Every location at least has one such location that serves as its landmark. These are the locations which people recognize and relate that particular city with. And when we talk about Hyderabad then the major landmark that we think of is the Charminar Hyderabad. Charminar is an old magnificent monument in Hyderabad which is one of the prominent spots in Hyderabad. A trip to Hyderabad is totally incomplete if you do not visit Charminar. This monument holds a lot of historical relevance. And furthermore the monument is also a popular sightseeing spot for the tourists as well.
From the architecture to history attached everything about Charminar oozes out a charm. It also represents the heritage and culture of the city of Hyderabad as well. So in case you are exploring the city of Hyderabad, Charminar should definitely be one of the locations that you certainly cannot miss out on. Keep on reading this article as here I will mention everything that you need to know about Charminar Hyderabad. This will be a helpful article for you if you are planning a trip to Charminar any time soon.
Charminar Hyderabad
Location: Telephone Exchange, Pathergatti Road, Hyderabad, Telangana
Location on Map
Timings: Charminar Hyderabad timings are from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Entry fee: Charminar Hyderabad entry fee for Indians is Rs. 5 per person. And Charminar Hyderabad ticket price for Foreigners is Rs. 100 per person
How to reach
By air
If you are travelling by air then the nearest airport to reach Charminar Hyderabad is the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad. From the airport the location is 14.9 km away and it would take you around 30 minutes to reach there from the airport. You can easily take the city buses to reach there, or else you can also take auto rickshaws as well to travel within the city. Furthermore for more convenient travel you can also opt for a cab or hire a taxi from the airport as well to reach Charminar.
By train
While travelling in a train the nearest railway station is the Nampally Railway Station which is 6 km away. It would take you around 15 minutes to reach Charminar Hyderabad from the railway station. You can easily take an auto rickshaw to reach there. Or else you can opt for a bus as well to reach there from the Nampally station.
By road
Buses are available from major locations to reach Hyderabad and the nearest bus stop is the Hyderabad Bus Station. From there Charminar is located at a distance of 5 km. If you are travelling within the city then you will get the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) buses to reach the location. You can also take auto rickshaws if you are travelling within the city. Or else you can also take a cab or a taxi as well to reach Charminar from different locations.
By metro
You can also travel by metro to reach here and the nearest metro to Charminar Hyderabad is the MG Bus Stop Metro Station. From there the distance of Charminar is 3.7 km and it would take you around 12 minutes to reach the location.
Overview of Charminar
Rightly described as the Arc de Triomphe of the East, Charminar Hyderabad is one of the most prominent landmarks in the city. As the name suggests, Charminar or the Mosque of the Four Minarets Is a magnificent monument located at the heart of the city. Charminar is an Urdu word where Char means Four and Minar means Turrets. And according to the name itself this exquisite structure has four splendid carved pillars on each of the sides. This is an impressive structure standing tall in its charm amidst the old city in the heart of the Laad Bazar. From the time of its construction this monument has been captivating for the visitors.
This old monument dates back to 1591 and reflects the historical background of the city. It furthermore reflects the heritage and culture of the city as well. A rich history is attached to the construction and therefore it seems to be more attractive for the visitors. A monument like this is both culturally and religiously significant. So whenever you are visiting Hyderabad make sure you are definitely visiting Charminar during your trip.
Charminar Hyderabad History
In 1591 Sultan Mohammad Quli Qutb Shah built this beautiful structure. It is a beautiful square shaped structure. According to beliefs, the Sultan built this structure with four pillars in the honour of his wife Bhagmati. However, even today the actual reason behind the creation of this monument is unknown. However there are beliefs that say that this monument was built to acknowledge the elimination of plague. At one point the whole city got affected by a dangerous plague. It was then that the Sultan prayed for the end of this plague. As soon as the suffering ended he decided to build Charminar as a sign of gratitude to Allah. It is also believed that the four pillars here are also dedicated to the first four caliphs of Islam.
Read More : Birla Mandir Hyderabad Timings, Photos, How to Reach, History
According to another belief this monument was built in the memory of Prophet Muhammad’s son in law who lost his life in a battle. But then other beliefs also suggest that the location of this monument is the location where the Sultan has seen his wife Baghmati for the very first time. However, according to French traveller Jean de Thevenot, the reason behind this construction is totally different. According to him the construction was a way to commemorate the start of the second Islamic millennium.
