The White Mughal tour in Hyderabad about Romance & Betrayal

Hyderabad , India

The White Mughal tour in Hyderabad about Romance & Betrayal

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About this experience

This half day Hyderabad tour is set in the 18th century and is about the love story of an Englishman and a Hyderabadi noblewoman. The romance between James Achilles Kirkpatrick a high ranking official of the East India Company and Khair-un-Nissa a noblewoman provides the backdrop as we walk past remarkable monuments that provide a context for life in Hyderabad 200 years ago. The White Mughal tour includes a visit to the magnificent British Residency building, Bank street, the 3 strategic gates of Empress, Robert & Landsdowne, Rangin Mahal, British cemetery, a stepwell and a dog memorial!

Available options

with pick up

Pickup included

What's included

Entrance charges

Guide

Coffee and/or Tea

Detailed itinerary

The British Residency is an imposing building and architectural marvel. It was the backdrop for an incredible cross cultural love story between James Achilles Kirkpatrick a high ranking official of the East India Company and Khair-un-Nissa a noblewoman. In 1800, Kirkpatrick married her as per Muslim law and converted to Islam. Eventually he became a double agent working for Hyderabad against the interests of the Company!
The mansion was built after the Nizams and the British signed a treaty in 1798 to allow the British to settle down in Hyderabad. The mansion was a symbol of British authority in the deccan region.
The Durbar Hall is the highlight of the British Residency. It looks regal with Burma Teakwood flooring and Belgian mirrors and French chandeliers.
There is also a smaller replica of the Residency. Khair un-Nissa, being a Muslim lady, was in purdah and hence was not allowed to visit the mansion. Therefore James built a replica for his wife to enjoy!

Stop 2

Bank street is where the English bankers used to stay. Today it is a major commercial hub of Hyderabad. We will walk past here continuing the White Mughal story.
The surrounding area came to be known as Residency Bazaar and emerged as the financial center of Hyderabad in the mid-nineteenth century. After the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny against the British East India Company, the mansion was fortified with high walls and bastions.

Stop 3

James also built a lavish palace for his Begum within the residency. Rang Mahal or Palace of colours was where Khair un-Nissa gave birth to their daughter Sahib Begum. It is unfortunately in ruins today.
The story of this forbidden cross-cultural love continues at a cemetery and a stepwell and ends at a resident’s dog memorial.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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1 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

7 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Hyderabad

Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, delectable cuisine, and thriving tech industry. This city of pearls blends ancient traditions with modern advancements, offering a unique cultural experience.

Top Attractions

Charminar

Charminar is an iconic monument and a symbol of Hyderabad. Built in 1591, it's a stunning example of Indo-Islamic architecture and a major tourist attraction.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Golconda Fort

Golconda Fort is a magnificent fort located on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the city. It's known for its acoustics, light and sound show, and rich history.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours INR 50-100 for Indians, INR 200-300 for foreigners

Hussain Sagar Lake

Hussain Sagar Lake is a heart-shaped lake that connects Hyderabad and Secunderabad. It's a popular spot for boating, picnics, and enjoying the iconic Buddha statue on the lake.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (boating charges apply)

Salar Jung Museum

Salar Jung Museum is one of the largest one-man collections in the world, featuring a vast array of artifacts, paintings, and sculptures from around the globe.

Museum 2-3 hours INR 50-100 for Indians, INR 200-300 for foreigners

Ramoji Film City

Ramoji Film City is the world's largest film studio complex, offering a unique behind-the-scenes look at the Indian film industry. It features theme parks, museums, and film sets.

Entertainment Full day INR 1000-1500 per person

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hyderabadi Biryani

A fragrant and flavorful rice dish cooked with spices, meat (chicken, mutton, or goat), and saffron. It's a must-try for any visitor to Hyderabad.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Haleem

A slow-cooked stew made with wheat, lentils, meat, and spices. It's a popular dish during Ramadan but can be enjoyed year-round.

Breakfast/Lunch Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Irani Chai

A sweet and milky tea served in small glasses, often accompanied by biscuits or snacks. It's a popular drink in Hyderabad, especially at Irani cafes.

Beverage Vegetarian

Double Ka Meetha

A popular dessert made with double roti (a type of bread), milk, sugar, and cardamom. It's a sweet and aromatic treat that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Trekking in Shivaram Wildlife Sanctuary Water sports at Osman Sagar Lake Paragliding at Golconda Fort Boating at Hussain Sagar Lake Spa and wellness treatments Picnicking at KBR National Park Visiting museums and art galleries Attending traditional dance and music performances

Best Time to Visit

October to February

This is the best time to visit Hyderabad as the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. The city hosts several festivals during this period.

20°C to 35°C 68°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Telugu, Urdu
Widely spoken: English, Hindi
English: Widely spoken in urban areas, moderately spoken in rural areas

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30 (Indian Standard Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and at night

Hyderabad is generally safe for tourists, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of street food hygiene, choose vendors with high turnover and clean surroundings.
• Avoid drinking tap water, stick to bottled or filtered water.
• Be cautious of traffic and road conditions, especially when crossing streets and walking in busy areas.

Getting there

By air

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport • 24 km from city center

By train

Hyderabad Deccan, Hyderabad Begumpet

By bus

JBS (Jubilee Bus Station), MGBS (Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station)

Getting around

Public transport

The metro is clean, efficient, and a popular choice for commuting within the city. It's air-conditioned and operates from 6 AM to 11 PM.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ola, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old City Banjara Hills Hitec City Secunderabad

Day trips

Warangal

145 km from Hyderabad • Full day

Warangal is a historic city known for its ancient forts, temples, and museums. It's a great day trip for history lovers and those interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of Telangana.

Vikarabad

70 km from Hyderabad • Full day

Vikarabad is a scenic town surrounded by hills, forests, and waterfalls. It's a great destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers, offering activities like trekking, camping, and water sports.

Nalgonda

100 km from Hyderabad • Full day

Nalgonda is a historic town known for its ancient temples, forts, and caves. It's a great day trip for those interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of Telangana.

Festivals

Bonalu • July/August (month of Ashadam) Deccan Festival • February Eid • Varies (Islamic calendar)

Pro tips

Visit during the winter months (October to February) for pleasant weather and festivals, but be prepared for crowds and higher prices.
Try the local cuisine, especially Hyderabadi biryani, haleem, and Irani chai, for an authentic taste of the city.
Explore the Old City on foot or by rickshaw for a unique and immersive experience, but be prepared for crowds and chaos.
Use app-based ride-hailing services like Ola and Uber for a more reliable and transparent experience than traditional taxis.
Bargain politely when shopping at markets, it's a common practice and expected by vendors.