Mesmerising Hyderabad Heritage Cultural Tour

Discover Hyderabad’s rich heritage on a full-day tour. Explore forts, palaces, and markets. Savor Hyderabadi Dum Biryani and experience the city’s vibrant culture.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Golconda Fort - Discover the world’s finest defense with a knowledgeable guide. The Golconda Fort dates back to the 11th century, starting as a small mud fort built by the Kakatiya dynasty of Warangal. It later became part of the Bahmani Empire and the principal capital of the Qutub Shahi sultans. Upon entering, you’ll encounter an 8 km granite wall, 8 gates, and 87 bastions. Your guide will lead you through the Bala-Hisar gate, where you’ll experience the impressive communication system at the Grand Clapping Portico, known for its echoing claps. The tour continues to the renowned diamond market and up the fort steps to reach the Baradari (Durbar Hall). Along the way, you’ll see the Persian wooden wheel water supply system, granaries, Ramadas jail, Ibrahim mosque, and the Jagadamba Mahakali temple from the 11th century. From the Baradari, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of Golconda and Hyderabad, including the King and Queen Enclosures, harems, central courts, and stables for horses, camels, and elephants.

  • Qutb Shahi Tombs - Located in Ibrahim Bagh near Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, the Qutb Shahi Tombs house the tombs and mosques of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. The structures feature arches, columns, domes, minarets, and galleries, all surrounded by landscaped gardens. The smaller tombs are single-storied, while the larger ones have two stories. Each tomb’s center holds a stone coffin above the actual burial vault in a crypt below. Originally adorned with blue and green tiles, only a few fragments remain today. The complex also includes step wells, Turkish baths, and beautiful Char-Bagh gardens, reminiscent of paradise.

  • Puranapool - Puranapool, meaning ‘Old Bridge,’ was originally known as Paar-ana-pool, a Persian term meaning ‘Bridge of Love.’ Here, your guide will share the love story of Muhammad Quli and Bagamathi, the founder of Hyderabad and the king of Golconda.

  • Laad Bazar - One of India’s oldest street markets, Laad Bazar is famous for its lacquer bangles studded with artificial diamonds. This 1-kilometer-long shopping area is filled with shops selling bangles, saris, wedding items, imitation jewelry, and perfumes.

  • Charminar - A landmark of India, the Charminar is part of the Qutub Shahi kings’ Paradise City. Built at the intersection of a historic trade route connecting the city to international markets via the port city of Machilipatnam, the Old City of Hyderabad was designed with the Charminar at its center. The city radiates from the Charminar in four quadrants, each with distinct settlements. To the north is the Char Kaman, or four gateways, built in the cardinal directions. Persian architects were also invited to help design the city. The Charminar itself serves as a mosque and madrasa, showcasing Indo-Islamic architecture with Persian influences.

  • Mecca Masjid - Constructed with local granite, Mecca Masjid is one of India’s largest mosques and the most significant in Hyderabad. The arched gallery houses the tombs of all the Nizams since 1803. The mosque measures 225 feet in length, 180 feet in width, and 75 feet in height.

  • Nimrah Cafe and Bakery - One of the oldest bakeries in historic Hyderabad, Nimrah Cafe and Bakery offers a chance to see how Irani chai and the famous Osmania cookies are made, along with other Hyderabad street foods.

  • Chowmahalla Palace - A stunning palace of the powerful Nizams of Hyderabad, who ruled from 1724 to 1948. The palace is renowned for its ornate walls and ceilings, a mechanical clock that has been running for over 250 years, 19 Belgian crystal chandeliers in the Durbar Hall, and the marble platform that held the Takht-e-Nishan (royal seat).

  • Moazzam Jahi Market - Famous for its fruit market, Moazzam Jahi Market is located in the heart of Hyderabad. Built in 1935 during the rule of the last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, it was named after his second son, Moazzam Jah. The fruit market was relocated to Kothapet in the 1980s.

  • Hussain Sagar Lake - Just 2 km from the city center, Hussain Sagar Lake is a popular tourist spot in Hyderabad. It connects Secunderabad and Hyderabad and is the largest artificial lake in Asia. Excavated in 1562 AD during the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah, the lake was named after Hussain Shah Wali. Initially built for irrigation and water supply, it served this purpose until 1930.

  • Pista House Tolichowki - A restaurant known for typical Hyderabad cuisine.

What's Included
  • Tea and coffee
  • Bottled water
  • Monuments fee
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • All fees and/or taxes
  • Lunch
What's Not Included
  • Entance fee to Charminar Road Char Lamar is INR 300 per person
Additional Information

Explore Heritage Hyderabad in a full-day sightseeing tour, offering an authentic taste of the city’s forts, palaces, culture, and shopping. Visit city landmarks like the Qutub Shahi Kingdom and the Nizams of Hyderabad, and enjoy a panoramic view from the plateau before continuing to Golconda Fort. We’ll take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures to explore this medieval structure, which was once part of India’s Kakatiya Dynasty dating back to the 11th century.

Why not savor some delicious Hyderabadi Dum Biryani before heading downtown to see Hyderabad’s iconic landmark, The Charminar? There, you can browse for bangles and ‘Attar’ (fragrant essential oil) at the famous Laad Bazaar, visit the Mecca Masjid Mosque, and enjoy Irani Chai.

Other highlights include Chowmohalla Palace, heritage buildings like Mecca Masjid, Unani Hospital, Char Kamans, the High Court of Telangana, and Town Hall.

Join me to discover the true essence of Hyderabad, its rich traditions and cultures, delectable cuisine, and stunning sights.

Location
Golconda Fort
Ibrahim Bagh
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
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(3 Ratings)
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Global10590778001
Jul 21, 2024
TRUE Hyderabad tour - The guide and the driver had promptly reported at my place of stay and while driving Srinu Tour Guide explained about the Deccan Plateau, related to the historic events. Never imagined, they day went of without knowing 8 hrs tour. Go for this and enjoy ane excellent experience at nimrah cafe near charminar and delicious local food overall great day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sooryudu
Apr 11, 2024
True insider tour - Amazing tour with extensive knowledge about lesser-known places. The tour guide has true insider details about Old City Hyderabad. He has access to places that are usually closed and can show you around places that are usually off limits to tourists. Tour guide has a master's degree in Indian culture architecture and history. Book the tour you will not regret it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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