Charminar

Charminar

Charminar: Our most recommended tours and activities

Hyderabad: Heritage Walking Tour of Old City and Charminar

Hyderabad: Heritage Walking Tour of Old City and Charminar

Set off on a 3-hour walking tour of the Old City of Hyderabad. Navigate through colorful markets and make your way to historic mosques and mansions. Accompanied by your local guide, hear the stories of the Nizams and the people of Hyderabad. Choose from flexible options of a private tour, exclusive to your booking, or meet other travelers in a shared, join-in tour. You can also request hotel pickup and drop-off for added convenience. The walk commences at Charminar, a monument symbolic of the city of Hyderabad, which was built in 1591 to commemorate the end of a deadly plague attack on the city. Your 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. Next, walk to Mecca Masjid, one of the oldest and largest mosques in India. The foundation stone was laid by Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutub Shahi dynasty, and the bricks used to build the mosque were made from soil sourced from Mecca. Marvel at a magnificent mosque that can accommodate more than 10000 people. Stroll past bazaars full of bangles, perfumes, laces, and bridalwear, on your way to a unique Clock Tower. This clock was a gift to the people of this area at a time when wristwatches and wall clocks were rare. Walk past Moti Mahal, which used to be a Palace of the Nizams but, since 1969, now serves as a Homeopathic Hospital. Admire the Corinthian pillars of the Asman Garh Palace and the Palace of Khurshid Jah Bahadur before taking the last leg of your walk to the Chowmahalla Palace of the Nizams. 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. Your tour either concludes here or with drop-off at your hotel if you select the pickup and drop-off option.

Hyderabad: Full-Day Private Tour with Lunch

Hyderabad: Full-Day Private Tour with Lunch

Your experience will begin as you are collected from your accommodation after breakfast. Get acquainted with your English-speaking guide and drive to the majestic Golconda Fort, about 11 km from the city. Originally built as a mud fort, the complex has undergone changes through the centuries under the rule of the Bahmani Sultans and the Qutub Shahi dynasty. Learn about the acoustics of the building and the intricate water management system designed here. Your guide will explain the history of the fort and how it shaped the future of Hyderabad and its people. At noon, head to the Qutub Shahi Tombs located close by. Erected in the memory of the rulers of the region, the impressive granite tombs, arches and columns are worth a visit. Stroll through the gardens and visit the exhibition to learn the significance of this landmark. Continue to Hyderabad's Old City, where you will visit the Chowmahalla Palace which was once home to the Nizams, reputed to be one of the richest families of India. As many as 7000 attendants were required to maintain the opulent palace. Some of the noteworthy sections in this Palace include a water fountain, vintage cars, intricate carvings, glass chandeliers and the grand durbar hall. On Fridays, Choumahalla is closed and we will instead visit the spectacularly built Badshahi Ashoorkhana. The final destination is Charminar, a monument that is symbolic of the city of Hyderabad. It was built in 1591 by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shahi, the fifth sultan of the Qutub Shahi dynasty to commemorate the end of a deadly plague attack of the city. Hear of the legends of this place such as 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. At the end of the tour, be dropped back to your hotel. The tour is organised by Five Senses Tours Private Limited which is recognised by the ministry of tourism. The company supports local communities by way of providing livelihood, training and employment of local guides and procurement of local products.

