This city is a place worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. In fact, it is impossible for anyone to soak in the multifarious charms which the city has to offer in a limited time span.
The moment you emerge from the Hyderabad airport, the city that immediately hits the eye is a sprawling metropolis of shopping malls, flyovers and office buildings with glass facades. And you are left wondering, where did the largest princely state of the Nawabs vanish?
The city of Hyderabad depicts an interesting confluence of the traditional and the modern, the past and the present. So, don't feel betrayed by these inventions, synonymous of modernity as alongside the metropolis Hyderabad, also exists the Old City with an altogether unique charm of its own.
Hyderabad can be divided into the historic city established by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah on the southern side of the Musi River that forms the Old City, while the New City encompasses the urbanised area on the northern banks.
The Old City is composed of a maze of disorienting alleyways that expand outward from the Charminar. Most of the historical attractions are situated in the old city. Here is the two most famous one:
1. Charminar
Recommended Duration: 45 Minutes
The capital city of Telangana, Hyderabad is a popular tourist destination and presents its visitors with a mesmerising contrast of age old traditions, culture at one end and modern facilities, amenities of a metropolitan city at the other end. Hyderabad is one city, which has no dearth of tourist attractions.
The very well known Charminar of Hyderabad is located at the Old City. This square shaped structure with a height of 56 m and breadth of 30 m was constructed in 1591. It was built by Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah in the honor of his wife Bhagmati.
Also referred as the ‘Arc de Triomphe of the East’, Charminar is adorned with four towers in each corner. The minarets on each side, is of 48.7 m height, each with four storeys. Chaminar has a small mosque as well on the top floor. There are 45 prayer spaces which are still visited by people, particularly on Fridays. Lighting in the evening is quite glamorous and makes for a worth watching site.
Places to visit near Charminar
What adds more charm to the visit to this historical monument is the proximity it enjoys with many other popular tourist attractions in Hyderabad.
Mecca Masjid/Makkah Masjid- It is located quite close to Charminar. Hence, when visiting the monument art lovers can also plan a visit to this ancient mosque. The structure of Makkah Masjid beautifully represents the architectural style of Qutub Shahi Dynasty.
Laad Bazaar- Another popular place to visit when at Charminar is the Laad Bazaar. Not just a place for shopping lovers, this historical market is an ideal place for photographers as well. Also known as Choodi Bazaar, this is an ancient market dedicated especially for glass and lacquer bangles. This market dates back to the time of Nizams and Qutub Shahis.
From Charminar you can visit many other prominent sightseeing places as well. Chow Mohalla Palace which is only 10 minutes of walk from here is the most porniment one. Some of other places to visit are Kali Kaman, Patthar Gatti and Shahali Banda.
How to reach Charminar
Charminar is one of the most prominent landmarks of Hyderabad city hence reaching here is extremely easy even for first time visitors. Located on the Charminar road, Char Kaman in the Ghansi Bazaar, it can be reached via auto rickshaws and taxis.
There are many TSRTC buses that operate from major bus stands and railway stations of the city to Charminar. The distance between Charminar and Hyderabad bus stand is 5 km.
2. Golconda Fort
Recommended Duration: 2 Hours
Just 11 km away from the city, the architectural marvel Golconda Fort is well connected to the rest of the city. Built by Qutub Shahi Kings, this fort presents an impressive structure, with eight gates and 87 bastions.
Its impressive structure has majestic walls which are as high as 15 to 18 foot and a parameter of close to 11 km. Along with brilliant architecture, this fort also captivates its visitors with its system of acoustics, its water supply system, 'Rahban' cannon and Ramdas’ prison which has carved Hindu deity in it.
The light and the sound show in English, Hindi and Telugu language with the voice over by the Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan is something one must not miss when visiting the Fort.
