Charminar

The Charminar is located in the heart of Hyderabad. It is a bustling marketplace that has many shops and stalls around. It is located at an intersection through which the Port of Machilipatnam can be reached, and this makes the location of the Craminar an important trade route.

According to history, the entire city of Hyderabad was built around the Charminar, making the structure’s location all the more significant. The Charminar was built in honour of Queen Hyder Mahal and the city was named after her. There has been some confusion about Charminar is located in which state of late after the state of Andhra Pradesh was divided into AP and Telangana. The Charminar now lies in Telangana and is no longer in Andhra Pradesh.

Charminar is very important to the city of Hyderabad as it is in the heart of the metropolis. It is a busy business district, and it is also a monumental structure that everyone recognises. If you are planning to visit Hyderabad, ensure you plan a trip to this landmark location where you not only can see and savour the architecture and history but also find the best food in the city.

History of Charminar:

Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the Qutb Shahi dynasty’s fifth ruler, built the Charminar in 1591. It was built on a budget of Rs 9 lakhs, which was equivalent to about two lakh gold coins at the time. It was supposedly built in honour of Queen Bhagmati, who fell in love with the Sultan, converted to Islam and was christened Queen Hyder Mahal post her wedding to Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah. While there are a lot of discrepancies in this story, it is the most loved and followed tale related to the history of the Charminar.

Staunch historians, however, argue that the Charminar was built to celebrate Hyderabad’s freedom from a deadly outbreak of the plague that claimed several lives and caused widespread ruin in the late 16th century.

A third theory claims that the Charminar was constructed as the main mosque in the newly founded city of Hyderabad. The Charminar masjid is still found inside the monument; it is fully operational. It is one of the main mosques of Hyderabad, where thousands of people gather for daily prayers.

The Charminar is one of the sturdiest monuments in history, and this is because of its foundation, which is 30 feet deep. One of the towers was destroyed in 1670 due to a bolt of massive lightning but was restored immediately by the Nizam of the time, Sikandar Jah.

Historians and travellers from the time have also mentioned that the Charminar was constructed during the celebrations of the start of the new Islamic millennium year. This is a logical explanation, and many experts stand by it. Whatever the reason behind the construction may have been, the Charminar has historically been the symbol and identity of the city of Hyderabad. It is so synonymous with the place that the image of the monument is now a part of the EMblem of Telangana.

Interesting facts about Charminar:

The Charminar is quite the landmark of Hyderabad, and the locals have a lot of love, respect and pride for it. However, there are some very interesting facts about Charminar that many people still do not know of. Take a look at the points mentioned below to learn more:

1. Secret tunnel: There is a secret tunnel that connects the Charminar to the Golconda Fort. It was built to ensure the royal family could escape if there was a siege at any time. Since the Charminar was the gateway to the port, it made it an easy and smooth escape route. The tunnel was not known to a lot of people, but now it is highlighted, and when you visit the Charminar, you can readily see it.
   
   
2. Celebrates the cat: There is a craving for a cat on the top of one of the pillars of the Charminar. This is highly significant because the cats of the city played a role in killing the rats that were spreading the plague. And since the Charminar celebrates the eradication of the plague, the role of the cats has always been significantly celebrated. This is another lesser-known fact, but now that you know it, don't forget to spot the cat when you next visit the Charminar.
   
   
3. One of the oldest: Standing tall since 1591, the Charminar, located in the heart of Hyderabad, is one of the oldest monuments in India. There are very few existing and intact towers that are so old in the country. This makes the Charminar not just important in the history of Hyderabad but also in the history of India.
   
   
4. The first tall structure of Hyderabad: Apart from being the oldest structure in the city, the Charminar also has the distinction of being the first multi-storeyed structure in the city. The structure stands at the height of 48.7 metres and has four storeys. There are spiral staircases inside each tower that you need to take to reach the top floor where the famous mosque is situated.
   
   
5. Clocks to show time: There are four clocks atop each of the towers, and these were built into the Charnminar in 1889. The purpose behind this was to allow the royal family to check the time. The Chowmahalla Palace was the residence of the royal family, and when they looked out of the palace, the clocks were easily spotted.

Now that you know more about these interesting Charminar facts, go h explore the place, and you will be left mesmerized!

Best time/ Season to visit Charminar:

Nice and comfortable weather is always desirable when you go on any holiday. This is why you should choose your travel dates in such a way that you get the best climate and get to see the Charminar in a comfortable manner. Here is some information about the best time of the year to visit the Charminar:

• Winter: The winters in Hyderabad last between the months of November and March. The Hyderabad weather at this time is very cool and pleasant. The winters are not very harsh and are quite suitable for sightseeing. It is a great idea for you to plan your Charminar trip to Hyderabad in the winter months.
  
