CHARMINAR
FACTS & FIGURES
Built in : 1591 AD
Built by : Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah
Location : Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh)
CHARMINAR
The Charminar is an imposing monument, which reflects the glory of the Qutub Shahi dynasty. It is a massive square structure, 56 m (183.72 ft) high and 30 m (98.42 ft) wide. This monument is built
entirely of granite and lime mortar. It has 4 minarets one on each of its corners. These fluted minarets are attached to the main bu
ilding and rise towards the sky to a height of 56 m (183.72 ft). Each minaret of the Charminar has a double balcony. A small bulbous cupola crowns each of these beautiful minarets, which is decorated with petal like formations. A short pointed spire crowns all the minarets.
The four grand arches of the Charminar face the four cardinal directions. Once upon a time each of these arches led to four royal roads. Each of the four arches is decorated on its sides with a row of small arched niches. The Charminar is a two-
storied building with the first floor being covered.
The elegant balconies on this floor provide excellent vantage point for viewing the surrounding areas. There is a small mosque on the top floor of the building, which can be reached by climbing a total of 149 steps. The mosque is situated on the western side facing the Muslim holy city of Mecca. There are as many as 45 prayer spaces on this floor, which does not have a roof on top of it. It is said that people thronged this mosque to offer Friday prayers, during the reign of the Qutub Shahi dynasty in Hyderabad. This mosque is the oldest surviving mosque in the city of Hyderabad. The panoramic view of the city from the top is simply breathtaking.
The Charminar is a unique blend of the Indo-Islamic style of architecture that flourished in India during the medieval period. The beauty of this enchanting monument is accentuated every evening when it is illuminated.
HOW TO REACH
Hyderabad and Secunderabad are twin cities, and share the same airport - Begumpet airport that is well connected by air with important Indian cities. It is located at a distance of six kilometres from Secunderabad and is 15 km from Old City (Old City of Hyderabad), where Charminar is situated. Taxis are easily available from the airport for the twin cities.
Hyderabad and Secunderabad are twin cities, and share the same airport - Begumpet airport that is well connected by air with important Indian cities. It is located at a distance of six kilometres from Secunderabad and is 15 km from Old City (Old City of Hyderabad), where Charminar is situated. Taxis are easily available from the airport for the twin cities.
Hyderabad is also well connected by train and road with important destinations in India. To travel to the Charminar, you can make use of local buses (that ply on fixed routes within the city), taxis or auto-rickshaws. Rented cars available in Hyderabad are ideally suited for exploring the city and places around it.
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tp://www.indiavisitinformation.com/indian-culture/indian-monument/Charminar-in-india.shtml
BORRA CAVES & ARAKU VALLEY
Borra Cavesare located at a distance of 92 Km north of Visakhapatnam. The caves open with 100 meter on horizontal plane and about 75 meters on vertical plane. These caves spread over an area of one square KM and the origin of river Gosthani which flows through t
he district. This you must see if you are in Araku Valley or in Visakhaptanam. This location is at a height of 800 to 1300 meters from MSL. William King the British geologist discovered this million years old cave in the year 1807.
Breath taking hilly terrain, beautiful landscape, semi-evergreen moist deciduous forests, and wild fauna of the area are a visual feast.
The humic acid in the water reacts with calcium carbonate in the limestone and dissolves the minera
ls breaking the rock gradually. The perennial water flow over a period of time results in the formation of caves. Stalagmites are formed due water percolating from the roof containing calcium bi carbonate and other minerals from mounds. Same way stalactites are also formed and because of their different shapes tourist and locals have given different names to them. One can see different formations of the stalactites and stalagmites as Shiv-Paravathi, Mother-Child, Rushi's Beard, Human Brain, Crocodile, Tiger
and Cowsudder. On your journey to Araku by train you can see picturesque Landscape with greenery, peaks and valleys. Before reaching Borra Guhalu Railway station the train passes through 42 tunnels.
Entry Fee:
Adult Rupees 25/-
Child Rupees 15/-
Cameras allowed at fee of Rupees 10/-
Video cameras at a fee of Rupees 100/-
Timings: 10 AM to 5.30 PM There is a daily Rail cum Road package tours available from Visakhapatnam to Araku valley.
Rs 10 for still camera and Rs 100 for video cameral fee is to be paid at counter. There is no locker facility to deposit your cameras if you decide not to carry them inside the caves. Local shops will keep your cameras at a fee of Rs 5 , they will hand over one hand written token and you have to keep it with you.
For reservation and further details contact
APTDC
Central Reservation Manager
Central Reservation Office, No 46A, RTC Complex,
Visakahaptnam Phone: 0891-2746446, Telfax 2713135
Mobile 9848007022, 9848185775,9848023948
http://www.go2india.in/ap/borra-caves.php
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