Golconda Fort
View of the Golkonda fort and walls from Shah Hatim Talab, MD Lanes, Tolichowki, Hyderabad
Golkonda fort from inside
Architecture inside golkonda fort
Golkonda Fort inside view, Hyderabad
Taramati Mosque
Rani Mahal
Ambar Khana
Staircase leading to the top of the Fort
Fort overlooking the city
Golconda Fort
Weather :
Label : Top Attraction
Tags : Forts & Palaces
Timings : 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Time Required : 3-4 hrs
Entry Fee : Indians: INR 5,
Foreign Tourists: INR 100
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"The Untouched Grandeur of India"
Golconda Fort, Hyderabad Overview
Situated in the Western part of the beautiful city of Hyderabad at a distance of approximately 9 km from Hussain Sagar Lake, Golconda Fort is one of the region's best-preserved monuments. The construction of this fort was completed in the 1600s and it is reputed for being the area where once, the mighty Koh-I-Noor diamond was stored. It is said that if you clap your hands at the bottom of the fort, the echoes of it can be heard right to the top! The architecture, the legends, the history, and the mystery of Golconda Fort add to its allure and make it one of the must-visit places in Hyderabad.
The mines here are known to produce some of the most coveted and popular gems ever known in the world such as Idol's Eye, the Hope Diamond, Darya-i-noor and the famous Koo-i-noor.
In the evening, Golconda Fort comes to life with the light and sound show which showcases snippets from its regal past. The grandeur, the rise, and the fall of the fort are all spectacular in their own right. With its fascinating history, the place is definitely worth a visit.
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Golconda Fort History
As per legends, an idol was found in the area (now known as Golconda Fort) by a shepherd. Soon after, Kakatiyan king was informed about the same, and he gave the order to build a mud fort around the idol. The fort came to be known as "Golla Konda" which meant Shepherd's Hill in Telugu.
The Golconda fort was erected in the year 1143 under the Kakatiya Dynasty. However, it rose to prominence when it came under the rule of Qutub Shahi Dynasty during the 16th century, i.e. when Quli Qutub Shah declared his independence from the Bahmani Sultanate in 1518. The striking fort since then expanded from a mud fortress to a lofty structure to having a 10 km outer wall. After a failed attempt in the year 1686, the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb was finally able to breach the impregnable fort in 1687 after a long nine-month siege.
The Golconda fort was erected in the year 1143 under the Kakatiya Dynasty. However, it rose to prominence when it came under the rule of Qutub Shahi Dynasty during the 16th century, i.e. when Quli Qutub Shah declared his independence from the Bahmani Sultanate in 1518. The striking fort since then expanded from a mud fortress to a lofty structure to having a 10 km outer wall. After a failed attempt in the year 1686, the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb was finally able to breach the impregnable fort in 1687 after a long nine-month siege.
Architecture of The Fort
Golconda Fort is a grand structure built on a hill of altitude 400 feet with a circumference of 7 km displaying the beautiful fusion of Hindu-Islamic style of architecture. Its wall comprises of 8 gates and 87 bastions each one reaching the height of 50-60 feet. There are three powerful consecutive fortification walls each within the other. The first line of the wall contains town, the second line is a double wall that runs around the foot of the hill on which the citadel stands. The third line is further up the hill lying within the second comprised of masonry and natural boulders. Situated with the fortress are the dwellings of the queens and princesses and homesteads of their retainers.
The dazzling fort is quite famous for its royal apartments, parade grounds, numerous halls and mosques. Amongst the eight gates, Fateh Darwaza is the main gate as the victorious march of King Aurangzeb proceeded through it. This door is 13ft wide and 25ft long and was made up of steel spikes to protect it from elephants. The Balahisar Darwaza which was built using the Nawabi style and culture is another magnificent structure. Today, only the eastern gate can be visited by the tourists. The Golconda fort is situated on a hilltop and has superb airing which is what made life simpler for the royals during summers.
