Hyderabad , India

The City of Pearls Walking Tour

Active

(45 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Enjoy sweeping views of Old Hyderabad from the Charminar and walk through history at the Chowmahalla Palace. This 4-hour, small group tour takes you up one of the best preserved monuments from the time Hyderabad was built in 1591 CE – the Charminar. Take a walk through the picturesque Chudi Bazaar, filled with hundreds of shops selling the shiny and colorful Hyderabadi lac bangles and clothes. Visit the Chowmahalla Palace from which the Nizams ruled Hyderabad for over 200 years. Add-ons include transport, tickets to monuments and food.

Available options

Walking Tour Only

4-hour walking tour beginning near the Charminar and ending at Chowmahalla Palace

With Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off

City of Pearls walking tour with hotel pick-up and drop-off

What's included

Local guide

Bottled water

Coffee and/or Tea

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Walk around the Charminar and explore the architectural features that make it unique. Then, explore the Charminar with your guide and climb to the first floor for an up-close and personal encounter with the most iconic of Hyderabad's monuments. The excellent views from the Charminar allow you to get amazing photographs of the city of Hyderabad - on a clear day you can see the Golconda fort and the Falaknuma palace.

Stop 2

Walk with your guide through the Chudi Bazaar, where craftsmen are busy making the shiny colorful bangles Hyderabad is famous for. Watch as they handcraft each bangle, placing every single shining stone in place with nimble fingers. Try your hand at bargaining for a good price to get an unforgettable souvenir.

Stop 3 Pass by

Peep into the Mecca Mosque, where the Nizams of Hyderabad are buried.

Stop 4

At Chowmahalla Palace, see the seat of power of the Nizams of Hyderabad. One of the best-preserved palaces of the Nizams, you get a taste of how the royals lived and ruled. Walk among the palace buildings, see paintings, photographs, household items, weapons and the cars used by the royals of Hyderabad.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected)

Any personal expenses

Shopping for bangles, clothes or other souvenirs

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

42 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Dress comfortably and conservatively - covered knees and shoulders for both men and women is recommended

Wear comfortable walking footwear

If you have opted for the Hotel Pickup & Drop-off you will be picked up at your place of stay at 8:00 AM in an airconditioned car and driven to the starting point of the walking tour. At the end of the walking tour, your air-conditioned car will drop you off at your place of stay.

Meeting point

We will be waiting just in front of Nimrah Cafe and Bakery

Important notes

• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time

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.