Golconda Fort

Formerly known as Mankal, Golconda Fort is a historic fortress located in Hyderabad, Telangana. Built by Pratāparudra, a Kakatiya dynasty ruler in the 11th century, the fort was constructed out of mud walls. Later in 1518, the fort was restructured and extended by the rulers of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. The fort complex is renowned for its impressive architecture and engineering, featuring a series of grand gateways, imposing walls, and intricate water management systems that allowed for the supply of water to the entire complex. Golconda Fort also played a significant role in the region's history, serving as the seat of power for the Qutb Shahi dynasty and witnessing several battles and sieges over the years. Today, the fort is a popular tourist attraction and an important part of India's cultural heritage.

Golconda Fort is a historical monument located in Hyderabad. The fort has a rich history that dates back to the 11th century when it was first built by the Kakatiya dynasty. Later, it was taken over by the Bahmani Sultanate and then by the Qutb Shahi dynasty, who made it their capital and extended the fort.

During the Qutb Shahi dynasty, the fort became famous for its diamond mines and the production of the famous Koh-i-Noor and Hope diamonds. The fort also played a significant role in the Deccan Wars, where it was attacked and conquered by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1687, which lead to the downfall of the Qutb Shahi dynasty.

Golconda Fort is situated in the western part of Hyderabad, in Telangana. It is situated about 11 km west of Hyderabad's city center, near the town of Golconda. The fort is located on a granite hill that is approximately 120 meters high, which provides a commanding view of the surrounding area. The Golconda Fort is located at a distance of 10 km from the emblem of Telangana, Charminar.

The diamonds of Golconda are renowned for their exceptional quality and beauty. The Golconda region, located in present day Telangana, was once home to several diamond mines that produced some of the world's most famous diamonds, including the Koh-i-Noor and the hope diamond. The diamonds from Golconda were highly prized for their colorless or near colorless appearance and exceptional clarity. They were also known for their unique optical properties, such as their ability to disperse light in a way that creates a rainbow-like effect, known as fire.

The Golconda diamonds were so highly regarded that they became a symbol of wealth and power among the ruling classes of India and were traded extensively in the global market. Today, the legacy of the Golconda diamonds lives on, and they continue to inspire fascination and admiration among diamond enthusiasts and collectors around the world.

The Golconda Fort offers a spectacular light and sound show that narrates the history of the fort in an engaging and entertaining way. The show is held every evening between 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The show highlights the glory and charm of the fort during the Qutb Shahi dynasty and provides insights into the various events and battles witnessed by the Golconda fort.

• Qutub Shahi Tombs : Located in the Ibrahim Bagh of Hyderabad, the Qutub Shahi Tombs are a collection of mausoleums. Built to house the remains of the rulers of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, these tombs are known for their exquisite architectural style, featuring sophisticated carvings, fancy domes, and beautifully landscaped gardens.
• Charminar : Charminar is a historic monument and mosque located in the heart of Hyderabad. Built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah from the Qutb Shahi dynasty in 1591, Charminar is a popular landmark and tourist attraction in the city. Incorporated as the emblem of Telangana, Charminar is known for its impressive architecture, featuring four grand arches that support huge minarets.
• Salarjung Museum : A world renowned museum, the Salarjung Museum is one of the most remarkable Museums in India. Established in 1951, the museum was once a private art gallery of the Salarjung family. The museum houses one of the largest collections of art, artifacts, and antiquities in the world, with over 1 million objects on display. The museum is known for its diverse collection, which includes ancient manuscripts, paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and textiles, among other things.
• Chowmahalla Palace : Built in the midst of the 18th century, Chowmahalla Palace is a historic palace. Once served as the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty and the residence of Nizams, the palace is known for its splendid architecture. It features grand courtyards, sophisticated carvings, and beautiful gardens.
• Naya Qila : A historic fortress, Naya Qila is an extended portion of Golconda Fort. Built by Sultan Abdullah Qutb Shah in 1656, the fort was constructed to fortify the city and served as a military strong hold during several battles. Naya Qila is known for its impressive architecture, including the massive entrance gate and the sophisticated water management systems that allowed for the supply of water to the entire complex.

