Hyderabad , India

Guided Tour of Museums in Hyderabad

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About this experience

Hyderabad, also known as the City of the Nizams, has several extraordinary museums that showcase the wealthy lifestyles of the rulers of this former princely state of India. The museums are housed in large palaces that merit a visit in their own right. From the world’s largest one man collection of art to a palace that had over 7 000 attendants in its heydays, this guided tour of museums is a must on every visitor’s itinerary.

Highlights:
• Salar Jung Museum (Museum Remain Closed on Fridays)
• State Museum (Museum Remain Closed on Mondays)
• Nizam’s Museum (Museum Remain Closed on Fridays)
• Chowmahalla Palace (Palace Remain Closed on Fridays)

Available options

1-8 Travelers (with Lunch)

1-8 Travelers: Price per person for 1-8 travelers<br/>Pickup included

What's included

02 bottles of mineral water per person

Lunch (beverage excluded)

Local English speaking guide

Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and driven to Salar Jung Museum, that contains the world’s largest collection of art and objects by a single individual. The 38 galleries of the museum display collections from all over the world that date from the 2nd century B.C. to the early 20th century A.D. The Clock Room of the museum with its large collection of clocks ranging from sundials to modern day masterpieces is a must to visit.

Stop 2

Next drive to the State Museum, the oldest museum in Hyderabad. The museum has a large collection of artifacts from several archaeological excavations. It also has a rich collection of Buddhist sculptures dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries B.C. and an equally impressive collection of Hindu sculptures from the Chalukya and Vijaynagar Empires that range from the 6th to the 13th century A.D. The museum’s main attraction is an Egyptian mummy which was donated by the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad.

Stop 3

Your next stop will be the Nizam’s Museum that has a display of the gifts received by the last Nizam of Hyderabad on his silver jubilee celebrations. These include a golden throne, diamond and gold studded daggers and a silver elephant. Also on display are three vintage cars - a 1930 Rolls Royce, a Packard and a Mark V Jaguar.

After the museum visit, enjoy an included lunch (beverage excluded) at a local restaurant.

Stop 4

Your last stop for the day is the magnificent Chowmahalla Palace, the official residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad. Don’t miss the Clock Tower at the entrance. The mechanical clock has been ticking for the last 250 years. The lavish palace was the venue of all functions and banquets hosted by the Nizams.

At the end of the tour, you will be driven back to your hotel.

What's not included

Food and drinks, unless specified

Gratuities ( optional

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Adult pricing applies to all travelers.

Dress code is smart casual.

Salarjung Museum, Nizam Museum, State Museum and Chowmahalla Palace remain closed on Fridays

Meeting point

We will pick up traveler from their hotels / fixed point within city center.

Important notes

Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.

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.