  
• Summer: The summers are very warm and sweaty. There is a lot of sunshine too, and this makes it quite uncomfortable. However, the summer lasts for the greater part of the year, and many tourists brave the hot climes to visit the Charminar. If you plan a trip to Hyderabad in summer, make sure you pack properly and carry comfortable blotches, umbrellas, caps, etc. Also, drink lots of water, and you should stay safe from the heat.
  
  
• Monsoon: The monsoons often cause heavy rains and waterlogging in the areas surrounding the Charminar. This is why it is not advisable for you to travel to Hyderabad during the monsoon months, which usually start in June and end in August.

Keep the points mentioned above in mind and plan your holiday at a suitable time. This will allow you to explore the monument in the best possible manner. Pack your bags suitably depending on which season you choose for your holiday, and you will be sorted.

Location of the Charminar:

Charminar is located in central Hyderabad. The exact address of the monument is Charminar Road, Char Kaman, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad, Telangana.

How to Reach Charminar location?

Reaching the Charminar once you are in Hyderabad is not a difficult task. All the local cab and autorickshaw drivers know the monument, and they will drive you there without any issues. You can also book a car from a car rental agency or ask your hotel for a drop service. However, to reach Hyderabad, you have to choose between traveling by air, rail or road. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

• By air:  Air travel is popular as Hyderabad has a very large and well-connected international airport. You can fly in from any Indian city and explore the Charminar thereafter. Traveling by air is a good option as it lowers your travel time and gives you more time to explore the Charminar and the other magnificent monuments of Hyderabad.
  
  
• By train: Your next option is to reach the city by train. Indian railways have many train routes passing through the city of Hyderabad. You can choose a suitable route and disembark at Hyderabad. From the station, you can hop on to any can or auto rickshaw and reach the Charminar. Just remember here that the train reservations need to be made in advance, so plan your trip and get the tickets booked as soon as possible.
  
  
• By road: You can also reach Hyderabad by road. There are several buses that come in from several cities and towns. If you are traveling on a tight budget, this is an excellent option for you. You can also hire a private car and drive into the city. Traveling by road gives you a lot of flexibility and hence is a popular way of reaching Hyderabad. 

Decide upon your mode of travel and book your tickets well in advance. Base your decision on your budget, the availability of time and your personal preferences. Once that is done. Book your hotels and ensure your Hyderabad trip is completely hassle-free.

Instructions for visiting the Charminar:

Everyone admires Charminar architecture. And this is precisely why thousands of people flock to this stunning monument each day. If you are on your way too, ensure you have all the information you need and that you prepare well for the trip. Here are some helpful guidelines for you:

• Operational days: The Charminar is open on all days, seven days a week. You can visit on a weekday or during the weekend. It is more crowded on weekends and public holidays, but the beauty of the place makes the trip worth it.
  
  You can hire a local guide if you are new to the place, and he will tell you more about the history of the Charminar. Take your time and explore the place properly and soak in the cultures and traditions that are so abundant in the Charminar.
  
  
• The ticket price of Charminar: You will have to pay an entry fee of Rs 5 per head to enter the Charminar. This is applicable to Indian citizens only. The Charminar ticket price is Rs 100 per head for foreign nationals. This is a very nominal fee and is very affordable for everyone.
  
  
• Opening & Closing Time: The Charminar opens at 9.30 am and stays open till 5.30 pm. Though you can surely visit at any time of the day, it is recommended that you enter the monument earlier in the day. The sun is not as harsh during this time, and that allows you to see the monument comfortably.
  
  
• Languages that are spoken in Charminar place: The Charminar is a place of worship and was built by an Islamic ruler. This is why Urdu is spoken commonly around the area. However, many people also converse in Hindi. Telugu is the local language of Telangana so you will also find a lot of people speaking Telugu in and around the Charminar. If you know any of these languages, you will not have any problems communicating with the people around you. A lot of people also speak English, and that makes it easier for a lot of people to explore the area smoothly.

Things to do in the Charminar location:

1. Eat the most amazing food on the streets of Hyderabad: Hyderabadi biryani is legendary, not just in India but all across the world! How can your trip to Hyderabad be complete without trying a few plates of this famous biryani? Fortunately, the area around the Charminar is very bustling, and there are some very good eateries around. In fact, it is only in these shops that you will find the most authentic and delicious biryanis. Apart from the biryani, also load up on mouth-watering kebabs, sweet treats such as firnis and sahi tudkas and beautiful drinks like lassi and faluda. You will surely have a very fulfilling meal when you explore the eateries around the Charminar.
   
