showcases the traditional way of Indian life.

05:30 PM – 06:00 PM – Tea

06:30 PM – 08:00 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 Gibralter. This boulevard is complete with beautiful lawns, restaurants, recreational facilities and good views of the city of Hyderabad.

08:30 PM – 09:30 PM – Dinner

 Drop back to city centre.

08:30 AM

Tour Starts

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM – Tea

12:00 PM – 01:00 PM – Warangal Fort

Warangal Fort belongs to the 13^th century when it was constructed by King Ganapati Deva. The fort with exquisite carved pillars and arches was intended to be his second capital .It houses a temple, which is dedicated to Swayambhudevi, (Mother Earth). The fort being invincible was called the seat of power. The entrance is built in south Indian architectural style. Though it in is in ruins, it still provides room for interesting study that aids in research of ancient history and sculptures.

01:30 PM – 02:30 PM – Lunch

02:45 PM – 03:30 PM – Thousand Pillar Temple

Orugallu, old name of Warangal. ‘Oru’ means one and ‘Kallu’ means stone. The entire city was carved from a single rock, hence the name Orukallu, which means ‘one rock’. The city was also called Ekasila nagaram. The largest city of the State, 148 kms away from Hyderabad.

It was the capital of a Hindu Shaivite kingdom ruled by the Kakatiya dynasty from the 12th to the 14th century. Thousand pillar temple belongs to the 12th century. It is located near the Hanamkonda-Warangal highway. The construction displays the influence of the Kakatiya architectural style. There are three shrines inside the temple called the Trikutalayam, dedicated to three gods, Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya. The temple is surrounded by a big garden in which many small lingam shrines can be seen. There is a carving of a Nandi bull in the form of a highly polished black basalt monolith.

03:45 PM – 04:30 PM – Bhadrakali Temple

Bhadrakali temple belongs to the 8^th century and is among the oldest temples constructed for goddess Bhadrakali. The idol of Goddess Kali is enshrined in this temple, which is situated on a hill. The ancient temple was built during the reign of Kakatiya Dynasty. The construction bears the influence of Chalukya architectural style. The rock formations that were naturally formed around the temple make the place more serene.

04:30 PM – 05:00 PM – Hi Tea

05:00 PM – Way back to Hyderabad.

08:30 PM – 09:30 PM – Dinner

Drop back at city centre.

                                                                                                              Tour Ends