Private Tours in Hyderabad
The Necropolis Detour
The history of this city can be traced through the tombs of its emperors, courtesans, noblemen and saints. Wander through parts of the city where old, magnificent tombs jostle for space with modern, gleaming structures. On this Detour you will hear stories of love, intrigue and conspiracy that outlived the famed names on their tombs.While the complete tour lasts a full day, you could choose to do a part of this Detour and combine it with one of our other Detours.
The White Mughals Detour
A poignant story brought to life in an unforgettable novel.Peek into the old buildings and gardens where this tragic love story unfolded over two hundred years ago. Take a Detour to the old churches and colonies which the English and the French made their own in this city and wonder what it would have been like to be a white mughal in that age.
This tour could last between four and eight hours. You could also choose to combine this with some of our other Detours.
The Qutb Shahi Detour
Know more about the original founders of this city. The unique culture that this region inherited from them; explore the monuments built by them, localities named after them, old forgotten buildings which still stand testimony to a glorious past that dates back half a millenium.
The full tour lasts eight hours. However, you could choose to do a part of this Detour or combine it with one of our other Detours.
The Nizami Detour
It is impossible to visit Hyderabad and not experience the splendor of a ruling family that captured the imagination of the whole world. This Detour explores the grandeur, sophistication as well as the eccentricities of the various rulers of this dynasty. See what they achieved in their rule and experience how they left their indelible mark on this city.
The full tour lasts eight hours. However, you could choose to do a part of this Detour or combine it with one of our other Detours.
The Kakatiya Detour
The Kakatiyas who ruled almost 700 years ago, were one of the last Hindu dynasties of the region. This Detour takes you to the ancient town of Warangal which bears the testimony of the grandeur of the ancient kingdom as well as the scars of the onslaught of the Mughals. Discover the resilience of the Warangal Fort which held conquerers at bay for so many years and the magnificence of the Thousand Pillar Temple that still attracts worshipers.
This is a full day tour with an early departure around 7 am.
The Golconda Detour
The Golkonda Fort, originally built by the Kakatiya Rulers has amazingly advanced acoustics systems that were used for signalling approaching enemy as well as for detecting conspiracies being hatched in palace corners! The Fort also is unique in the use of the natural boulders (that date back to a billion years), distinctive of the Deccan plateau, as foundation stones for the structure. This detour will trace the history of the Qutb Shahi dynasty which ruled Hyderabad between 1518 and 1687 AD. The narrative will include stories of the rulers of this dynasty with a special emphasis on the love story between Mohd Quli Qutb Shah and Bhagmati. You will hear the story of Aurangazeb’s long and frustrating siege of the Golconda Fort.
This is a three hour detour and you could also choose to combine it with some other detour.
The Charminar Detour
No place can give you a glimpse of Hyderabadi life like the Charminar area can. It is a brilliant mosaic of history, culture, modernity, crafts, business and old world charm – a perfect slice of this city’s life. Take this trail through a maze of streets and bylanes and understand what it is like to be a Hyderabadi.
This tour lasts about two hours – a little more if you get carried away with the shopping! You could choose to combine this with some of our other Detours.
The Faith Detour
What makes India special is the co-existence of different religious beliefs – each unique in its own way. Visit the places of worship and learn a little more about Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism and Zoroastrianism. Discover how Hyderabad has been a perfect melting pot of all these faiths and evolved its very own ‘Ganga Jamani’ culture.
The Rural Detour
More than 70% of India still lives in the rural areas. Caught up in our world of shiny tall skyscrapers and the travails of a crowded city, we hardly ever get to experience the charms of simple village life; the innocence and graciousness of the people, the smiling faces of the kids and the hard labour put in by the people just to make ends meet.
On this detour, you will drive through lush green paddy fields, dusty small villages, ponds with buffaloes lolling around and meet communities who make a living from this land. You can also visit a village school and interact with some of the families in the area.
The Biryani Detour
Food for the kings- Biryani has been an integral part of Indian cuisine from the palaces of the sultans to the small back alleys in the most remote villages. This detour explores the many regional and subtle foreign influences that make this dish so special. We will weave our way through Hyderabad’s many biryani hubs and see the huge handis of fragrant rice and secret combinations of meat and spices that beguile the senses. End the day with a traditional meal of Biryani served in antique, royal crockery or in a simple Hyderabadi home.
This Detour lasts about three hours. You could also choose to combine this with some of our other detours.
The Andhra Spice Detour
India is both the largest producer and consumer of chillies in the world. It is no wonder then, that the food of Andhra, where most of these chillies come from, tops the country’s spiciness list as well. Learn about the chillies of the region, see how they’re sold and end the tour cooking up a chilli-inspired feast for yourself – just as hot as you want it.
Including cooking lessons, this Detour lasts about four hours. You could also choose to combine this with one of our other Detours.
The Hyderabadi Vegetarian Detour
If you thought that Hyderabadi cuisine was just about meat, you couldn’t be more wrong! The secret vegetarian delights of a Hyderabadi home kitchen are revealed on this Detour. Enjoy the homemade delicacies with a traditional Hyderabadi family and watch how humble vegetables transform into gourmet delights with the help of subtle spices and of course, a generous dash of culinary magic!
This Detour lasts about three hours. You could also choose to combine this with some of our other detours.
The Indian Vegetarian Detour
No other country can rival the variety and ingenuity of India’s vegetarian cuisine. From local home-cooked delicacies of greens cooked with lentils to the ‘food for gods’ – pure temple food in a southern village of lemon or yoghurt rice, the flavors and art of transforming vegetables into delectable dishes remains unparalleled. Experience the chaos of the vegetable and fruit markets and get to know the evolution of Indian vegetarian cuisine. And yes, apart from ending with a great meal, you will go back home with a bunch of simple recipes and techniques. Consider this a tasty crash course in India’s vegetarian tradition!
Including cooking lessons, this Detour lasts about four hours. You could also choose to combine this with another of our Detours.
The Weavers Detour
The Deccan region is home to several unique weaving techniques. This Detour explores some of these styles; Pochampally, which has a complete village dedicated to its craftsmen and Himroo, Mushroo, Paithani which today is practiced by just a handful of people. All the techniques will leave you in awe of the accuracy and intricacy needed to weave each of the pieces to perfection.
This detour lasts between four to six hours. You could also choose to combine this with some other Detour.
The Jewelry Detour
Exquisite pearls, magnificent uncut diamonds, emeralds, shiny lac bangles…this city has it all! Visit the narrow lanes of the Choodi Bazaar and meet the craftsmen who have spent their lifetime mastering these crafts. Hear the several stories about the Nizam’s famed jewelry collection. Try on some exquisite, antique pieces and feel like royalty. If the sparkle of diamonds and the glint of gold is your thing, then this Detour is a must for you.
This tour lasts between four and six hours – a little more if you get carried away with the shopping! You could choose to combine this with some of our other Detours.
The Andhra Craft Detour
Andhra, like so much of India has had multiple influences in the area of arts and crafts, be it handloom weaving techniques or metal crafts, paintings or toy making. On this tour, visit the homes of craftsmen who have been creating hand painted masterpieces using the art of Kalamkari and Cherial scroll paintings. See how materials like wood, coconut shells, metal wires take on a life of their own and end up as colorful Ettikopakka and Kondapalli toys, Nirmal masks and tribal art pieces.
This detour lasts about four hours. You could also choose to combine this with some of our other Detours.
