Charminar is a historical monument situated in Hyderabad, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh. Charminar is a major attraction for tourists visiting Hyderabad. The beautiful monument stands as one of the most important landmarks of the city. It was built by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah in 1591, to commemorate the end of plague from the city. According to legends the emperor prayed for the eradication of plague,and when the deadly disease ended, he ordered the construction of the mosque. Later the mosque beacame famous as Charminar because of its four minarets. The impressive square monument, with each side measuring 20 metre shaving a high minaret, soaring to a height of 48.7 metre. The minarets have four storeys, which looks like a artistically carved circle around the minarets. Each side opens into a plaza through massive arches, the arches measure 11 metre wide and 20 metre high to the pinnacle from the plinth. A commerecial bazaar (market) lies around the monument that attracts visitors as well as businessmen. The colourful shops of Lad Bazaar is covered with various types of shops, that include glass bangles, pearls, jewellerys and traditional Muslim gear and Mughlai delicacies. The highest point of the minaret offers a panaromic view of the city. There are 45 prayer spaces and a mosque for muslims and the open space in front of the monuments accomodate more people for Juma (Friday) prayers.
Atrractions :
Made in granite and lime mortar, Charminar is an blend of Cazia and Islamic style of architecutre. The arches and domes are excellent examples of Islamic style of the architecture. The monument looks more beautiful especially in the evening, when it is illuminated with lights.
Atrractions near Charminar :
» Mecca Mosque - Mecca Mosque, one of the largest mosque in the world, is situated very close to Charminar. It is said that the mosque can accommodate 10,000 worshipeers at a time. The 6th Sultan Abdullah Qutab Shah started the construction of this mosque in 1617, but Mughal emperor Aurangzeb finished the construction work, in 1693. The mosqueis built of enormous black granite slabs. The entrance of the mosque is decorated by the clay of Mecca mixed with red colour.
» Golconda Fort - 
Ata short distance from Charminar, the magnificent fort of Golconda stands.The ruins of Golconda Fort describes the 400-years-old history of Hyderabad.The fort built by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah in 1525, depicts the culture and grandeur of the Nawabs of the time. Built on a granite hill, 120 metres high, the fortress is surrouned by massive crenetllated ramparts. The fort has a unique system of accoustics, if someone claps at the entry gate the sound can be clearly herad the sound at 61 metre high hill. The Sound and Light show is a new attraction at the fort, which livens up the gloriouspast of Golconda. The show decribes the story of Golconda with a specatucular interplay of audio and visual effects. The timings of the show are 6.30 pm (November - February) and 7.00 pm (March - October).
» Qutb Shahi Tombs - The tombs are situated at a short distance from Golconda Fort. The magnificent monuments are erected to the memory of the kings of Golconda. The place north of Golconda fort has the tombs of Muhammad Qutb Shah (1612-1626), Abdullah Qutb Shah (1626 -1672), Abul Hasan Tana Qutb Shahi (1672 - 1687), Princess Hayat Baksh Begum(died on 1677). In addition the tomb of Pemamati, one of the mistresses of Mohammad Qutb Shah is also situated near the tomb of Abdullah Qutb Shah.There is a 'Badshahi Hammam'(the place where the body of the king was washed before burial ) in the complex. At the south of the Hammam, a series of major tombs stand that include the tomb of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah (1581-1612), the poet king and founder of Baghnagar (Hyderabad). The tombs opens 9.00 am to 16.30 pm daily except Friday.
» Hussain Sagar Lake - The lake popularly known as Tank Bund, bridges twin cities of Hyderabad and Secundarabad. The lake has several parks and secnic spots, prominet among them is the 16 meter high,350 tonne monolithic Buddha statue. One can enjoy the boating on motorized boats here.
» Salar Jung Museum -
The museum situated at Afzal Ganj, has one of the largest private collections in the world. The museum has 38 rooms spread over three floors.It houses more than 43,000 art objects and 50,000 books. The museum opens10.00 am to 7.00 pm everyday, closed on Sundays and national holidays.
» Falaknuma Palace - Situated on a 2,000 feet highhill, the Palace lies 5 Kms south of Charminar. Built by Nawab-Ul-Umra, the fifth Paigarh Emir the palace spreads over an area of 9,39,712 Sq meters.The palace built over a period of nine years, is a rare blend of
Italian and Tudor architecture style. The palace built like the shape of scorpion has two stings spread out as wings.
Accessibility :
Charminar is an important landmark of Hyderabad. The city is well connected with air, road and rail link.
» Air - Hyderabad airport is connected with Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Bhubaneswar,Nagpur, Ahemdabad, Tirupati and Vishakhapatnam etc.
» Rail - Hyderabad and Secunderabad railway station are major stations. The trains from major cities like Bangalore,Bhubaneswar, Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi and Chennai are available.
» Road - The National Highways 7 and 9 crosses thecity. The buses from nearby cities run regularly to Hyderabad. By bus or auto-rickshaw one can easily reach to Charminar.
Accommodation : There are many hotels in Hyderabad and several hotels are available at acloser distance from Charminar.
Best Time to Visit :
One can visit Hyderabad throughout the year as the climate remains pleasant. The ideal time to visit Hyderabad, is between October- March.
