Jhulta Minar
The Jhulta Minar, or Shaking Minarets, are part of the Sidi Bashir Mosque, located near the Kalupur gate in Ahmedabad. Built in 1452, these minarets are an architectural mystery that continues to baffle engineers and scientists worldwide. The unique feature of these towers is that if one minaret is shaken with a little force, the other one begins to vibrate within seconds, while the connecting passage remains completely still. This phenomenon was intended as a safety measure against earthquakes. Unfortunately, the main body of the mosque was destroyed during the 1753 war between the Marathas and Mughals, leaving only the two magnificent minarets and the central gateway standing today. Another pair of shaking minarets exists at the Raj Bibi Mosque, but those at Sidi Bashir are more famous. British engineers once dismantled part of a minaret to understand the mechanism but were unable to put it back together, proving the sophistication of ancient Indian engineering. Today, visitors are no longer allowed to climb the minarets to protect the structural integrity, but seeing them from the ground is still a mesmerizing experience. It remains a symbol of the city's legendary craftsmanship.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
30 to 45 MinutesPlace Type:
Heritage & Architectural MarvelEntry Fees:
Free Entry: There is no charge to view the minarets from the public area or the mosque compound.
Parking: Minimal parking fees might apply if you are visiting by a private vehicle. ...Free Entry: There is no charge to view the minarets from the public area or the mosque compound.
Parking: Minimal parking fees might apply if you are visiting by a private vehicle.Timing:
Regular Timings: Open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (8:00 AM) before the surrounding Kalupur area gets too crowded with traffic. ...Regular Timings: Open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (8:00 AM) before the surrounding Kalupur area gets too crowded with traffic.Special Events:
Heritage Walks: The minarets are a key stop during the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s morning heritage walks.
World Heritage Day: Special cleaning and lighting happen on April 18th to celebrate the UNESCO status. ...Heritage Walks: The minarets are a key stop during the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s morning heritage walks.
World Heritage Day: Special cleaning and lighting happen on April 18th to celebrate the UNESCO status.Best Photo Spots:
Low Angle Shot: Stand at the base of the towers and look up to capture the intricate balcony details.
Gate Alignment: Frame both minarets through the surviving central stone archway for a classic look. ...Low Angle Shot: Stand at the base of the towers and look up to capture the intricate balcony details.
Gate Alignment: Frame both minarets through the surviving central stone archway for a classic look.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Architecture Study: Admire the sandstone carvings and the balconies from the ground level.
Historical Inquiry: Read the information plaques to learn about the Sidi Bashir history.
Photography: Capture the towering height of the minarets against the sky.
Local Interaction: Talk to local guides about the folk legends associated with the "shaking.
" Visit Nearby Mosque: Walk to the Sidi Bashir Mosque ruins to see the remaining foundation.
Observe Rail Traffic: Since it's near the station, witness the contrast of ancient towers and modern trains.
Quick Stop: It’s a perfect short visit while waiting for a train at Kalupur Station. ...
Information
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Why Famous:
Unsolved Mystery: It is world-famous for the vibration transfer between the two towers, a secret that remains unexplained.
Ancient Engineering: It showcases the advanced seismic engineering knowledge of the 15th-century builders of Gujarat....Unsolved Mystery: It is world-famous for the vibration transfer between the two towers, a secret that remains unexplained.
Ancient Engineering: It showcases the advanced seismic engineering knowledge of the 15th-century builders of Gujarat. -
Architecture:
Three-Storey Design: Each minaret stands three storeys tall with intricately carved balconies and stone brackets.
Mystery Construction: The flexible joints and internal layered construction are believed to cause the vibration without collap...Three-Storey Design: Each minaret stands three storeys tall with intricately carved balconies and stone brackets.
Mystery Construction: The flexible joints and internal layered construction are believed to cause the vibration without collapsing. -
How To Reach:
By Air: 11 KM from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport via Airport Road.
By Train: It is right outside the Ahmedabad Junction (Kalupur) railway station; a 5-minute walk.
By Road: Located on the main road in S... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Kalupur Railway Station (0. 2 KM), 2. Swaminarayan Temple (1. 0 KM), 3. Jama Masjid (2. 0 KM), 4. Sidi Sayyed Mosque (2. 5 KM), 5. Hathee Singh Jain Temple (3. 5 KM), 6. Kankaria Lake (3. 0 KM), 7. Teen Darwaza (2. 2 KM), 8. Dada Harir Stepwell (3. 0 KM), 9. Adalaj Stepwell (19 KM), 10. Sabarmati Ashram (7. 0 KM)
Tourism Tips
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No Climbing: Note that climbing the minarets is strictly prohibited for safety and conservation reasons.
Noise Caution: The area is very loud due to the proximity to the railway station; be prepared for crowds.
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