Charminar, Hyderabad, Telangana

Charminar the cultural and historical  landmark and the city symbol of Hyderabad, Telangana was built by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 AD. This imposing structure was erected to commemorate the founding of Hyderabad and the end of the epidemic -  Cholera, which ravaged the city during the 16th century due to the water shortage.

The gargantuan four-column, is 56m-high and has four arches facing the cardinal points, with minarets atop each column (hence the name Charminar, 'four minarets'). It is also known as the ‘Arc de Triomphe of the East’, and comes under the Archeological Survey of India

The Charminar is the heartbeat of old Hyderabad and is the main bazaar area, also known as Charminar. For a first timer the tour to Nizam land is not complete without a visit to this place. 

The labyrinth of lanes crowded with shops, stalls, markets and shoppers make this place buzzing with traffic and life. 

The  Laad Bazaar, which surround this elegant architectural structure brims with mouth-watering delicacies, authentic street food, colorful lacquer bangles, shining pearls, excellent jewelry and many more things to take home. 

The visitors are allowed to climb upto the 1st floor of Charminar for a view of the district. The 2nd floor, is Hyderabad’s oldest mosque, and the upper columns, are not open to the public. It is said that there is a tunnel leading to Golconda fort from here, but it's yet to be traced. This structure is illuminated every evening from 7pm to 9pm and is worth a sight. 

Timings: 09:30 am to 05:30 pm on all days of the week

Entry fee: INR 5 for Indian Tourists; INR 100 for foreign tourists

City of Hyderabad is well connected by road, rail and air.