Hyderabad: Private Car Hire with Driver and Flexible Hours

Hyderabad: Private Car Hire with Driver and Flexible Hours

Spend the day exploring the sights and locations of Hyderabad at your own leisure in a private, air-conditioned car. Accompanied by a professional chauffeur to help you make the most of your day in Hyderabad, customize your visit to suit your interests and preferences. Once you’ve decided how you’d like to spend your time, sit back and relax as you explore the city and make as many stops and visits to as many places as you wish. There's plenty to see and do in Hyderabad, which is known for its atmospheric bazaars, heritage mountains, and palaces. Witness the impressive architecture of the old city, and explore the minarets of the Charminar, or visit the dazzling Chowmahalla Palace. History lovers are recommended a tour of the Salar Jung Museum, The Nizam's Museum, or the Sudha Cars Museum. Guests can also benefit from a visit to the Golconda Fort and the Qutub Shahi Tombs, located just outside of the city. Likewise, the Ramoji Film City is a delight for film lovers, and travelers can spend an entire day touring famous film sets. For a glimpse of modern Hyderabad, travelers can also visit the Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills areas, which are filled with restaurants and malls. With this private charter, take advantage of the opportunity to see all the city has to offer. There are multiple car sizes on offer, as well as the option to hire the car for 4, 8, or 12 hours.

Heritage & Cultural Walk of Hyderabad (2 Hours Guided Tour)

Heritage & Cultural Walk of Hyderabad (2 Hours Guided Tour)

An ideal introduction to the city, pass by highlights like the Patel Market, Charminar, Mecca Masjid, and Chowmahalla Palace, as well as hidden gems in the Old City. Hear interesting stories about the city and its inhabitants and receive tips and recommendations from your guide.

HYDERABAD FULL DAY CITY TOUR

HYDERABAD FULL DAY CITY TOUR

Golconda Fort Golconda Fort is a historic area centered on the namesake citadel complex, a hilltop collection of centuries-old military, religious, and residential buildings ringed by walls and gates. Structures include Taramati Mosque, with stone arches, and striking Darbar Hall, while Nagina Bagh gardens feature tidy lawns and shrubs. The site is known for its dramatic sound and light show. Nearby are the domed Qutb Shahi Tombs. Qutub Shahi tombs Qutub Shahi tombs, located close to the Golconda Fort. The Qutub Shahi tombs contain the tombs and mosques built by various rulers of the Qutub Shahi dynasty, which is also the resting place of the Golconda Emperors. Laid beautifully among the sprawling gardens, the tombs are worth a visit. The Hindu, Persian and Pathani style of architecture add to the grandeur of the tombs. The corridors of these tombs are famous for their Indo-Saracenic architecture. Salarjung Museum (Closed on Friday) Salarjung Museum - Popularly known for its one of largest one-man collections of antiques of the world by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, Salar Jung III. Mir Yousuf Ali Khan dedicated his entire life collecting antiques and artifacts and spent a considerable amount of his wealth collecting the same from all over the world. With a collection of close to 43000 art objects, 9000 manuscripts and 47000 printed books. Charminar It is designated a Monument of National Importance under UNESCO's Tentative List. Char Minar is a square structure, with four grand arches each facing and opening into four streets. At each corner stands an exquisitely shaped 56 metres (approx.) hight minaret Chowmahalla Palace (Closed on Friday) Chowmahalla Palace which was once home to the Nizams, reputed to be one of the richest families of India. As many as 7000 attendants were required to maintain the opulent palace. Some of the noteworthy sections in this Palace include a water fountain, vintage cars, intricate carvings, glass chandeliers and the grand durbar hall.

Best of Hyderabad (Guided Halfday City Sightseeing Tour)

Best of Hyderabad (Guided Halfday City Sightseeing Tour)

This is a typical itinerary for this product Stop At: Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Hyderabad District, Telangana Visit the popular southern Indian city Hyderabad with landmarks like Golconda Fort & Chowmahalla Palace and Salar Jung Museum during this customized full day sightseeing tour by car. Duration: 2 hours Stop At: Charminar, Charminar, Hyderabad, Hyderabad District, Telangana Visit the The Charminar, constructed in 1591, is a monument and mosque which globally known as a symbol of Hyderabad and is listed among the most recognized structures in India. Duration: 1 hour Stop At: Chowmahalla Palace,, Motigalli, Khilwat Motigalli, Hyderabad India Visit the Chowmahalla Palace which used to be served as the official residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad Duration: 1 hour Stop At: Salar Jung Museum, Salar Jung Road, Hyderabad India Visit the Salar Jung national museum showcasing the collection of sourced from the property of Salar Jung Family and it has a myriad collection of paintings, sculptures, carvings, manuscripts etc. Duration: 1 hour Stop At: The Nizam's Museum, Purani Haveli, Zehra Nagar Colony, Purani Haveli, Pathar Gatti, Hyderabad, Telangana, India Visit the Nizam's Museum - a palace of the erstwhile Nizams showcases the gifts that the last Nizam of Hyderabad received on his silver jubilee celebrations. Duration: 30 minutes

