Charminar

Charminar -  built in 1591 a mosque cum monument located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. The name is a combination of two words namely Char(Four) and Minar (Tower) in Urdu put together, which translated to "Four Towers" in English. This monument full of character as the people of the city.

1.Charminar

It was built by the fifth sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah to commemorate the eradication of plague. The structure is unique in a way as it incorporates a blend of Indo-Islamic architecture with Persian elements.

Located in old city, the aura surrounding this area, sticks by it name old/ancient look and hardly find any tall discreet residential structures as the rest of the city. When at old city, take time exploring this place talking to local there, you would get a different view of the place.

Located close is "Laad Bazaar", a market in operation since the Nizams. A market famous for its bangles, goes by local saying "If you don't find it here, you will not find it anywhere". Another unique thing about this place is that it has got something for everyone and would suit everyone's pocket. So, go ahead try out some bangles at "Laad Bazaar" and test your negotiation skills when you are at it.

2.Laad Bazaar

Further along the road is "Makkah Masjid", made from the soil bought from Mecca, used in the construction of central arch of the mosque. The mosque is famous for its Friday praying held which is attended by thousands.

3.Makkah Masjid

Further down the road, is Chowmahalla Palace, the official residence of the Nizams who ruled the state. It is open to public and gives a glimpse of the life style the Nizam enjoyed.

4.Chowmahalla Palace

If all this walking and exploring has taken a toll on you and you need to eat, you are at the right place, give you diet a miss and indulge in the local cuisine around. It’s as rich in taste and calorie's as its heritage. Just around the corner is the famous "Pista House" known for its authentic Haleem, a stew composed of meat, lentils, wheat cooked for over 12 hours to form a thick paste topped graciously with whole dollop of clarified butter and fried onions. During the holy month of Ramadan this is exported to over 50 countries giving it a whole international outlook. One doesn't simply leave old city without having the famous Hyderabadi Biryani, head out to Shahg house located further along, a place always buzzing with people, it’s one of the few places where they use an authentic coal cooker to make their biryani making it all the more better and rich in taste and texture. If you are an adventurous cowboy and could take some spice do ask them to make the masala double making it twice tastier and twice more fun. As you finish your tiring day and heading back home, do visit the famous "Pista House" and get some authentic Cashew and Fruit Biscuits, which is like a traditional short bread but twice as sweet in taste and loaded with cashews or fruit extract.