Mecca Masjid is one of the oldest mosques in India. It has a main hall capable of hosting 10,000 worshippers. Its location at the heart of Hyderabad and a significant history within Islamic culture has made Mecca Masjid a destination for both believers and tourists. Visit the impressive mosque to admire its water features, marble tombs, benches and huge arches.
Built towards the end of the 17th century, Mecca Masjid takes its name from the Grand Mosque in Mecca.
Revel in the mosque’s ambience as you pass the cascading fountain near the entrance. Pause for a photograph in front of the fountain to capture the looming façade behind you. Gaze across the arches and intricate minaret designs that characterise the outside of the mosque before you pass beneath the main arch. This structure was created using holy soil carried from Mecca, the holiest site in Islam.
Pay your respects at the final resting spots of former sovereigns. The sombre marble graves can be found in the first courtyard after the entrance.
Take a break on the black benches that line the pond. Local folklore says that those who sit here will one day return to the same spot. Admire the views from your seat as you gaze across at the Hyderabad’s weaving streets and the sun setting above them.
While non-Muslims aren’t permitted inside the mosque you can still experience the power of its symbolism and importance from the outside. From here you can imagine the main hall with its 23-metre (75-foot) high ceilings and the 15 brick arches that hold up the domed roof.
For Muslims the mosque is open daily for prayer sessions. The grounds are open daily and are free of charge. Women should cover their heads and all visitors should wear long trousers and shirts as a mark of respect. Mecca Masjid is located south of the Musi River in the centre of Hyderabad. A bus stops next to the mosque and a train station is located 2.2 kilometres (1.4 miles) on foot from the site.
