The City of Pearls Walking Tour

Fantastic Tour of Hyderabad with a Wonderful Guide

I was in Hyderabad on a work trip and had some free time on the weekend to explore the city and decided to book this tour. I was very glad I did - Navin was an exceptional guide and super friendly! His knowledge and passion for Hyderabad history is unmatched and I learned so much in such a short period of time. He also provided some wonderful local recommendations and tips. I will recommend this tour to my colleagues who will visit Hyderabad in the future and to anyone who wants to learn more about this city, culture and history! Thank you again, Navin!

Time well spent.

Currently in Hyderabad for two weeks with work from the UK but really only had Sunday to do something of my choosing so it had to be good. I wanted to see old Hyderabad, learn some history and experience a less corporate part of the city. This tour ticked all my boxes and exceeded my expectations. Navin really knows his stuff and it is super interesting. Explains it all really well. He knows all the good spots/angles for the best photos. Nice friendly guy. I opted for hotel pick and drop off and that all went smoothly. Driver was a nice chap also. Wish I had more time to do another one of his tours.

Awesome experience - One of the Best!

Hyderabad is a beautiful melting pot of different cultures and Navin is an expert in navigating the beautiful city. He is truly a gifted tour guide. Highly reccomended!

Definitely Recommend

Madhu was a great guide and I really enjoyed myself on this tour! My tour took place in the morning before things got too crowded, so it was not too crowded at all. Madhu was knowledgeable, friendly, and fun to tour with. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Hyderabad!

Definitely a Must Do: Navin is a very informed guide

Navin is an excellent tour guide. His knowledge of the history of this city is amazing. He can seperate the facts, the folklore and the religious connotation. Which makes it really interesting. He curated a tour to fit my asks. He talked at length about the culture, the significance of the region, the historic implications for the buildings. I would recommend a half day set aside for this experience at least. Also, the food choices: Yum!

Navin's knowledge makes this tour uniquely valuable!

Navin is full of the kind of deep knowledge of history and the locale that immeasurably enriches the already incomparable experience of exploring the Old City, and he delivers it in an engaging way. Importantly, he's very easy to understand even in a crowded marketplace. My friend and I had an extra day after a business meeting so we decided to see the old city in the morning before it got too hot. That was a good plan: I expect I will long remember sitting on a wall in the shade of a venerable banyan tree in the courtyard of the Chowmahala Palace with tired feet and an exquisite breeze!

Great way to discover Hyderabad's secrets

Absolutely loved the City of Pearls walking tour we did with Navin. Hyderabad offers up a rich array of history and culture and food, but a lot of it is lost to the chaos of a modern Indian city. With the Hyderabad Walking Company, you can come a little closer to discovering the city's secrets, whether that's a street-cart breakfast when the roads are quiet, or the many rollicking stories about the rulers. Navin's itinerary was chalked out well, ensuring we had enough breaks for rest and beverages and even photos. Navin's enthusiasm for history is infectious, and he brings to the tour a good mix of knowledge and fun. We came away enamoured by the city, and also felt satiated thanks to the lovely food and chai. Need to go back for the other tours!

A good introductory tour to the city of Hyderabad

I went on “The City of Pearls Tour” walk with Navin and found that the overall experience was very pleasant and cordial. It was a very good introductory tour to the city of Hyderabad; a simple and insightful walk with someone who is very passionate about the city. I enjoyed my walk and tour with him.

Open your eyes to the City of Hyderabad

Hyderabad is an amazing place with a very interesting history. Our guide, John Wilson, successfully shared not only a history lesson, but cultural lessons as well. The tour includes a little bit of eating (along with a kitchen tour), and little bit of shopping (with great deals), and a chance to experience two really cool palaces in Hyderabad. I learned a lot that day, and it really opened my eyes to what a great place Hyderabad truly is. Thanks John.

Amazing first trip to India!

I had a lovely Day Tour around Hyderabad! Really enjoyed the beautiful atmosphere and all it’s interesting history! I also want to thank my amazing guide which was friendly and which had a lot of knowledge to the city’s history.

The city comes alive

Navin is a thoroughly modern man with a passion for history, discovery and all things Hyderabadi. The walking tour is a delight and the evening food tour is even better. If you’d like to get a little closer to real, street-level India, wander with Navin through some of the hidden backstreets or culinary gems of this historic city. Great fun and a wonderful companion and guide.

Highly Recommended

Navin is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. As we were guided along the sites he provided a crash course on Hyderabad's history and culture that really enhanced my understanding of the city and its unique place in India. Led us to some delicious tea and biscuits, and helped immensely with shopping. Superb tour and guide.