The construction of Charminar Hyderabad began in 1589 and within 2 years the construction was complete. The total cost of the construction amounted to 9 lakhs. In 1670 a minaret fell down after lightning struck it. Later there were repair works and the cost was around Rs. 58000 at that time. Sikandar Jah also renovated some portions of Charminar in 1820 at a cost of 2 lakhs.
Architecture of Charminar Hyderabad
Mir Momin Astrawadi an Iranian architect who was settled in Hyderabad designed the structure of Charminar. The beautiful structure of Charminar Hyderabad has definitely passed the test of time and is still standing tall in its glory. This square shaped monument has four pillars on each of the sides. Inspired by the Shia Tazias, the structure of Charminar was made. The square shape of the monument on each side is 20 meters. And each side of the monument is 11 meter wide. There has been use of granite and lime mortar in the construction of the structure.
The four pillars of this structure represent the four caliphs of Islam. Each of these pillars has a height of 48.7 meters. There are four stories and intricate ring carvings further divide each of the floors. On the topmost floor there is a masque. According to beliefs the mosque here is the oldest mosque in the city of Hyderabad. Here you will find 45 prayer spaces. Furthermore there is an open space here that accommodates more people on occasions like Fridays or during special festivals. There are a total of 149 steps to reach the mosque located at the western end of the monument’s roof.
At the centre of the courtyard in Charminar Hyderabad there is a small vazu along with a small fountain. You will also be able to notice beautiful motifs here that are a signature style of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty. The pillars here look beautiful and the structure makes them look like lotus leaves. In 1889 clocks were added on all the four sides of Charminar and are major attractions here. From the top of Charminar you will be able to enjoy a breathtaking view as well. According to beliefs the structure has survived all major invasions. In 1687 Aurangzeb destroyed most of the buildings of Hyderabad while invading. But due to the presence of the mosque on top of this structure he left it untouched.
What’s more?
The structure got its name Charminar based on the four minars here. However, other than that it also showcases four in other aspects of the structure as well. There are four domes here, also on each side of the main arch there are four small arches. Each of the 4 minars here are divided into 4 parts or segments. There are four ways to enter the monument as well. There are four galleries on each floor. Other than all these connections to four the most interesting one is still something else. Very interestingly the builder of this structure Mohammad Quli Shah was also the fourth Sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. Now that is really interesting, right? So when you are visiting Hyderabad make sure you are visiting Charminar as well.
Major attractions near Charminar
Shopping and Eating
Charminar is famous for a lot of things but amongst all of that the Charminar Hyderabad Market deserves special attention. It is one of the oldest as well as one of the popular markets in Hyderabad. The Laad Bazaar and the Choodi Bazaar are popular markets here. You can find everything from silverware, embroidered outfits, kalamkari paintings, sarees, lacquer bangles and more here. The Laad Bazaar in Hyderabad is also an ideal location to click beautiful pictures. And the Charminar Hyderabad street food is yet another major attraction here. You need to try the delectable Hyderabadi cuisine whenever you are visiting here. From Hyderabadi Biriyani to Hallem, Kebabs to Salan you will be spoilt for choices.
Sightseeing
The Mecca or Makkah Masjid is located close to the Charminar so you can surely pay a visit there. This is an ancient mosque and reflects a beautiful style of architecture of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty. You can also visit the Chowmahalla Palace from Charminar as well. It is located only at a 10 minutes distance from Charminar. Other locations that you can visit are Patthar Gatti, Kali Kaman, Shahalu Banda etc.
Hotel near Charminar Hyderabad
1. Hotel Watan Residency
2. New Hotel Suhail
3. Hotel Abinand Grand
4. Hotel Jaya International
5. Hotel Regal
6. The Park Hyderabad
7. Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre
8. Taj Falaknuma Palace
9. The Nectar Hotel
10. FabExpress Deccan Heritage
Wrapping Up!
Charminar Hyderabad is essentially one of the major landmarks in Hyderabad and you need to plan a visit there soon. A trip to Hyderabad would be incomplete and you will also miss out on a great location if you don’t visit here. So plan a trip to Charminar whenever you are in Hyderabad. Let me know if this article on Charminar is helpful for you in planning a trip to this location.
