Charminar, was constructed in 1591 AD, and is regarded as a landmark monument found in the city of Hyderabad, in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Charminar got its name from transliteration and combination of the English and Urdu words, Chār and Minar, which refers to "Four Towers", the eponymous towers having minarets attached as well as supported by 4 big arches. This monument has become a global landmark in the hyderbadb city, and is considerd as one of the most popular structures of the country. The Charminar lies on the eastern embankment of river Musi. There is a Laad Bazzar located in northeastern direction and at the western side lies a Makkah Masjid made up of granite stone and is quite ornamented.

The first floor of Charminar had been used as a college or madarasa during the times of Qutub Shahi. The second floor comprise of a mosque lying on the western side, whose dome can be viewed from the road, at some distance from the road. The spectacular view of Hyderabad city can be enjoyed from the roof of Charminar, however, because of overcrowded minarets, only visitors having special permission from the Indian Archaeological Survey, Hyderabad Circle are permitted to reach the top of the minarets. There are clocks found above the four archways each, which had been added in the year 1889.

If one walks around in the vicinity of Charminar, he would be surprised to see a blend of past with the present. In the Southeast direction of the Charminar, there is a Nizamia Unani Hospital found while at 50m towards the West, an array of shops in Lad Bazaar are found in the lap of an old, and crumbled wall having an entrance to the ancient Jilau Khana of Nizama (i.e. parade ground). There is a big commercial complex being developed here in this ground. As one goes further, there is a road towards the left leading to the Khilawat Complex (i.e. Chowmahalla Palace). The termination of Lad Bazaar road is found at a square known as Mahaboob Chowk where one can get to see a huge clock-tower looming over a sophisticated white mosque of 19th century.

History

The fifth king belonging to the Qutb Shahi dynasty, Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, constructed the Charminar in 1591 AD, just when he got his capital shifted from Golkonda to what is at present called as Hyderabad city. He constructed this renowned structure for commemorating the removal of plague epidemic from the city of Hyderabad. He is believed to have offered prayers for elimination of this plague that had almost ravaged this city and he vowed to construct a masjid (or Islamic mosque) at that very place where he offered his prayers. In the year 1591 when the foundation of Charminar was laid down, Quli Qutb Shah offered the prayers as: "Oh Allah, bestow unto this city peace and prosperity. Let millions of men of all castes, creeds and religions make it their abode, like fish in the water."

The mosque had become popular as Charminar due to the two words of Urdu: char, meaning four, while minar, meaning tower, that came up together to call it Charminar.

The Charminar market comprised of around 14,000 shops in its hey days and at present the popular markets called as Laad Baazar along with Pather Gatti, close to the Charminar, are one of the preferred destination for tourists as well as locals for buying jewellery, basically famous for the beautiful bangles and pearls as well.

In the year 2007, the Muslims of Hyderabad residing in Pakistan built a small-scaled quasi similar to Charminar at Bahadurabad's main crossing in Karachi.

Architecture

The structure is formed of granite, mortar, limestone and marble. In the beginning, the monument having four arches was so perfectly planned that one could avail the glimpse of the city of Hyderabad when the fort remained opened because the arches of Charminar were infront of the old royal streets. There is an underground tunnel which connects the Golkonda to Charminar, for the purpose of escaping route during a siege for the Qutb Shahi kings however tunnel’s location is not known.

The Charminar is basically a square edifice having 20 meters side each along with four big arches each in front of the cardinal point opening to four streets. There is a beautiful minaret at each corner, 56 m high along with a double balcony. Every minaret has a bulbous dome having a petal like design at its base.

There is an outstanding mosque at the western end of the roof opening and the left out part was served as court in the times of Qutb Shahi.

For reaching the top floor there are 149 steps and once atop, the serenity and solitude of the fabulous interior is refreshing. Between the minarets, there was a space in the upper floor for Friday prayers.

There is signature styled Islamic architecture at Charminar. The Charminar appears equally beautiful at night when it is illuminated.

The four beautifully carved minarets have a 48.7 m height, creating a landscape in the vicinity. Each minaret comprise of four stories, having a ring, delicately carved. The 4 minatrets of Charminar unlike the Taj Mahal are formed into the main structure.

