City sightseeing tours
Several tours are offered to the conference delegates and accompanying persons to give a chance to experience the history, culture of Hyderabad. All tours will start and end at HICC.
Please fill out the Booking Form to make reservations for the tours.
We can also organise customised tours on written requests.
Please contact jonty@detoursindia.com for any booking related and other information.
Schedule of tours at a glance
Tour # |
Tour Name |
5 April 2025 |
6 April 2025 |
7 April 2025 |
8 April 2025 |
9 April 2025 |
10 April 2025 |
11 April 2025 |
12 April 2025 |
Saturday |
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
||
1 |
3:30 pm to 7:30 pm |
|
|
3:30 pm to 7:30 pm |
|
3:30 pm to 7:30 pm |
|
|
|
2 |
|
8:30 am to 12:15 pm |
8:30 am to 12:15 pm |
|
8:30 am to 12:15 pm |
|
8:30 am to 12:15 pm |
|
|
3 |
8:15 am to 1:00 pm |
|
8:15 am to 1:00 pm |
|
8:15 am to 1:00 pm |
|
|
8:15 am to 1:00 pm |
|
4 |
|
3:00 pm to 8:00 pm |
|
3:00 pm to 8:00 pm |
|
3:00 pm to 8:00 pm |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
9:00 am to 1:00 pm |
|
|
9:00 am to 1:00 pm |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
7:00 am to 10:30 am |
|
|
7:00 am to 10:30 am |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
|
5:00 pm to 9:30 pm |
5:00 pm to 9:30 pm |
|
|
8 |
|
|
5:00 pm to 9:30 pm |
|
5:00 pm to 9:30 pm |
|
|||
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
4:00 pm to 9:30 pm |
4:00 pm to 9:30 pm |
|
|
10 |
Shoppers' Delight (with vegetarian lunch at a local restaurant) |
|
|
|
|
9:00 am to 2:30 pm |
|
|
9:00 am to 2:30 pm |
The Charminar
The most famous symbol of the city, the Charminar was planned as the centre of the city when the capital shifted from Golkonda to Hyderabad in 1591 AD. The four minarets structure towers over bustling bazaars selling colourful and glittering lacquered bangles, pearls, shiny fabric, traditional perfumes (ittar), antiques and other knick-knacks. The climb up the Charminar is about fifty steps through a spiral staircase from where you can get magnificent views of the Mecca Masjid, the Unani Hospital, the Osmania Hospital, High Court, the Purani Haveli as well as the Falaknuma Palace in the distance. For the true flavour of old Hyderabadi culture, this area of the city is a must visit.


The Golkonda Fort
The Golkonda Fort is one of the most impressive forts in the country and was the only centre for diamond trade in the 16th century. As the initial capital city of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty that ruled this region between 1518 and 1687, the architecture includes some amazingly advanced acoustics systems that were used for signalling approaching enemy as well as for detecting conspiracies being hatched in palace corners.
Given the heat in April, we will be doing only the lower portion of the Fort.
The Qutb Shahi Tombs
The rulers of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty had a tradition of constructing their tombs during their lifetime. The Emperors tried to outdo their predecessor and the magnificence of the architecture advanced over time. The tombs tower over the landscape majestically. This architecture is a fascinating mix of Persian and the local styles. Remnants of the blue tile work on some of these elegant structures give us a peek into the richness of that was a trademark of this dynasty.

Note: While the lower areas of the Fort have some wheelchair access, certain areas of the Fort and the Qutb Shahi Tombs cannot be accessed on a wheelchair. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and carry a umbrella/hat.

Chowmahalla Palace
The Chowmahalla Palace was the seat of the dynasty of the Nizams of Hyderabad who were well known for the grandeur and wealth. This palace, built in the eighteenth century has been painstakingly restored and has been open to public only since 2006. The imposing Durbar Hall with its collection of glittering chandeliers and several rooms within the Palace display artefacts from the past that reflect the opulence with which this dynasty lived and ruled.
Salar Jung Museum
One of the most unusual collections of art pieces in the world is housed in Hyderabad. This treasure trove is a fascinating amalgam of antiquity and modernity and represents the three Salar Jungs’ efforts to find the most exquisite pieces from across the world. It is believed that during the colonial period a lot of the art wealth of the country was shipped to the metropolitan countries and the Salar Jungs are credited with bringing back some of it to enrich the collection. Some of the most well-known pieces that you can find in this museum is the Veiled Rebecca, a masterpiece in marble carved by Giovanni Maria Benzoni, the Musical Clock made by Cook & Kelvy of England that features a woodcutter who comes out every hour to strike the hour, the Ivory Collection Gallery featuring stunning pieces of art from across the world, the sections on Indian textiles, miniature paintings and a double-figured wooden piece by an unknown sculptor.


Purani Haveli – The Nizam’s Museum
The next stop will be at Purani Haveli, the home of the Sixth Nizam where because of his love of clothes, a whole section of the Palace had to be converted into wardrobes. The Nizam would access his wardrobes in a hand drawn wooden lift. Today, the Purani Haveli also houses the numerous gifts given to the Sixth and the Seventh Nizams from emperors across the world.
Note: Most of the main areas of the Salar Jung Museum can be accessed by wheelchair. However, the Nizam’s Museum at Purani Haveli is on the first floor with no lift/elevator access.
Hussain Sagar Lake
Built on an 85 metre hillock, the Birla Temple stands in its pristine marble glory looking down on the Hussain Sagar Lake. The tour will start at the temple where you will witness one of the evening rituals. From the hillock, you will also get views of the imposing newly-built secretariat and the Ambedkar statue. You will then drive to Lumbini Park, one of the green spaces in the city next to the lake. The lake, built in 1562 is in the centre of the city and was the main source of water supply till the beginning of the last century. Take a boat ride to the middle of the lake and get a close up view of the magnificent Buddha statue which stands testimony to this region’s contribution to Buddhism. The tour will end at Paradise restaurant where you will enjoy the world’s most popular Hyderabadi Biryani.


