Charminar

Historical

Andhra Pradesh

26°C / Haze

History
Places to visit
How to reach

Located in Hyderabad, Charminar is a place which has been bestowed with great relevance in Indian history. Built in 1591, it is not just a historic treasure but also one of the major landmarks of Hyderabad city.

A great emphasis has been laid on the Indo-Islamic architectural style of this building. The striking architectural feature of this place will astound you with its immense creativity. On an annual basis, this spot, witnesses a huge footfall of tourists owing to its historic beauty. The long history of this place includes the existence of the mosque on its top floor. The mosque has been there since its inception, that is to say from 400 years ago.

The bustling local markets here only adds to the charm of this place. This market is frequented by the locals as well as tourists.

Char Minar is opened for all 7 days of a week and the timings are 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. The Entry Fee for Indians is Rs.5/Person and for foreigners is Rs. 100/Person.

History of Charminar

Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah built this historical fort in 1591 after shifting his capital from Golconda to Hyderabad. There are various theories behind the construction of Charminar. However, the most prominent one says that it was constructed for the eradication of Cholera, a deadly disease that was widespread during that time. Yes, the sultan had prayed for the end of Cholera which had caused many deaths in his city. He had taken a pious oath as per which, after the elimination of this plague, he would build a mosque. And by God's grace, his wish was granted. It was then that he built the mosque on the very site where he had prayed.

However, according to Jean de Thevenot, who was a French traveller of the 17th century, this place was constructed commemorating the beginning of the second Islamic millennium year. It is said that this event was celebrated far and wide and thus, the Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah founded the city of Hyderabad in the name of celebration and commemorated it with the starting of the construction of this building.

Whereas according to the book, Days of Beloved Qutb Shah constructed the Charminar in the year of 1592 on the very spot where he had first glimpsed his future queen Bhagmati. Though this story was completely rubbed off by historians and scholars, it has become popular folklore among the locals.

Things To Do Near Charminar

Charminar is one of the famous places to visit in Hyderabad. Here's the list of things to do near Carminar.

1. Chowmahalla Palace Charminar

Owned by the Nizams of Hyderabad, the Chowmahalla palace is one of the most incredible places that you ought to visit. It is also interesting to note that this place is also the holder of the UNESCO Asia Pacific Merit 2010. Built by Nizam Salabat Jung, this place is definitely a great place to experience the subtle flavour of India.

2. Gulzar Houz Char Minar

Located near Charminar, this is a historical fountain located directly in the middle of the road between Charminar and Madina building. It was essentially an octagonal shaped reservoir that was made with the aim to satisfy the thirst of the Nizam soldiers. At that time, there used to be four streams flowing from the fountain.

3. Makkah Masjid

It is one of the largest mosques in India with a holding capacity of 20,000 people. It was built between the 16th-17th century and is situated right in the middle of the Hyderabad city. The architecture of this tourist spot in Hyderabad is simply a delight to the eyes.

4. Laad Bazaar

It is one of the most popular shopping spots in Hyderabad, especially known for its amazing pieces of jewellery and bangles. Here, you will see that most of the shops sell bangles, sarees, etc. There are many legends and stories associated with this market as well. One such story states that this bazaar was established by the Ladli Begum who was the wife of the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad.

How to Reach Charminar

Charminar is a very interesting travel getaway to explore. It is a tourist spot that speaks of history and the long-gone era of Hyderabad Nizams. It is located at a distance of 1,587, 1,418, 2,176, 1,517 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata respectively. Let’s see how you can reach here by the following methods of transportation.

By Air

The nearest airport from Charminar is the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD). It is located 20 km from the airport. Established on 23rd March 2008, the purpose of this airport was to essentially replace Begumpet airport.

This airport has got one passenger terminal along with a cargo terminal as well as two runways. Along with this, a few prominent highlights of this airport are its aviation training facilities, a fuel farm as well as a power plant that has an MRO facility. After you deboard at the airport, you can cover the remaining distance by a cab.

Many airlines operate to and fro Hyderabad connecting many other Indian cities.

Bengaluru - Board Air Asia, IndiGo, Spicejet, Air India flights from Kempegowda International Airport. The airfares are starting from Rs.1,500
Delhi - Board Air Asia, IndiGo, Spicejet, Vistara flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport. The airfares are starting from Rs.2,000
Surat - Board Spicejet, IndiGo, Air India flights from Surat International Airport. The airfares are starting from Rs.3,000
Kolkata - Board IndiGo, Spicejet, Air India, Vistara from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. The airfares are starting from Rs.2,500
Indore - Board IndiGo, Air India, Vistara flights from Indore Airport. The airfares are starting from Rs.2,500

By Train

The nearest train station is the Hyderabad Deccan Railway Station also known as the Nampally railway station located 5km from Charminar.

This station falls under the Secunderabad Division of South Central Railway. It has great connectivity with other nearby Indian cities and towns.

Delhi - Board Telangana Express from New Delhi Railway Station and deboard at the Hyderabad Decan
Mumbai - Board Husainsagar Express from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and deboard at the Hyderabad Decan
Pune - Board Hyderabad Express from Pune Junction and deboard at the Hyderabad Decan
Surat - Board RJT SC Express from Surat Junction and deboard at the Secunderabad Junction
Ahmedabad - Board RJT SC Express from Ahmedabad Junction and deboard at the Secunderabad Junction
Mysuru - Board Jaipur Express from Mysuru Junction and deboard at the Kacheguda Junction

By Road

Depending upon your location, you can also travel to Charminar by road networks. You can also consider travelling by buses or cabs.

From Vijayawada, the bus fares are starting from Rs.400. From Pune, the bus fares are starting from Rs.1,065. From Pune, the bus fares are starting from Rs.1,050. From Nashik, the bus fares start from Rs.1,030.