How to Reach

By Bus

Charminar is found just 5 kms away from bus station of Hyderabad. APSRTC (Andhra PradeshState Road Transport Corporation) has been running buses all along the city. These buses take passengers directly to the old Hyderabad where Charminar is located.

Other Services

One also can hire the local rickshaws, or taxis or auto-rickshaws for reaching Charminar.

Nearby Places to Visit

There is a Makkah Masjid that can be overlooked by this monument of Charminar. There is a thriving market found around the Charminar, which attracts people to a large extent. The Laad Bazaar is located in the north-eastern direction.

Laad Bazar

Laad Bazaar or Choodi Bazaar is quite an old and famous market of bangles situated in Hyderabad city. It is found on one of the four major roads that come out of Charminar.

Laad which means lacquer is used to manufacture bangles, on which there are artificial diamonds studded. In this area there are shops for bangles, jewelry, saris and wedding related items.

Makkah Masjid

It is one of the ancient mosques of Hyderabad, listed among the heritage buildings of the city, near the Chowmahalla Palace, Charminar and Laad Bazaar.

Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, commissioned that the bricks used here should be formed of the soil of Mecca, the holiest place for Muslims and used them in the building of the central arch ofmosque, hence it is called so.

Things to Do

Sight Seeing

A great view is available from the top- particularly of Laad Bazaar having jewelry shops.

Shopping

The area is known for Laad Bazar which is quite popular for the Bangles. There is no place for shopping like the Charminar surroundings where traditional Food, like Biryani, Mirchi ka Salan, Haleem, Double Ka Meetha etc. are available. The area is known for its variety of shops basically Laxmi Vishnu Jewellers, Agra Mithai Bhandar etc. During the sankranthi season, this area is crowded with kite selling vendors.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Hyderabad remains warm throughout the year except in the winter season when the weather is pleasant. The best time to visit the place is from month of October-March.

Days of summer are extremely hot which makes it difficult for tourist activities. From October to March, it is the best time for visiting the big city. The Monsoons days come along with humidity and rains, which might not prove to be a good time for sightseeing and roaming around.

The best time for visiting Charminar is during the winter season from October to March, because the weather remains pleasant here. Charminar can be visited any time, however the best time for getting a view of the monument is the evening time when the Charminar is found to be illuminated both from inside as well as outside.

Accomodation

Hotel Rajdhani

Hotel Rajdhani is found in the heart of city of Hyderabad nearby the Charminar, Salarjung Museum, Mecca Masjid, Ravindra Bharati and Birla temple. The hotel is entirely renovated for matching the tastes of customers. The hotel provides all the basic and modern amenities and services which make one’s stay comfortable.

Accessibility: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport: 20 KM,

Hyderabad Railway Station: 2 KM,

Imlibun Bus Stand : 1 KM

Address

15-1-503, Siddiamber Bazaar
Hyderabad India

Hotel Sandarshini Inn

Located in Hyderabad city, Hotel Sandarshini Inn is near Salar Jung Museum, Birla Mandir Temple and Charminar. There is a nearby Dargah Yousufain as well as a Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium.

There are dining options at the hotel through a restaurant. One can avail a complimentary breakfast. The additional services include tour/ticket assistance as well as 24-hour room service.

There are amenities like air-conditioned guestrooms at Hotel Sandarshini Inn having complimentary newspapers. There are LCD televisions- equipped rooms.

Contact Details

5-1-482, Opp Vivekavardhini High School,
Jambagh, Koti,
Hyderabad- 500095 India
‎1800 102 3346‎

SG Comforts

The hotel has a restaurant where a complimentary breakfast is available. There is a business center located at the site.
Amenities like air-conditioned guestrooms at SG Comforts have irons/ironing boards.

Located in Hyderabad, SG Comforts is near Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, Birla Mandir Temple, Charminar and Salar Jung Museum.

Contact Details

5-9-211 Chirag Ali Lane,
Medwin Hospita, Chirag,
Ali Road Abids,
Hyderabad- 500001 India
‎1800 102 3346‎

Timings and Tickets

Timings: 9.00 a.m - 5.00 p.m
Open on all days

Entry charges are

Indians: Rs. 5
Foreigners: Rs. 100

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