Situated in the Western part of the beautiful city of Hyderabad, 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 where the mighty Koh-I-Noor diamond was once 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 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 worth a visit.
Golconda Fort Sound & Light Show
Golconda Fort is one of the most famous landmarks in the city of Hyderabad. Its ancient remains differentiate it from the rest of 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- Open from 5:30 pm
Cost of tickets-
The ticket costs INR 140 (adult) and INR 110 (child) for the executive class
For standard class, INR 80 (adult) and INR 60 (child).
The light and sound show should be experienced whenever you plan a visit to the Golkonda Fort.
History of Golconda Fort
Founded in the approximately 12th Century by the Kakatiya Kings, this massive Golconda Fort with eight gates and 87 bastions was later built by Qutub Shahi Kings.
The name Golconda Fort has a legend behind it. As per the story, a shepherd boy once walked on this hill when he came across a God idol. The news about the shepherd boy and his findings reached the then ruler of the Kakatiya Dynasty. The King built a fort on the hill known as Golconda (Shepherd’s Hill) Fort.
However, almost 200 years later, the Fort came under Bahamani rulers. Later, Qutub Shahi Kings took the Fort under their control and extended it further. The Fort was fortified and expanded during the reign of Bahamani rulers and the Qutub Shahi Dynasty. Later in 1687, this Fort came under the rule of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. It was then the Fort was left unattended.
At present, the Golconda Fort constitutes a complex layout of palaces, mosques, and pavilions, which unfortunately are in ruins.
It is said that Golconda used to be a famous diamond market attracting merchants from all over the world. At Golconda, the famous Kohinoor and Hope diamonds, along with others such as The Regent Diamond, Darya-e Nur, and Nur-Ul-Ain Diamond, were stored.
The Architecture of Golconda Fort
With perimeters of around 11 kilometers, the Fort has 15 to 18-foot high walls. It has enormous gates that have pointed iron spikes on them. This protected the Fort from Elephants damaging the Fort as well as enemy attacks. Golconda fort presents mesmerizing architecture that will astonish you at every step. This Fort was built on a granite rock with a height of 12 meters. A massive rampart around the Golconda fort was built, a glimpse of which can still be seen.
The system of acoustics in the Fort is something that attracts every visitor. The sound of clapping at the entrance can be heard at the ‘Bala Hissar’, the highest point almost a kilometer away. This system was used for communication purposes, especially to alert the royal in case of any attack.
Other attractive features of the Fort include the water supply system, which does leave many marveling at the advancement of the technical and scientific knowledge while constructing this Fort. Another popular aspect is the ‘Rahban’ cannon.
Ramdas’ prison is one of the popular spots inside the Fort. According to legend, Ramdas, a revenue collector in Abdul Hasan Shah’s court, was imprisoned. During his imprisonment, he carved Hindu deities on the wall of his cell. One can see many carvings of Hindu Lord Hanuman on the wall, now smeared with holy vermillion. A sacred lamp or two (diyas) is also lit in front of the carvings.
The main entrance of the Fort is named Fateh Darwaza, which means Victory Gate in English. It was called after Aurangzeb’s army had entered the Fort through this gate. Not just for the victory procession of his army, this gate also attracts visitors with its marvelous acoustics.
Showcasing architectural excellence, this gate has been built so that if one claps at a certain point of the entrance, the sound of clapping can be heard at the topmost pavilion. Another attractive feature of Golconda Fort is the 80 feet tree which is said to be more than 800 years old.
The Fort also consists of many mounted cannons and drawbridges. Huge halls, mosques, eight gateways, and stables add to the immense enormity of its magnificent architecture. There is speculation that an underground tunnel starts from Durbar hall and ends at the foot of the hill. It is believed to be a secret passage to escape in case of any attack. However, no such course has been found to date.
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. Golconda Fort can be visited during the evening hours when the weather is pleasant, and some sound and light shows can be enjoyed.
Golconda Fort Hyderabad is an outstanding example of brilliant engineering and magical architecture. Located 11km from the city, it is the most famous Hyderabad tourist place. The name of the Fort has been derived from the Telugu words “Golla” and “Konda”, which together mean ‘Shepherd’s Hill’.
However, keep the Golconda Fort timings and entry fee in mind before planning a visit to this regal symbol of history. For instance, Golconda fort timings are from 9 am to 5.30 pm. After that, visitors are not allowed to enter the Fort unless they go for the light and show at night. Hence, to explore the beauty of this place at leisure, plan your visit early in the day.
An impressive structure, which once would have bewitched every onlooker, stands majestically even today. Golconda Fort will impress you with the highly advanced techniques used back then, its sturdy structure, and an outstanding view of the surrounding city.
The sunset from the top of the Fort is awe-inspiring. One of Hyderabad’s most popular and supreme monuments, Golconda Fort, allures every visitor with its unparalleled beauty and grandeur. A Hyderabad Tour is incomplete without a visit to this Fort.
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