Hyderabad Highlights

Hyderabad city is known for its rich history, food and multi-lingual culture. Occupying 650 square kilometers (250 sq. mi) along the banks of the Musi River, it 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.

From biryani to historic structures, Hyderabad is an attractive city in several ways. The historical backdrop of this city can be followed through the tombs of its rulers, aristocrats and holy people. On this tour you will hear the stories of Hyderabad’s rich and cultural past. Hyderabad city was home to one of the wealthiest persons in the world, Mir Osman Ali Khan, the last governing Nizam of Hyderabad, and intrigue and conspiracy that outlived the famed names on their tombs.

08:30 AM

Tour starts

09:00 AM – 09:30 AM – Birla Temple

India is a land of diversity. We visit the Famous Hindu temple Birla Mandir. The temple manifests a blend of Dravidian, Rajasthani and  Utkala  architectures. It is constructed of 2000 tons of pure white marble.

09:30 AM

On the way to Salar Jung Museum, we 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 to it is the Mozamjahi Market for its 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 – 12:00 PM – Salar Jung Museum

The Salarjung Museum of Hyderabad is a repository of the artistic achievements of diverse European, Asian and Far Eastern countries of the world. The major portion of this collection was acquired by Nawab Mir Yousuf Ali Khan popularly known as Salar Jung III. The Salar Jung Museum houses the largest one-man collection of antiques in the world. It is well known throughout India for its prized collections belonging to different civilizations, dating back to the 1st century. A visit to the Pearl city of Hyderabad is definitely incomplete without a visit to this incredible museum!

12:00 PM – 12:20 PM – Tea Break

12:20 PM – 01:00 PM – Charminar

The Charminar is a massive and impressive structure with four minarets. The fifth ruler of the Qutub Shahi dynasty Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah after shifting his capital from Golconda to Hyderabad built the Charminar in 1591. Now it is the global icon of Hyderabad.

The Charminar is a square structure with each side 20 meters long, with four grand arches each facing a fundamental point that open into four streets. At each corner stands an exquisitely shaped minaret, 56 meters (approximately 184 feet) high, with a double balcony. Each minaret is crowned by a bulbous dome with dainty petal-like designs at the base.

Mecca Masjid and Jama Masjid

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

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

02:30 PM – 03:30 PM – Lunch

04:00 PM – 04:30 PM – Qutub Shahi Tombs (If time permits)

04:30 PM – 05:00PM – 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 Golkonda Fort used to have a vault where once the famous  Koh-I-Noor and  Hope  diamonds  were stored along with other diamonds.

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.

08:00 PM – 09:00 PM – Dinner

Drop back to city centre.

                                                                                                            Tour Ends