Charminar was built in 1591 CE, is a monument and mosque located in Hyderabad, Telangana (formerly Andhra Pradesh), India. Charminar Hyderabad is a global icon landmark, listed among the most recognized structures of India. Charminar is situated on the east bank of Musi River.
To the northeast lies the Lad Bazaar(a market street for bangles & other wedding accessories) and in the west end lies the granite-made richly structured monument called as Makkah Masjid(A Prayer Hall – Mosque). The English name is a translation and combination of two Urdu words i.e Chār and Minar, translating it to “Four Towers”; the eponymous towers are ornate minarets attached and supported by four grand arches.
The fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah built the Charminar in 1591, who had also laid its foundation, The monument was intended to serve as a Mosque and Madrasa. Mir Momin Astarabadi, the prime minister of Qutb Shah played a leading role to prepare the layout plan for this monument along with the new capital city (Hyderabad), the additional eminent architects from Persia were also invited to develop the city plan. the structure is of Indo-Islamic architecture style, incorporating Persian architectural elements in the structure. The area surrounding Charminar is also known by same name.
There are 149 winding steps to reach the upper floor. The clock on the four cardinal directions was added in 1889 and there is a Vazu Khana(water cistern)in the middle with a small fountain for Ablution before offering prayer in the Mosque. The actual mosque occupies the top floor of the four-storey structure. A vault that appears from inside like a dome, supports two galleries within the historical monument, one over another, and above those a terrace that serves as a roof, bordered with a stone balcony.
A thriving market exists around the Charminar Hyderabad: Lad Baazar is known for jewellery, especially exquisite bangles, and the Pather Gatti is famous for pearls. In its heyday, the Charminar market had some 14,000 shops.
Here is a gallery of few photos of Charminar Hyderabad and Makkah Masjid.
Entry Tickets:
Rs.5/- per Person for Indians
Rs.100/- per Person for Foreign Nationals
| Day | Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:30 am – 5:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 9:30 am – 5:30 pm |
| Wedesday | 9:30 am – 5:30 pm |
| Thursday | 9:30 am – 5:30 pm |
| Friday | 9:30 am – 5:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9:30 am – 5:30 pm |
| Sunday | 9:30 am – 5:30 pm |
Charminar is Perfect for shopping and its quite popular for its cheap rates compared to other shoppping destinations of the Hyderabad City like Abids, Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, Ameerpet and Kukatpally.
People from various locations in and around Telangana visit Charminar Hyderabad for thier wedding shopping, as it is considered as one of the best shopping destinations for wedding in Telangana, Hyderabad. May it be a Sherwani or Kurta Pyjama for men Charminar gives you the best experience for its customers. There are many famous stores around Madina Circle and Patthergatti for Sherwani shopping.
It’s not just about shopping people from various parts of the World visit this 400 year old Historical Monument. And loved the architecture and its carvings alot, there has been many instances where its architecture has been praised and given as a example as even after 400 years it still stands strong. It’s not just Charminar other architectures nearby are Mecca Masjid, Toli Masjid which are worth visiting.
If you plan to visit this place some time do not take a chance to miss Irani Chai and onion samosa which is available nearby. Here we also have some good restaurants which serves you quite excellent foods like the World Famous Biryani and Nahari, Paaya etc.
Good one
I love Hyderabad