Hyderabad is the city of royals and it has witnessed multiple rules and dynasties. And everywhere around the city you will still find the reminisces from the past. In case you are exploring the city of Hyderabad you will find so much to explore here. Moreover there are multiple locations here that would give you a deep insight into the dynasties and their rules. One such location is the Qutub Shahi Tombs. The Qutub Shahi Tombs Hyderabad is basically a series of tombs. Here you will find tombs of some of the most important rulers of the Qutub Shahi Dynasty. However, not just that the architecture of the location and the history attached to it further makes it one of the most interesting locations.
Qutub Shahi Tombs Hyderabad
This series of tombs also reflects the rich culture of the Qutub Shahi Dynasty. And if you are a history lover then you would love a visit there. Additionally, the ambiance of this location is beautiful and you would not feel like you are visiting a grave. The beautiful architecture and the detailing of the constructions here are worth exploring. So when you visit Hyderabad make sure you are visiting the tombs. Keep on reading this article as here I will mention everything that you need to know about the Qutub Shahi Tombs. This will be a helpful read for you if you are travelling to this location in Hyderabad any time soon.
Location: Fort Road, Toli Chowki, Hyderabad, Telangana
Timings: Qutub Shahi Tombs timings are from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm on all days from Saturday to Thursday except Friday. Friday is a closed day.
Ticket price: Qutub Shahi Tombs ticket price for adults is Rs. 10 per person and Rs. 5 per person for a child. There is an additional fee for the camera and that is Rs. 20 for a still camera.
How to reach
By air
If you are travelling by air then the nearest airport is the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport from Hyderabad. From the airport the distance of the tombs is 34.2 km. It would approximately take you around 40 minutes to reach the tomb from the airport. You can easily take a car or hire a cab from the airport to reach the location. Or else you can also take the city buses that ply on this route to reach the location as well.
By train
If you are travelling by train then the Nampally railway station is the nearest railway station to reach this location. From the Nampally station the tomb is located at a distance of 10.4 km. It would take you around 30 minutes to reach the location from the railway station. You can take a cab or hire a taxi to reach the Qutub Shahi Tombs from the railway station. Or else you can also reach there by auto rickshaws as well. Auto rickshaws are a common mode of transport from the location. Moreover you will find auto rickshaws just outside the railway station to reach the location conveniently.
By road
If you are travelling by road then you can opt for the city buses on this route. There are both private as well as government buses that you can opt for. If you are travelling from outside the city then you will get buses to reach Hyderabad from different locations. And if you are travelling within the city then also you can opt for the city buses to reach there as well. Local transports like auto rickshaws are also common here. So you can opt for auto rickshaws to reach there as well. Or else if you are travelling by your own vehicle then also you can travel to the location from any direction. You can opt for a taxi or hire a cab as well to travel to this location from various locations.
Best time to visit
The ideal time to visit the Qutub Shahi Tombs would be during the winter months. The months from November to February are by far the best time when you can plan a visit to this location. It would also be comfortable for you to explore the whole area if you are visiting here during winter months. The temperature will also be in check during this time and would make it exciting for the visitors to explore the location.
However avoid visiting here during the summer months though. The summer months in Hyderabad can be too harsh at times as the temperature goes above 40 degrees. Therefore it would make the visit there too uncomfortable during this time. Also the humidity during the peak summer months would practically make it uncomfortable to roam around in the open. You would find it too uncomfortable to bear the scorching heat of the sun during the peak summers. So do plan your visit accordingly to get the best of the location.
Overview of Qutub Shahi Tombs
The Qutub Shahi Tombs in Hyderabad is one of the of the most prominent tourist spots in the city of Hyderabad. Not only that it is one of the important Islamic sites as well that you can visit in the city. Moreover these tombs are also one of the oldest monuments that you can find in the city of Hyderabad. The construction reflects a splendid mix of Indian and Persian styles of architecture. The tombs are still standing tall as a remembrance of the glory and grandeur of the Qutub Shahi Dynasty. The tombs stand at the centre of the Ibrahim Bagh and in total there are about 30 tombs here. These tombs vary in sizes and types.
