Char Minar

The Char Minar is located at Hyderabad in the state of Andhra Pradesh in Eastern India. Standing in the heart of the city, the monument is a magnificent piece of QutubShahi architecture.

What goes behind the architecture?

The monument is called the Char Minar as it has four minarets. The structure is square-shaped, with each side measuring 20 meters. The minarets, a four-story structure, reach up to a height of 20 meters from the roof of the monument. There stands a mosque in the western section of the roof facing the holy city of Mecca. The mosque is a living example of the skills of the QutubShahi artisans. There are 45 roofless prayer spaces with a huge open space in front. Space is enough to accommodate people for the Friday prayers. To the east of the space is a lovely gallery, with a large open archway lying in the middle of it. A water tank can also be observed in the middle. The monument is an excellent mix of Hindu and Muslim Traditions. From the top, the monument gives a panoramic view of the whole city. The clocks installed above each of the archways were added at a later time. The four beautiful soaring minarets taper off towards the top, forming a bulging dome with a brass-spire top.

What are the timings and the entry charges?

The Charminar remains open from 09-00 to 17-00 hours. The arch is illuminated every evening from 19-00 to 21-00 hours. There are no charges to pay a visit to this gigantic arch.

Char Minar, History

Char Minar is a historic monument located in the city of Hyderabad, India. The monument was built in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth Sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, to commemorate the end of a deadly plague that had ravaged the city. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Hyderabad and has become an iconic symbol of the city.

The structure of Char Minar is a square monument with four minarets or towers at each corner. The four minarets are 56 meters high and are connected by a small, two-storied structure in the middle. The minarets are decorated with beautiful stucco designs and balconies, and are topped with small, onion-shaped domes.

The monument was built using granite, limestone, and mortar, and is a perfect blend of Indo-Islamic architectural styles. It is said to have been designed in the shape of a mosque to symbolize the religious harmony that existed in Hyderabad at the time.

There are several legends associated with the origin of the name Char Minar. One popular legend states that the four minarets were built to commemorate the founding of the four important cities of Hyderabad, Golconda, Bhagnagar, and Chichlam.

Over the centuries, Char Minar has been witness to many historic events, including the rise and fall of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, the Mughal conquest of Hyderabad, and the British colonization of India. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Hyderabad’s rich cultural heritage.

Nearby attractions

There are several other interesting tourist attractions in the vicinity of Char Minar that visitors can explore. Here are three of them:

Mecca Masjid:

Mecca Masjid is one of the oldest and largest mosques in India, located just a short walk away from Char Minar. The mosque was built in the 17th century during the reign of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, and is believed to have been constructed using bricks brought from Mecca. The mosque can accommodate over 10,000 worshippers at a time and features intricate arches and a massive prayer hall.

Chowmahalla Palace:

The Chowmahalla Palace is a grand palace complex that was once the seat of the Nizams of Hyderabad. It is located just 1.5 km away from Char Minar and is known for its impressive architecture and lavish interiors. The palace features four palaces or mahals, each with its own courtyard, gardens, and fountains. The palace also houses a museum showcasing the royal family’s collection of artifacts, including vintage cars, photographs, and paintings.

Laad Bazaar:

Located just a stone’s throw away from The Minar, Laad Bazaar is a bustling market famous for its bangles and other jewelry. The market is over 200 years old and is home to hundreds of small shops selling everything from traditional Indian clothing to accessories and souvenirs. The bangles sold here are particularly famous for their intricate designs and vivid colors, and are a must-buy for visitors looking to take home a piece of Hyderabad’s rich culture.

Salar Jung Museum:

Salar Jung Museum is one of the largest and most popular museums in India, located just 2 km away from Char Minar. The museum houses a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, manuscripts, and decorative art. The museum was established in 1951 and named after Salar Jung III, a former prime minister of the Nizam of Hyderabad. Some of the highlights of the museum’s collection include a jade room, a European clock room, and an ivory collection.

Golkonda Fort:

Golkonda Fort is a massive fort complex located about 10 km from Char Minar. The fort was built in the 16th century by the Qutb Shahi dynasty and served as a key center of power for over 200 years. The fort features several impressive structures, including a massive gate, a durbar hall, and a mosque. Visitors can also explore the fort’s various defense mechanisms, including a complex water supply system and several secret passages.

