Travel|India|India trip|Hyderabad|Golconda Fort|fort|archeological park| Telangana|bucket list| Telangana Tourism|travel and tourism|history|archeology| architecture|anthropology| kings|restoration| educational| city tour| educational tour| incredible India| historical information| explore Telangana| tour
GOLCONDA FORT
Golconda Fort is a fortress, situated in Hyderabad ( Telangana State, India).
Golconda Fort rests on a Granite hill, 120 meters in height.
 |
| This might be subject to copyright |
This shot was taken by me from the top most point of the Golconda Fort
You can see the entire panoramic view of the various parts of the city from here.
Starting from the right most point and moving towards the left, Secundrabad, Hyderabad, Banjara Hills, Jublee Hills and Cyberabad( HITEC city)
Though plenty has already been written about the touristy places of Hyderabad, here I have compiled an easy-to-use guide and useful tips based on my personal experience.
Rather than going into great depth about the history of the places, I am focusing on some easy to understand interesting facts about the Golconda Fort and its significance in modern times for the young generation.
● It was initially called Shepherds Hill,( meaning Golla Konda in Telugu, native language)
● As legend goes, a shepherd boy found an idol on this hill and informed the ruling king of the Kakatiya Dynasty.
● The Kakatiya king built a mud fort around it and it was taken over by the Bahamani rulers after 200 years.
● It was taken over by the Qutub Shahi Kings and they converted it into a huge granite fort, 5 kilometers in circumference.
● Golconda was the capital of the Qutub Shahi Kings.
● It was run over by Mugal king Aurangzeb, who left it in ruins.
● The Golconda Fort is truly majestic even in the ruins, you have to see it to experience it.
● The Fateh Darwaza (or victory gate, after Aurangzeb’s army conquered it)is the outermost enclosure.
● It is truly an architectural and engineering marvel. If you clap your hands at a certain point under the dome, it can be heard clearly one kilometer away on the top if the hill at the hill top pavilion. This was to warn the people of any intruders or invaders. You must try this. As, our group had hired a tourist guide, he explained everything and we had an amazing experience. It is difficult to even imagine how they managed without the modern day communications like mobile phones and satellites for defence. They must have been people of immense grit and relied on intuition and other skills.
This picture was again taken by me while walking up the fort.
● This Fort complex has eight gateways, four drawbridges, majestic halls, stables, magazines and pavilions.
● While walking up the steps you will come across many gardens and gateways. It is beyond comprehension how people during those olden times must have created the pathways and structures without modern machinery. All gigantic stones must have been carried uphill by humans and animals.
This is one of the pavilions that is restored.
● The various structures have a variety of stories behind them and the guide will make them amusing by narrating interesting tid bits along the way.
This picture was clicked by me on the way up to the top pavilion. This is part of the original architecture. All the material is granite which is available locally. Also Golconda Fort is situated on a granite hill. It is absolutely fascinating how these granite stones were interlocked and secured in the ancient times.
As you climb up to the top of the hill, you will come across the ruins of palaces, mosques and other structures. One marvels at the kind of technology used to put these structures together when in today’s world, buildings cry for maintenance within a few years.
● The Hill Top Pavilion is the highest point of the Golconda Fort . It gives a bird’s eye view of the entire Golconda Fort and the city.
● The Qutub Shahi Tombs are clearly visible from here.
● A Sound and Light Show is also organized at the base of the Golconda Fort in the evenings. As it is very popular, make sure to book your tickets in advance and be seated on time.
● The Golconda Fort is lit up in the evenings and looks spectacular.
This picture was clicked by me in the evening. It looked magical.
Here, the guide asked us to press our ear to the wall. He whispered something across the hall and it was clearly heard by us! You have to experience it to believe it. The acoustics are amazing at the Golconda Fort.
I came back completely spell bound by the sheer majesty and grandeur of this magical place.
How to reach Golconda
Hyderabad is the nearest airport.
Hyderabad is also the nearest railway station.
Good bus services are also available.
As it is just 12 kilometers from the city center, you can take a cab.
As Hyderabad is a metro city, it offers facilities of cabs, car rentals and tours.
Tickets and Timings
Golconda Fort is open all days of the week from 9 am to 5 pm.
As you enter the main gate if the Fort, you can purchase tickets at the counter. It is very convenient and you can also hire a guide at this point. Hiring a guide will make it easier to navigate through the vastness of the Fort. Also he will make the tour interesting.
Some Tips to make your experience pleasant
● Winters are the best time to visit Golconda Fort. I visited the Fort during the month of December 2021.
● Summer months will be very hot as it is all open.
● Try to visit the place in the morning or after 4 in the afternoon. This is just my way to avoid the harsh Sun.
● Do wear a cap and comfortable shoes as you will be walking a lot.
● Carry drinking water for hydration. It took me three hours to see the place, so make sure you have something to eat and drink. Do not litter the place. Dustbins have been provided along the way to conveniently dispose empty bottles and other items.
● It is quite a walk uphill so make sure you are ready for it. Elderly people and people will knee ailments should avoid climbing. There are enough structures at the bottom of the Golconda Fort to explore.
● Also, the sound and light show is at the base and easily accessible.
● Wear comfortable clothes and cover your arms and legs to avoid mosquitoes during the sound and light show.
● If you are a female traveling solo, avoid venturing away from the path. Also try to stick to crowds of families. Do not explore the place late in the evening.( This is a general warning applicable to tourists all over the World)
Golconda Fort is definitely going to leave you spellbound. This should be part of your bucket list.