The group of Qutub Shahi Tombs is basically a group of mosques that were built during the Qutub Shahi rule. The unique shapes and sizes, the detailing and the intricate design of the tombs makes this an appealing site. There are beautiful gardens here that surround the tombs and don’t necessarily feel or look like a graveyard. On the premise you will also find two mosques and 1 temple where people visit to pray. The architectural brilliance of the constructions is something that makes it a popular tourist spot in the city. So when you are in Hyderabad make sure you are visiting the tombs.
Qutub Shahi Tombs History
The Qutub Shahi Tombs are actually the burial ground of the 7 kings of the Qutub Shahi Dynasty. What makes these tombs very popular is the beautiful architecture of the tombs. The Qutub Shahi rulers actually planned these tombs themselves. The construction followed a mix of Persian, Pathan as well as Hindu styles of architecture. The entrance to the tombs and the corridors reflects a splendid Indo Saracenic style of architecture. You will find ornamental parapets and minarets here that reflect Islamic style of architecture as well. Along with that there are intricately decorated false ceilings, two tiered terraces and central pillars here.
There are about 30 tombs here and some of them are open air tombs too. The tombs are dome like structures and they are based on a raised platform which is square in shape and has pointed arches as well. Each of the tombs is quadrangular in shape and varies in size ranging from 9 meters to 15 meters. At the centre of each of the tombs there is a sarcophagus that overlies the actual burial vault in a crypt that is below the tomb. Earlier they were blue and green in colour and some of it still remains. A baluster surrounds almost all the tombs and there are beautiful minarets at the corner that elevates the beauty further.
There are two large quadrangular enclosures here. The first one has the mausoleums of Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, Sultan Quli, Ibrahim Quli and Kulsoom Quli who is the daughter of Muhammad Quli Shah. In the other one there are tombs of Muhammad Qutub Shah, the tombs of favourite courtesans of Abdullah Qutub Shah, Taramathi and Premamathi and Hayath Bakshi Begum.
What’s more?
The tomb of Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah is the largest tomb here who was the fifth king of the Qutub Shahi Dynasty. Built in 1543 this tomb is 42 meters high and contains 28 open arches. Also there is a large dome and along with that there are minarets at the corner as well. The basement of this tomb spreads with arches and is open with large pillars. The chamber of the tomb is furthermore octagonal in shape and has a crown of circular dome. This tomb has three graves and 21 terraces outside.
However the most modest tomb that you will see here belongs to Sultan Quli Qutub ul Mulk and he was the founder of the Qutub Shahi Dynasty. He built this tomb himself and also supervised the architecture for the longest period of time. He also decided that along with the tombs of the rulers there will be tombs of non ruling family members as well.
The architecture of the tombs looks breathtaking with beautiful carpets and chandeliers. There are copies of the Holy Quran here as well that are kept on the pedestals. On the tombs of the Sultans there are golden spires so that people can distinguish those tombs from the tombs of other family members from the royal family. After the rule of the Qutub Shahi Dynasty the tombs were neglected for a long period of time. But during the early 19th century Salar Jung III restored the tombs and renovated them.
Some more!
The gateway of the Qutub Shahi Tombs inside has beautiful paintings that belong to the 16th century. You will get to understand the artwork of that time as you look into those paintings. There are high ceilings which have ornate lotus sculptures along with other petals and detailed patterns. Also you will find a museum at the entrance as well. This museum reflects the rule of the Qutub Shahis and depicts the biography of the Qutub Shahi Dynasty as well. Additionally it reflects their artifacts, their traditions as well as antics.
Wrapping Up!
So that was all that you should know about the Qutub Shahi Tombs before planning a visit there. Locations like this are rich in history and therefore are perfect places to explore. It is undoubtedly one of the popular sightseeing spots in Hyderabad to explore for the tourists. Not just for history buffs for everyone it would be too interesting to peek into the history of the days long gone. A visit to this location would give you a fair insight about the life and lifestyle of the Qutub Shahi rulers. So when are you planning a visit to these tombs in Hyderabad? And let me know if this article on the Qutub Shahi Tombs is helpful for you in planning a trip to this beautiful location.
