Charminar, located in the heart of Hyderabad, Telangana, is an iconic monument that dates back to the late 16th century. It was commissioned by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, in 1591. The construction of Charminar marked the end of a deadly plague that affected the city. The monument was built to commemorate the founding of Hyderabad and to honor the victory over the epidemic. Charminar has since become a symbol of the city and a popular tourist attraction.
Architecture of Charminar: Charminar is a splendid example of Indo-Islamic architecture, blending elements of Persian, Mughal, and Indian styles. The monument is a square structure with four grand arches, each facing a different cardinal direction. These arches lead to four distinct minarets that rise to a height of approximately 56 meters. The minarets feature intricately carved balconies and finials, and they provide panoramic views of the city. The monument is constructed using granite, limestone, and mortar, showcasing impressive craftsmanship and ornamental detailing.
Timings and Entry Fee: Charminar welcomes visitors throughout the week, and the timings are as follows:
Timings: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Entry Fee:
- For Indian citizens: INR 25 (adults) and INR 15 (children)
- For foreign nationals: INR 300 (adults) and INR 200 (children)
Note: The entry fee may vary for camera and video recording permits. It is advisable to check the official website or contact the monument authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding timings and entry fees.
Nearest Places to Visit:
- Mecca Masjid: Located near Charminar, Mecca Masjid is one of the oldest and largest mosques in India. It can accommodate thousands of worshippers and showcases impressive architecture and exquisite detailing.
- Chowmahalla Palace: Situated in close proximity to Charminar, Chowmahalla Palace is a magnificent palace complex that served as the official residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad. It features stunning architecture, lush gardens, and a vast collection of artifacts and vintage cars.
- Laad Bazaar: Adjacent to Charminar, Laad Bazaar is a bustling market famous for its traditional bangles, jewelry, textiles, and handicrafts. It offers a vibrant shopping experience and a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage.
- Salar Jung Museum: A short distance away from Charminar, Salar Jung Museum houses an extensive collection of art, antiques, and artifacts from around the world. It is one of the largest museums in India and a treasure trove for history and art enthusiasts.
How to Reach Charminar?
Charminar is one of the most famous landmarks of Hyderabad city hence reaching here is extremely easy even for first time visitors. You will find a number of buses, auto rickshaws, and taxis from major bus stands and railway stations to reach Charminar. It’s just 5 km from Hyderabad bus stand to Charminar and it takes about 30 minutes to travel.
Landmark & Bazaars around Charminar
Laad Bazaar also known as Choodi Bazaar is a biggest tourist attraction located to the west of charminar very near to it. It is famous for its glass and lacquer bangles. It is a historical market that has been in existence since the time of Nizams and Qutub Shahis.
Nearest places to visit
From Charminar you can visit many other popular tourist attractions which add more charm to this beautiful city. It is surrounded by many traditional and historical places like the richly ornamented granite Makkah Masjid to the southwest of charminar. It is located quite close to Charminar, hence, the art lovers can also give a visit to this ancient mosque.
Other nearest sightseeing places like Chow Kali Kaman, Mohalla, Patthar Gatti and Shahali Banda Palaces which are only 10 minutes walk from here.
Is mobile allowed inside the charminar?
Yes. Mobile, wallet and water bottle are allowed inside charminar, but things like bulky purses, carry bags or backpacks, etc are not allowed to be carried inside.
What is the parking fee at Charminar?
The parking charge at Charminar is 25rs, but parking at Charminar is impossible to find, and there are restrictions everywhere around it.
What is Charminar famous for?
Charminar is one of the oldest and recognized monuments in India, attracting people all around the world towards its intricate carvings. This monument is the best example of Indo-Islamic architecture with various Persian influences. So, it has become one of the most visited tourist attractions in Hyderabad.
The local markets near Charminar attract the visitors with their unique collections. It is a best place for shopping lovers, mainly the glass, and lacquer bangles which are extremely famous here and many more. For a first-timer, a tour of the Hyderabad city is incomplete without visiting the majestic structure that is Charminar.
Conclusion: Charminar stands as a magnificent testament to Hyderabad’s history, architectural brilliance, and cultural significance. Its iconic design, intricate detailing, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination. While exploring Charminar, make sure to visit nearby attractions such as Mecca Masjid, Chowmahalla Palace, Laad Bazaar, and Salar Jung Museum to delve deeper into the rich heritage and charm of Hyderabad.
