Paigah Tomb

When the Charminar’s there to grab all the attention (not unjustly), other heritage marvels, like the Paigah Tombs, sometimes end up not getting the limelight they deserve, even by locals. Completed in 1786 with the burial of Abul Fateh Khan – the founder of the house of Paigah – the complex is the final resting place of the family, which made up Hyderabad’s most powerful aristocrats, second only to the Nizams. 

The tombs bring together as many as eight architectural styles, including Persian, Mughal, Kakatiyan, and surprisingly, Italian. The result is a dreamlike ensemble of scalloped arches, onion domes, and intricately carved pillars with over 35 distinct jaali patterns. Look closely and you’ll be able to spot marble chowkandis, pietra dura inlay work on Makrana marble, and little pockmarks in graves that were once embedded with stones that changed colours through the day. The Ladli Begum Tomb is especially striking, with terracotta latticework so fine it’s barely a millimetre thick.

You’ll notice that a lot of this splendour shows signs of age and neglect, but a major conservation effort by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture is slowly changing that – with the trust noting that the jaalis at the tombs are especially unique, with the terracotta-base, lime-covered latticework being totally one of a kind. 

Time Out tip: It’s a little off-grid, so it’s ideal to explore as part of larger groups, or check out a heritage walk. Dressing conservatively is advised.