Guided Tour of Museums in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, also known as the City of the Nizams, has several extraordinary museums that showcase the wealthy lifestyles of the rulers of this former princely state of India. The museums are housed in large palaces that merit a visit in their own right. From the world’s largest one man collection of art to a palace that had over 7 000 attendants in its heydays, this guided tour of museums is a must on every visitor’s itinerary.

Highlights:
• Salar Jung Museum
• State Museum
• Nizam’s Museum
• Chowmahalla Palace

You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and driven to Salar Jung Museum, that contains the world’s largest collection of art and objects by a single individual. The 38 galleries of the museum display collections from all over the world that date from the 2nd century B.C. to the early 20th century A.D. The Clock Room of the museum with its large collection of clocks ranging from sundials to modern day masterpieces is a must to visit.

Next drive to the State Museum, the oldest museum in Hyderabad. The museum has a large collection of artifacts from several archaeological excavations. It also has a rich collection of Buddhist sculptures dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries B.C. and an equally impressive collection of Hindu sculptures from the Chalukya and Vijaynagar Empires that range from the 6th to the 13th century A.D. The museum’s main attraction is an Egyptian mummy which was donated by the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad.

Your next stop will be the Nizam’s Museum that has a display of the gifts received by the last Nizam of Hyderabad on his silver jubilee celebrations. These include a golden throne, diamond and gold studded daggers and a silver elephant. Also on display are three vintage cars -  a 1930 Rolls Royce, a Packard and a Mark V Jaguar.

After the museum visit, enjoy lunch (own expense) at a local restaurant.

Your last stop for the day is the magnificent Chowmahalla Palace, the official residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad. Don’t miss the Clock Tower at the entrance. The mechanical clock has been ticking for the last 250 years. The lavish palace was the venue of all functions and banquets hosted by the Nizams.

At the end of the tour, you will be driven back to your hotel