Charminar, with its four minarets, stands as an icon for Hyderabad and should not be missed during any visit to this historic city. Situated close to its city center, Charminar should be top on any visitor’s itinerary.
Chowmahalla Palace is an extraordinary complex of palaces exhibiting an intricate blend of Persian, Rajasthani and European architectural styles. Once used by Nizams as their residence.
Charminar
Charminar, one of Hyderabad’s iconic structures from its rich Islamic history dating back centuries, dates to 1591 when Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah commissioned its construction. Completed two years after that date, Charminar stands as an impressive testimony to this time and place.
This grand structure features four majestic minarets at each corner, standing 56 meters and featuring double balconies and domes at their pinnacles. This monument combines Indo-Islamic architecture with Persian influences.
Charminar features an age-old mosque which continues to function, as well as Laad Bazaar – an active market known for selling jewelry – which specializes in bangles. Charminar should ideally be visited on weekdays to avoid crowds on weekends and holidays; alternatively join one of many guided tours available that can show the monument from different perspectives. It was recently designated a pedestrian-only zone which has reduced noise pollution along with touts and hawkers, offering greater peace.
Mecca Masjid
The Mecca Masjid is Hyderabad’s signature mosque and one of its most significant landmarks, built by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah during 1617 by him as one of his many monuments to his dynasty – featuring verses from the Quran on many of its arches adornments. It stands as an enduring testament to Hyderabad and remains one of India’s largest mosques with capacity for up to 10,000 men at any one time.
The prayer hall measures 225 feet long by 180 feet wide by 75 feet high with 15 brick arches supporting its roof. The name of the mosque derives from being inspired by Mecca’s Grand Mosque; some believe a piece of Prophet Muhammad’s hair may also reside therein.
Non-Muslim visitors aren’t permitted to enter the prayer hall, but can still admire its beautiful structure from outside. Additionally, tourists can purchase souvenirs like bangles and jewelry at nearby Laad Bazaar and Chowmahalla Palace.
Chowmahalla Palace
Chowmahalla Palace or Council Hall is an enormous complex of courtyards, gardens and elaborate structures located near Chowmahalla Station in Delhi. It features an eclectic blend of Persian, European and Rajasthani styles; Nizams of Asaf Jahi Dynasty used this place to entertain their royal guests here; today it hosts vintage cars fleets as well as exhibits featuring paintings, photographs, books textiles and maps.
Khilwat Mubarak stands out as the centerpiece of this palace, boasting an ornate Durbar Hall replete with 19 stunning Belgian crystal chandeliers as well as ornate stucco work and majestic pillars.
Chowmahalla Palace is easily accessible from Charminar via bus, taxi or local rickshaw service. For optimal viewing experiences visit during the day to avoid crowds; note that Chowmahalla is closed on Mondays. Several hotels can be found near this palace as accommodation options.
Golconda Fort
Golconda Fort is one of Hyderabad’s most significant landmarks and dates back to the Kakatiya Dynasty. Situated atop a 120 meter-high hill and enclosed by massive walls, Golconda For is one of its premier monuments.
According to legend, it is believed that a shepherd boy discovered an idol on a rocky hill which inspired the Kaktiya king at that time to construct a mud fort around it. Subsequently, Qutb Shahi kings converted this mud fort into an enormous granite structure covering 5 kilometers around itself.
The Hyderabad Fort is an impressive sight with 8 gates and 87 bastions – though in disrepair it remains one of the best attractions to see when visiting Hyderabad. With magnificent palaces, mosques and pavilions as well as fascinating engineering marvels like an incredible acoustic system whereby handclaps at its entrance dome can be heard at its hilltop pavilion more than 1 km away – this massive fortress stands as an unforgettable landmark to visit in this great city.
Golconda Fort was once an important diamond market and housed some of the legendary Koh-i-Noor and Blue Hope diamonds. Over time, Golconda’s sultans became more accommodating of Hindu religious festivals by permitting Hindus to celebrate openly.