Half Day Guided Hyderabad Shopping and Food Tasting Tour

Half Day Guided Hyderabad Shopping and Food Tasting Tour

This is a typical itinerary for this product Stop At: Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Hyderabad District, Telangana Visit the popular southern Indian city Hyderabad with landmarks like Golconda Fort & Chowmahalla Palace and Salar Jung Museum during this customized full day sightseeing tour by car. Duration: 1 hour Stop At: Charminar, Charminar, Hyderabad, Hyderabad District, Telangana Visit the The Charminar, constructed in 1591, is a monument and mosque which globally known as a symbol of Hyderabad and is listed among the most recognized structures in India. Duration: 1 hour Stop At: Patel Market, Rikab Gunj, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002, India Visit the old and famous market, a great place to shop for things to take back home like handicrafts, clothing, paintings, brassware, Indian artifacts, leather work etc. Duration: 1 hour Stop At: Nagari Market, Osmania Hospital, Begum Bazar, Afzal Gunj, Hyderabad, Telangana 500012, India Shot at the bustling covered street market packed with bargain jewelry, textiles, cosmetics & homeware traders. Duration: 30 minutes Stop At: Erragadda Sunday Market, Sanath Nagar Main Rd, Czech Colony, Sanath Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500018, India Visit the bustling weekly flea market with wholesale clothing, secondhand goods and food. Duration: 30 minutes

Hyderabad: Full-Day City Tour with Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off

Hyderabad: Full-Day City Tour with Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off

The day-long tour begins around 10 AM with a pick-up. Hop on the ride to Golconda Fort, a granite-built fortress from the Qutub Shahi dynasty's period. Listen to your guide as he spills knowledge on this fortress. Throughout history this region has been known for its miraculous mines & diamonds - be it Kohinoor or the Hope diamond. Although over the years diamond mines have become inactive. Your destination will be the nearby Qutub Shahi Tombs which includes seven tombs of Qutub Shahi kings that ruled over two centuries. From there, you will be taken to Mecca Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. It is believed that the soil of this mosque was brought from the holy Mecca city. After sightseeing at the mosque, you will be served lunch at the local restaurant. Enjoy your fresh meal before heading to your next destination i.e. Charminar, the icon of Hyderabad. It is perceived that this Minar was built as a sign of victory over the plague around 450 years ago. See the beautiful work of limestone, granite, & marble at this historical site. Next, you will visit Salar Jung Museum, the 3rd biggest museum in India. This museum houses the largest one-man collection of antiques in the world by Mir Yusuf Ali Khan popularly known as Salar Jung III, an art collector & also the then Prime Minister of Hyderabad Deccan during seven Nizam's reign. Following this, your driver will take you to Chowmahalla Palace, the former residence of Nizams of Hyderabad. Here you will come across a mixture of architectural styles (Rajasthani, European, along with Persian). At last, you will be escorted to Hussain Sagar, a beautiful heart-shaped lake perfect for spending a nice evening. Spend a wonderful time at the nearby NTR garden area where a boat ride is also awaiting you. After a sweet & calm boat ride you will be sent back to your hotel.