Birla Temple
Built on an 85 metre hillock, the Birla Temple stands in its pristine marble glory looking down on the Hussain Sagar Lake. A serene ode to Lord Venkateshwara – Birla Mandir stands atop Naubath Pahad Hillock as an elegant testament of devotion and architectural brilliance, designed by visionary industrialist and philanthropist Dr. B.D. Birla. Conceived as an offering to Lord Venkateshwara or Vishnu by Dr. Birla himself, its white marble shines like a beacon of spiritual light as the sun casts its golden rays across it.
Birla Mandir is more than just a place of worship; it’s an architectural masterpiece capturing the heart of South Indian architecture. For over 10 years, skilled artisans laboured tirelessly to construct this extravagant sanctuary, making it one of the most celebrated and revered religious institutions in Hyderabad.
Falaknuma Palace
It was once the pride of the Paigah family and later cherished by the Nizam of Hyderabad. The palace name “Falaknuma” means “like the sky” or “mirror of the sky” in Urdu – a true embodiment of its celestial title. The English architect William Ward Marret conceived the palace, a marvel sculpted entirely from Italian marble. It is adorned with captivating stained-glass windows that bestow a magical aura upon its majestic exterior.
The palace resembles the shape of a scorpion, with two wing-like structures extending from the north. A beautiful fusion of Italian and Tudor influences, it reflects the Nawab’s love for travelling. The palace also houses hidden treasures, such as a unique, manually operated organ that weighs 2 tons and graces the Ballroom. It is believed to be the only surviving instrument of its kind globally.


Makkah Masjjid
A city, where almost every corner has a delicious food joint or the display of an architecture brilliance of the old world, Hyderabad takes the pride of being the meeting point of several religions! To witness this, you must visit the grand Makkah Masjjid within the old city limits. With the foundation laid by Muhannad Quli Qutb Shah, who brought soil from Mecca (or Makkah), the holiest place for the Muslims; this sacred masjid in Hyderabad is located within the close proximity of the Chowmahalla Palace and Charminar. Bricks used in the construction were made from the Mecca and thus it got its name.
Old City Food Walk
Very few cities in the world can claim to be synonymous with a single dish. This is true in the case of Hyderabad though where the mere reference to the city evokes an immediate discussion about the Biryani, a dish which is a delectable mix of meat and rice cooked with spices. For a true Hyderabadi though, the obsession goes beyond this dish. A typical Hyderabadi will spend hours debating the best place to have a cup of Irani tea and friendships have been threatened over arguments of the best Haleem joints in town. The cuisine of Hyderabad is a result of its history of over four centuries and the involvement with food is more than just to satisfy a basic need; in fact, the right to good food is often taken for granted by the people of this city. On this food walk through the busy markets and by-lanes of the old city, you will get a glimpse into the food ethos of this region as well as get a first- hand experience of the Hyderabadi passion for good food!
On the morning food walk, we will make our way through some of the best breakfast snacks in town, participate in the Hyderabadi pastime of sipping cups of Irani tea with Osmania biscuits, bite into warm, just baked local bread and watch the efforts that go into preparing some of the best delicacies this region has to offer.
The evening food walk will include the local snacks as well as kebabs and biryani. Very few cities in the world can claim to be synonymous with a single dish. This is true in the case of Hyderabad though where the mere reference to the city evokes an immediate discussion about the Biryani, a dish which is a delectable mix of meat and rice cooked with spices. For a true Hyderabadi though, the obsession goes beyond this dish. A typical Hyderabadi will spend hours debating the best place to have a cup of Irani tea and friendships have been threatened over arguments of the best Haleem joints in town. The cuisine of Hyderabad is a result of its history of over four centuries and the involvement with food is more than just to satisfy a basic need; in fact, the right to good food is often taken for granted by the people of this city. On this food walk through the busy markets and by-lanes of the old city, you will get a glimpse into the food ethos of this region as well as get a first- hand experience of the Hyderabadi passion for good food!
On the morning food walk, we will make our way through some of the best breakfast snacks in town, participate in the Hyderabadi pastime of sipping cups of Irani tea with Osmania biscuits, bite into warm, just baked local bread and watch the efforts that go into preparing some of the best delicacies this region has to offer.
The evening food walk will include the local snacks as well as kebabs and biryani.


The Nizam’s Royal Splendour
The Nizams of Hyderabad ruled over this region for almost two centuries and were known for their wealth and grandeur. On this tour, you will experience a slice of their life. Wander through the lesser known tombs of the Nizam’s noblemen and end the tour at the magnificent Falaknuma Palace.
During the Nizam’s rule, the family next in nobility to the rulers was the Paigah Family. The Paigahs were a family second in nobility only to the Nizam’s family. Apart from playing an important role in the politics of the region, they also left behind their marks in the palaces they built for themselves. Some of them have been converted into clubs, resorts and other important buildings. In the late 18th century and early 19th century, they also built some magnificent tombs. The Paigah tombs have a unique architectural style with a combination of Turkish, Mughal, Persian and Rajasthani style of architecture. In a small corridor, there is a simple tomb of Sir Vicar-ul-umra who built the Falaknuma Palace and gifted it to his brother-the Sixth Nizam