Charminar – a timeless spotlight place in Hyderabad to visit

Charminar is a historic monument in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. It is located in the center of the city. Muammad Qul Qub Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qub Shh dynasty, purportedly built the monument in 1591 as the first structure in Hyderabad, his new capital. It has become a hallmark monument to and an iconic symbol of the city’s past over the years.

According to history, the Hyderabad region was ravaged by a severe disease when Muhammad Qul Qub Shah relocated his capital from nearby Golconda to the new city. He built a mosque to commemorate the end of the plague, which was dubbed Charminar because of its four high and distinctive minarets, one on each of the building’s four corners. It served as the focal point for the development of Hyderabad.

Landmarks & Bazaars around Charminar

Lad Bazaar: It is estimated that the Charminar market had over 14,000 shops during the Qutb Shah era. Outside of jewelry, silks, spices, perfume oil, incense, and other knickknacks, Lad Bazaar, or its more renowned moniker, Charminar market, is still the place to go in Hyderabad for exquisite glass and lac bangles. There are also plenty of Irani chai vendors where you may take a break from all the strolling.

Makkah Masjid: Climb to the top of the Charminar for a panoramic view of the city, and while you’re there, look out over another famous Qutb Shah-era building, the Makkah Masjid. The central arch of this enormous mosque, commissioned by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, is built of bricks made from the soil of Mecca, Islam’s holiest shrine.

Char Kaman & Gulzar Houz: To the north of Charminar, there are four arches known by many names such as Char Kaman, Charminar Kaman, Kali Kaman, and others. Gulzar Houz is the name of the fountain in the Char Kaman’s heart.

Architecture of Charminar

Charminar was designed by Mir Momin Astrawadi, an Iranian architect who had moved in Hyderabad. It has a commanding presence that has clearly withstood the test of time. The monument is square in design and has four pillars, one on each side. The Shia “tazias” inspired the architectural architecture of Charminar. These Tazias were created in honor of Hussain, Prophet Muhammad’s son-in-law who died in the Battle of Karbala.

The monument’s square shape is 20 meters on each side. The monument is 11 meters broad on each side and overlooks four major thoroughfares. The Charminar was constructed using granite and lime mortar.

The four caliphs are represented by the four pillars that surround Charminar. The minars, or pillars, are 48.7 meters tall. Each floor is split by finely carved rings that surround it, making this a four-story structure. There is a mosque on the top floor of Chaminar that is thought to be the city’s oldest mosque. There are 45 musallahs (prayer spaces). The open space adjacent to these can be utilised to accommodate more people on special occasions like as Friday prayers or celebrations. It can be found on the monument’s roof at the western end. It is accessible through 149 twisting steps. The view from the apex is likewise spectacular.

A modest vazu with a little fountain has been installed in the midst of the Charminar courtyard to supply water for the ablution before giving prayers.

The characteristic motifs of Qutub Shahi structures may also be seen on Charminar. Each pillar is constructed in such a way that it resembles a lotus leaf. When compared to the minars, the arches around the construction give it a slightly shorter appearance. In the year 1889, four clocks were added to the structure on all four sides.

Charminar Timings

Charminar’s visiting hours are between 09:30 am and 05:30 pm.

Charminar Location

The exact Charminar address is: Pattergatti Road, Charminar, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500082

Charminar Opening Days

Though Charminar is open on all days of the week, it is best to avoid Fridays since it is the prayer days of the Muslims, and the crowds surge to unbelievable proportions.

Charminar Ticket Booking

The Charminar ticket price for Indian travelers and those from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries is INR 25. However, the Charminar entry ticket for foreigners is INR 300. The entry is free for children under the age of 15.

Charminar Tickets Online

To book your Charminar online ticket, get onto Yatra’s Monuments section, where you can view the description and book your Charminar ticket. The Charminar entry ticket price will be mentioned on the same page.

The Charminar is lit up between 7 pm and 9 pm, although closed to visitors by then, it is truly fascinating to behold it from a nearby street, and perhaps capture in your lens the monument that forms the city’s beating heart.

Hotels Near Charminar

Mina Grand, Hotel Rajdhani, Hotel Haveli Inn, and Tara International.

FAQ

Q: When was Charminar constructed? Who erected it, and why did they do so?

A: Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah erected the Charminar, or Mosque of the Four Minarets, in 1591. He created the city of Hyderabad as the fifth sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty of Golkonda. The Sultan is claimed to have erected Charminar to honour his wife, Bhagmati. Some claim it was built to honour and thank Allah for bringing the plague to an end in Hyderabad during the sultan’s reign. Charminar’s four pillars are claimed to be dedicated to Islam’s first four caliphs.

Q: What is Charminar’s claim to fame?

A: Charminar is known for its exquisite construction, making it one of India’s most well-known structures. Locals and visitors alike are familiar with the neighbouring Laad Bazaar and the 400-year-old mosque on the top floor of Charminar. From Charminar, one can see another famous mosque, Makkah Masjid. The site is worth visiting during Eid because it is attractively lighted and adorned.

Q. How much does it cost to enter Charminar?

A: There is a fee for visiting Charminar. The ticket costs INR 20 per person for Indian visitors, SAARC citizens, and BIMSTEC tourists. The Charminar ticket costs INR 250 per person for other foreign travellers.