Charminar Walk

Overview

A fantastic celebration of Qutub Shahi architecture the iconic symbol of Hyderabad the Charminar dates to the period between 1590 and 1591No place can give you a glimpse of Hyderabadi life like the Charminar area can. It is a brilliant mosaic of history, culture, modernity, crafts, business, and old-world charm - a perfect slice of this city's life. It provides an excellent overview of the history of old Hyderabad under the Qutub Shahi and Asaf Jahi dynasties that ruled here for over five centuries

Why you will love it

• Get a glimpse into the overall history of Hyderabad
• Explore the old city area including Charminar, Laad Bazaar, Mecca Masjid
• Get a glimpse of the wealth and grandeur of the Nizams through a tour around the Chowmahalla Palace.

What you will experience

The Charminar, made of limestone and mortar, features four imposing arches. On the second floor is a mosque with five arches and several prayer halls. Radiating from this iconic structure are walks that lead to the beautiful Mecca Masjid, built by Sultan Muhammad Qutub Shah. You could feed the scores of pigeons here in the courtyard. Up next is the jaw-dropping majesty of Golconda Fort,(remember the legends of the Golconda diamonds!); the fort recaptures its history at the nightly sound and light show. Close by lie the tombs of the Qutub Shahi kings and the royal families. A visit to the Salar Jung Museum with its amazing collection of exhibits offers a window into the fabulous life and times of Hyderabad’s Nizami world.

We will wander around Laad Bazar and soak in the rich atmospherics of this ancient bazaar famed for the shiny lac bangles. Our walk takes us through the by lanes where we can see and meet the craftsmen who create this evocative filmy ‘bling’. The lavish splendour of the palaces of the Nizams is a legend. The fabulous Faluknama Palace, now transformed into a five-star hotel is a legend for this largesse. Our walk ends with a tour of Chowmahalla Palace built by Nizam Salabat Jung in 1750; it is a finer replica of his palace in the city of Tehran in Iran.