The Kalhora tombs in Hyderabad are the burial places of the dynasty that ruled Sindh before the Talpurs, and the best known is the mausoleum of Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro, who died in 1772 and is regarded as the founder of the city. Built the same year by his son Sarfraz Khan, it is described as the oldest building in Hyderabad. A second, quieter tomb, that of Mian Ghulam Nabi Kalhoro, stands a few minutes' walk away.
This guide covers who the Kalhoras were, what each tomb looks like, timings as listed and how to fit them into a day.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Main tomb | Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro, built 1772 |
| Second tomb | Mian Ghulam Nabi Kalhoro, about 265 m south of the first |
| Location | North of the National Highway near City Gate Hotel; second tomb near the central jail |
| Listed hours | Sindh antiquities department lists roughly 7 am to 9 pm on weekdays and 8 am to 8 pm at weekends; other listings give shorter hours |
| Entry | We found no published ticket price |
| Time needed | About 45 minutes for both |
Who were the Kalhoras?
The Kalhoras ruled Sindh in the 18th century before losing power to the Talpurs, whose tombs are covered in our guide to the Talpur Mirs tombs. Ghulam Shah Kalhoro is remembered as the founder of Hyderabad and is ranked in Sindhi history second only to the poet-saint Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. His fort, Pakka Qila, stands in the old city, and our Pakka Qila guide covers it.
The tomb of Ghulam Shah Kalhoro
The tomb is a large square building, about 17 m wide and 11 m high, set inside a walled compound with bastions on three sides, which gives it the look of a small fort. It stands on a raised rectangular platform with a perforated stone parapet and a recessed pointed arch entrance on the east side.
Originally the outside was covered with glazed tiles in geometric and floral patterns and the interior was painted with Persian script and Quranic verses. Most of the exterior tile is gone and has been plastered over, and the interior paintings have faded and been partly painted over. The dome collapsed in the early 20th century and was replaced by a flat roof.
The Sindh government has overseen conservation since 2011, and the site has seen restoration work. The compound has also gradually filled with other graves and is used as a burial ground, so it is an active place of respect, not just a monument.
The tomb of Ghulam Nabi Kalhoro
Ghulam Nabi ruled Sindh only briefly, from 1775 to 1776. His tomb is near the central jail, a few hundred metres south of Ghulam Shah's, and is a smaller building in brick with lime plaster and glazed tile panels. It has an octagonal exterior over a square interior, a 16-sided drum and a rounded dome, with two small graves on the platform believed to be his infant sons.
The terrace has no railings, which gives it an unfinished look. Of the two, it is the more distinctive building, though it is usually visited second.
Timings, tickets and how to get there
The Sindh antiquities department lists both tombs as open Monday to Friday from 7 am to 9 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 8 pm. Other listings give 8 am to 7 pm in summer and 9 am to 6 pm in winter. As the sources differ, aim for the middle of the day and confirm on arrival. We found no published entry fee.
The main tomb is north of the National Highway near City Gate Hotel. Ride-hailing cars and rickshaws in Hyderabad can take you to either, and you can walk between them. If you are coming from Karachi, see our Karachi to Hyderabad by road guide.
Visiting etiquette
Both places are graves, and Ghulam Shah's is still a burial ground. Dress modestly, remove shoes if asked, keep your voice down and ask before photographing anyone who is praying.
Is it worth visiting?
Yes if you like architecture and Sindh's political history. The Kalhora tombs are quiet, and Ghulam Nabi's tomb has a distinct shape. If you have only a few hours in the city, start with Pakka Qila, then add these two.
They are not a big-ticket attraction, and the fading tilework is a disappointment if you have just come from the restored sites elsewhere. Our places to visit in Hyderabad guide helps you decide, and our experiences page lists more Sindh ideas.
Frequently asked questions
Who is buried in the Kalhora tombs in Hyderabad?
The main tomb holds Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro, who died in 1772 and is regarded as the founder of Hyderabad. The second tomb is that of Mian Ghulam Nabi Kalhoro, who ruled from 1775 to 1776.
Where are the Kalhora tombs?
Ghulam Shah's tomb is north of the National Highway near City Gate Hotel, and Ghulam Nabi's is near the central jail, about 265 m south of it.
What are the Kalhora tombs' opening hours?
The Sindh antiquities department lists 7 am to 9 pm on weekdays and 8 am to 8 pm at weekends, though other listings give shorter hours. Confirm on arrival.
Is there an entry fee?
We found no published fee. Carry some small cash in case of a nominal charge or a donation.
Are the Kalhora tombs the same as the Talpur tombs?
No. The Kalhoras were the earlier dynasty, and the Talpurs, who replaced them, have their own tombs in the Hirabad area.