Each city in India has its own unique culture and history. Hyderabad located in Telangana is one such place. A number of ancient palaces, monuments, museums and different forms of music and dance along with some world-famous recipes like the famous 'Biryani of Hyderabad', makes it a perfect spot for many tourists to dig out its history and explore this place.

One of the most popular historical monuments of India-Charminar is also situated in this city. It has got its name because the structure is a combination of four(char) towers (minars).

To enjoy your trip to this destination, use your international driver's permit from INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS ASSOCIATION. An IDP is a requirement to drive or rent a car in several foreign countries. It is also a United Nations regulated travel document for your safety and ease of travel.

Currently, under the supervision of Archaeological Survey of India, this monument was built in the 16th century by the emperor-Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah. This architectural icon of the city, situated along the banks of Musi fiver, glitters amidst the bangle markets surrounding it when it gets dark. Mecca Masjid, another important monument is also located near to it.

It is a square-shaped structure with a length of its sides measuring 20 metres and the height of the towers is 56 metres each. It is a fusion of Indian and the Islamic architecture along with a little favour of Persian designs.

Completed over a span of one year, lime mortar and granite were the main materials used in its construction. This is an important attraction for tourism from the economic point of view as a number of visitors from different parts of the country and world as well, visit this place which is helping in the development of the tourism industry in this region.

Amazing Facts About This Place

Let's have a look at some of the facts about this place.

● Many people are not aware but there exists a tunnel connecting this 'Minar' to Golconda Palace.

● Makka Masjid on one side and the Bhagyalaxmi Temple on the other, promote cultural harmony.

● When the city of Hyderabad was designed, this 'Minar' was focused at its centre. There are four directional roads on all four sides of Char Minar.

● It has been more than 400 years since it was built which makes it one of the oldest architectural works of India. Despite this long time, it is still proudly standing, glorifying history.

● Legends say that when the plague epidemic hit India, it was constructed to express the joy of the end of this deadly disease.

Things To Do

After exploring every bit of this historical monument there are some other things that you can enjoy. You can try the famous biryani and Irani Chai. Beautiful bangles are available in the market near the Charminar that you can buy. Chowmahalla, which is very close to this monument is also a must-visit place. Lastly, don't forget to capture your moment in the frames.

How To Reach This Place

 It is located in the Indian state of Telangana, in the city of Hyderabad. You can easily reach there through airways and railways and then, you can easily reach Char Minar. You can take any of the buses that are all-time available from all the major railway and bus stations. Auto-rickshaws, along with private cabs are also there which will take you to this place.

Ticket Charge And Timing

The entry fee is very less in comparison to what it offers. Indians have to pay a charge of Rs 5 and charge of Rs 100 is charged for foreign tourists. It remains open on all days. The timing for visiting this monument is from 9:30 a.m. in the morning to 5:30 p.m. in the evening.

Best Months To Visit

You can explore this place in any of the twelve months of the year. But if you ask for the best timing, then visit this place during the months of October-March as the climatic conditions are favourable for tourism activities during these months.

Some Other Attractions Near Charminar

When you plan to visit Charminar, you can also explore some of the other magnification historical monuments of India like Makka Masjid, Aftab Mahal, Mahtab Mahal and Afzal Mahal. Also, visit the famous "Suraj Theatre" and the 'Badshahi Ashurkhana'. Some temples like Bhagyalaxmi temple, Shri Marudhar Temple and Rani Sati Temple are also located nearby. 'Laad Bazaar' is a big marketplace where you buy some memories for yourself.

Hiring a tourist guide will be a good decision in order to make your trip successful. So if you ever get an opportunity to visit Hyderabad, do visit this place especially Charminar, along with various other attractions which depict the glorious history, great architectural skills of those days engineers and the beauty of the past.