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Charminar

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Charminar is a monumental gateway and mosque in the heart of Hyderabad, commissioned by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591. It was built to commemorate the eradication of a devastating plague and to serve as the centerpiece of his new capital city. Architecturally, the square structure is defined by its four grand minarets, each rising to a height of 56 meters, giving the building its name, which translates to 'Four Towers.' Constructed from granite, limestone, and pulverized marble, it represents a masterful blend of Indo-Islamic and Persian architectural styles. A mosque occupies the top floor, while the ground level opens onto four bustling streets leading to ancient markets like the Laad Bazaar. Today, the Charminar is the global icon of Hyderabad, reflecting the rich heritage and cosmopolitan spirit of the Qutb Shahi era.

Location: India
Top sights: Salar Jung Museum · State Library · High Court of Telangana

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	22	25	29	32	33	29	27	26	25	24	22	21
Rain mm	7	5	20	24	30	108	169	190	151	87	14	3

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Charminar in Hyderabad is a historic monument and an active mosque. Visitors can enter the building and explore the surroundings.

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Typical hours

Charminar is typically open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM. The mosque is closed to non-Muslims during prayer times.

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Photography

Photography is allowed from the outside and in the inner courtyard. Inside the mosque, photography is generally not allowed.

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Time needed

A visit to Charminar itself takes about 30 minutes to an hour. The surrounding bazaars and old town invite longer stays.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with nearby Mecca Masjid and Salar Jung Museum. Hussain Sagar Lake is also worth a visit.

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Getting there

Charminar is located in central Hyderabad, near the old city. Taxis, buses, and rickshaws are the best ways to get there.

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Insider tip

Visit the place late afternoon to enjoy the golden light. Try local snacks in the adjacent Laad Bazaar.

Geography

Coordinates

17.36160, 78.47470

Facts

Construction of the Charminar was completed in 1591 CE.
Each of the four minarets stands 56 meters high.
The structure is built with granite, limestone, and marble mortar.
There are 149 steps to reach the upper balcony of the minarets.
The mosque on the top floor has 45 prayer spaces.
It was built at the intersection of historical trade routes in Hyderabad.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lumbini Park, Hyderabad1 km · EExplore →

Nehru Zoological Park3 km · SExplore →

Golconda Fort8 km · SExplore →

Ramoji Film City23 km · NExplore →

Godavari River25 km · EExplore →

Longyearbyen48 km · SWExplore →

Svalbard49 km · SWExplore →

Nagpur107 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Charminar (14)

Salar Jung Museum 🏛 museum

One of India's largest museums, housing the vast private art collection of the Salar Jung family.

State Library 🏺 historical

A magnificent Indo-Saracenic building on the Musi River, housing one of the state's largest libraries.

High Court of Telangana 🏺 historical

An imposing red stone structure on the Musi riverbank, built in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style.

🌐 hc.ts.nic.in

Sai Baba Temple ⛪ religious

A prominent Sai Baba temple in Dilsukhnagar, serving as a major pilgrimage site for thousands of devotees.

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Bhagyalaxmi Temple ⛪ religious

A small Hindu temple located right at the base of the iconic Charminar monument.

Mehboob Chowk Clock Tower 🏺 historical

A 19th-century clock tower built in Turkish style, located near the Laad Bazaar.

Chowmahalla Palace 📍 landmark

The former seat of the Nizams, known for its opulent Durbar Hall and antique car collection.

Mecca Masjid 📍 landmark

One of India's oldest and largest mosques, with bricks made from soil brought from Mecca.

The Nizam's Museum 🏛 museum

A museum in Purani Haveli showcasing the personal gifts and belongings of the last Nizam.

🌐 hehnmh.com🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-17:00

Raja Dhanrajgir Palace 🏰 castle

A historic mansion from the Nizam era, representing the aristocratic architecture of Hyderabad.

Amphitheatre 🎭 culture

A modern open-air amphitheatre used for cultural performances and community events.

Super Theatre 🎭 culture

A local theatre hub in the heart of the Charminar district, known for regional film screenings.

Yadagiri Theater 🎭 culture

This traditional cinema is a popular gathering spot for locals for entertainment in the old city.

vivekanda nagarr ⛪ religious

A serene place of worship located in the Vivekananda Nagar residential area for the local community.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why was the Charminar built?

It was built in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah to commemorate the end of a devastating plague.

Can you go up the Charminar?

Yes, visitors can climb to the first floor to enjoy views of the surrounding bustling market.

What is the Laad Bazaar?

A historic market located right next to the Charminar, world-famous for its colorful lacquer bangles.

What are the opening hours?

The monument is open to visitors daily from approximately 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

Is the Charminar illuminated at night?

Yes, it is beautifully illuminated in the evenings, making for a striking sight.

Charminar: where is it located?

Charminar is located in India.

Charminar: what is there to see?

Highlights include Salar Jung Museum, State Library, High Court of Telangana.

Charminar: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

Charminar: why is it worth visiting?

The Charminar is a monumental gateway and mosque in the heart of Hyderabad, commissioned by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Charminar

Best time to visit & climate