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Golconda Fort

Before the city of Hyderabad was founded the deccan was ruled from Golconda fort. Founded originally by the Kakatiyas in the 13th century,  The existing structure was expanded by the Qutub shahi  kings into a massive fort of granite with walls  and ranparts extending some 5km in cirumference. The fortess city  within the walls was famous for the diamond trade and the Kooh-I-Noor daimond is said  to have come from here.The historic Golconda Fort lies 11 kms.west of the city. The name originates from the telugu words "Golla"and "Konda"-"sheperds Hill". Late the fort was taken over by the Bahamani kings, subsquently passing to the Qutub Shahi  rebuilt features of Golconda includes its system of a coustics. palaces. factories, water supply system and the famous Rahban seize  of Golconda by Aurangazeb, to whom the fort ultimately fell. Andhra pradesh Tourism's sound and light show in the evening re-erects the glory and grandeur of the Qutub Shahi dynasty.

lconda fort is one of the most renowned and historical edifices in India that is located on the western fringes of the Hyderabad city. The fort stands atop a hill with an elevation of 120 feet and is surrounded by crenulated bulwarks. The term Golconda has evolved from the Telegu term- Golla Konda  and literally means ‘Shepherd's Hill'. The monument tells volumes about its four hundred years old cultural heritage. This historical structure was constructed by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah in 1525 and it epitomizes the grandeur of Nawabi culture. Then over the period of sixty-two years the architectural additions in the edifice was made by the Qutub Shahi kings and it was transformed into a colossal fort with granite facades. The Golconda Fort that withstood the ravages of time over the years is a living testimony to the historic events that has taken place in Hyderabad. In the bygone era the fort was famed for its diamond trade.One of the most noteworthy characteristics of the Golconda Fort is the system of the acoustics which consists of hand clapping that can be heard from a particular point below the dome and echoes around the entire place. Apart from this there is an ingenious water supply system which has even amazed the engineers of the present age.It is believed that there were also underground tunnel whose path started from the Durbar Hill and continued till the end of the foothills. There are also tombs of Qutub Shahi kings that are constructed in Islamic architectural style and have exquisitely carved stonework.Another great attraction of the fort that is not to be missed is the Sound and Light show that is conducted by Andhra Pradesh Tourism and it tells the legend of Golconda with the help of audio-visual effects. 

Before the city of Hyderabad was founded the Deccan was ruled from Golconda fort. Founded originally by the Kakatiya's in the 13th century the existing structure was expanded by the Qutub Shahi kings into a massive fort with granite walls and ramparts extending some 5-km in circumference. The first three Qutub Shahi kings rebuilt Golconda, over a span of 62 years.

Shepherd's Hill" or "Golla Konda", as it was popularly known in Telugu, has an interesting story behind it. One fine day, on the rocky hill called 'Mangalavaram', a shepherd boy came across an idol. This was conveyed to the Kakatiya king, who was ruling at that time. The king got a mud fort constructed around the holy spot. Over a period of time this lowly construction was expanded by the Qutub Shahi kings into a massive fort of granite, which has been a silent witness to many historic events.

A Well Planned ArchitectureGolconda Fort :The magnificent architecture of the Golconda fort is manifest in its acoustic system, the structural grandeur of the palaces and ingenious water supply system. The fort was famous for its diamond trade and the 'Kohinoor' diamond is said to have come from here. One is perplexed to see the meticulous details of the architecture and the fading gardens, which were once upon a time replete with sprawling lawns and playing fountains.

Golconda is built on a granite hill 120m high, and is surrounded by crenulated ramparts constructed of large masonry blocks weighing several tonnes. The design of the ventilation reveals the brilliant planning of the architects; they are designed to let in a flow of fresh cool breeze, which is a respite from the heat of summer.

The massive gates are studded with large pointed iron spikes to prevent elephants from battering them down. The outer wall surrounding the entire township of Golconda, is about 11-km long, and is strongly fortified. In its heyday, the 10-km long road from Golconda to outer Hyderabad was a fabulous market selling jewellery, diamonds, pearls and other gems, which were famous all over the world.

Taramathi Gana and Premathi Nritya Mandir :You can see two separate pavilions in outside of Golconda Fort, built on a rocky prominence the Taramathi Gana Mandir and the Premathi Nritya Mandir, both the legendary sisters Taramathi and Premamathi resided. Both gave their performance on a circular dais atop a two-storied structure, the Kala Mandir, which was visible from the king's durbar (king's court) on top of the Golconda Fort.

Sound and Light Show at Golconda Fort :You can enjoy Golconda Fort with the sound and light, the show that brings the legend of Golconda to life. People gather to see and hear this show in the evening. The show has voice-over of Bollywood living legend Amitabh Bacchan. The show starts with a spectacular interplay of audio and visual effects. The show can be watched in English, Hindi and Telugu.
Famous For : Acoustics, Palaces, Ingenious Water Supply System, and Diamond Trade
Built By : Quli Qutub Shah
Attractions within Golconda Fort : Taramathi Gana Mandir, Premathi Nritya Mandir, Sound And Light Show.
Best Time to Visit : September & March
Fare : Adult - Rs120/-, Child - Rs100/-.
Opened : 7.00 A.M. to 8.00 P.M. (Daily)

Show Timing :
Winter - (November - February) 6:30pm,
Summer - (March - October) 7:00pm
Duration - 55 minutes
In English - Wednesday, Sunday
In Hindi - Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday
In Telugu - Thursday
Closed on - Mondays
Show Ticket - Rs. 45/-
Advance Booking - Available at Yatra Nivas, Secunderabad. Coach leaves Yatranivas at 5:00pm and returns from Golconda Fort at 8:15pm