Address
Charminar Rd, Char Kaman,
Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad,
Telangana 500002
Directions: Google Maps
Support
Phone: 040-23262327
Phone: 1800-425-46464 (Telangana Tourism)
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About Charminar
Hyderabad, the capital city of Telangana, is a populous tourist destination, in South-Central India, famed for Charminar, one of the city’s iconic landmarks, in the bustling souk of Laad Bazaar, adjacent to the Golconda Fort. Aged over 400 years, Charminar is a monument, built by the Sultan of Shah Dynasty, Mohammed-Quli-Qutub-Shah, in 1591. The word Charminar originates from an Urdu word, meaning four minars (turrets).
Much of the old city of Hyderabad, stands built around the Charminar, and is arguably one of the oldest mosques of the city, declared as a protected monument by the Archaeological Society of India. Built in a span of 2 years, the Charminar is an epitome of Indo-Saracenic architecture, with dome-shaped roofs, balconies, minarets, colonnades, and arched window openings. The entire structure, laid of granite and lime mortar is 160 feet high, and has stucco detailing around the minarets, ceilings, and roofs.
The Charminar is more likely square shaped in plan, measuring 20m on all sides, with a minaret at each corner, rising all the way above the domed roof. Each of the minarets is 56m tall, and has four levels, connected by a spiral staircase, leading to a colonnaded aisle around the exterior roof. The first level and the second level, remains closed to the public, and were formerly a mosque and madrasah, during the reign of Qutub Shah. Additionally, Charminar has 45 prayer spaces, reached by 149 spiral steps, leading to a breath-taking view from the rooftop.
Notable architectural features of the Charminar are the intricately carved minarets, supported by wide-opened arches, representing the four caliphs of Islam. With an exquisite design of a lotus-shape, each level stands highlighted with an exterior band of projection, around the minaret. Likewise, there is a central courtyard with a water fountain for ablution, before attending prayers.
Being located at the heart of the city, Charminar is easily accessible by all modes of public transport, and is open on all days of the week, from 9:30am-5:30pm. The entry fee costs INR 5 for Indians and INR 100 for non-nationals, and is free for children below 15. The Begumpet Airport and, the Secunderabad Railway Station are close to Charminar, and easily accessed by taxi and bus. Best visited during the months of Oct-March, owing to pleasant weather, Charminar is a must-visit monument in every traveler’s itinerary.
