Explore the City of Pearls in 2 Days - Hyderabad Day 2

Another marvel of architectural excellence that stand as a reminder of the glory of Golconda kings, who are buried at this same spot. The tombs resemble Persian, Pathan and Hindu architectural styles that makes use of grey granite, with ornamentation and is a one-of-its-kind place globally.

There are seven tombs dedicated to the former kings of Golconda. The tombs are dome like structures built on a square base which is again surrounded by pointed arches. The structural beauty of these tombs still attracts a lot of admirers from all over the world.

Another architectural marvel made of lime and mortal, Paigal Tombs are made out of lime and mortar with amazing marble carvings. These tombs are 200 years old which represent the final resting places of several generations of the Paigah Nobles. You'll feel wonderful seeing the delicately carved wooden doors and window screens done in jaali (netted) work. The detail work done on these is in itself a display of its magnificence.

Each Tomb has been designed differently, with elaborate covering and marble fences which are adorned with exemplary geometrical and floral designs. The Paigahs were great patrons of arts and have made several palaces. Their love for art is seen even in their exquisite tombs. This place is provides a dazzling sight for someone who is visiting this place first time.

One of the 3 National Museums in India, the Salar Jung Museum is home to the largest one-man collection of antiques in the world. The Museum has a vast collection of furniture, paintings, textiles, ceramics, sculptures, metallic artefacts, carpets, manuscripts, clocks, and carvings. There are ~40 galleries here spread across 3 buildings and 2 floors and even with all of this, it is said that this is just about 1/4th of what the Salar Jung family collected/owned from across the world.

Veiled Rebecca, a marble statue, which was created by an Italian sculptor G B Benzoni and brought by Salar Jung I in 1876, on his trip to Italy is an unique masterpiece displayed here. There are only 4 of these across the world, and this one here in Salar Jung museum is different in one minor detail (visit to find out ;-)) than the other 3 which are similar to each other. There are several collections which date way back to the 1st Century also. Another beautiful piece of art is a vintage musical clock. A bearded man in a robe comes out of an enclosure and hits the bell, the hits count signifying the hour of the day.

Located in Purani Haveli, the Nizam Museum is a showcase & a storehouse of all the gifts that the last Nizam of Hyderabad received on his silver jubilee celebrations.

One prime attraction is a golden, wooden throne, which was used during the silver jubilee celebrations of the Last Nizam. Some other items on display are a diamond inlaid gold tiffin box, caskets, daggers studded with diamond & gold, a wooden writing box studded with gold, silver perfume bottles, a 1930 Rolls Royce, a Jaguar Mark 5 and a Packard. There's also a ~150 year old manually operated lift and ~200 year old proclamation drums!

Another prime attraction is the wardrobe. The wardrobe, made of Burma Teak, is believed to be the largest in the world! With 124 almirahs with changing rooms in between, this section showcases recreations of the 19th-century dresses and garments on display. The Nizam wore each item of clothing only once before they were given or thrown away. If you see the sole of some shoes, you'll even be able to read the name of the manufacturer.

A gem on a hilltop and one of the 11 Heritage sites identified by the Heritage Conservation Committee, this Moula Ali Dargah was built in memory of Hazrat Ali, son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad. You need to climb ~500 steps to reach the Dargah where you'll find many priests chanting hymns. From up there, it not only the Dargah but also the view of the city that makes this spot interesting.

The Dargah is visited by thousands on the birth celebrations of Moula Hazrat Ali and people from all faiths (though mostly Shia Muslims) and from all over the country come to take blessings at the dargah. Visit this place to experience an amazing sunrise or sunset. Recommended timing is 5-7 AM or 4-7 PM.