4.8 / 5

Golconda Fort

📍 Golconda Fort, TelanganaView map ›

🗓 Best Time To Visit:November to February

⏰ Open Hours:9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

🎒 Things To Do:Explore the fort, Enjoy light and sound show, Visit nearby Qutb Shahi Tombs

💰 Entry Fees:INR 15 for Indians, INR 200 for Foreigners, INR 25 for Light and Sound Show

🧭 Distances:8 km from Hyderabad Deccan Railway Station, 18 km from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport

👥 Traveller Types:History Buffs, Photo Fanatics, Adventure Seekers

📍 Known For:Historic significance, Architectural brilliance, Panoramic views of the city

📝 Tips:Wear comfortable shoes for the climb, Carry water bottles, Arrive early to avoid crowd

📸 Must-See Spots:Rani Mahal, Balahisar Darwaza, The royal palaces

🎬 Featured In:Many Bollywood and Tollywood movies

🎪 Events & Festivals:Bonalu Festival in July/August, Deccan Festival in February

Have questions about Golconda Fort?Ask the Tripoto Community ›
Golconda Fort in Hyderabad: A Magnificent Monument of History and Architecture

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk through the walls of a fort that witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the discovery of legendary diamonds, and the stories of love and betrayal? If yes, then you should visit Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, one of the most impressive and fascinating forts in India.

Golconda Fort is located about 11 km from the city centre of Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana state. It was originally built as a mud fort by the Kakatiya dynasty in the 13th century, and later expanded and fortified by the Bahmani and Qutub Shahi dynasties. It served as the capital of the Qutub Shahi kingdom from 1518 to 1687, until it was captured by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

Golconda Fort is not just a fort, but a complex of palaces, mosques, temples, tombs, gardens, and museums. It showcases the rich history and culture of the region, as well as the remarkable engineering and architectural skills of its builders. It is also famous for its acoustic system, its water supply system, its ventilation system, and its defence system.

In this article, we will explore the history and architecture of Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, as well as provide some tips and information for visitors who want to experience this magnificent monument. We will also tell you about some of the attractions and activities that you can enjoy at Golconda Fort, such as watching the sound and light show, visiting the nearby Qutub Shahi tombs, and exploring the fort’s museums.

History of Golconda Fort Hyderabad

The history of Golconda Fort Hyderabad is a saga of glory and decline, spanning over six centuries. Here are some of the highlights of its history:

Photo of Golconda Fort 1/2 by

The Origin of Golconda Fort

The origin of Golconda Fort dates back to the 13th century, when it was built as a mud fort by the Kakatiya dynasty, who ruled over most parts of present-day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The name Golconda comes from the Telugu words “Golla Konda”, which means “shepherd’s hill”. According to legend, a shepherd boy found an idol on the hill, which led to the construction of a mud fort by the Kakatiya king Prataparudra.

The Rise and Fall of the Qutub Shahi Dynasty

The fort came under the control of the Bahmani sultanate in 1364, after the defeat of the Kakatiyas. The Bahmani rulers expanded and strengthened the fort with stone walls, gates, bastions, and towers. In 1518, Sultan Quli Qutub Shah declared his independence from the Bahmani sultanate and established the Qutub Shahi dynasty. He made Golconda his capital and transformed it into a thriving city. The Qutub Shahi rulers were patrons of art, culture, literature, and architecture. They built many palaces, mosques, temples, tombs, gardens, and markets within and around the fort. They also developed Golconda as a centre of diamond trade, as it was located near the famous diamond mines of Kollur. Some of the world’s most famous diamonds, such as the Koh-i-Noor, the Hope Diamond, the Regent Diamond, and the Orlov Diamond were found in Golconda.

The Qutub Shahi dynasty ruled over Golconda for nearly 170 years, until it was conquered by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1687. Aurangzeb laid siege to Golconda for eight months, using cannons and mines to breach its walls. He finally succeeded with the help of a traitor who opened one of the gates at night. Aurangzeb plundered Golconda’s wealth and treasures and imprisoned its last ruler Abul Hasan Tana Shah. He also destroyed many buildings and structures within the fort.

Also check out: A visit to Golconda Fort and Charminar of Hyderabad

The Nizams and Beyond

After Aurangzeb’s death in 1707, Golconda came under the control of his successors, who neglected it and let it decay. In 1724, Asaf Jah I declared his independence from the Mughals and founded the Asaf Jahi or Nizam dynasty. He shifted his capital from Golconda to Hyderabad city. The Nizams ruled over most parts of present-day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh until 1948 when they joined the Indian Union.

