About Charminar
The Charminar is the pride of Hyderabad and is a significant mark of 'the
land of Nizams'. This 'out of the world' piece of architecture standing in
the heart of the city was built by Quli Qutub Shah, in 1591 and is often
called as "The Arc de triomphe of the East". This majestic
structure derives its name from four beautifully carved minarets. Each of
the four graceful minarets are 48.7m high, above the ground. This 400 years
old monument is located amidst the colourful shops of Lad Bazaar.
The first floor of the monument was used as a madarasa (college) during the
Qutub Shahi period and the second floor has a mosque on the western side.
Charminar offers a spectacular view of the city from the roof. It also
offers an excellent panoramic view Golconda Fort.
Just a glance of the monument takes you back into time and recaptures the
glory of Hyderabad during the Qutub Shahi times. Charminar is definitely an
inseparable part of the history of Hyderabad.
The Architecture
The Char Minar at Hyderabad is a beautiful representation of Indo-Sarcenic
Tradition. This brilliant piece of art was built with granite and
lime-mortar. It is a blend of 'Cazia' and Islamic style of architecture. The
tangled
arches
and domes are examples of typical Islamic style of the architecture. The
Charminar is nearly 54 m tall. Charminar got its name from these four
Minars. The clocks above each of the four archways were added in 1889.
Other Attractions near Charminar
Mecca Masjid
Mecca Masjid is a famous mosque of South India and was built in the year
1614, the construction of this masjid was started by the 6th Sultan Abdullah
Qutb Shah and completed by Aurangzeb. The clay from Mecca mixed with red
color was used for stucco decorations at the entrance of the Masjid.
Golconda
Golconda Fort forms one of the main tourist attractions in Hyderabad. Built
by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah in 1525, the Golconda Fort represents the
extravagant nawabi culture of the time. A new attraction at the fort is a
sound and light show that brings the legend of Golconda to life.
Hussain Sagar Lake
This Lake is a link between the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
A major attraction at the Hussain Sagar is the 16-meter high, 350 tonne
monolithic Buddha statue on the Rock of Gibraltar. Hussain Sagar also offers
myriad opportunities for water sports lovers.
Apart from these there are many other attractions near Charminar.
Tourist information
Visiting Hours : People are allowed (only in the cellar of the
monument) all the day and during night times till 100 clock.
Due to severe overcrowding of the minarets, only visitors with special
permission from the Archaeological Survey of India, Hyderabad Circle are
allowed to go to the top of the minarets.
Best Viewed At : The Charminar looks spectacular particularly in the
nights when it is illuminated.
Getting There
Air : Hyderabad being the capital city is well connected by air and
has got its own airport.
Rail : Hyderabad has got its own railhead, which connects it to all
the major cities within the state as well as in the country.
Road : Hyderbad, being Capital city is well connected by Road from
all major cities in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Maharastra and
Orissa.
Accommodation
In Hyderabad there is absolutely no problem of accommodation. You can
choose any of the hotels or guest houses of your choice and requirement.
