Charminar Overview

Charminar, a name that resonates with history and architectural splendor, stands tall as an iconic monument in the heart of Hyderabad, Telangana. This remarkable monument, built in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth king of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, was to honor his wife, Bhagmati, and it has a captivating story to tell. Join me on this virtual journey as we explore the history, architecture, and alluring attractions nearby that make Charminar an attractive destination for both history enthusiasts and curious travelers.

Originally, Golconda was the capital of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, but the completion of Charminar prompted a pivotal shift. Today, this architectural gem graces the historic precincts of Old Hyderabad. Charminar has an Indo-Islamic architectural style and is known as the “Mosque of the Four Minarets” because of its towering turrets. Its profound historical and religious significance, coupled with its impressive architecture, never fails to captivate visitors, resulting in frequent crowds, particularly on weekends.

Architecture

The Charminar monument features a square shape with four towering minarets, each soaring to a height of 20 meters. Every minaret exhibits four large arches, all facing a central point that opens directly onto the road. These minarets are an integral part of the primary structure, with each weighing approximately 14,000 tonnes. They are constructed using materials such as granite, limestone, mortar, and pulverized marble.

To reach the top, one must ascend 150 stairs, which reward visitors with panoramic views of Hyderabad’s bustling streets from all four corners. The top floor of the building houses a mosque, complete with a stone terrace. Furthermore, the western section formerly accommodated a mosque, while the remaining half served as a royal court during the reign of Qutb Shahi. Notably, clocks are installed at each of the building’s four central locations.

Read our post on Gol Gumbaz for a similar iconic monument located in Vijayapura constructed by Adil Shahi.

Attractions in the vicinity of Charminar

Chowmahalla Palace

Chowmahalla Palace was the residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad State, who were among the wealthiest people in India at the time. It is located around a kilometer from Charminar, near the end of Bazaar Street. This palace served as the Nizams’ official residence throughout their reign. In Hindi, Urdu, and Persian, the term ‘chow’ signifies four and the word ‘mahal’ indicates palace. It got the name because there are four palaces on the premises.

Further, the notable things inside the palace include two vast courtyards, Darbar Hall, glass chandeliers, intricate walls and ceilings design, a vintage car collection, fountains, and gardens.

The Chowmahalla Palace consists of two courtyards, northern and southern. The southern courtyard of the palace is home to four palaces: Afzal Mahal, Tahniyat Mahal, Mahtab Mahal, and Aftab Mahal. The northern courtyard is open to the public and houses the Bara Imam.

The Chowmahalla Palace Museum depicts the Nizams’ history and way of life. The palace contains a clock tower, a council hall, and a Roshan Bungalow. The Clock Tower houses the Khilwat Clock, which has been ticking since its construction. Crockery, garments, furniture, currency notes, coins, and photographs from the Nizam era are on display in several galleries throughout the palace. It further contains antiquities, armor, and military gear.

Vintage Car Collection

The vintage car collection is a significant draw to the palace, and there is a special section for this classic car collection. The Nizams of Hyderabad were among the first Indian royal families to import automobiles for personal use. The collection includes three Rolls Royce, a Ford, a Fiat, a Packard Deluxe, a Convertible, a Wolseley, and several motorbikes. The display is stunning, and visitors can almost envision the royal days of the Nizams. The collection also features both left-hand and right-hand drive jeeps, as well as a few buggies and other carts of that time.

Laad Bazaar

Laad Bazaar is a market in Hyderabad, adjacent to Charminar. The term Laad refers to the lacquer, which is used to make bangles. The majority of the businesses here sell Laad bangles adorned with faux diamonds. Choodi Bazaar is another name for this bazaar. Other items such as jewelry, semi-precious stones, sarees, and wedding-related items are available here. This market has been in operation since the reign of Qutb Shahi. Mohammed Quli Qutb chose this bazaar as the location for his daughter’s wedding shopping. This Bazaar is still popular for wedding purchases.

The lanes leading to Charminar are notably narrow, with street shops lining all directions. These lanes are so constricted that vehicles, aside from two-wheelers, face severe limitations. Therefore, I recommend a leisurely walk to immerse yourself in the vibrant bazaars fully. Alongside an abundance of wedding-related items, these bustling streets offer a diverse array of products, including bags, imitation pearl earrings, jewelry, Laad bangles, clothing, and footwear at low prices. It’s an ideal destination for street shopping in Hyderabad, and an additional advantage is its proximity to Charminar.

How To Reach Charminar

Travel Tips For Visiting Charminar

• Charminar is open daily from 9.30 am until 5.30 pm. The cost of climbing the tower is 25 rupees, and it is also visible from the outside at all times.
• Take photos of Charminar from the Laad bazaar side because it will cover the monument in the frame. You will not be enclosed by the frame if you take it from the front angle. Also, there are photographers available to take photos of you with Charminar if you wish to have a printed copy.
• As the city’s hub, Charminar has multiple city buses that operate to various significant destinations. As a result, you can take city buses at any time if you opt for public transport. If you take an auto in the evening, they will charge you excessive rates so bargain before you take one. It is preferable to pre-book an auto or cab for the entire day so that you can visit other local attractions as well.
• During our visit to Charminar on a Sunday, around midday, we noticed preparations underway for a stage event. Intrigued, we inquired about it and struck up a conversation with a local vendor. To our delight, we discovered that a local band hosts the Sunday Funday Orchestra show every week. This lively event usually begins after 5 p.m., so if you find it intriguing, you might want to tune in.

Food and Shopping At Bazaars

• If you enjoy street shopping, the bustling bazaars offer an excellent opportunity to purchase bangles, earrings, dupattas, bags, and clothing. Prices are often reasonable, and bargaining is welcome if you feel they are charging too much.
• Pure vegetarian restaurants are notably absent in the vicinity of the monument. So, it is advisable to have a meal before arriving at the venue. If you relish street food, you can readily find vegetarian food joints near Charminar. Non-vegetarian options are available in nearby eateries as well as on the street.

In conclusion, Charminar stands as a timeless testament to Hyderabad’s rich history and architectural brilliance. Exploring its intricacies, nearby attractions like Chowmahalla Palace and Laad Bazaar, and savoring street flavors, you embark on a journey that seamlessly blends the old and the new. So, when you plan your next visit, let Charminar be your gateway to a captivating Hyderabad experience.