Charminar-Hyderabad

Charminar

Charminar is synonymous with Hyderabad. It was drizzling in the late April. Luckily we got a parking space near the Minaret. The place is surrounded by vehicles, markets, hawkers, vendors, pedestrians. Monument is located in the old city of Hyderabad, only it is old now, not when it was built of course.

After taking the ticket, we stated climbing the stairs. There is a queue as the stairs are too steep. It is said to have 149 circular steps; however, we were busy watching our steps and couldn't count. Once you reach the first floor, there is spectacular view of the old city and could get a glimpse of Mecca Masjid nearby. 

Steep Steps

Beautiful Window

Mecca Masjid-Long Shot

Mecca Masjid-Close-Up Shot

Charminar was built at the center of the city to "commemorate the eradication of plague”, a plague that was ravaging the city by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591. Some says it was built in honor of his wife, Bhagyamathi. Legend has it there is a secret tunnel underneath the monument that connects the Golkonda fort as an escape route to the Royal family at the time of emergency.

Gallery

High Court Hyderabad

The Charminar is a square structure where each side measures 20 meters in length with four grand arches. It is an Indo-Islamic architecture with Persian influence. Granite, limestone, mortar, and pulverised marble are used for the construction. The clocks were added in four prime directions in 1889. A part of the minaret was under renovation at the time of our visit. 

View from Gallery

Roof

We could not stay there for long as time was at premium. We had to buy the famous Hyderabad pearls in the nearby market and to taste Osmania biscuit and Irani chai. So, we bid adieu to "Arc de Triomphe" of the East in a rush only to promise ourselves to return again.

Timings:  9 a.m-5.30 p.m.

Entry Fee: Rs 5-Indians

                Rs 100-Foreigners