Summary
Charminar Rd, Char Kaman, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002, India
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Phone +91 40 6674 5986
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The distinctive Charminar is undoubtedly the most iconic landmark monument in Hyderabad. Its unusual appearance compels curiosity and wonderment. What’s the significance of it? How did it come to be there? Find out all you need to know in this complete guide to Hyderabad’s Charminar.
Location
The Charminar stands right in the heart of the Old City in Hyderabad. Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana in South India, can be easily reached by air, train, and bus from all over India. If you’re planning on taking a flight, this information about Hyderabad airport will assist you.
History and Architecture
Hyderabad developed over centuries of prosperous Islamic rule and the Charminar is a signature remnant of this glorious past. It was actually made to be the city’s centerpiece when Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, shifted his capital to Hyderabad from nearby Golconda Fort.
The Sultan founded Hyderabad in 1589 and the Charminar was completed two years later, in 1591. As the first building, it served as a reference point for the city’s layout, which spread out from it in four quadrants. Hyderabad’s design, including that of the Charminar, reflects the Iranian origins of the Qutb Shahi dynasty and its Prime Minister Mir Momin Astarabadi, who conceptualized the city. He modeled Hyderabad on the magnificent Persian city of Isfahan, using Persian chahar taq (“four arches”) symbolism of the cosmos as inspiration for the Charminar.
The Indo-Islamic architecture of the Charminar features a vast suspended space, with contrasting lofty arches and soaring towers. It was considered to be groundbreaking and is still regarded as a masterpiece. Not only was it replicated in later Islamic buildings in India, but the structure formed the basis of a similar Charminar in Bukhara, Uzbekistan.
The Charminar gets its name from its four towers (“char” meaning four, and “minar” meaning tower). As well as being a ceremonial gateway, the Charminar is also a place of worship. The towers are actually minarets that are part of the oldest mosque in Hyderabad, on the top floor. During the reign of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, the Charminar was used as a madrasa (Islamic college) too.
What’s interesting is that there’s a mysterious Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi at the base of the Charminar. Its existence, in a Muslim-dominated area, is a matter of ongoing controversy as no one knows for sure when it was established or why it’s located at the site of an ancient Islamic monument.
How to Visit the Charminar
To see the Charminar, be prepared to venture into the most congested part of Hyderabad! However, thanks to the Charminar Pedestrianization Program (CPP), visiting the monument is now much easier. Under the program, the area around the Charminar has recently become a traffic-free zone. This change was necessary to preserve the monument, which was at the center of a very busy intersection plagued by tumultuous traffic and a ceaseless cacophony of honking. Persistent touts and hawkers added to the chaos.
Cobblestones and granite pavement have been laid in the pedestrian zone. The Charminar is also undergoing a makeover under the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation’s Swachh Bharat (Clean India) Mission initiative. It has been named as one of the Swachh (Clean) Iconic Places in India, adopted by the National Thermal Power Corporation, which will carry out beautification works. This includes providing decorative lighting, battery-operated vehicles for visitors, toilets, ATMs, and other facilities in the vicinity.
The Charminar is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Ideally, it’s best visited before noon while it’s relatively quiet. The crowd swells considerably on Fridays when locals come to pray, as well as on weekends.
To reach the monument, take an auto rickshaw, taxi, or bus to Hyderabad’s Old City. Bus routes 65G and 66G run between the Charminar and Golconda Fort, while bus 1F/38S goes from the Charminar to Falaknuma (where the opulent palace hotel is located).
If you decide to go inside the Charminar, you will be treated to a fantastic view. A ticket allows access to climb up one level through the spiral staircase in one of the minaret towers. The ticket price increased in August 2018, costing 25 rupees for Indians and 300 rupees for foreigners. For security reasons, bags are not permitted, but they can be left at a storage counter outside the Charminar for a fee. There have also been reports of guards not allowing single women to enter the Charminar due to supposed safety concerns, although no formal rule exists regarding this matter. Photography is permitted, but you will need to pay a 25 rupee camera charge.
Consider visiting the Charminar on a guided tour, such as this recommended Charminar Precinct Walk offered by Hyderabad Magic if you feel overwhelmed or desire a more immersive experience.
What to See
The main attraction is undoubtedly the stunning view across the Old City towards other historic landmarks such as Mecca Masjid. The floor of the Charminar accessible to tourists also features 45 mushallas (prayer blocks), delicate stucco floral decorations, and ornate balustrades and balconies.
While visiting, keep an eye out for the cat’s head carved into the top of one of the arches on the eastern side of the Charminar.
If you visit the Charminar between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., you will be able to see it beautifully illuminated.
What Else to Do Nearby
The Old City neighborhood surrounding the Charminar is fascinating to explore, as it really brings Hyderabad’s Islamic legacy to life.
Mecca Masjid, built in 1694, is only a short walk south of the Charminar. It features a massive mosque complex with a tranquil pond at its center. Opposite it is the 200-year-old Chowmahallah Palace, which has been converted into a museum showcasing vintage cars and other regal memorabilia.
West of the Charminar, there are bazaars selling everything from lac bangles to perfumes.
Badshahi Ashurkhana is about a 15-minute walk north of the Charminar, near the High Court. A royal house of mourning for Shia Muslims during Muharram, it is adorned with colorful enamel-tiled mosaics.
If you’re a foodie, don’t miss trying the authentic Hyderabad biryani at Hotel Shadab near Badshahi Ashurkhana. This famous dish originated from the kitchen of the Nizams and reflects a blend of Iranian and Mughlai culinary traditions. Additionally, you can explore Hyderabad’s fiery cuisine and street food further on this Mir Alam Market Walking Tour. If you prefer to explore solo, the market is a mere 10-minute walk northeast of the Charminar.
