Explore Everything Charminar Hyderabad Has To Offer!

The Charminar is a monument that reflects the richest history and the glorious era India has once witnessed. It is one of the finest architecture, with a mosque perched at the center and flanked by four towers or minarets like crowned jewels. Not only is it a spectacular tourist spot for history buffs and photographers, but it also boasts a lively ambiance with a crowded marketplace and illuminating lights. Come, let's learn more about the history of Charminar Hyderabad and acknowledge its sheer elegance.

When asked about the history, the two major questions that pop up in your mind are who built Charminar and when it was originally built. During the late 16th century, southern India was devastated under the deadly clutches of cholera. Quli Qutub Shah’s vast empire wasn’t spared and many of his subjects died while he reigned at Golconda. It was then he decided to move to the newly formed city, Hyderabad. He prayed to Allah to shower his blessings upon his subjects. When cholera was completely eradicated from the country, and people were able to take a breath of relief, he constructed Charminar in 1591 to honor his pledge. There is another belief prevalent surrounding Charminar history. According to a few tales, Sultan Quli Qutub Shah built this majestic structure to mark the beginning of the second Islamic millennium year. Over the years, it stood as a testament to many critical turning points in the country's history and, hence, is considered a significant heritage of Hyderabad.

One of the key facts about Charminar is its four minarets or minar in Urdu, flanking the central mosque like a fortified and undefeatable support system. Together with the main building, they reflect the grandeur of Indo-Saracenic architecture, the first such supreme construction in the Qutb Shahi period. Lime mortar and granite are the two major materials used in the construction of this structure. The Islamic Stucco ornamentations are accentuated throughout the exterior and interior walls, taking its beauty to the next level. Their intrinsic designs are something you will never get tired of. Right at the center sits the square structure measuring 66 feet in length. Each side has been meticulously planned to face the cardinal directions. All four walls have arched gateways, reaching a height of 66 feet and extending up to 36 feet along the base. The multi sided columns flanking each corner feature a lotus leaf base at the junction. They further continue upward to meet the minarets, which have a dome-shaped rooftop, thereby resulting in a colossal columnar height of 160 feet. A spiral staircase lines the inner wall of the minarets, offering direct access to the eccentrically constructed colonnaded walkways at the four levels. Sitting right at the top of the four arched walls is an Islamic College from the Qutb Shahi period and a small mosque. Furthermore, Charminar is believed to have 45 more areas for praying, sprawled over the two stories.

Where is Charminar located? The answer to this is the key to enjoying a comforting and convenient trip. Located at a pinnacle spot in the city, the place is accessible from almost all sides. The most economical and fastest way to reach the spot is via an auto rickshaw. You can either take one from in front of the hotel you are staying in or the tourist spot you were visiting earlier. If autos aren't your forte, do not worry as numerous buses commute daily to and from Charminar. For instance, if you are at Golconda Fort, board 65G and 66G or take 1F/38S from Falaknuma to reach this spot. Renting the taxis parked outside the front gate of the railway station is the best way to arrive at Charminar if it is the first location on your itinerary. Another commute option you have is via metro with MGBS metro station being the closest.

Surrounding Charminar are a plethora of iconic tourist spots that are worthy of your visit. Begin with the vibrant and ancient Laad Bazaar, where you can shop for different types of bangles. Explore the mementos gifted as a token to the Nizam of Hyderabad at the famous Nizam Museum. Also, do not miss the grand Mecca Masjid, located just a distance of 1 Km from Charminar. Not only is it one of the largest mosques in our country but it also has a tale that says the bricks used to construct the colossal structure were specially brought directly from Mecca. Chowmahalla Palace, or the Palace of Nizams, is another stunning spot you can explore to know more about the rulers and their private lives. Another key location that should be present in your itinerary is the Salar Jung Museum, which showcases numerous priceless artifacts from the Salar Jung family. Although positioned a bit far, the Nehru Zoological Park will captivate you with its lush greenery, diverse wildlife, and serene ambiance.

Fortunately, there are no strict Charminar timings you ought to abide by. If you plan to pay a visit during the day, avoid the noon time as the sun will be overhead, and you won't be able to enjoy the sight due to the sweltering heat. The evening is the best time to explore Charminar's real beauty, especially as the colossal building gets illuminated with bright colors and forms a stunning view with a dark backdrop. Besides, you can also explore Laad Bazaar, which comes to life at dusk, and bag some exquisite bangle collections for yourself or your ladies' group.

The mere thought of sighting the colossal Charminar with your own eyes and reveling in its grandeur and elegance is so exhilarating. With four minarets, colonnaded walkways, and arched walls, it looks spectacular even from the far. The Laad Bazaar and the evening light shows will make your visit worthwhile. If you are from Hyderabad and want to explore new locations, you can visit the hill stations near Hyderabad and get out of the rut.