Charminar

The Charminar is the soul of old Hyderabad, a magnificent 16th-century monument of four soaring 56-metre minarets framing grand arches, standing at the centre of the bustling old city. Built of granite and lime mortar, it's an architectural icon and the symbol of the city, surrounded by the chaotic, intoxicating energy of the Laad Bazaar (famous for bangles and pearls) and the aromas of Hyderabadi street food and biryani. You can climb the narrow internal staircase to the upper level for a view over the teeming streets and the nearby Mecca Masjid.

It's not a serene monument but a living one, embedded in markets and traffic, which is its charm. Visit for the architecture, then dive into the surrounding bazaars; this is one of India's great old-city experiences.

Đừng bỏ lỡ

• The four 56m minarets and grand arches
• Climbing to the upper level for old-city views
• The surrounding Laad Bazaar (bangles and pearls)
• Hyderabadi street food and biryani nearby
• The adjacent Mecca Masjid mosque

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Điều cần biết trước khi đi

• Climbing the minaret level is via a tight, steep spiral staircase, go early before queues.
• Dive into the Laad Bazaar for bangles and pearls, and the famous local biryani.
• It's lit beautifully in the evening; mornings are best for the climb.
• The area is busy with traffic and crowds, keep belongings secure.

Một chút lịch sử

Built in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, the Charminar (meaning 'four minarets') was constructed to mark the founding of Hyderabad, by tradition, to commemorate the end of a deadly plague. It has been the city's defining landmark ever since.