Local Sight-Seeing Tours for Interspeech 2018 Participants
Detours India is offering sight-seeing tours within the city for the delegates during Interspeech 2018. Several exciting tours are being offered to the conference delegates and accompanying persons to give a chance to experience the history, culture and environments of Hyderabad and India. The details of the tours which have been specially designed keeping the Conference schedule in mind, are listed here and the booking for the same can be done online at the link below.
Detours India was started in 2008 and offers tours in and around Hyderabad. Apart from the small group specialised tours, Detours India also helps conference delegates coming to Hyderabad discover the history, heritage and craft of the city in larger groups. These tours are led by authorised English-speaking tour guides. Detours India will have a counter operating during the conference in the registration area. During the conference, if there are spaces still available for certain tours, the booking can be done on site as well. You can contact jonty@detoursindia.com if you would like any other information. We can also organise customised tours on written requests.
| Tour Name | Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Price |
| 02-Sep | 03-Sep | 04-Sep | 05-Sep | 06-Sep | 07-Sep | ||
| 1. The Golkonda Fort & Qutb Shahi Tombs | 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM |
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM | 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM | 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM | INR 2,000 | ||
| 2. Charminar Area Tour | 1:00 PM to 6:30 PM | 1:00 PM to 6:30 PM | 1:00 PM to 6:30 PM | 1:00 PM to 6:30 PM | INR 2,800 | ||
| 3. Nizam's Royal Splendour | 12:30 PM to 6:00 PM | INR 6,000 | |||||
| 4. Museums' Tour | 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM | INR 3,200 | |||||
| 5. Pochampally Weavers' Village Tour | 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM | INR 3,500 | |||||
| 6. Shoppers' Delight | 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM | 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM | INR 2,500 | ||||
| 7. Old City Food Walk | 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM | INR 3,000 | |||||
| 8. Hussain Sagar Lake & Birla Temple Tour | 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM | 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM | INR 4,000 | ||||
| 9. The Incredible Rock Walk | 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM | INR 3,500 |
Schedule of tours at a glance
1. The Golkonda Fort & Qutb Shahi Tombs Tour
Sunday, 2 September 2018 - 9:00 AM to 1:00 PMWednesday, 5 September 2018 - 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Thursday, 6 September 2018 - 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Friday, 7 September 2018 - 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Price including taxes – INR 2000/- per person
Transport in Coaches
Minimum – 10 persons, Maximum – 30 persons
The Golkonda Fort
The Golkonda Fort is one of the most impressive forts in the country. 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. The climb up the Fort would be a sometimes steep, sometimes easy climb of about 360 steps and has excellent views of the Qutb Shahi tombs just outside the Fort area, the Charminar in the distance and the rest of the city’s landscape.
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 wheelchair access, the upper portions of the Fort and certain areas of the Qutb Shahi Tombs cannot be accessed. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and carry a umbrella.
2. The Charminar Area Tour
Sunday, 2 September 2018 - - 1:00 PM to 6:30 PMMonday, 3 September 2018 - - 1:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Wednesday, 5 September 2018 - - 1:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Thursday, 6 September 2018 - 1:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Price including taxes – INR 2800/- per person
Transport in Coaches
Minimum – 10 persons, Maximum – 30 persons
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.
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.
Note: While some areas of the Palace can be accessed in a wheelchair, the busy streets in the Old City will not be easy for the disabled. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and carry an umbrella. For entering into Mecca Masjid, shorts are not permitted. In addition to that, women will have to wear a long top that covers their arms as well and carry a scarf to cover their heads.
3. The Nizam’s Royal Splendour (with High Tea at Falaknuma Palace)
Wednesday, 5 September 2018 - 12:30 PM to 6:00 PMPrice including taxes – INR 6000/- per person
Transport in Innovas
Minimum – 4 persons, Maximum – 10 persons
Paigah Tombs
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
Falaknuma Palace
We will end the tour at the Falaknuma Palace which has recently opened after over a decade of painstaking restoration work and now is one of the most talked about Palace properties run by the Taj group of hotels. The Palace that was built in the late 19th century is shaped like a scorpion and has an eclectic mix of Western and Indian architectural styles and reflects the grandeur of the era associated with the Nizams, be it through the magnificent Venetian glass chandeliers above you or the peacocks roaming around in the sprawling gardens around the Palace. After a tour of the Palace, enjoy the beautiful view of the city below over high tea/dinner and taste the delicacies from the Nizam’s kitchens that have been transformed into gourmet meals by the team of qualified chefs at the hotel.
