Talk the walk....my take away from it all.

When I take people on a guided tour of Hyderabad, its more than just a touristy round. My visitor obviously learns a lot from me about the history, culture, heritage, legends, architecture, lifestyles now and bygone...and much much more. It's a learning...every single time...for them...and especially for me.

When I talk my walk, its about the building, its history and its architecture. And then there is more...and some more..when i get questioned. By and large have done the round of questions that can be and are asked. But some genius comes up with something that gets me to delve deep into my storages of random and not so random stuff in my head and heart to come up with something that satisfies said questioner. And then there are times I need to get back home and do some more research...hey do not want to get caught unawares. After all I am not just a guide then, I become the face of my country, my city and most importantly my species...the modern Indian woman.

It amazes me how much a foreign visitor wants to know about our country. Maybe to dispel the preconceived idea they have about India and an Indian...they obviously see much more than was told/read when they land here. Small things, big things, why why why...but why???? I am glad I contribute my little bit in clearing doubts, making our traditions and culture clear to them..how and why of things. I get to see things from another perspective and sometimes even I end up questioning the age old answers. I have learnt a lot from this questioning, my mind has opened up...I have evolved.

400 YEARS OF HYDERABAD...From the Qutub Shahs to the Asaf Jahs

It was more than 400 years ago that the fifth sultan of the Qutub Shahi dynasty, Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah founded the city of Hyderabad, a few miles away from the seat of power, Golconda fort across the Musi river. The Charminar was built in 1591 as the focal point of the city which was in a grid iron pattern reflective of well related precincts. Around the Char Kamaan were the palaces and beautiful wooded lands lush with greenery, thus deriving the name Baagnagar. The Qutub Shahi dynasty ruled over the lands for over 177 years and seven generations.

Hyderabad's fame, strategic location and Golconda's legendary wealth attracted Aurangazeb who captured Golconda after a long seize in 1687. The last of the sultans, Sultan Abul Hassan Tana Shah, the seventh king of the dynasty, was taken prisoner. The Mughals plundered this rich city and in the next four decades Hyderabad lost its luster.

With the emaciation of the Mughal Empire after Aurangzeb's death in 1707, Mir Quamaruddin, the Governor of the Deccan, who bore the title of Nizam-ul-Mulk Feroze Jung Asif Jah, declared his independence from Mughal rule in 1724.He thus became the first Nizam and the founder of the Asif Jahi dynasty. Asif Jah I continued to maintain Aruangabad, which had been founded by the Mughal rulers as the capital of his new state. In 1769, Nizam Ali Khan Asif Jah II, shifted the capital to Hyderabad. The seven Nizam's of the Asif Jahi dynasty ruled the Deccan for nearly 224 years, right up to 1948.

This walk offers a fascinating panorama of the past, with richly mixed cultural and historical tradition spanning over 400 years in a short time of 3 hours.
It covers the history of all the three ruling dynasties and connected noblemen and life of such times.
A rare peek into the past bringing back imaginations of splendor, regality and opulence.

The rate: For Indian nationality. Includes tickets to the Chowmahalla. Contact me.
The Start point: Charminar.
The End Point: Chowmahalla.
Duration: 3 hours.
What to get: A bottle of water, comfortable footwear and an attitude to enjoy while soaking in the heritage.
Note: Talk will be in English.

THE QUTUB SHAHI TRAIL: From Birth to Death and Beyond.

A heritage trail that takes you through the entire history of the Qutub Shahi dynasty while they ruled from the Golconda Fort.
This trail takes you through the lives, lifestyles, death and all things beyond....left behind for posterity.

The places covered:
The Qutub Shahi Tombs: A little away from the Golconda Fort are a cluster of tombs, the most authentic evidence of the Qutub Shahi architectural traditions. Ensconced amidst picturesque and landscaped gardens, known as Ibrahim bagh, is the grandeur of these tombs dedicated to the memory of the seven Qutub Shahi kings who ruled Golconda for nearly 170 years. The tombs are an unequivocal manifestation of the structural engineering talent of the Qutub Shahi period.
This necropolis (place where the royal family of a dynasty are buried), arguably among the world's largest, lie sprawled across 130 acres. It is surrounded by the Ibrahim Baug gardens which lend it a beatific regality. An example of Indo Sarcenic architecture, is a must see for anyone interested in history, architecture or heritage.

Golconda fort: The fort complex built by the Kakatiyan kings and then later expanded by the Qutub Shahi rulers who had this fort as their capital has many facets. The architectural grandeur of the magnificent monumental edifice is unmatched in beauty, which it has preserved brilliantly despite being more than four centuries old. Once famous for the famed Kohinoor diamond, now is famous for its massive structures and magical acoustics.

In this walk we cover Balla Hissar Gate...the entrance, the Rani Mahal complex and end the walk with Light and sound show.

The rate: For Indian nationality. Includes tickets to the tombs, fort and the light and sound show. Does not include parking at both places.Contact me.
The Start point: Qutub Shahi tomb gate.
The End Point: Golconda Fort.
Start time: 3:00 pm
End time: 7:30 pm
What to get: A bottle of water, comfortable footwear and an attitude to enjoy while soaking in the heritage.
When: Sunday.
Note: Light and sound show will be in English.