Golconda Fort

Golconda Fort, Hyderabad is one of the best-preserved monuments located in the western part of the city and is at a distance of 9 km from the Hussain Sagar Lake. Originally, Golconda was known as Mankal and the word Golconda is derived from the Telugu words “Golla” and “Konda” – together gives the meaning as ‘Shepherd’s Hill’. The history of Golconda Fort goes back to the 12^th century under the Kakatiya Dynasty as a part of their western defenses. But the fort has got the prominence in 16^th century under the rule Qutub Shahi Dynasty which was after the rule of Bahmani Sultans.

Initially, Golconda Fort was a mud fort and later on was built into a grand structure on a granite hilltop pavilion at an altitude of 120 meters. The fort displays a beautiful fusion of Hindu-Islamic style of architecture with a circumference extending around 5 km. Actually, Golconda consists of 4 distinct forts with a 10km length outer walls. It also boasts 87 semicircular bastions, 8 gates, 4 draw bridges, mounted cannons, majestic halls, temples, mosques, magazines, stables etc. The outermost enclosure is the victory gate called as the “Fateh Darwaza” (the triumphant army of Aurangzeb marched successfully through this gate ).

The entire Golconda Fort complex is spread across 11 km. The main entrance to the fort is called the Bala Hissar Gate located on the eastern side. The system of acoustics at the Fateh Darwaza reflects one of the many engineering marvels at the Golconda Fort and attracts each and every visitor. The sound of clapping hands near the dome entrance at the bottom of the fort reverberates almost a kilometer away at the hilltop pavilion. Earlier, this acoustics of the fort served as a warning sign to the inhabitants of any upcoming danger but now it amuses the visitors.

The official “List of Monuments” prepared by ASI listed the Golconda Fort is an archaeological treasure. The rule of the Qutub Shahi dynasty ended in 1687 after the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb breached the impregnable fort after a 9-month siege. The fort has Qutub Shahi tombs with Islamic architecture that are located 1 km to the outer wall of Golconda. It is also believed that there is a secret underground tunnel which starts from the Darbar Hall and ends at the foot of the hill in one of the palaces. The gates of the fort are so huge with large pointed iron spikes.

Golconda Fort flourished as a diamond trade centre with a vault that stored the very famous Kohinoor and Hope diamonds along with the pink Dariainoor, the white Regent and others. Water supply system, Rahban cannon, Ramdas prison are some of the attractive features in the fort. Last but not the least is the Sound and Light Show at the Golconda Fort which presents the history of it. The show is done in 3 languages – Telugu, Hindi and English with a voice of Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan.

The best time to visit Golconda Fort is during the months of September to March as the climate is optimum and enjoyable. Generally evening hours can be preferred to enjoy the sound and light show. Separate tickets should be bought for the still camera( Rs. 25) and the sound and light show. Some of the places to visit nearby Golconda Fort include Qutub Shahi Tombs, Hussain Shah Wali Dargah and Mahatma Gandhi Digital Museum.

Golconda Fort FAQ’S;

Golconda Fort Location MAP;