Located right in the heart of Hyderabad, the monument built by Quli Qutub Shah is a prominent landmark in India. Charminar has become the symbol of the city of Nizams.
Synonymous to the culture of Hyderabad, the massive structure with four minarets stands with all glory in the hustle and bustle of the busy streets around. The exploration of the amazing Indo-Islamic architecture, bustling market, the hustling crowd, the glitter of the bangles amidst the aroma of Patti Samosa, Irani chai, and Kebabs, is an experience to cherish!
It was my last day in Hyderabad and I wanted to explore the famous tourist places before boarding the night flight back to Pune. I grabbed an auto and went to the nearest metro station- Durgama Cheruvu. Every station has a complete map which eases the travel. I got down to Ameerpet station which is a junction to change routes. This place is confusing so make sure you board the right metro to another location.
Upon reaching Gandhi Bhawan station, I grabbed an auto and reached the Arc de Triomphe of the east, the Charminar. This structure was built to mark the eradication of the epidemic cholera that had ravaged the city in the 16th century.
Also read: durgam cheruvu
A huge arch welcomes you at the entrance. Charminar grabs your attention from a distant sight. The colorful, dazzling markets welcome you on the path to the mosque of the Four Minarets. The streets are always busy and bustling with locals, tourists, and street sellers. Every shop and street seller has different varieties of jewelry, mats, colorful clothes, pearls, bangles, toys. I gave a try to the heavenly smelling perfume oil at one of the shops consisting of about 100+ different flavors.
The Urdu words Char and Minar translate to Four Pillars in English. The intricately carved structure is built in Indo-Islamic architectural style with elaborate stucco work in marble, mortar, granite, and limestone. The landmark is a symbol of Hyderabad and is also among the most recognized structures in India. It is also known as the Emblem of Telangana. This place is busy during festivals like Eid-ul-Adha, Ramzan ad Eid al-Fitr.
The history is quite interesting. According to a popular belief, it was built to acknowledge the elimination of the plague which had severely affected the entire city. On the same ground, Sultan prayed for the end of the plague and as it ended, he built Charminar as a tribute to the almighty. Also, other goes like this square-shaped structure with intricate carvings and pillars was built in honor of the wife of Sultan, Bhagmati when he saw her as her future wife. One of the stories explains that it is built on the epicenter of Hyderabad. There is another legend according to which, there is a secret underground tunnel that connects Charminar to Golconda fort where the royal family can escape in case of any emergency. Anyways, the more we go deep, the more stories it has!
Currently, it is maintained by the Archeological Survey of India. I took a ticket which costs around INR 20 and entered the narrow pathway leading to the four minarets on the top. While reaching the top floor, the artwork and fluidity in the placement of the balconies hold the visitor in awe.
There are several displays of the information at each corner which provides a detailed explanation of various parts and the surrounding structures of Charminar. Each corner has a balcony overlooking the Laad bazaar streets and the Mecca Masjid.
The top floor houses a mosque from about 400 years located at the western end. Attached to it is the open space which is used to accommodate a greater number of people for prayers and occasions. In the middle of the courtyard is a small fountain that provides water for the ablution before offering prayers.
The thing which I liked the most is the signature motifs of the Qutub Shahi buildings on Charminar. The Minarets at each corner are crowned by a bulbous dome with petal-shaped designs at the base. In the year 1889, Giant clocks were added on four sides.
After spending about an hour, I came out to explore the famous Laad Bazar. Space consists of more than 10,000 shops selling innumerable items. A bazaar with shops dedicated to glass and lacquer bangles. Laad means Lacquer which is used to make the bangles and then artificial diamonds are studded on it to give it a final form.
The bazaar also houses essential items for the wedding ceremonies like bride wares, saris, handwoven silk materials, brocade, velvet and gold embroidered fabrics, Khara dupattas, and perfumes. It is also known as Choodi Bazaar which backs to the era of Nizams and Qutub Shahi.
Plenty of Irani chai stalls offers a breather from all walking around. At night, itβs a treat for the eyes to see the area shining in beautiful colors. The entire bazaar is spread in about a one-kilometer area on four sides. Many tourists take the colorful, vibrant lac bangles back to their native places. Although Charminar has an early closing entry, the bazaar remains open at night till 10:30 PM.
How to reach?
Nearest airport - RGIA Airport (20 KM)
Nearest bus stand - Hydesrabd bus stand (5 KM)
Nearest Railway station - Nampally station (4 KM)
Char Kaman in Ghansi bazaar can be reached by rickshaws and taxis
Time
It can be visited anytime. However, the time for the museum inside is from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Do not miss the shimmering Laad bazaar in the evening with the sparkling bangles!