Golconda remained a neglected and forgotten site until it was recognized as a heritage monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 1951. Since then, the ASI has undertaken several conservation and restoration works to preserve and protect Golconda Fort. Today, Golconda Fort is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hyderabad and a symbol of its glorious past.

Architecture of Golconda Fort Hyderabad

Golconda Fort Hyderabad is a marvel of engineering and architecture, reflecting the influence of various styles and cultures. The fort covers an area of about 11 square km and is surrounded by a wall that is 10 km long and 17 feet thick. The wall has eight gates, each with a distinctive name and design. The main gate is called Fateh Darwaza or Victory Gate, which has iron spikes to prevent elephant attacks. The gate also has a remarkable acoustic feature, where a clap at the entrance can be heard at the highest point of the fort, which is about a km away. This was used as a signal system to alert the guards of any intruders or attacks.

Photo of Golconda Fort 2/2 by

The fort has four distinct zones, each with its own set of buildings and structures. The lowest zone is the outer area, where the common people lived and worked. It has markets, warehouses, stables, and barracks. The second zone is the middle area, where the nobles and officials resided. It has mosques, temples, gardens, and pavilions. The third zone is the inner area, where the royal family lived. It has palaces, halls, courtyards, and fountains. The fourth zone is the upper area, where the military and defence establishments were located. It has watchtowers, cannons, armories, and secret tunnels.

Some of the most notable buildings and structures within Golconda Fort are:

Bala Hissar Darwaza: This is the main entrance to the fort from the eastern side. It is a grand archway with intricate carvings and inscriptions.

Rani Mahal: This is the palace of the queens and princesses. It has elegant rooms with colourful tiles and paintings.

Durbar Hall: This is the hall where the king held his court and received his guests. It has a majestic throne made of marble and studded with precious stones.

Baradari: This is a pavilion with 12 arches and pillars. It was used as a summer retreat and a place for entertainment and relaxation.

Nagina Bagh: This is a garden with a pool shaped like a diamond. It was used for royal parties and celebrations.

Taramati Baradari: This is a 12-sided pavilion outside the fort, near the Qutub Shahi tombs. It was named after Taramati, a famous courtesan and singer who performed here for the king.

Jama Masjid: This is one of the oldest mosques in Hyderabad, built by Sultan Quli Qutub Shah in 1518. It has a large dome and four minarets.

Ramdas Bandikhana: This is a prison cell where Ramdas, a Hindu saint and devotee of Lord Rama, was imprisoned by Abul Hasan Tana Shah for misusing the royal funds to build a temple. Ramdas carved images of Rama, Sita, and Hanuman on the walls of his cell.

Kala Pahad: This is a hill on which Aurangzeb placed his cannons during the siege of Golconda. It was named Kala Pahad or Black Hill because of the smoke and dust that covered it during the bombardment.

Tips and Information for Visitors

If you are planning to visit Golconda Fort Hyderabad, here are some practical information and advice that you should know:

- The timings of visiting Golconda Fort are from 9 am to 5:30 pm every day except Friday.

- The entry fee for Golconda Fort is Rs 25 for Indians and Rs 300 for foreigners. There is an additional fee of Rs 130 for an audio guide that explains the history and significance of various parts of the fort in different languages.

- The sound and light show at Golconda Fort is held every evening except Monday from 7 pm to 8 pm in English and from 8:15 pm to 9:15 pm in Telugu or Hindi (alternating days). The show narrates the history and legends of Golconda Fort with special effects and music. The fee for the show is Rs 140 for adults and Rs 110 for children.

- The best time to visit Golconda Fort is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and cool. Avoid visiting during summer (April to June) when it can get very hot and dry.

- To reach Golconda Fort from Hyderabad city, you can take a bus (number 65M or 66G) from Mehdipatnam or Nampally railway station; or you can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi from any part of the city. The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, which is about 25 km from the fort. You can take a cab or a bus from the airport to the fort.

Activities and attractions that you can enjoy at Golconda Fort

Exploring the fort’s ruins and museums:

You can walk around the fort and admire its architecture and engineering. You can also visit the museums within the fort that display various artefacts, weapons, coins, paintings, and sculptures related to Golconda’s history and culture.

Watching the sound and light show:

You can witness a spectacular show that narrates the history and legends of Golconda Fort with special effects and music. The show is held every evening except Monday from 7 pm to 8 pm in English and from 8:15 pm to 9:15 pm in Telugu or Hindi (alternating days).

Visiting the nearby Qutub Shahi tombs:

You can also visit the Qutub Shahi tombs, which are located about 2 km from the fort. These are the mausoleums of the Qutub Shahi rulers and their family members. They are built in a blend of Persian, Indian, and Islamic styles and are surrounded by gardens and fountains.

