Charminar of Hyderabad is a stunning masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture, built by Quli Qutub Shah in 1591 to mark the end of a plague outbreak in Hyderabad and to honor his beloved wife Bhagmati. . The name "Charminar" translates to "Four Minarets" in Urdu, referring to the four elegant minarets adorning the monument.
Charminar's distinctive architecture blends Indo-Islamic styles, each four facing each of the cardinal directions. Adjacent to Charminar is the historic Mecca Masjid, one of the oldest and largest mosques in India.
Must See Things at Charminar
Climb the Charminar: For a small fee, you can ascend the narrow staircases inside one of the minarets to the first floor, offering a panoramic view of the bustling city below.
Explore the Architecture: Take in the detailed carvings and the Indo-Islamic architecture that make Charminar a historical and cultural icon.
Enjoy view from the balconies: You can climb up the stairs of any minaret and enjoy the panoramic views of the Old City from the balconies. See the Mecca Masjid, the Laad Bazaar, the Hussain Sagar Lake, and the Golconda Fort from different angles.
Explore mosque on the top floor: You can also visit the mosque on the top floor of Charminar, which is one of the oldest mosques in Hyderabad. It has a large prayer hall with 45 prayer spaces and a dome with a lotus design. It also has a mihrab (niche) that indicates the direction of Mecca.
The Bhagyalakshmi Temple: Visit the Bhagyalakshmi Temple at one of the pillars of Charminar, a small Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Things To Do Near Charminar
Shopping at Laad Bazaar or Chudi Bazaar: You can shop for pearls, bangles, jewellery, clothes, antiques, and other items at Laad Bazaar or Chudi Bazaar, which are famous markets near Charminar. You can bargain for the best prices and enjoy the lively atmosphere of these bazaars.
Eating Hyderabadi cuisine: You can also eat Hyderabadi cuisine at various restaurants and street stalls near Charminar. You can try dishes like biryani, haleem, kebabs, qubani ka meetha, and irani chai. You can also taste some local delicacies like paan (betel leaf), osmania biscuits, and badam ki jali.
Visit the Mecca Masjid: Located near Charminar, the Mecca Masjid is one of the oldest and largest mosques in India. Marvel at its impressive architecture, including its massive prayer hall and the gateway made from a single piece of granite.
Explore the Monument: Marvel at the grandeur of Charminar, admire the four arches facing the cardinal points and the minarets atop each column, symbolizing the monument's name, 'four minarets'
Explore Nearby Monuments: Visit nearby monuments like the Palace of Nizams, Salar Jung Museum, and Purani Haveli to delve deeper into Hyderabad's history and culture.
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Architecture of Charminar
Structure of Charminar:
- The architectural style of Charminar is Indo-Islamic, incorporating elements of Persian architecture
- Square-shaped with four 56-meter-high minarets.
- Each minaret has four stories and 149 steps.
- Four arches, 11 meters wide, 20 meters high, with clocks.
- Two floors with prayer spaces, balconies, and a fountain fed by the Musi River.
- Main gallery with 45 covered prayer spaces and a small mosque on the second floor.
- Clocks added in 1889 on the four cardinal directions.
- Made of granite and lime mortar with intricate carvings and inscriptions.
Style of Charminar:
- Indo-Islamic architecture blending Persian, Turkish, and Indian styles.
- Features onion-shaped domes, floral motifs, geometric patterns.
- Lattice work, jali screens on windows and balconies.
- Cornices, balustrades outlining edges.
- Charcoal black, limestone white, stucco plaster color scheme for contrast.
Legends & History Of Charminar
- Charminar was built in 1591 by Quli Qutub Shah to mark the end of a plague in Hyderabad and to fulfill a vow to Allah.
- Quli Qutub Shah also built Charminar to celebrate the founding of Hyderabad and the shifting of his capital from Golconda.
- Some historians suggest Charminar was built to honor Quli Qutub Shah's wife, Bhagmati, who converted to Islam and became Hyder Mahal, leading to the name "Hyderabad."