Great walking tour in the city

Navin was super quick to respond to me once I reached out asking about a tour - and very flexible to schedule one in the afternoon, which was the only time I had free. He was also very understanding when we showed up late due to the crazy traffic! I went on this tour with three of my colleagues and it took about 3.5 hours. Navin is super knowledgable about Hyderabad and answered all our questions. We did a thorough tour of the palace and then did a walk about in the center - to see Charminar, get amazing chai, watch a bangle maker, etc. He made us feel very safe and led us the best way through the busy streets. I highly recommend Navin for anyone who would like to see the beautiful spots Hyderabad has to offer!

Informative and enjoyable

I did this walking tour on Sunday 20 October. We had a pickup from our hotel which was prompt and efficient. The guide Navin was super knowledgeable and his enthusiasm was infectious. We thoroughly enjoyed this tour and came away feeling like we had learnt quite a bit about Hyderabad. I would highly recommend this tour!

Excellent tour

A friend recommended Navin's tour to us and we weren't disappointed. Navin was great, explained everything thoroughly, guided us through interesting areas in the city center, was happy to take photos of our group, and even organized transfer for us from and to the hotel. We couldn't have got so much out of a morning without his help.

Authenticity!

Navin was great - it was so great to have someone lead us through the City. He is so knowledgable and is able to distinguish fact from fiction! Connected us to local craftsman for some shopping and there were no commissions in the process! Passionate about the work he does and make the tour fun, educational and flexible!

Fun and fascinating experience

Navin's tour was a wonderful Hyderabad experience. His passion for Hyderabad's history really shines. I learned fascinating things and would highly recommend this as an evening activity.

Amazing Heritage Tour in HYD

Navin came to pick me up at the hotel with the driver as agreed, we spent the whole morning and afternoon together. We did explore and visited the classic tourist spots but we also spent time doing what locals do and most importantly Navid did a lot of research on the history behind monuments and the dynasties. He is very passionate and engaged and he transfer that excitement to you while exploring places which keep memories old many centuries. We tried local foods and we had to change itinerary last min because one of the place I wanted to view was fully booked. He was available and flexible to accommodate my needs. Can't wait to do part 2 of the tour many thanks again! Daniele

ABSOLUTR MUST in Hyderabad

Had such a great time with Navin on the city of pearls tour. He was personable but also so passionate about history, and could answer all of my questions extensively. The tour was well paced and covered all the essentials of the old city on great depth. Would definitely recommend a HWC tour to anyone considering it.

Great experience in Hyderabad!

Great tour and even better tour guide! Navin was the perfect tour guide for this busy city. As a solo female traveler new to India, I was a little hesitant to walk the city on my own. Navin was amazing - meeting me at my car with a bottle of water in hand. We toured Charminar in detail, walking around the monument and then scaled the steps to the first floor which had great views of the city. Then had some Irani chai and biscuits near the city center. Walked to Chowmahalla Palace and toured the grounds in great detail. And finally toured the bangle bazaar where we saw bangles being made. Navin was a great tour guide, not only navigating the crowds in the old city but very knowledgeable about the history of Hyderabad and it's culture. He also knew all the best tourist photo spots and took pictures for me! I would 100% recommend this tour to anyone, great conversation and the perfect way to view some of the highlights of old Hyderabad!

A fabulous foody and culture experience of Hyderabad

I was visiting Hyderabad for work and had a spare weekend where I wanted to get to know more about the real hyderabad. Ive visited the fort and a few other touristy thing but wanted a new non touristy experience. I was a little nervous of knowing what was safe to eat and where to go on my own buy Naveen tours meant I could experience. Naveen customised the tour to do some tours of the history of the region and then a desert tour in the older side of the city tasting all-sorts of deserts. It was so easy, exiting and felt like a really got to know more about the city and the country. He was so knowledge able and fun that it was the most enjoyable day. He also recommended other things to do and places to eat. He thought of everything. If in Hyderabad get a tour it really is an amazing experience.

The Kingdom of Diamonds tour

We visited the Golkonda fort and Qutub Shahi tombs. Navin is very passionate about what he is doing, that is why, i think, it is quite a pleasure to have him as a guide. The his/tory can be boring if the teller is just reciting facts and names. It is not boring to listen to Navin at all. He is knowledgeable, funny, friendly, and glad to answer all your questions. It was a memorable experience. The tour will take around 4 hours. Come prepared, the Golkonda is huge, with a long walking up. Wear proper shoes, hat. And take a panoramic picture when you get to the top.

Highly recommended tour - very detailed!

Thanks, Navin, for providing us a very detailed tour! We learned a lot and we appreciate providing context to what we were seeing. Not textbookish at all!

