Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Hyderabad Trip: Charminar

Date: 18th Oct 2015

Visitors: Arun, Shilpi, Harsh, Muthusamy and Vijayalakshmi

Charminar Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Fee: Indians - Rs 5, Others - Rs 100, Video - Rs 25, Below 15 Years free.

Charminar is the most iconic structure and the top attraction in Hyderabad. It was built by Muhammed Quli Qutb Shah in 1591. Its believed that he built this after he prayed for eradicating the plague disease in the city. Its a square structure with 4 grand arches on all 4 sides. Four 56m minarets decorate the 4 corners of the structure. A closer look at the minarets and the top floor reveals the intricate carvings on the walls. There is also a mosque on the top which is now closed. Top floor is accessible through the narrow winding steps and one can get the beautiful view of the city. The old city was built with the charminar as the center.  There are focus lights set to illuminate the structure during festivals like Ramzan, Eid, Diwali and Dusherra. We planned to visit again here on 22nd to see it in light but we could not make it.

One of the Arch way.


The grand view charminar.


Beautiful minaret.


View of one street from the top. We left the car in hotel and went here in auto. It turned out to be a good decision at the end. The streets were crowded like crazy and it became worst in the night while coming back. Not sure its because of Sunday or its like this always.


Some of the beautiful carvings on the walls.



Lotus structure in the center. Its believed it was carved in remembrance of the kings wife Bhagmathi who was a Hindu and converted to Islam before marriage.


 

The clock on one side . There are 4 on all four sides.


The bell connected to one of the wall which rings every hour.


The Roof.


Water cistern with a small fountain. Its believed that there is a tunnel under this connecting to  golconda fort.




Bhagyalakshmi Temple. The Hindu temple located at the base of the charminar is another attraction here.



One can get the view of Golconda fort, mecca masjid (right next to charminar), Salarjung museum, Falkunama palace, chowmala palace from here. The famous Laad bazzar is located on one side of the charminar. On other side is the famous Hyderabad pearl shops. There is plenty of shops for dress materials on another side. I have never seen any bazzar like this with so many shops on all four sides. There is a police station next to Charminar and the cops are always on rounds. One need to be very careful and take good care of their belongings. Lot of fraudsters roaming the streets and we even saw the police catching one of them.

2 comments:

  1. Wow... what a nice trip. you are a amazing blogger. i really appreciate it. thank you so much for sharing this information.
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