About Charminar

Charminar, the impressive square monument is one of the major attractions in Hyderabad. The historical monument is the most important landmark of the Hyderabad city. Charminar was built in 1591 by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shahi, to commemorate the eradication of dreaded plague. Legend says that the emperor prayed for the end of plaque and took the vow to construct a mosque on that very place. Quli Qutb Shahi ordered to construct the mosque, which later become famous as Charminar, because of its four minarets. The four minarets of the monument, which soars to a height of 48.7 metre is visible from a long distance. The highest point of the minarets offer the breathtaking view of the city.

The top storey of the monument has a mosque, which has 45 covered prayer spaces and also some open space. This oldest surviving mosque in the city of Hyderabad, can be reached by climbing a total of 149 steps. The monument looks more beautiful, when it is illuminated with colourful lights in the evening.

Architecture of Charminar

Charminar, made of granite and lime mortar, is a beautiful blend of Indo- Islamic style of architecture. The four arched gates and the four high minarets of this enchanting monument, reflect the Islamic style of architecture. But the overall structure of the building reflects the influence of local architectural traditions. The square building, has four sides, each side measuring 20 metres and each have a 48.7 metre high minaret. Each minaret has four storeys, looking like a intricately carved ring around the minaret. Each side leads into a plaza via massive arches, which overlook four major thoroughfares and dwarf. The arches are 11 metre wide and rises up to a height of 20 metre from the plinth to pinnacle. Each minaret of the Charminar has two balcony. The minarets are crowned by small bulbous cupolas, which are decorated with petal like structures. The interior of this enchanting monument is very beautiful and is famous for its carvings and moldings. The artistic details inside Charminar has a lace-like look. Within Charminar there are two galleries, one over another, above those galleries there is a terrace, that serves as a roof, bordered with a stone balcony.

Atrractions near Charminar

Laad Bazaar (Market) The commercial bazaar is situated close to Charminar. The market is major attraction for the tourists as well as buyers. The colourful shops sell items like glass bangles, pearls, jewellerys, traditional Muslim gear and Mughla delicacies.

Mecca Mosque Mecca Masjid Mosque Hyderabad The mosque considered as one of the biggest mosque in world, is very close to Charminar. The grand mosque can accommodate 10,000 worshipers at a time. The 6th Sultan Abdullah Qutab Shah begun its construction in 1617 and its construction was finished by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1693. Built of enormous black granite slabs, the entrance of the mosque is nicely decorated with a mixture of clay and red colour.

How To Reach

Air:Begumpet airport is located at a distance of 15 Kms from Charminar. The airlines operate flights from major cities of country to Hyderabad. The taxis are available from the airport to the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

Rail: Hyderabad and Secenderabad railway stations are well-connected to major towns and cities of the country.

Road: Hyderabad is connected by the National Highways 7 & 9 to rest of the country. The state and private buses run from other parts of the state to Hyderabad.

Local Transport: Local buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws, rented cars are available to Charminar.

Accommodation

Hyderabad has several hotels, which offer best accommodation facility. Some of the hotels of the city are located close to the Charminar.