Exploring the Taramati Baradari cultural complex:

You can also explore the Taramati Baradari cultural complex, which is located about 3 km from the fort. This is a 12-sided pavilion that was named after Taramati, a famous courtesan and singer who performed here for the king. The complex also has a theatre, an art gallery, a restaurant, and a hotel.

Tips and recommendations for visitors

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes:

The fort is spread over a large area and has many steps and slopes. You will have to walk a lot to see all the parts of the fort. Therefore, wear comfortable shoes and clothes that can protect you from the sun and dust.

Carry water bottles and snacks: There are not many options for food and water inside the fort. You may have to buy them from outside vendors at higher prices. Therefore, carry your own water bottles and snacks to keep yourself hydrated and energized.

Hire a guide or use an audio guide: The fort has many stories and secrets that are not easily visible or understandable. Therefore, hire a guide or use an audio guide to learn more about the history and significance of various parts of the fort. You can also download an app called Golconda Fort Guide on your smartphone that provides information and maps of the fort.

Avoid hawkers and touts: There are many hawkers and touts who may try to sell you souvenirs or services at inflated prices or scam you in some way. Therefore, avoid them and do not fall for their tricks or offers.

Conclusion

Golconda Fort in Hyderabad is a magnificent monument of history and architecture that deserves your attention and admiration. It is a place where you can witness the glory and decline of empires, the discovery and trade of diamonds, and the stories and legends of love and betrayal. It is also a place where you can enjoy various attractions and activities such as exploring the fort’s ruins and museums, watching the sound and light show, visiting the nearby Qutub Shahi tombs, and exploring the Taramati Baradari cultural complex.

You may also like to read: Golconda fort: reminiscent of history, royalty and war in the heart of Hyderabad

If you are looking for a unique and memorable experience in Hyderabad, then you should definitely visit Golconda Fort. It will not only enrich your knowledge but also inspire your imagination.

Have you ever visited Golconda Fort in Hyderabad? If yes, what did you like most about it? If no, what are you waiting for? Share your thoughts or experiences with us in the comments section below or on our social media platforms. We would love to hear from you!

