This grand mosque in the centre of Hyderabad is one of the oldest and biggest in India. The Mecca Masjid mosque is a significant hub of Islam in the city and attracts huge crowds of Muslims and visitors daily. There is room for 10,000 followers during prayer. Although non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque, you can still tour the grounds of the site to see cavernous arches, marble tombs and a water fountain.
Mecca Masjid was named after the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The Hyderabad mosque was built from granite in the late 18th century. It’s not just its name that has origins in Mecca the bricks of the mosque’s main arch are made from imported soil.
Take a photo in front of the fountain by the mosque’s main entrance. From here, you can see the full face of the gigantic exterior, including the frontal arches and the minarets towering above. Even if you are not Muslim and cannot enter the mosque, it is still worth visiting to appreciate its impressive exterior.
Pay your respects at the marble graves of some of Hyderabad’s past sovereigns. These lie in the courtyard immediately past the entrance.
Sit on the benches outside the mosque and watch the sun set over the Hyderabad skyline. Legend has it that anyone who sits on a bench here will one day return to this spot.
The mosque is open daily to Muslims and non-Muslims can freely tour the grounds. Women should cover their heads and all visitors should wear full-length clothes and cover their shoulders.
Mecca Masjid is located south of the river near the centre of Hyderabad. It’s easily reached by bus. Get off at the Charminar bus stop, which lies next door. There’s a train station 2.2 kilometres (1.4 miles) to the east.
After touring the mosque, visit the nearby Chowmahalla Palace and Charminar. Browse the Laad Bazaar and Pather Gatti markets around Charminar for jewellery and other locally crafted trinkets.
