Charminar, Telangana, India

5Alia M 5:00 PM Jan 8, 2020

An untraditional mosque in the heart of tradition
In the midst of a sea of unending bazaars, stands the Charminar Mosque. Honestly, i thought it was a fort, because of how it looks. It doesn't look like the traditional mosque you'd normally find. The line to the tickets wasn't very long and it moved faster than expected. I'd reccomend going on a week day. Otherwise, it'll be mostly locals during the weekend and it'll be even more crowded. Charminar, or four minarets, is a simple structure. Yes, the walls, windows and doors are surrounded by details, but it is simpler than it looks. Within each minaret, there are spiral stairs that lead up to a floor. The stairwell is tiny and the steps are very high. So, if you have a phobia of closed and tight spaces, or bad knees, I wouldn't recommend going up these stairs. Upstairs you'll find archways on all four sides of the structure, which lead to balconies that overlook the surrounding areas north, south, east and west. You can even spot the Mecca mosque. Opposite the balconies to the outside, are balconies to the inside, which overlooks the court downstairs, where, I assume, they pray. It won't take more than an hour for the mosque, but be sure to roam around the surrounding bazaars. You'll find souviners better than the ones bought at airports. I was told that its the best place to buy bangels. Also, I wouldn't advise buying pearls from yhe pearl shops in these bazaars. I reccomend haggling, they usually start with the high prices, and if they spot a foreigner they go very high. I also reccomend trying fruits from the fruit kiosks there, very refreshing! P.s, most of the sellers wont give you plastic bags (no plastic initiative), I hade a backpack and filled up with everything I bought.

5Pablodvlp 5:00 PM Jan 18, 2020

Make the Charminar your first stop when visiting Hyderabad
On my first trip to India, Charminar was the first place I visited. It turned out to be the perfect place to start with to understand the local culture and enjoy the history of the city. I stayed on the tech area of the city, so I used and autorixha (small orange scooter cabs) to reach the site, which I highly recommend as a one of a kind experience in itself. There is a main unpaved street leading up to it with many shops on the sides full of souvenirs and other items like bangles and statues. As you walk towards it you'll be able to click some great pictures with the shops and the building as background. Once you arrive (I recommend late in the afternoon before closing to avoid lines and get the best views, around 4pm), you will see at the base several guides hovering around the tickets area - do get one! It's cheap and you will get the brief history lesson on the Charminar but also the various dynasties that ruled the area. Plenty to see as you roam the place. The views front the top are amazing. At dawn, many pop up shops with little lights get setup at the base area which I enjoyed browsing around. There is an amazing photo opportunity from the top of the building down towards the street once these shops are open and lit up. The day must end with a tea sampling at one of the bakery shops around. If this is indeed your first place, you will have a great time and a lot to take in. Be ready for the organized chaos and culture shock.