4. The Museums Tour
Thursday, 6 September 2018 – 9:00 AM to 1:30 PMPrice including taxes – INR 3200/- per person
Transport in Coaches
Minimum – 10 persons, Maximum – 30 persons
Salarjung 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.
5. The Weavers’ Village Tour to Pochampally
Wednesday, 5 September 2018 - 8:30 AM to 4:00 PMPrice including taxes – INR 3500/- per person (includes lunch)
Transport in Coaches
Minimum – 10 persons, Maximum – 30 persons
Pochampally Village
Known for its cotton and silk weaving, this region has several villages that are dedicated to the craft of turning threads into colourful and intricate woven fabrics. One such village is Pochampally about 50 kilometres from Hyderabad where the ancient weaving style of ikkat is practiced in almost every home. You will see the complete process of how threads are dyed and arranged in a design and then woven so that beautiful patterns emerge. This tour will also give you a glimpse into village life in India.
We will also visit a weavers’ cooperative where you will get a chance to buy some of the beautiful products directly from the artisans.
Note: Please wear comfortable walking shoes and carry an umbrella.
6. The Shopper’s Delight
Price including taxes – INR 2500/- per personTuesday, 4 September 2018 – 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Friday, 7 September 2018 - 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Travel in AC Toyota Innovas (6-seater)
Minimum – 4 persons, Maximum – 9 persons
This tour is meant for those whose passion is shopping – serious shopping as well as window shopping. This tour will take you to the lesser known, non-touristy stores where the locals find the best fabric, the most authentic spices, exquisite crafts of the region and jewellery. Here’s where you will get a chance to try out the latest trendy outfits and sample some unique products that this city has to offer. So go ahead, try on a local saree, bling yourself up with colourful gemstones and pearls and check things off your shopping list at one go! Accompanied by a local expert, you can have all your shopping questions answered!
7. Old City Food Walk
Thursday, 6 September 2018 - 7:00 AM to 11:00 AMPrice including taxes – INR 3000/- per person (includes food)
Transport in Innovas (6-seaters)
Minimum – 4 persons, Maximum – 9 persons
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!
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.
8. Hussain Sagar Lake Birla Temple Tour
Sunday, 2 September 2018 – 4:30 PM to 9:00 PMMonday, 3 September 2018 - 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Thursday, 6 September 2018 - 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Price including taxes – INR 4000/- per person (includes dinner at Paradise Biryani)
Transport in Coaches
Minimum – 10 persons, Maximum – 30 persons
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. You will then move on 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.
9. The Incredible Rock Walk
Thursday, 6 September 2018 - 7:00 AM to 11:00 AMPrice including taxes – INR 3500/- per person (includes breakfast)
Transport in Coaches
Minimum – 10 persons, Maximum – 30 persons
Some of Hyderabad’s most stunning natural features are the granite rocks that dot the landscape some of which date back to over 2.5 billion years old! With the solidification of the earth’s crust, the top layers eroded, exposing them to the natural forces of wind and rain over millions of years shaping them into their present bizarre forms. These rocks have been used as the foundation stones of important monuments like Golkonda Fort and several popular religious shrines are also situated among these rocks. Due to the efforts of organisations like Save the Rocks Society that aims to preserve and protect these spectacular ancient granite formations, some of these rock formations have been given a Heritage status; a first in the country.
In association with Save the Rocks, we present a unique experience to get close to some of these rocks. During this conference, we are organising a Rock Walk to Fakhruddin Gutta that is an extensive outcrop of sheetrock. The climb is a beginners’ one and can be done by most people with basic fitness levels. We will walk up to the top for a quick visit to the 650-year old tomb of Hazrat Baba Fakhruddin Aulia that marks the highest point. Baba Fakhruddin was a Sufi mentor to the founder of one of the important 14th century dynasties of the Deccan region. On the other side of the rock is a small Hindu shrine that is now being converted into a concrete temple. We will also explore the natural cave formations and make our way through narrow spaces between the rocks. The rocks stand majestically against the changing landscape and look silently upon the large-scale modern development on one side and lush green paddy fields on the other side highlighting the changing face of this city.
If you’re a lover of nature and want to get experience a pre-historic landscape that has been around for more than a billion years, this walk is a must for you. You will also be contributing to the Save the Rocks Society since part of the profits on this tour go to the society.
Note: You will be required to wear clothes that cover your arms and legs, walking shoes. Due to safety reasons, guests wearing inappropriate clothing / footwear will not be allowed on the tour. The tour may get cancelled if there is an immediate threat of rain.