42 Protected Monuments in Andhra Pradesh

Charminar being the numero uno!

Bhagyashree Tarke

There are 500 monuments protected in Andhra Pradesh as per the website of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Out of these, nearly 42 are in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Eight of these are ticketed monuments, two of which are Charminar and Golconda Fort.

Right from the controversy regarding the delay in completion of the Charminar Pedestrianisation Project to the general chaos that surrounds the monument all round the year, this monument has had to take the load of being something for everyone – the eternal tourist attraction for the visitors from India and abroad and the spinoff resulting in regular revenue for the shops that are littered around it.

Hyderabad has taken pride in this 400+ year old monument and on Independence Day, it gleamed beautifully like a newly-wed bride. On other festive occasions, notably on New Year’s Day and other national holidays, it outshines every other establishment by a long shot. Unmindful of the traffic and festival shopping, there are a regular set of visitors who come there to take in the breath-taking view from the top, even if it means negotiating their way through a very narrow staircase.

The recent statistics about Andhra Pradesh being the top favoured destination for internal tourism has further highlighted the importance of this monument. Tirupati is one of the most preferred towns owing to its religious component but Charminar is a secular attraction and has always been one, despite the flare-ups about the Bhagyalakshmi Temple ensconced in its premises. Hyderabadis and others who visit the twin cities make a beeline for killer bargain purchases and the mouth-watering food available all around the monument. It is easily the number one destination among the protected monuments in the city.