Published on Mar, 2025

An excellent tour round some highlights of Hyderabad. My guide Murthy was very knowledgeable and articulate about the history of each place we visited. Murthy was also extremely considerate of my age and very patient in terms of taking time to make some of the more arduous climbs (Goloconda Fort). His combination of great knowledge and equal kindness made for a truly exceptional and memorable tour. Murthy also helpfully pointed out other places of interest as we travelled so that I can visit at a later date. And lunch was great! A first class tour. Thank you Murthy!

Published on Mar, 2025

This visit was part of our third private tour with 5 Senses (first tour, So. India for a month; second No. India for 5.5 weeks; third East and South India, one month). You might have guessed that we are very happy with the company. All three tours were fantastic, this one no exception. There is not a lot to see in Hyderabad, but it's still worth a tour (especially if you're there for work and have a free weekend). John, our 5 Senses local guide, was very good. Don't miss his "tea stall visit" in the market--you won't forget it! The primary strength of 5 Senses is its people. The owner, Mr. Narayanan, is a great travel planning partner (he’ll work with you to craft exactly the trip you want) and he is super-responsive during trips if any problems arise. I am confident that Narayanan will fix it if it needs fixing—he has helped us several times in that way, and he has done it quickly. The state-based “cultural ambassadors” he has recruited (the guides who accompany you for days, across multiple sites) are excellent and soon become friends. For this month-long tour, I’d particularly like to call out Kannan (Tamil Nadu) and Mohan, and Chandra Shekar (Karnataka). If you are touring other parts of the country, we highly recommend Balwinder (Punjab and Rajasthan) and Vivek and Ram Sewak (Varanasi, Khajuraho and environs). It is basically a fool’s errand to try to price shop local tour operators—there are too many variables, including the type of accommodation, the quality of guides and the quality of transport (both of which can’t be assessed ahead of time). That said, over the course of the three tours, we feel that 5 Senses has been very good value for money. And I can say for certain that you would pay three times as much for the same Smithsonian or Nat Geo or other corporate tour, plus you’d be on a bus with many other folks and stuck with the group schedule. With 5 Senses you’re in your own car deciding where and when you want to go, where you want to eat, and when you want to take it easy. My advice to friends looking for a private tour in India is “don’t bother contacting other companies, just talk to 5 Senses. You won’t regret it.”

Published on Feb, 2025

Amazing tour with Mohan. He was extremely knowledgeable and planned the tour very well. Highly recommend, especially if you are in Hyderabad for a limited amount of time.

Published on Feb, 2025

We had an amazing tour of Hyderabad with our guide, Nagaraj. From the very beginning, his warm hospitality and deep knowledge of the city made our experience truly unforgettable. He provided fascinating insights into Hyderabad’s rich history, culture, and local traditions, making every stop incredibly informative and engaging. Nagaraj ensured we experienced the city like a local, taking us to hidden gems and authentic spots we wouldn’t have discovered on our own. His recommendations for food, shopping, and sightseeing were spot on! Plus, his photography skills were an added bonus—he captured some fantastic moments for us throughout the tour. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable, friendly, and professional guide in Hyderabad, look no further than Nagaraj. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to explore the city in an authentic and immersive way!

Published on Feb, 2025

Mohan was a great tour guide! He is very knowledgeable, friendly and a great story teller! We got to see all of the main sights in one day and highly recommend visitors to do it through a tour- you learn so much more!