What is Charminar famous for? Timings, Entry Fee & History

Charminar is one of the most beautiful building in India. The Charminar located in the heart of Hyderabad is an internationally recognized historical icon. As a tourist destination, this monument attracts a lot of people. This monument was built when Qutb Shah shifted his capital from Golconda to Hyderabad. Charminar got its name from its structure as it has four minarets. The area of ​​Charminar is popular for its colorful bangles, jewellery, pearls and sumptuous cuisine.

Tourists seldom leave the city of Hyderabad without visiting the Charminar and its surrounding bazaars. Many believe that these four minarets are for the first four caliphs of Islam. It is situated on the eastern bank of the Musi River and is considered to be one of the amazing structures in India. This monument was built in 1591 to celebrate the end of an epidemic in Hyderabad. The Charminar, along with the Qutb Shahi Tombs and the Golconda Fort have been added to the “tentative list” of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

History Of Charminar Hyderabad

Charminar was built by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. Then he shifted his capital from Golconda to Hyderabad. According to historians the inadequacy of water and plague forced Quli Qutb Shahi to shift his capital. He had made a promise that if the suffering of the people in his city subsided, he would build a memorial. Charminar was built for the judgment and eradication of plague from the city. 

According to some legends Quli Qutb Shah saw his wife Baghmati at this site. He built the Charminar as a symbol of his eternal love for his wife. There is also a legend that there is a secret tunnel under the Charminar. Which connects it to Golconda Fort. It was built for the escape of the royal family in times of emergency.

Best Time To Visit Charminar Hyderabad

Talk about the right time to visit Charminar. So by the way, you can visit Charminar, the majestic building located in Hyderabad, at any time of the year. But especially if you are going to see Charminar, then the time from October to March is very good. The weather of Hyderabad is very pleasant during this time. Apart from Charminar, in this season you can also visit Chowmuhalla Palace, Shahli Banda, Kali Kaman, Pathar Gatti and Mecca Masjid located nearby.

Address : Charminar Rd, Char Kaman, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002

Charminar Opening Time And Entry Fee

Charminar opening time and entry fee but the entry ticket of Charminar is only 5 rupees. 100 rupees for foreigners with him. Charminar is open for tourists from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Camera is not allowed inside Charminar. But if you want to take a camera with you. So there will be a separate charge for that.

Structure Of Charminar Hyderabad

The structure of Charminar is a perfect one. Inspired by the shape of Shia Tzias. Whose length is 20 meters. It has four grand arches which open into four streets. There is a 56 meter tall minaret at each corner with a double balcony. On each tower there is a dome with a petal-like design. You have to climb 149 steps to reach the upper floor. The structure is made of granite, mortar, marble and limestone. There is a mosque situated at the western end of the open terrace. One can have a panoramic view of the city from the balconies of Charminar. 

The structure of Charminar is a classic example of Indo-Islamic architecture with Persian influences. The arches and domes of the monument define the influence of Islamic architecture. While the Persian influence is prominent from its minarets. The balconies and the outside walls, the ceilings are decorated with stucco floral embellishments that show the influence of the Hindu style of architecture. The second floor and upper pillars of Charminar are not open to the public.

Bhagya Lakshmi Temple

At the base of Charminar there is a small temple called “Bhagyalakshmi Temple”. He has been the center of controversy for a long time. Arguments have been made about its age, defining the irony of the temple in one of the major Islamic sites. The Hindu newspaper published a photo in 2012 claiming that the temple is not as old as the Charminar. Many said that this is a recent structure, clearly stating that none of the temples were present in the photographs taken at Charminar in 1957 and 1962.

Shopping Of Pearl In Charminar

Talking about shopping, there is no dearth of pearls in the shops of Hyderabad. But the market is also full of fake pearls. Shoppers need to be careful while shopping. It is important to recognize the feel of a real pearl. Before shopping for pearls, the quality of real pearls must be known. If you know the identity of the real pearl then you will be saved from fraud. The real pearl is easily identified by rubbing the pearl with your teeth. Charminar is famous for many things. 

Best known for lip smacking dishes and great bargains. Laad Bazaar is the oldest and main market in the Charminar area. It is popular for bangles, pearls, jewellery, semi-precious stones, silverware, Kalamkari paintings, sarees, silk materials, gold embroidered fabrics, lacquer bangles, itars and traditional khara dupattas. Apart from this, tourists can also buy Golconda painting, Bidri work and Gongura pickle from here.

Interesting Facts About Charminar

  • It is the oldest monument in India. Because the historical age of Charminar is 450 years.
  • Charminar has been purposely built in the middle of the city Hyderabad.
  • The spiritual significance of Charminar is immense.
  • The Charminar was built to honor an undertaking.
  • A cat’s head will be found inside the Charminar, which is slightly bent in the eastern direction.
  • Why was the cat’s head made? So it was constructed to signify that the cat destroys the rats in the city.
  • Charminar was built by King Quliqutb Shah in remembrance of his late wife Bhagamathy.
  • Charminar is also considered a symbol of love and affection.

How To Reach Charminar Hyderabad

Charminar Bus Stop near Mecca Masjid on Charminar Road in Panch Mohalla is the nearest bus stand to Charminar. It is 800 meters away. It will take 10-12 minutes to visit the site. Hyderabad Deccan Railway Station also known as Nampally Railway Station. It is the nearest railway station to Charminar at 4 kms. All major domestic and international airlines operate from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Shamshabad. You can reach Charminar by auto rickshaw or taxi from any place in the city.

FAQ

What Is Meant By Charminar?

Charminar means four minarets or towers.

What Is Special About Charminar?

Charminar is a monument in India that was built in 1591 AD.

Which Rock Is Used To Make Charminar?

Charminar was constructed using lime mortar, pulverized marble and granite.

How Many Steps Are There In Charminar?

There are 149 winding steps to reach the top floor of Charminar.

Who Ruled Hyderabad In 1947?

Seven Nizams ruled Hyderabad for two centuries till 1947.

Is Charminar A Mosque?

Charminar is a monument and mosque located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

Is Charminar A World Heritage Site?

On September 10, 2010, UNESCO declared Charminar as a World Heritage Site.

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