A trip to the city of Nizams is never complete if your sightseeing list gives Charminar a miss.

In 1591, Charminar, which means four pillars, has been built as a monument and mosque which has emerged as the global icon for Hyderabad. It occupies the place of pride in the official “List of Monuments” prepared by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Story of the storeys- Popular theory states that Charminar was built to honour a pledge done by the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah to Allah, when a deadly plague was taking its toll in his city. History also states that the construction of Charminar had also marked the foundation of the city of Hyderabad, when Quli Qutb Shah shifted his capital from Golconda to Hyderabad.

The built: Claimed being the first multi storeyed structure built in the city, the Charminar masjid has been constructed as a square structure with four grand arches each facing a point that opens into four streets. The four minarets stand at four corners each measuring approximately 184ft, with a double balcony. Each minaret is built with 149 flights of steps leading to the top floor.

Confluence of religious beliefs: Charminar is said to be an emblem of religious harmony by virtue of the fact that it consists of a mosque occupying the top floor of the four-storey structure with the Bhagyalakshmi temple situated at the base of the structure.

Shopper’s paradise: If you fancy authentic pearls, bangles and other paraphernalia, Laad Baazar, the thriving market surrounding Charminar, is just the place for you. Visit the shops for exquisite trinkets while you explore your skills in bargaining.

Enigmas of Charminar: It is said that all the structures of Charminar tells a tale of mystery. Each of the four minarets has a story and is marked by carved ring.

Legends talk about a secret tunnel between the charminar leading to the Golkonda fort which is rumoured to house treasures yet to be found.

The architect has carved a cat’s head in the apex of one of the small arches on the eastern side which symbolically means that a cat keeps away rats which once plagued the city of Hyderabad.

Busy city life at Charminar

What do you reckon when you think of the city of Nawabs?! We offer you pictorial clues of this well-known place which can be dubbed as a foodie’s paradise. Identify the place and stand a chance to win exciting discounts on dayouting packages at Leonia.

On the eve of our 71st Independence day, spare a thought on the fact that what has the auspicious day of 15th August meant to us. If we are free to live and breathe like the way we are and are free to accept the world around us just like the way it is, we are truly enlivening days of independence every day.

The battle of independence was a long-drawn strife against the British imperials who’s initial intention of doing trade in our nation later gave way to political and administrative ambitions. The course of the battle was marked with innumerable sacrifices done by bravehearts from all the corners of the nation who’s only ego was the freedom of their motherland. It witnessed sacrificial acts of national leader like Mahatma Gandhi who spearheaded nationalist movements like the Non-cooperation Movement, the Civil Disobedience movement which claimed to shake the podium of British rule. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is revered as one of the foremost leaders who’s battlecry “poorna swaraj” (complete independence) had filled hopes and courage into people’s hearts. Several youths like Bhagat Singh, Khudiram Bose, Masterda Surya Sen and innumerable others resorted to weapons to create panic among the ruling imperials and expedite attaining independence.

After a long battle and amidst spiralling political tensions, the new British viceroy, Lord Mountbatten chose the second anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II, 15 August, as the date of granting full sovereignty to the nation and the birth of a free India.

On the eve of 15th August, Leonia invites you to join hands in paying homage to those innumerable sacrifices that earned us freedom. Let us pledge to keep the sanctity of the tricolour blemish-free and let’s celebrate independence.

Our Tricolour our pride

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The gateway to a good day is a hearty breakfast served on the tray. With nutrition in mind and no mood to ditch your tastebuds, our chef at Leonia presents you the recipe of a quick and an appetizing treat to kick-start your day.