Where is the Charminar?
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 Qutub Shahi architecture.
How will you gain access?
Hyderabad, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh is well connected by air to
the key destinations of the country. The airport is located at the Begumpeet
Airport. Secunderabad is the nearest railway station, connecting to all the
major cities of the country. Tourists can take buses from any part of the
city. Other modes of transport are rickshaws and taxis.
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.
What does the past say?
The Charminar is located in the midst of the 400-year-old traditional city
of Hyderabad. It symbolises the opulent art and architecture that flourished
in the Qutub Shahi period. The huge arch was built to commemorate the end of
the plague epidemic that had ravaged the city. From the upper storeys of the
monument, proclamations were made to the populace in the Qutub Shahi era.
What goes behind the architecture?
The
monument is called the Charminar as it has four minarets. The structure is
square-shaped, with its each side measuring 20 metres. The minarets, a
four-storey structure, reach up to a height of 20 metres 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 Qutub Shahi artisans. There are 45 roofless prayer spaces with a huge
open space in front. The 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 the Hindu and the 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 tapper off towards the top,
forming a bulging dome with a brass-spire top.
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What are the nearby attractions?
» Jami Masjid
The Jami Masjid is no less attraction for the visitors. The mosque was
built by Mohammad Quli Shah in the year 1592. It was erected after the city
of Hyderabad was founded.
» Rang Mahal
The Rang Mahal is another attraction of the city. James Kirkpatric married
a Hyderabadi girl and built this palace for her. The Mahal is a suite of
rooms in the native style.
» Husain Sagar Lake
The Husain Sagar Lake is of much interest to the visitors. The large
artificial lake lies between the cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. It
was built by Ibrahim Qutub Shah around 1550.
» Naubat Pahad
The Naubat Pahad is a popular tourist spot, giving lovely views of the
city. From above this hilltop, royal announcements were made to the people
to the beat of drums. Stretching below this hillock lies the Bagh-i-Aam.