Golconda Fort Reviews

Golconda fort too has its own grandeur. Remarkable use of acoustics in the fort to communicate messages is the major attraction. If you clap in the portico (a spot just under the dome) of the main entrance of Bala Hissar, it can be heard clearly in the Bala Hissar pavilion on the top of the hill. Also, the exceptional engineering skill in lifting water by Persian wheels to the top of the hill through intricate pipelines and storage in overhead tanks is worth mentioning. Qutub Shahi dynasty were Persians by descent and because of which a strong Persian influence is seen throughout the fort. Large fountains, luxury baths are evidences of the luxurious lifestyle. Hard to believe, but separate outlets for hot and cold water were used in the bath tubs! A network of earthen pipes were used to supply water to the residents of the fort in different Mahals, gardens, fountains etc and even to the mortuary baths where the royals were given their last bath. This water was drawn from Durgam Cheruvu Lake, which was 5 km away from the fort. I wondered how the Royals planned such an efficient water supply system in an area of water scarcity! The water was used not only for daily work or agriculture but also to carry out the overall luxurious lifestyle, maintaining the gardens, operating fountains, baths etc. Qutub Shah rulers like many other benevolent kings, constructed many water tanks and lakes in Hyderabad, to name a few – the Satham Cheruvu, Ibrahipatnam Cheruvu, Nampally tank, Ma Saheba Tank, Hussain Sagar etc. The Fort is 400 ft high, has eight entrances and surrounded by 10 km long wall. We entered through the Fateh Darwaza. We got a guide book with a rough sketch map of the fort and some details. My teenage daughter, the most enthusiastic of us, took hold of the guide book and literally guided us through the fort.It’s her interest in historical places that brought us to Hyderabad ,I must say.
My friend Mayank was in Hyderabad for some days and I was also located there in Feb Month of 2017. We made this plan to visit the most reputed place in Hyderabad called the Golconda Fort. And trust me it was just too much fun :) We took a direct uber from gachibolwi to Golconda it cost us around 200 odd Rs. The ticket was only around RS 15 for the entry. And there is an option where you can buy the tickets for the light and sound show from inside only. The tickets for light and sound show was RS 80 for adult. It was one amazing little trek in the fort, going through the hill. Came across various amazing structures and architecture. The outermost enclosure is called Fateh Darwaza meaning Victory gate, after Aurangzeb’s army marched successfully through this gate. At Fateh Darwaza one can witness fantastic acoustical effects, which is one among the many famous engineering marvels at Golconda. Clapping your hand at a certain point near the dome entrance reverberates which is heard clearly at the hill top pavilion, almost one kilometer away. This served as a warning note to the inhabitants of the fort of any impending danger, Ofcourse it now amuses visitors. Climbing further up, one can spot the stunning Deccan plateau and also get a bird's eye view of the bustling and lit-up city.Touring the fort, one can sample the rich flavour of its history, which saw the throne change hands among various dynasties. Apart from this there was also enough spots which were too good for the images. The fort's upkeep was terrific. I would highly recommend going to the top of the fort as the view is magnificent. We end up the day by watching one epic light and sound show and trust me it's a must :) Overall Golconda is one amazing place to visit if you wanna have fun and know some history as well. The images are attached :)
Post lunch, head to the Qutub Shahi Tombs. The tombs are't very far from Tolichowki and an autorickshaw or OLA will take you there. This is a majestic place! Some of the tombs and thebaoliare undergoing renovation. Look closely and you'll still manage to find the intricate stone work and carvings. Do visit the tiny museum; it provides a great perspective of how the architecture evolved and history associated with the place. From the Qutub Shahi Tombs head to the Golkonda Fort. Here again I advise you to take a professional guide. The fort is mostly in ruins, hence you won't appreciate the grandeur of the place unless you are shown around. Do climb to the top of the fort and you'll be greeted by a panoramic view of the city skyline. Stay back for the light and sound show. If you feel a trip to Hyderabad is incomplete without a visit to Paradise, the place famous for Hyderabadi Biriyani, do visit one. My personal recommendation will be to visit the Jewel of Nizam restaurant at the outskirts of the city. Do make a reservation for this place and also arrange for a car to take you and get you back from there. In case the Jewel of Nizam doesn't work out for you, then I suggest Kabul Darbar for some authentic Afghan fare. If you want vegetarian stuff, head to Chutneys or Bikanerwala.You can also plan Saturday a bit differently starting with Hussain Sagar. Follow it up with Salarjung, Lunch Break, Chowmahalla, Mecca Masjid and finally Charminar. This way you can also get to shop at Laad Bazaar and capture the Charminar at night. Whatever suits you!
A day spent at Golconda FortHyderabad.I travelled to Hyderabad to meet my parents and spent some quality time with them.They have moved to a new house so when my mom said that Golconda fort is just 2 kms far from her house I can’t stop myself to see the great fort which is quite interesting in all the aspects as I don’t know much about the history of this fort but one thing just amazes me that Golconda Fort used to have a vault where once Kohinoor diamond was stored along with other precious diamonds.As Golconda mines are very famous these mines yielded many diamonds and Golconda was the huge market city of the diamond trade and gems sold there. After clicking so many pictures I was waiting for the light and sound show which was again very interesting and informative about the history of Golconda Fort.This show starts by 6 pm and it is a very interesting show and the entry fees for this is just Rs 30/- per head and kids who are part of history should definitely visit as it actually help them in their subject. It was late in the evening and because of winters the fog was surrounded by the fort so I couldn’t head up to the top of this fort but I have heard that the top view is also very amazing and in my next trip I will definitely share the other beautiful view of Golconda Fort.
It was on Day-2 that we decided to visit Golconda fort early morning. Golkonda Fort was first built by the Kakatiya dynasty as part of their western defenses along the lines of the Kondapalli Fort. The city and the fortress were built on a granite hill that is 120 meters high, surrounded by massive battlements. The fort was rebuilt and strengthened by Rani Rudrama Devi and her successor Prataparudra Later, the fort came under the control of the Musunuri Nayaks, who defeated the Tughlaqi army occupying Warangal. It was ceded by the Musunuri Kapaya Naidu to the Bahmani Sultanate as part of a treaty in 1364. Under the Bahmani Sultanate, Golkonda slowly rose to prominence. Sultan Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk (r. 1487-1543), sent as a governor of Telangana, established it as the seat of his government around 1501. Bahmani rule gradually weakened during this period, and Sultan Quli formally became independent in 1538, establishing the Qutb Shahi dynasty based in Golkonda. Over a period of 62 years, the mud fort was expanded by the first three Qutb Shahi sultans into the present structure, a massive fortification of granite extending around 5 km in circumference. It remained the capital of the Qutb Shahi dynasty until 1590 when the capital was shifted to Hyderabad. The fort finally fell into ruin in 1687, after a eight year long siege leading to its fall at the hands of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Golconda fort with armory on left
Photos of Golconda Fort
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