Hussain Sagar Lake:

Hussain Sagar Lake is a large artificial lake located about 4 km from The Minar. The lake was built in the 16th century and is one of the most popular tourist spots in Hyderabad. The lake is surrounded by several attractions, including the Lumbini Park, the NTR Gardens, and the towering Buddha statue. Visitors can enjoy boating, water sports, and leisurely walks along the lake’s shores, which offer stunning views of the city skyline.

Things to do Char Minar

Char Minar is a popular tourist destination in Hyderabad and offers visitors a variety of things to see and do. Here are some of the top things to do:

1. Explore the monument: The first and most obvious thing to do at Char Minar is to explore the monument itself. Visitors can climb to the top of the minarets for stunning views of the surrounding area and the city skyline. They can also explore the intricate stucco designs and other architectural features of the monument.
2. Shop at Laad Bazaar: As mentioned earlier, Laad Bazaar is a bustling market located near Char Minar, famous for its bangles and other jewelry. Visitors can explore the narrow lanes and colorful shops, haggling for bargains and admiring the beautiful designs of the bangles.
3. Visit Mecca Masjid: Mecca Masjid is one of the largest and oldest mosques in India and is located just a short walk from Char Minar. Visitors can explore the massive prayer hall and admire the intricate arches and other architectural features of the mosque.
4. Enjoy street food: The area around Char Minar is known for its delicious street food, including biryani, kebabs, and other Hyderabadi specialties. Visitors can sample these delicacies at the many street food stalls and restaurants in the area.
5. Take a heritage walk: Many tour companies offer heritage walks in the area around Char Minar, taking visitors on a guided tour of the city’s historic sites and cultural landmarks. This is a great way to learn more about Hyderabad’s rich history and culture.
6. Attend a cultural event: Minar is often the site of cultural events, including music and dance performances, fairs, and other celebrations. Visitors can check local event listings to see if there are any upcoming events during their visit.

Quick Facts

Here are some quick facts about Char Minar:

• Char Minar is a monument located in Hyderabad, India.
• It was built in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty.
• The monument is made of granite and lime mortar and features four minarets, which give it its name (Char Minar means “four minarets” in Urdu).
• The structure is 56 meters tall and each minaret is 24 meters tall.
• The monument was built to commemorate the end of a plague epidemic that had ravaged the city.
• The monument is a blend of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles and features intricate stucco work and ornate balconies.
• The area around The Minar is known for its vibrant street markets and delicious cuisine.
• Other nearby attractions include Mecca Masjid, Chowmahalla Palace, and the Salar Jung Museum.
• Char Minar is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hyderabad and attracts millions of visitors every year.

How to reach

Char Minar is located in the heart of Hyderabad, India, and can be reached by various means of transportation. Here are some ways to reach Char Minar:

1. By Air: The nearest airport to Char Minar is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, which is located about 22 km away. From the airport, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Char Minar.
2. By Train: Hyderabad has a well-connected railway network, with several trains stopping at the Hyderabad Deccan Railway Station, which is located about 5 km from Char Minar. From the railway station, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Char Minar.
3. By Bus: Hyderabad has a comprehensive bus network, with several buses stopping at the Charminar Bus Stop. Visitors can take a bus from various parts of the city to reach Char Minar.
4. By Taxi: Taxis are easily available in Hyderabad and can be hired to reach Char Minar. Visitors can use ride-hailing services like Uber or Ola, or hire a local taxi from a taxi stand.
5. By Metro: Hyderabad has a metro rail network, and Charminar is located on the Red Line of the network. Visitors can take the metro to reach Charminar, and then walk or take a short taxi ride to the monument.

FAQ, Char Minar

Here are some frequently asked questions about Char Minar:

1. What is Char Minar?

Minar is a monument located in the heart of Hyderabad, India. It was built in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty.

2. What is the significance of Char Minar?

Char Minar was built to commemorate the end of a plague epidemic that had ravaged the city. It is also a symbol of Hyderabad’s rich history and culture.

3. What are the visiting hours?

Char Minar is open to visitors every day from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.

4. Is there an entry fee?

No, there is no entry fee for Char Minar. However, visitors may have to pay a fee to enter certain areas or attractions within the monument.

5. Can visitors climb to the top of the minarets?

Yes, visitors can climb to the top of the minarets for stunning views of the surrounding area and the city skyline.

6. What are some nearby attractions?

Some nearby attractions to Char Minar include Mecca Masjid, Chowmahalla Palace, Salar Jung Museum, and Laad Bazaar.

7. What is the best time to visit The Minar?

The best time to visit Char Minar is during the cooler months of the year, between October and February. The weather is mild and pleasant, and there are fewer crowds than during the peak tourist season.