   
2. Shop for pearls: Apart from the Charminar and the biryani, Hyderabad is also known for its pearls. The Hyderabadi pearls are very popular and well-loved. This is why you should buy some of these beautiful stones when you visit Hyderabad. Luckily, there are many shops selling pearl jewellery around the Charminar. There are large and reputed showrooms that sell authentic pearls, and you can rest assured of finding the best jewellery at these shops. You can choose from necklaces, earrings, rings, etc. Buy them for yourself or buy them to give as gifts and souvenirs when you return home after your Hydreabad vacation.
   
   
3. Absorb in the local feel: The local people of Hyderabad are very proud and passionate about their city’s culture and heritage. If you have some spare time after you visit the Charminar, strike up a conversation with a local person. It can be a food stall owner, a cab driver or a passerby. People are usually very friendly in Hyderabad, and you can have some very spirited conversations. Ask them more about the folklore they know related to the history of the Charminar. Ask them if they have any information about the Charminar temple and mosque, and you may end up with some great facts that very few people know about.
   
   
4. Watch a local Telugu movie: Telugu movies are a rage! So when in Hyderabad, don't forget to watch a local movie. You will love the thrill and excitement. Movies are huge in this part of the country. You can also drive down to the famous Ramoji Film City and experience some behind-the-scenes moments. Keep this on your to-do list when you plan your Hyderabad trip.
   
   
5. Create a photo album: As mentioned above, the area in and around the Charminar is very vibrant, lively and colourful. If you enjoy photography, you will get the opportunity to click many pictures and create a fabulous photo album. You can photograph the Charminar and the various other monuments, mosques, etc. You can also click photos of the food items, of the colourful jewellery on sale and so on. If you are creative with your photography skills, you will not have a dearth of subjects when looking to capture the most interesting as well as unusual frames in the areas surrounding the iconic Charminar. 

Listed above are the fascinating ways in which you can explore the place around the Charminar. Do not forget to try out these activities, as they will enrich your experience and make your trip to Hyderabad a truly memorable one.

Popular places to visit around the Charminar location:

As stated, the wonder of the Charminar is not the only  tourist attraction in Hyderabad. You would be happy to know that there are various other places of interest in the same vicinity that you can explore to discover more about the history and culture of Hyderabad. Here are some options you have, and all of these are very close to the Charminar:

Mecca Masjid:

As stated, there is an important mosque inside Charminar, which is very significant in the city. There is another mosque, the renowned Mecca Masjid. It is very close to the Charminar and only takes about two minutes to walk to. It is one of the largest mosques, with a capacity of 10,000 people. It has stunning architecture and history. The masjid has stood in the same place for centuries, ever since it was built by Quli Qutb Shah over a period of 77 years. The construction was completed in the year 1687. 

Chowmahalla Palace:

The old city Charminar premises have many old and significant structures, such as the Chowmahalla Palace. The Chowmahalla Palace long served as the official residence of the Hyderabadi royal family. The palace is grand and magnificent and has currently been transformed into a museum. It houses some of the most stunning royal artefacts and is very grand in its history and architecture. The palace is located very close to the Charminar, and you should definitely plan to visit it when you visit the Charminar. 

Tahniyat Mahal:

The Tahniyat Mahal is a core part of the Chowmahalla Palace. When you visit the palace, do not leave before you explore the Tahniyat Mahal. It has beautifully carved walls and a very serene and peaceful atmosphere. The interiors of the palace are artistically studded with real diamonds and gemstones, and this makes the place so grand and attractive to the hundreds of tourists who visit the place every day. 

Mahtab Mahal:

The Chowmahalla Palace is made up of four chambers, and the Mahtab Mahal is one of them. It has a beautiful face and very intricate architecture. The Mahal is a storehouse of history, not just because it has a lot of historical significance but also because it has been converted into a library. You can find a lot of reading material here and learn a lot about the actual history of the Charminar, of the Nizams of Hyderabad and also about the true and unfiltered history of the city of Hyderabad.

Salar Jung Museum:

Located at a distance of about three km from the Charminar, the Salar Jung Museum is a wonderful place to see in Hyderabad. It is also credited as being one of India’s most well-stocked national museums. It started off as a private museum of the Salar Jung family, a royal family under the Nizams of Hyderabad, but was later turned into a public museum. The Salar Jung family had collected and curated some of the rarest royal artefacts that helped decode a lot of facts. These further help to understand the importance of Charminar and the other historical structures in the history of Hyderabad.

As you can see, there is a lot to do and see in Hyderabad after you visit the Charminar. So go ahead and plan a trip to this marvelous city, and you will surely have the vacation of a lifetime!