Charminar

Your lasting impression of Hyderabad will be of the legendary Charminar. Built in 1591 by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, who is also credited with the foundation of Hyderabad, this iconic landmark is a four-sided archway with four graceful minarets soaring to a height of 48.7m above the ground. Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, also credited with the foundation of Hyderabad, became the ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty of Golkonda in 1580 after the death of his father Jamshid and ruled till his death in 1612.

Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah was a patron of both Telgu and Urdu languages. Qutb Shahi dynasty of Golkonda was one of the five Deccan Muslim states that arose on the disintegration of the bahmani kingdom. The Muslim kingdom of Golconda, known for diamonds all over the world, was last of the five to be annexed to the Mughal empire in 1687.

One of the most photographed monuments of India, Charminar was commissioned to mark the end of a fatal epidemic that has swept the region. This beautiful edifice is a specimen of Indo-Islamic architecture with influences of Persian elements. Situated in the heart of old city, the monument has four minarets soaring to a height of 48.7m. Each of the minaret has 149 circular steps which can be used by the visitors to have a panoramic view of the city. The Charminar is also home to a mosque with prayer spaces for the faithful.

No visit to Hyderabad is complete without a trip to the legendary Charminar.