Escorted, Group & Individual Tours across India, Sri Lanka, Nepal & Bhutan

Who built the Charminar, & why??

The Charminar (four minarets) is to Hyderabad, as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. Located in the state of Andhra Pradesh this heritage monument was built by the fifth monarch of the QutubShahi dynasty, the erstwhile Muhammed QuliQutb Shah in 1589. The QutbShahi dynasty was founded roundabouts 1510 A.D when QuliQutb Shah (originally from Turkey) revolted as governor of the eastern province & formed his own kingdom in the fort of Golconda. Known for its legendary diamonds & precious stones, the kingdom was soon overcrowded, not before long plague struck Golconda. The fifth monarch decided to move his capital & chanced upon a verdant plains overlooking River Musi. The talisman known as the Charminar was built to ensure plague never inflected his kingdom again. Built in a perfect square, Charminar has four minarets of equal heights at four corners of the monument. Each side measure 20 meters along its length, while the four storey structure is 24.7 meters high. The surrounding is home to palaces, mosques, trading houses & numerous shops selling world famous pearls, jewellery, lac bangles &ittar perfumes. Hyderabadi Biryani cooked on slow fire with succulent pieces of lamb, fine rice, aromatic spices& curative herbs gets its name for the city of Hyderabad. At time there's lots in a name, considering Hyderabad got its name from the Queen of QuliQutab Shah who was called Hyder Mahal!

Best Time to Visit – October to March

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