Golkonda Fort, the landmark of Hyderabad had been the guard against many enemies to its rulers. Situated at a distance of about 11 kms to the west of the city, it is now a renowned tourist place. Referring to the Telugu language, the word Golconda would mean The Shepherd’s Hill. The fort has been the witness to the ways and styles of ruling to many kings and their kingship.
The Kakatiya rulers of Warangal had built the fort in the 13th century. It had been their defenses against the west. During this rule, the fort had nice door carvings. The lotus at the entrance of Balahisar had been the uniqueness of the art and artifacts of the fort.
With the change in the ruler ship in 1363 AD to the Bahmani sultanate, the fort saw many more additions and architectural skills. Then the Qutb Shah Dynasty came up and decided to part away from the Bahmani Sultanate. The Qutb Shahs took over the fort and ruled between 1518-1687. During this period the fort was expanded and more area was covered in the circumference. Further the mud fort was also renovated by the first three rulers in the dynasty. The fort turned out to be a beautiful fort of granite walls, huge gates and bastions. The fourth king in the dynasty, Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah Wali had also been a major contributor to the renovation of the fort.
Built on high hill of 400 ft, the circumference of the fort is 7 kms. The fort has eight gates and 87 bastions. The bastions range in a height of 15 meters to 18 meters. The Fateh Darwaza, the main gate to the Golconda Fort is 13 feet wide and 25 feet high. In order to protect against the elephant attacks, this gate is studded with steel spikes. However, the most impressive of the eight gates is the ‘Balahisar Darwaza’. The fort is around 380 steps from here.
The Golconda Fort is well equipped with the armory needed to fight a battle and also has all the facilities needed to lead a proper life in case the gates are closed to the attacks. The fort has an armory, a parade ground, a mosque, a palace and many more such important buildings like the Akkanna Maddana office, Darbar Hall, Baradari, Jail, etc in it. The water supply system even at this period had been quite advanced. It could be collected in the overhead reservoir using the Persian wheel. This water was later distributed and supplied to the various areas in the fort. The acoustics at the fort had been commendable. A clap at the center of the entrance hall is audible even at Bala Hissar some kilometer away.
The Fort is now an archaeological treasure. The Sound and Light show by TSTDC attracts the tourists as well. The show is organized twice every day after 7.00 pm.
Golconda Fort in Hyderabad is popular throughout the globe as a great architectural structure. This 800 years old structure had been the defenses to its rulers for times together.
Distance:
From Secunderabad Railway Station 15 Kms.
From MGBS Bus Terminus 12.4 Kms
How to Reach Golconda:
There is no direct bus from Secunderad to Golconda Fort, one has to take 2 buses to reach Golconda Fort they are 5K & 189G,20P & 113G.
Direct Bus are available from MGBS Bus Terminus 80G.
Golconda Timings: 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM
Entry Fees: Rs. 10 for Indians and Rs.100 for Foreign Nationals
Golconda Fort will be closed on all Friday’s.
Open on All Public Holidays.
Sound and Light Show charges:
Executive Class: Adult: Rs.130/-, Child: Rs.100/-
Normal Class: Adult: Rs.70/-, Child: Rs.50/
For Light Show Timings Click Here
Golconda Address:
Ibrahim Bagh,
Hyderabad,
Telangana 500008.
Golconda Fort Contact Details:
For Enquirers : 040-23512401
For Bulk Bookings : 9848185772