Fantastic personalised evening tour around charminar

Navin accommodated my very last minute request for a quick evening city tour from my hotel. Pick up was well on time. He is greatly passionate about the history of Hyderabad and made sure I experienced the different slices of culture (craftsmen making bangles and hammering silver foil) around the Charminar area. Even though I didn't have the luxury of time to visit much of Hyderabad, I managed to get a taste (literally) of the old city in just 2-3 hours. The taste of Osmania biscuits and chai... absolutely brilliant. Thumbs up Navin!

Best walking tour I've ever been on!

After being picked up from the hotel, we drove downtown to Hyderabad and started at the Charminar. Climbing the wicked tiny steps is totally worth the view from the top and then the descend makes the next stop for chai and biscuits a well deserved treat. Following the chai, we strolled down the streets looking at the old shops and then we made our way to Chowmahalla Palace. A beautiful complex with many years as a "working palace", you can get a sense of the grandeur this site once had (and is being restored back to). After viewing all the amazing automobiles in their collection, we made our way back to the shopping. We had an opportunity to see how bangles are made, plus try some on and purchase some to take home. Navin is an amazing partner to take you on this adventure. He has a true love of the area and is excited to share his knowledge and stories. This was truly the highlight of my trip and I would HIGHLY recommend that you make an appointment with the Hyderabad Walking Tour when visiting this great city.

THe Hyderabad Walking Company

From archaeological adventures to high tea in a day …. Navin made our 3 tours memorable. Navin was funny, entertaining and very knowledgeable about the history of Hyderabad and India. Navin went above and beyond to have all our needs met. What a wonderful experience! If you are in Hyderabad definitely give Navin a call ! Many thanks Jenny and Peter Kellahan

Comprehensive Hyderabad

Finding ourselves in Hyderabad with time on our hands, my wife and I contacted Navin. He tailored 3 days of tours for us using his expert knowledge and sense of humour. Included was a car with a capable driver, which is so important in the rough & tumble of Hyderabad streets. Navin knows & understands the needs of his overseas clients, has worked closely with Westerners for decades & peppers his commentary with humour and interesting anecdotes. Naturally we enjoyed the fabulous sights of Golconda Fort, Nizam & Sagar Jung museums, Falaknumar Palace and the Charminar area. On an occasion when Navin could not accompany us due to a conflicting engagement he arranged for a scholar named Harsha to provide us with fascinating insights. We have no hesitation in recommending Navin and his Hyderabad Walking Tours to anyone wanting to see Hyderabad’s treasures, but also understand the history and culture which underlies them. Dr Alan England & Christine Riistol

My tour of Hydrabad, tombs of kings!

The tour was amazing! I learned a lot about the city of Hydrabad history! My tour guide Navin is very knowledgeable about his Indian culture. I will come back to take another tour.

A Quintessential Hyderabadi Experience

Being a true blood Hyderabadi, who’d have thought I’d be blown by a Hyderabadi experience. Well, I was. A food (and heritage) walk with Navin Sigamany did that for me. It’s an experience that inundates the senses in ways way more than one. Walking through the ancient and narrow gallis of Charminar, taking pictures of nooks and crannies from history, the little titbits of information he comes up with, the stories he tells you from times gone by….and the food...well mashallah. What’s more, he not only knows what to eat... and where to eat... he’ll even tell you how much to eat. Else there’s no way you can do that list….paaya, bheja fry, tandoori roti, kesar chai, shammi kebab, falooda, sheekh kebab, royal fish, osmania biscuit...the list just goes on. You eat, and you walk, and you listen, and you gaze, and you eat some more and walk some more....and before you know it, it's about ten kilometers and four hours in....hours so well spent !!

Thums Up for this tour

Navin was an excellent guide. Friendly and only too happy to provide answers to the many questions we had. Walking and (attempting to) drive through Charminar during Ramadan was a highlight. Going to Shadam for lunch to have a Chicken Biryani and being introduced to a Thums Up drink for the first time was also great. Highly recommend to do when you first get to Hyderabad - its a great introduction to the city

Amazing stories and knowledge of the citys history

Getting to see Golconda Fort, Charminar and the Palace was amazing especially with Navin providing factual and honest insights through the experience. For me though it's the little things that made this so amazing, Walking through the side streets of the old town, having Irani Chai and biscuits from the local bakery and then heading to a great little restaurant and having biriyani and a thumbs up (make sure you get the Garlic Naan as well). More tours should be run like Navins, he makes it far more personal and tailored than others I've been on

