Charminar (Hyderabad) - Images, History, Timings

Charminar, Hyderabad Overview

The Charminar, an iconic symbol of Hyderabad, stands proudly at the heart of the city as its most recognizable landmark. Constructed in 1591 by Quli Qutub Shah, it marks the founding of Hyderabad and is a testament to the city's rich history and Indo-Islamic architecture. Its name, derived from the Urdu words "Char" (four) and "Minar" (towers), reflects its design, featuring four magnificent minarets that dominate the skyline. Despite being surrounded by bustling traffic and lively crowds, the Charminar's grandeur remains unshaken, making it a must-visit for tourists and history enthusiasts alike.

Beyond its architectural beauty, the Charminar is steeped in cultural and religious significance. Many believe its four minarets symbolize the first four Khalifas (Prophets) of Islam. Designed initially as a Madrasa and a mosque, the monument is a marvel of symmetry with its arches and domes blending Persian and Indian styles seamlessly. Adjacent to the Charminar lie the Char Kaman, four grand gateways built in cardinal directions, further accentuating its historic charm. Its significance has been globally recognized, earning it a place on UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites alongside the Qutub Shahi Tombs and Golconda Fort.

The area surrounding the Charminar is equally captivating, particularly the vibrant Laad Bazaar, also known as Chudi Bazaar, famous for its bangles, pearls, and traditional Hyderabadi wares. This lively marketplace adds a colorful dimension to the monument, blending heritage with contemporary life. A visit to the Charminar offers a journey through Hyderabad’s illustrious past, architectural brilliance, and cultural vibrancy.

Must Know Before You Visit Charminar

Note : 1. You are not allowed to enter the building after 5:00 PM. However, you can still enjoy shopping in the Laad Bazaar.
2. Charminar looks mesmerising when it is illuminated from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM.
3. Charminar's second floor and the upper columns are not open to the public.

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History of Charminar

Charminar was built by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty when he shifted his capital from Golconda to Hyderabad. According to the historians, the inadequacy of water and the plague forced Quli Qutub Shahi to move his capital. He pledged to build a monument if the suffering of his people came to an end. The Charminar was built to commemorate the decision and eradication of plague from the city. It is known as Charminar as it is supported by four minarets on four sides which were possibly meant to commemorate the first four caliphs of Islam. The old city of Hyderabad was designed keeping Charminar as the centre of the city.

According to some legends, Quli Qutub Shahi saw his beloved wife, Baghmati, at this very site. He built Charminar as a symbol of his eternal love for his wife. There is also a legend that talks about the existence of a secret tunnel under the Charminar that connects it to the Golkonda Fort. It was created as a means of escape for the royal family in the time of emergencies.

Structure of Charminar

The structure of Charminar is a perfect square, inspired by the shape of the Shiya Tazias, each side 20 meters in length. It has four grand arches that face a fundamental point that open into four streets. There stands a 56 meters tall minaret at each corner with a double balcony. Each minaret has a dome on top with petal like designs at the base. You need to climb 149 steps to reach the upper floor. The structure is made of granite, mortar, marble and limestone. There is a mosque located at the western end of the open roof. You can get a bird's eye view of the city from the balconies of Charminar. The devout people could offer prayers in a very peaceful manner inside the mosque.

The structure of Charminar is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic architecture with Persian influences. The arches and domes of the monument define the influence of Islamic architecture, while the Persian influence is prominent from its minarets. The balconies and the outside walls, embellished with delicate stucco floral ornamentations on the ceiling, showcases the influence of the Hindu style of architecture. The area surrounding the Charminar is also known by the same name, thriving with the most famous market in the city.

Shopping at Charminar

Charminar is famous for many things but is most known for the lip smacking dishes and great bargain shopping. There is no better place for shopping in Hyderabad than the area surrounding the Charminar. The streets are brimming with people at all times, with the shops displaying attractive and colourful bangles and jewellery. The market around Charminar never ceases to throb and is famous for its 'Chudi Bazaar' (Market of Bangles). Here you can buy the most colourful jewellery, eat the authentic 'Hyderabadi Biryani', and make your eyes a little prettier with the 'Soorma' - a traditional Kohl made especially in Hyderabad. This is the perfect place to indulge in roadside eateries while filling your shopping bags with little trinkets.

. It is the oldest and the main market in the Charminar area. It is popular for bangles, pearls, jewellery, semi-precious stones, silverware, Kalamkari paintings, sarees, silk materials, gold embroidered fabric, lacquer bangles, ittar and the traditional Khara dupatta. This street is filled with people and haggling is part and parcel of this market. The Charminar area is also famous for the delectable food items which are the pride of the Hyderabadi cuisine. While shopping in the crowded streets, you can gorge on the traditional food items available here like Biryani, Mirchi ka Salan, Haleem and Double Ka Meetha. Also, don't forget to sip on the famous Irani Chai.

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Bhagyalakshmi Temple at Charminar

At the base of the Charminar is a small temple called as "Bhagyalakshmi Temple" which has been the centre of controversy for quite some time. Defying the irony of a temple present at one of the major Islamic sites, there have been arguments regarding its age. The Hindu newspaper published an image in 2012 claiming that the temple is not as old as the Charminar. Asserting that it's a recent structure, it clearly stated that no temple existed in the photographs taken of the Charminar in 1957 and 1962. Whether a new addition or an older presence, the Bhagyalaskmi Temple is a fascinating little structure built just at the base of the opulent Charminar.

How To Reach Charminar

Charminar is located at a distance of 5 km from the Hyderabad Bus Station. APSRTC (Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) runs regular buses from every part of the city. You can also reach Charminar by hiring an autorickshaw or a taxi from any point in the city.

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Charminar Reviews

Your rating

Kalpita Timble

on Charminar 7 years ago

The road to go to Charminar has heavy traffic and crowded. The monument is not maintained as it should have been. There is a long queue to see it. Its not worth visiting this place after taking long (Read More)hours in traffic and then the queue. Specially if you are travelling with a kid, its worth giving this place a miss.

Shailendra Singh

on Charminar 7 years ago

It's an overrated place, like so many places in Hyderabad. There's nothing special about this moment other than the historical significance and the various stories related to it. It is certainly not (Read More)a place to see after waiting in a long queue.

abhijit sreepada

on Charminar 7 years ago

An iconic landmark that now represents the city of Hyderabad, Charminar and the area surrounding it are steeped in history. Much more than just merely a landmark, Charminar is the springboard to Hyde (Read More)rabad?s old city. The stark contrast between the old city and Hyderabad's young, financial business area hit me as soon as the icon was within eyesight. There was something about the narrows lanes, traffic, mixed aromas and everything else that pleasantly assaulted the senses that represented the 'electric' vibe of this part of Hyderabad. What could make the experience even better is visiting the area during the holy Islamic month of Ramzaan where the entire area is decked up!