Hyderabad: Private City Tour with Evening Boat Ride

Hyderabad: Private City Tour with Evening Boat Ride

After being collected from your hotel waiting area between 9:30AM-10:00AM by your guide and driver, you will depart for your full-day tour of Hyderabad. Your tour starts with a visit to the magnificent Golkonda Fort, originally built in the 12th century, known for its innovative water supply system, huge acoustic palaces and the Fateh Rahben gun and cannons. Following this, you will visit the historical Qutub Shahi Tombs, located at Ibrahim Bagh and close to the Golconda Fort, where the bodies of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah and his heirs were buried. Next on the tour will be the ancient mosque, Mecca Masjid, whose construction was started by the Qutb Shahi dynasty and was completed by Aurangzeb. It is believed that the bricks and soil to build the central arch of this historic mosque were procured from through the major pilgrimage of Muslims, Mecca. Your driver will then take you to a local restaurant where you can enjoy famous Hyderabadi cuisine. After finishing lunch, your next stop will be at Charminar. Charminar is known as the Icon of Hyderabad, famous for its architecture, four minarets of 184-feet tall, four arches and the work of granite, mortar, limestone and pulverized marble. You will then venture onward to the Salar Jung Museum, which contains a treasure of exhibits that include ancient manuscripts, sculptures, carvings, artifacts, carpets, furniture and more. The Museum houses the largest one-man collection of antiques in the world by Nawab Mir Yusuf Ali Khan Salar Jung III (1889–1949), former Prime Minister of the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad. Later on, you will be taken to the Chow Mohalla Palace, recognized for a complex of four palaces built in the European and Mughal style of architecture. Before the conclusion of your day, your driver will take you to the beautiful and serene Hussain Sagar and the closely located NTR Gardens which are the best places to spend your evening, which will include a unique boat ride. At the conclusion of your tour, your driver will drop you back at your accommodation.

Hyderabad: Old City Guided Walking Tour

Hyderabad: Old City Guided Walking Tour

Arrive at the described location. You'll first see the Hyderabad city's icon monument, Charminar. Built in the late 16th century, this 450 years old monument is still intact with its glorious craftwork. The construction of this monument was ordered by QuliQutub Shah when the city won its fight against the great plague. Be it underground tunnels or cat carved on the arches, your guide will tell some interesting facts & myths about this structure. After this, you'll stop by Mecca Masjid, one of the most ancient mosques in the Indian subcontinent. It is believed that this mosque was made with sand & bricks transported from Islam's most holy Mecca city. Next, you will halt at Clock Tower, a giant clock installed back in the old days when watches were very rare. Then your guide will show you the former residence of Nizam, Moti Mahal which is converted into a hospital now. On the way, you'll catch glimpses of gothic architecture at Asman Garh Palace assembled on a huge hillock in 1885. Following this, you'll witness exquisite European-style architectural work on the outskirts of Khursheed Jah Devdi Palace. At last, you will explore Chowmahalla Palace, the former official home of Nizam. The palace has now been altered into a unique museum open to the public. From vintage cars collection to magnificent chandeliers, watch all the antiques displayed here. With this, your tour comes to an end. Your guide will help you in booking a cab or you can choose the drop off option as well.

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What people are saying about Charminar

Overall rating

4.7
(29 reviews)

Be ready to be a mountain goat because you will climbing steps!!! Views were fantastic. How fun is it to eat food with your fingers and not get yelled at??? The Iranian chai was delicious. My guide Suresh took fantastic photos. I got a real local experience walking in the streets from the Chowmahalla Palacr to Charminar. It was like Frogger and you are the frog.

Sainth was an amazing guid. He was very knowledgeable and explained the history of Hydrabad really well. He was patient and flexible to the little changes we needed to make to the program. do note that the tour is supposed to last 8 hours and check with your guide that you are able to see all on time.

One of best tours I’ve been on. Mohan was extremely knowledgeable and the tour was very well planned. The sites we visited were incredible and Mohan helped bring them to life. We definitely recommend this tour if you are in Hyderabad and especially if you only have a limited amount of time here.

Alok was a very knowledgeable guide who explained everything wonderfully and answered all questions. He even helped me negotiate a price for bangles at the market. He also helped me get an auto back to my hostel. I highly recommend this tour especially when Alok is the guide.

Our guide Mohan gave us an excellent tour of the old city. He was very knowledgeable about the history of Hyderabad and really made the place come alive for us. Highly recommended!