The dazzling fort is quite famous for its royal apartments, parade grounds, numerous halls and mosques. Amongst the eight gates, Fateh Darwaza is the main gate as the victorious march of King Aurangzeb proceeded through it. This door is 13ft wide and 25ft long and was made up of steel spikes to protect it from elephants. The Balahisar Darwaza which was built using the Nawabi style and culture is another magnificent structure. Today, only the eastern gate can be visited by the tourists. The Golconda fort is situated on a hilltop and has superb airing which is what made life simpler for the royals during summers.
Golconda Fort Sound and Light Show
Golconda Fort is one of the most famous landmarks of the city of Hyderabad. Its ancient remains differentiate it from the rest of the tourist attractions and enhance its beauty. It is organized in the ruins of the Rani Mahal section of the fort.
Some details about the show:
1st show in English (on all days)
2nd show in Telugu (on Monday, Wednesday and Friday), in Hindi (on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday)
Timings of the show-
First show- November to February- 6:30 PM
March to October- 7 PM
Second show-November to February- 7:45 PM
March to October- 8:15 PM
Timings of the ticket counter- Opens from 5:30 PM
Cost of tickets-
The ticket costs INR 140 (adult) and INR 110 (child) for executive class
INR 80 (adult) and INR 60 (child) for normal class.
The light and sound show should definitely be experienced whenever you plan a visit to the Golkonda Fort.
Some details about the show:
1st show in English (on all days)
2nd show in Telugu (on Monday, Wednesday and Friday), in Hindi (on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday)
Timings of the show-
First show- November to February- 6:30 PM
March to October- 7 PM
Second show-November to February- 7:45 PM
March to October- 8:15 PM
Timings of the ticket counter- Opens from 5:30 PM
Cost of tickets-
The ticket costs INR 140 (adult) and INR 110 (child) for executive class
INR 80 (adult) and INR 60 (child) for normal class.
The light and sound show should definitely be experienced whenever you plan a visit to the Golkonda Fort.
Golconda Fort Timings and Entry Fees
The timings for Golconda Fort is 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The entry fees for the fort is as follows:
Indians: INR 5
Foreign Tourists: INR 100
Still Camera: INR 25
Sound & Light Show: INR 130
The entry fees for the fort is as follows:
Indians: INR 5
Foreign Tourists: INR 100
Still Camera: INR 25
Sound & Light Show: INR 130
Best Time To Visit Golconda Fort
The best time to visit the city of Hyderabad is during the months extending from September to March as the climate is moderate at that time and quite enjoyable as well. Golconda Fort can be visited during the evening hours when the weather is pleasant and some sound and light show can be enjoyed.
Tips
1. Carry water and eatables along with you while visiting the fort.
2. Do not litter around the place. Use a dustbin to throw garbage.
3. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes as there will be a lot of walking on foot.
4. Light and sound show is the highlight of the fort and should definitely not be missed out on.
5. It is advisable to take a guide in order to understand the uniqueness of this remarkable historic structure.
2. Do not litter around the place. Use a dustbin to throw garbage.
3. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes as there will be a lot of walking on foot.
4. Light and sound show is the highlight of the fort and should definitely not be missed out on.
5. It is advisable to take a guide in order to understand the uniqueness of this remarkable historic structure.
How To Reach Golconda Fort
Since the local transportation system of the city is quite good, it connects the various parts of the city and makes the travel pretty much convenient. The Fort is situated at a distance of 9 km from Hussain Sagar Lake and can be reached either via car, through a bus or through the auto-rickshaws running in the city.
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Golconda Fort Reviews
Your rating
abhijit sreepada
on Golkonda Fort 6 years ago
I was steeped in curiosity at the many nooks and crannies that this fortified hill had to offer the first time I visited. Since the area explores an enormous amount of places to explore I’d recommend (Read More) sparing around 5 hours to explore the area well. The trek to the top of the hill where the baradari (urdu for 12 rooms) is, is lined with stone steps and I would recommend you wear sturdy footwear and carry water. Lying at a high vantage point, it offers beautiful views of Hyderabad and the sunset from here is heavenly, making the trek up worthwhile.
Veronica Sahoo
on Golkonda Fort 6 years ago
Nice Information.
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Popular Questions And Answers on Golconda Fort
Q. I was told it is closed now. Can somebody confirm please?
Nibha Chaudhuri
6 years ago
The fort is currently open
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