Private tour of Hyderabad with lunch for a cultural immersion

Hyderabad , India

Private tour of Hyderabad with lunch for a cultural immersion

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(149 reviews)

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About this experience

Relive the glorious past of Hyderabad when it was one of the richest and most powerful cities in the world, in the company of an expert. Take a peek into the opulent lives of the Nizams who used diamonds as paper weights! Unravel the secrets of Qutub Shahi Kings who founded the city. The itinerary covers the spellbinding Golconda Fort, majestic Qutub Shahi tombs, the lavish Chowmahalla Palace of the Nizams and romantic Charminar, the most iconic monument of Hyderabad.

Available options

Fridays

revised itinerary: Choumahalla Palace are closed on Fridays so we will instead visit Birla Mandir<br/>Pickup included

Week days except Fri

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pick and drop

Vegetarian south Indian lunch. Cuisine change will cost extra.

Guide

Private Car

entrance charges

Detailed itinerary

We head out to Golconda, located 11 km away from the Hyderabad City. The Golconda fort is arguably the greatest hill fortress of India. Built in AD 1143 as a mud fort, it was fortified between the 14th and 17th centuries and served as the principle Palace of the Bahmani Sultans and the Qutb Shahi dynasty. Our guide will bring alive the history of this Fort and how it shaped the future of Hyderabad and its people.

Stop 2

Qutub Shahi Tombs were erected in the memory of the old kings of Golconda. The arch, columns, dome minarets, and galleries look exquisite and are surrounded by gardens called Ibrahim Bagh. As per legend, these tombs were revered during the rule of the Qutub Shahi Kings and even criminals taking refuge here were pardoned.

Stop 3

Choumahalla, the Palace of the Nizams who were at one time the richest people in the world is the next halt in this Hyderabad City Tour. Some of the noteworthy sections in this Palace include a water fountain, vintage cars, intricate carvings, glass chandeliers and the grand durbar hall. During the heydays of the Nizams, as many as 7000 attendants used to man this Palace! Our guide will give you an insight into the personal and political life of Nizams of Hyderabad.

Stop 4

Our final destination in the Hyderabad City Tour is Charminar, a monument that is symbolic of the city of Hyderabad. It was built in 1591 by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shahi, the fifth sultan of the Qutub Shahi dynasty to commemorate the end of a deadly plague attack of the city. Our guide will enthrall you with legends like the presence of a secret tunnel underneath Charminar which connected to Golconda Fort, created as a means of escape for the royal family at times of distress.

What's not included

Beverages or any additional food order

Airport pick up (will cost extra)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

12 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

137 reviews

5★

126

4★

3★

2★

1★

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.