Secret Ramzan Walk on 8th June 2018

The Hyderabad Walking Company (specifically Navin) took us on a lip-smacking and history filled food crawl/heritage walk through the busy streets of Old Hyderabad on a Friday Evening, in the holy month of Ramadan. Navin is an amazing storyteller/host and his passion for all things Hyderabad shows in the way he regales us with lesser known facts and little nuggets of information regarding the various types of food we sampled, or even the more famous or not-so-famous buildings and monuments that we passed by along the way! The sights and sounds of a busy Friday night during the month of Ramadan enhanced the overall experience.Watching the Charminar and its beautifully lit surroundings while sipping on Irani Chai and eating the incredibly soft and tasty Osmania biscuits from Nimrah Cafe.. that’s an amazing experience in itself! Thanks Navin, for re-introducing me (a guy who was born and brought up in Hyderabad), to what makes the city truly special! 😀 Cannot wait to see/experience what other delightful tours you have cooked up! 😀

Most interesting facts about Hyderabad

Navin is a very good storyteller who weaves the tale of Hyderabad through the by lanes of the old city. Being a foodie himself, he makes the participants taste the best of Hyderabadi food along with insights about people who prepare the food and the process of making them. A must do walk for every one who wants to know the secrets about the city along with a generous dose of Navin personality and humour!

Stories, stories, stories, more stories and a lot of laugh

Always wanted to have a heritage walk at Charminar and an opportunity came with The Hyderabad Walking Club. My friends and I met The Hyderabad Walking Club guide, Naveen, at around 7ish in the morning. It was a Saturday morning on a Ramzan month. That was the first time I saw Charminar at its own beauty (there were not so many people on streets). We had our brief breakfast at Nimrah Cafe and Bakery. If you ever go there, you should definitely try veg puff. I also liked tea :) even tea without sugar :) then our walk started... And it was amazing. The way Naveen speaka about history is beyond interesting. He always starts with asking you to observe something, then you come up with a question and then you make an attempt to answer it. And You remember all details because you went through the entire thought process to come up with the right answer! Naveen shows not only touristy places, but unique places to the particular locations as well. For example, fish shops in front of Jumma Masjid. If you know why they are located there, please let us know :) Our walk ended with South Indian breakfast at Govind Dosa. Honestly, the most delicious dosa I've ever eaten (believe me since I'm a die fan of dosa :D). Why did I mention laugh in the title? Because Naveen makes you laugh :) all the time. He is an open and so friendly soul that you should definitely meet him and take a walk with him at Charminar to hear his beautiful stories :)

'The Secret Ramzaan Food Walk'

I went on the 'Secret Ramzaan food walk' two days back in Old city with the Hyd Walking Company and it was an absolute fun experience. Navin, our guide, met us at Nayyab hotel where we started with tasting the best Haleem, Paya and Bheja. Old city has rich history and some lip smaking traditional Hyderabadi food. As we walked through those lanes, Navin shared so many unknown facts and details about the places, food and people. It was a three hour walk and we sampled various dishes from yummy sheeks kebabs to Paya to spicy local fish. We tried different types of Chai, Kesari, Spicy Gahwa and a popular Irani version. Old city was beautifully lit up for Ramadaan and the roads were packed with families shopping for Eid. History came out alive when Navin spoke about the various structures that were built during the times of Qutub Shahis. He shared very fascinating details about the Hyderabadi Pearls, about the intricate Qutub Shahi designs on the structures and about workshops in Chudi bazaar in earlier times. It was a beautifully researched walk and the food we sampled was fantastic and was at the most unassuming places. I enjoyed every bit of the walk and look forward to going on another one. I highly recommend doing a walk with the 'Hyderabad Walking Company' as its a fantastic way to know about the city, the culture and its amazing food :)

Early Morning Walk at Charminar

We met up with our guide at around 7.30am at Nimrah Cafe & Bakery. Here, we sampled some amazing types of chai and savouries. The Osmania biscuit, a hyderabadi special was beyond belief! Their veg puff too was really good. After this, we went around the Charminar itself, and were told about various fun facts about the monument. We took a walk down Lal street, which is famous for bangles, and visited various gates around the Charminar, where we were told some very interesting facts about the architecture and thought that went into the construction of Charminar and the gates around it. We lastly, ended up at the famous Govind Bandi for a delicious south indian breakfast of Dosa, Idli and Vada. I have done many tours in my life, but I have to say that this walking trip with The Hyderabad Walking Company has been one of my most memorable ones I've ever taken!

A super fun way to learn more about Hyderabad

I went on a food walk with The Hyd Walking Co. around the Charminar area. The walk was great fun but also incredibly detailed. The host Navin, had so many interesting stories about the history of the area, and knew just the right places to take excellent photos. Every single place we ate at was amazing, and Navin did a superb job of seeing that the group paced themselves and left enough room to sample everything. The walk was well researched, and really delivered a curated fun experience that I won't be forgetting in a hurry. Highly recommended if you're visiting Hyderabad. This is a wonderful way to get to know a city!