• Timings

8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• Entry Fees
• For Indian nationals – Rs. 5/- per person
• Foreign tourists – Rs. 100/- per person
• For Camera – Rs 25/- per person
• Sound and Light show 130/- per person

• Taj Falaknuma Palace : Once served as the residence of Nizams, Taj Falaknuma is a grandiose and stately hotel. Spread across an area of 32 acres, the hotel offers 60 palatial rooms, each with a view of an impressive courtyard. The Taj Falaknuma Palace Hotel provides a royal vibe with its remarkable dining experiences.
• Trident Hyderabad : Trident Hyderabad is a 5-star rated hotel with suites featuring large windows, iPod docks, and elegant interiors. The hotel is a blend of grandiosity and contentment. The hotel also has a fancy restaurant offering Indian and Italian cuisines.
• Fab Hotel Asrani International : Fab Hotel Asrani International hotel is an ideal place for both business travelers and leisure travelers. It provides spacious rooms along with amenities including room service, wifi connectivity, a closet facility, and 24 hrs CCTV surveillance for security.
• Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel : Situated at a distance of 12 km from Golconda Fort, Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel is a 5-star rated Hotel. This palatial Hotel provides 272 well-furnished capacious rooms with comfy beds, elegant beds, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Apart from these amenities, the hotel also provides a spa for relaxation, a lavish outdoor pool, and a well-equipped fitness center.

• Maa Santosh Family Dhaba : Maa Santosh Family Dhaba is a stylish family Dhaba that provides both indoor and outdoor seating arrangements. Known for its good quality food, the restaurant offers an array of Chinese and North Indian cuisines.
• Kholani's : Kholani's is a cozy and comfy restaurant known for its ambiance and main course items. The Restaurant offers Chinese, Mughlai, and Biryani Cuisines. Kholani’s specialty is its Mutton Haleem, Mutton Biryani, and Deserts items.
• Drunken Monkey : A funky and cozy restaurant Drunken Monkey is one of the best hangout places. The restaurant caters to Juices, Beverages, Shakes, Coffee, and Healthy Food and is popular for its trendy ambiance, nice staff, and use of fresh fruits.

• The fort was built on a granite hill, which is about 120 meters high, and the walls of the fort are made of large granite blocks.
• The fort was originally built by the Kakatiya dynasty in the 11th century but was later expanded by the Qutb Shahi dynasty in the 16th century.
• The fort has a complex system of acoustic design. It is said that if you clap your hands at the entrance gate, the sound can be heard at the highest point of the fort, which is about a kilometer away. This was used as a warning signal to alert the guards in case of an attack.
• The fort also has a unique feature called the Secret Passage, which was used by the royal family to escape during times of war or danger.
• The fort was famous for its diamond mines, and it is said that the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond was mined here.
• The fort has several entrances, but the main entrance is called the Fateh Darwaza (Victory Gate), which was built by the Qutb Shahi dynasty in the 16th century to remember their victory over the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
• The fort has several mosques, temples, and tombs inside its walls, including the famous Taramati Mosque and the Bhakta Ramadasu Kala Mandir.
• The Golconda Fort has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its architectural and historical significance.

Golkonda Fort is located in Hyderabad which is a warm and dry city. Due to its dry climate, it is definitely not a place to visit during the summer season. Hence the best time to visit the Golkonda Fort is during the winter season between the months of september to march as the climate is pleasant and moderate at that time.

• Carry water and eatables while visiting the fort.
• Use a dustbin to throw garbage.
• Due to its high elevation wear comfortable clothes and shoes as there will be a lot of walking.
• Walk cautiously while going back from the fort as it gets a little risky due to less friction.
• Explore the Fort along with the guide to understand and learn the history of this fort better.