Raveesh Kumar: Hyderabad Trip : Char Minar, Mecca Masjid, Birla Mandir, Chilkur Balaji Temple

We visited some of the iconic places in Hyderabad during our second day in the city.

Char Minar : Built at the center of the city in 1591 AD, to commemorate the eradication of plague, Char Minar is a global icon of Hyderabad. It is located in old city of Hyderabad known for chaotic traffic. So, the best way to visit the place is take an auto from MGBS(Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station), after parking your vehicle. Arriving at the place, through one of the minarets, visitors are allowed to have a glimpse of the interiors of the historical monument. The stairway through the minaret is narrow and cramped. So, one needs to be cautious while climbing. Once inside, you can have a look at the Indo-Islamic architecture drawing elements from Persian architecture. One of the delighting views here is the sunset which can be seen in backdrop of Mecca Masjid, which is close to Char Minar.

Char Minar, Hyderabad

Bhagya Lakshmi Temple : One of the minarets at Char Minar houses the Bhagya Lakshmi temple. Carved in white marble and decorated with jewels, idol of Goddess Bhaya Lakshmi catches the attention of devotees.

Bhagya Lakshmi Temple, Char Minar, Hyderabad

Mecca Masjid : Located right near Char Minar, is the beautifully built Mecca Masjid. Completed in 1694 AD, the central arch of the mosque is built from the bricks, made from the soil brought from Mecca, the holiest site of Islam, thus giving the mosque its name. To enter Mecca Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, visitors are required to adhere to the traditional dress code. There is a big pond in front of the mosque and with the flocking pigeons, it is a delightful sight!

Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad

Birla Mandir : Built on a high hillock called Naubath Pahad, the temple is mostly made of white marble. Idol of Lord Venkateshwara, who is the main deity here is 11 feet long. The holy place is very clean and is one more place from where you can get the glimpse of the whole city. You can watch the famous Buddha statue located in Hussain Sagar lake from here.

Birla Mandir, Hyderabad

Chilkur Balaji Temple : Located 30 kms from the city is the Chilkur Balaji Temple. Nowadays known as the Visa Temple, Lord Balaji is believed to grant wishes of foreign travel aspirants who are waiting for their Visa. Before the Visa is granted, one has to take 11 Pradakshinas (circumambulations) around the temple. Once the Visa is granted, one has to complete the ritual by completing 108 circumambulations around the temple. This temple was recently featured in CNN, a reputed Television channel of United States of America!

Paradise Biryani : What good is a visit to Hyderabad without having biryani at Paradise hotel. Yes, for dinner we were at Paradise biryani relishing the tradition Hyderabadi biryani.

Cream Stone : Tasting the ice-cream at Cream Stone in Hyderabad is another ritual, which needs to be followed. With mouth-watering flavors on offer, who would say no to that?

Related Posts :
Hyderabad Trip : Day 1 - Kurnool, Golconda Fort and Shilparamam
Hyderabad Trip : Day 3 - Fun at Ramoji Film City