Enormous, enigmatic, exquisite, ancient, and classic - these are the words that perfectly describe Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad. The Masjid is a jewel of Islamic architecture, a precious reminiscent of the glorious Nizam Shahi (Qutub Shahi Dynasty) and a pilgrimage site for the followers of Islam from across the globe. Mecca Mosque is one of India’s and the world’s largest mosques having the capacity to accommodate 10,000 worshippers at any given time.
Mecca Masjid remains open on all days of the week from 4 am to 9:30 pm. The entry inside the mosque is free of cost but the visitors have to adhere to the dress code and maintain discipline. The mosque and its beauty have always fascinated the eyes of photographers but photography is only allowed outside the main worship hall, which means that you can only capture the mesmerising sights of this finest monument in your heart.
Mecca Mosque is visited by tourists and believers alike from all around the year. Besides, the astonishing sights and divine vibes, what attracts the visitors most is the intriguing legends and facts related to it. Let’s dig deeper and find out how this marvellous structure came into existence.
History of Mecca Masjid
It’s been documented in history that the construction of Mecca Masjid was sanctioned by Mohommad Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutub Shah Dynasty in 1614. Although the construction of this grand structure was started under the reign of Sultan Quli Qutub Shah who is also believed to have laid the foundation stone of the mosque, it was completed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1693.
Shifting emphasis to the interesting stories about the mosque, the legends have it that the construction went on for nearly 77 years and approximately 8000 masons worked on this astounding piece of architecture. According to locals and historians, the bricks of the mosque were brought from holy Mecca along with the sacred relics and ancient handicrafts. People claim that a strand of hair belonging to Prophet Muhammed is also securely preserved in the Masjid. The mosque also houses the tombs of rulers of the Asaf Jahi dynasty.
Things To Do Near Mecca Masjid
‘Every inch is a masterpiece’ this phrase aptly describes the fine architecture of the mosque. The main prayer hall has been constructed with the following dimensions: length - 225 feet, breadth - 180 feet, height - 75 feet. The roof of the hall has 15 intricately carved arches that are further embellished with crystal chandeliers brought from Belgium.
5 arches support each of the three sides of the hall while the 4th wall indicates Mihrab. In addition to this, there are 2 octagonal columns that were made from single granite stone. Floral Motifs, verses, and sermons from the Holy Quran are carved on these arches that impart divinity to the ambience. The premises also has a pond that features a beautiful fountain which is another piece of attraction. Mecca Masjid is a one of the famous tourist places in Hyderabad. Here's the list of things to do near Mecca Masjid.
A landmark heritage structure in Hyderabad, that was completed in 1591 CE to mark the end of a plague. The monument was built by Sultan Quli Qutub Shah near the banks of the Musi river and a few yards away from Mecca Masjid. The monument is the finest manifestation of Indo-Islamic architecture which makes it a must-visit destination if you are in Hyderabad.
2. Purani Haveli
Purani Haveli is a European Style palace that has the world’s longest wardrobe. The palace has antique furniture, numerous ancient decor items belonging to the bygone era, verandas, and a lot more assembled in a U-shaped complex that imparts a royal and majestic look to the entire structure.
Located 10 km away from the masjid, Golconda Fort is an acoustic marvel in the history of monuments in India. The fort was built on a hilltop in the 11th century and is globally known for its architectural intelligence that works as a security alarm. Sound can travel a kilometer through its corridors which never fails to impress the visitors even today!
4. Qutub Shahi Tombs
Located close to the Golconda Fort, the tombs are of 7 rulers belonging to the Qutub dynasty. Qutub Shahi Tombs are an amalgamation of artistic and architectural inspiration from many cultures such as Persian, Deccan, Hindu, and Pathan, which makes them worth a visit.
5. Laad Bazaar
Located on one of the 4 roads that lead to Charminar, the Laad Market is a kilometre long souvenir-cum-bangle market. It’s a popular and crowded market that sells some of the finest lacquer bangles in uncountable designs and reasonable price range.
How to Reach Mecca Masjid
You can easily reach here by any mode of transportation as it is well-connected via road, rail and air network. From Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, you are required to cover a distance of 1,500 km via Sri Nagar - Kanyakumari Highway and NH 44; 715 km via NH 65; 1,400 km via NH 16; and 565 km via NH 44 respectively. Listed below are some of the fastest routes and transportation modes that you may consider.
By Air
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport of Hyderabad is approximately 22 km away from the mosque. After deboarding the flight, you may get on a taxi, local bus, or an auto to reach the mosque via NH 44 that will not take more than 30 minutes in moderate traffic.
The airport receives non-stop and connecting flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru regularly at frequent intervals. Vistara, Air Asia, Indigo, Go Air, and Spice Jet runs regular flights to Hyderabad at highly economical prices.
By Road
You may hop on interstate tourist buses to reach Hyderabad. If arriving on the bus, then the Charminar bus station is where you must get down, to visit the mosque. You may even get behind the wheels if you love road trips. The city has a well-maintained network of motorable roads and highways that will help you reach the desired destination in Hyderabad. If you are arriving from nearby cities, then the following information can help you plan the itinerary.
- Vijayawada - 276 km via NH 65
- Warangal - 150 km via NH 163
- Hubli - 494 km via NH 167
- Pune - 564 km via NH 65
- Mysuru - 715 km via NH 44
- Kochi - 1000 km via NH 44 and NH 544
By Rail
Hyderabad Deccan railway station, which is 5 km away from the masjid is where you have to terminate your rail journey to explore the holy mosque. You may also deboard at Secunderabad Junction which is 13 km away from the mosque. Both stations receive regular trains from all parts of the country hence you can plan on a rail journey to the city of nawabs! From both stations, you can access the local transport such as taxi, bus, auto.
- Delhi - Board Telangana E SPL from New Delhi station and deboard at Hyderabad Deccan
- Mumbai - Board CSMT HYB SPL from CST and deboard at Hyderabad Deccan
- Kolkata - Board HWH SC SPL from Howrah Jn and deboard at Secunderabad Jn
- Bengaluru - Board SBC NDLS AC Express from KSR Bengaluru and deboard at Secunderabad Jn
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here
