Hyderabad is most famous for its charming minarets - Charminar. The city is often identified with the majestic Charminar, which stands at the center of the old city in its entire splendour amidst the colourful shops of Lad Bazaar with its glittering traditional bangles. Often called "The Arc de triomphe of the East", Charminar was built in 1591 by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah and is a beautiful structure with four intricately carved minarets. Enormous in its size, this imposing monument exudes a charm that is more than 400 years old.

The Charminar is a square edifice with four grand arches each facing a cardinal point that opened once upon a time into four royal streets. At each corner stands an exquisitely shaped minaret, more than 55 mt. in height with a double balcony. A bulbous dome crowns each minaret with dainty petal like designs at the base. A beautiful mosque is located at the western end of the open roof and the remaining part of the roof served as a court during the Qutub Shahi times.

About 149 winding steps guide the visitor to the upper floor. Once atop, the solitude and serenity of the beautiful interior is refreshing. The space in the upper floor between the minarets was meant for Friday prayers. There are forty-five prayer spaces.

The summit of Charminar offers an excellent panoramic view of the city. Even as one turns towards the Golconda fort, the mind goes back into time and recapitulates the past glory of Hyderabad during the Qutub Shahi times. It is indeed baffling for a visitor to come to terms with the reality now. Skyscrapers and the bustling modern city life today encompass the Charminar that was once surrounded by royal piazzas. But, inspite of all this, nothing can wane the elegance of Charminar.

Built with granite and lime-mortar, the Charminar is a fine example of the Cazia style of architecture. The intertwined arches and domes are typical of the Islamic architecture. The graceful floral motif atop the Charminar is enchanting.The Charminar depicts the Indo-Saracenic tradition - a symbiosis of the Hindu and the Muslim traditions, which has woven the magic of a rich Deccani culture. The nightly illumination of Charminar is spectacular.

Charminar, with its four towering minarets is an inseparable part of Indian History. Only a visit to this enchanting monument can enable you to experience the awe of Charminar.