The Charminar, the definitive cultural icon of an equally incredible city, stands in the middle of hundreds of buildings, shops and intersecting lanes. A centre of attraction in Hyderabad, this monument mesmerises young and old, locals and the guests alike with its unique stories, sounds, smells and tastes. It is a reminder of a bygone era. The locality around the minar is a symbol of artistic splendour, cultural harmony and traditionally rooted living. We start the experience by grabbing a cup of Irani chai at one of the oldest bakeries in Hyderabad. As we move forward, we will stop by the bangle shops of Laad Bazaar. We will learn about Dakhini (popularly known as Hyderabadi Hindi/Urdu) and pick up a few phrases in the language. Before we end the experience, we shall visit the only dargah in India where the graves inside the tomb are covered in sand. Join us as we explore the lanes around the Charminar at dawn, discovering the many facets of the ‘Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb’. This site is a perfect representation of the region’s multilingualism as well as its local people, trade and cuisines. In this expereince, we will not only learn about the history of this iconic monument but also hear the stories of the people who inhabit these lanes. Please Note: 1. Since we are visiting a religious site, women should carry a scarf. For the same reason, men should not wear shorts. 2. Please wear comfortable shoes during this experience. When entering religious sites, shoes will need to be taken off. 3. Photography is allowed. 4. Please carry an umbrella. Know your experience leader - Ansaar Ansaar is an independent researcher in experiential learning, communication design and interactive pedagogy. He is also the founder of the Year Million Project, a think tank that focuses on building learner-driven educational solutions. Outside the workplace, he is an avid reader, an extreme-sports lover and a culture enthusiast with a deep interest in local traditions