Sometimes you take things closest to you for granted. It’s true not only for relationships but also for travels. We were always so busy planning for our next out-of-city travels that we had utterly ignored the varied and rich heritage of the city we live in.

We had visited some of the city’s more famous landmarks – the Golconda Fort, Salar Jung Museum, Chowmahalla Palace, Charminar, etc. but hadn’t been to the Qutub Shahi Tombs that were quite close to where we live.

I had expected to find some dilapidated old ruins but was pleasantly surprised at the well-maintained oasis I found. 

We hired a tour guide who offered us his services at the entrance. He gave us a detailed history of the cluster of seven tombs. To show us the acoustics in one of the domes, he gave us a beautiful prayer rendition that echoed through the chambers.

The tombs were once furnished with carpets, chandeliers and velvet canopies on silver poles. Copies of the Quran were kept on pedestals and readers recited verses from the holy book at regular intervals. Golden spires were fitted over the tombs of the sultans to distinguish their tombs from those of other members of the royal family.

-Wikipedia

Although none of the old world extravagance and glamour remains, the structures themselves are an impressive reminder of their glorious past. 

It was an excellent way to spend an afternoon – looking at some beautiful architecture and learning about local history. It is near Golconda Fort and Taramati Baradari so you can easily cover all these monuments on your trip.

Nearby is the Deccan Park. It is a small green space that will soon make way for some parking space. It used to have a mini-train that ran around the park; now just a tin box kids can play in. So visit before it disappears completely.