- According to legend, a secret tunnel under Charminar connects it to Golconda Fort, serving as an escape route for the royal family during attacks.
Must-Eat Food Near Charminar
Hyderabadi Biryani: Aromatic rice dish cooked with meat (usually chicken or mutton), spices, and herbs. Best found at Paradise Biryani or Bawarchi Restaurant.
Price: INR 200-400 per plate.
Haleem: A rich and flavorful stew made with wheat, lentils, and meat (usually beef or mutton), slow-cooked for hours. Best found during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan at Pista House or Shah Ghouse Cafe.
Price: INR 100-200 per serving.
Hyderabadi Dum Pukht: A slow-cooked dish where meat or vegetables are marinated with spices, sealed in a pot, and cooked over low heat. Best found at Hotel Shadab or Cafe Bahar.
Price: INR 200-400 per serving.
Khubani Ka Meetha: A dessert made with dried apricots, sugar, and almonds, often served with cream or ice cream. Best found at Hotel Shadab or Pista House.
Price: INR 50-100 per serving.
Irani Chai: A milky and creamy tea with a strong flavor, best enjoyed with Osmania biscuits. Best found at Nimrah Cafe and Bakery or Grand Hotel.
Price: INR 20-50 per cup.
Osmania Biscuits: Crisp and buttery biscuits with a hint of salt, perfect for dipping in tea. Best found at Karachi Bakery or Nimrah Cafe and Bakery.
Price: INR 5-10 per biscuit.
Pathar Ka Gosht: A unique dish where meat is marinated with spices and cooked on a hot stone, giving it a smoky flavor. Best found at Jewel of Nizam or Paradise Biryani.
Price: INR 300-500 per serving.
Places To Visit Near Charminar
Mecca Masjid: Mecca Masjid is one of the oldest and largest mosques in India, located just a stone's throw away from Charminar. The mosque is renowned for housing a hair of the Prophet Muhammad, which is displayed to the public on special occasions.
Laad Bazaar: Laad Bazaar, also known as Chudi Bazaar, is a bustling market near Charminar famous for its traditional bangles, which are made of lacquer and studded with stones.
Chowmahalla Palace: Chowmahalla Palace is a magnificent palace complex located near Charminar, which was once the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, the rulers of Hyderabad. The palace houses a remarkable collection of artifacts, including vintage cars, weapons, and clothing
Salar Jung Museum: The Salar Jung Museum is one of the largest museums in India, located near Charminar. The highlight of the museum is the Veiled Rebecca, a marble statue sculpted by Italian artist Giovanni Maria Benzoni, which is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship.
Golconda Fort: Golconda Fort is a historic fort located approximately 11 kilometers from Charminar. The fort is renowned for its impressive architecture and the famous Fateh Darwaza (Victory Gate) with acoustic features that allow even the faintest sound to be heard across the fort.
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Best Time To Visit Charminar
The best time to visit Charminar is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and cool.
The summer months of April to June are very hot and dry, while the monsoon months of July to September are humid and rainy.
Entry Fee & Timings of Charminar
Timings of Charminar:
The visiting hours of Charminar are from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, every day except Friday. On Friday, it is closed for prayers from 1 pm to 4 pm.
Entry Fees for Charminar:
The entry fee for Charminar is INR 25 for Indians and INR 300 for foreigners. Children below 15 years are free of charge.
Indian tourists, SAARC nationals, and BIMSTEC tourists: INR 20 per person
Indian visitors: INR 5 per person
Upper-level entry fee: INR 25 (Note: Fees may have changed)
How to Reach Charminar
You can reach Charminar by various modes of transport, such as
Metro: Nearest station: Charminar Metro Station (500m)
Take Green Line, alight at Charminar, walk or take auto-rickshaw.
Bus: Nearest stop: Charminar Bus Stand (200m)
Board any bus to Charminar Bus Stand, then walk or take auto-rickshaw.
Taxi: Book a taxi or cab from anywhere in Hyderabad using Ola, Uber, or Meru.
Auto-rickshaw: Hail an auto-rickshaw, negotiate fare, or use apps like Jugnoo or Rapido.
