Golconda Fort
A Brief about Golconda Fort for All the History Lovers
Arranged in the Western piece of the excellent city of Hyderabad at a separation of close around 9 km from Hussain Sagar Lake, the Golconda Fort is spread over a territory of three square kilometers which is 4.8 kilometers long. This strong fort falls in the rundown of the most humongous fortresses of India. One intriguing wonder seen at the Golconda Fort is that if a man remaining at one point close to the arch passageway applauds, it can obviously be heard at the ridge structure which lies at a separation of around one kilometer. As it were, this element turned out to be valuable as with the assistance of this, individuals living inside the fort were cautioned of any moving toward peril assuming any. Presently, this is pretty much utilized as a method for stimulation for vacationers. The overflowing appeal of the place makes it an unquestionable requirement to visit.
The Golconda Fort exhibits grand corridors, stables, magazines, four drawbridges, and mounted guns. The furthest territory of the fort is known as Fateh Darwaza which implies Victory entryway (truly). Recognizable impacts can be seen at Fateh Darwaza which has been one of the significant building wonders at this grand fort. Likewise, the mines here are known to deliver probably the most desired and mainstream jewels at any point referred to on the planet, for example, Idol’s Eye, the Hope Diamond, Darya-I-Noor, and the celebrated Koo-I-Noor.
Golconda Fort becomes animated with the light and sound show which happens amid the night when the scraps from its past are indicated giving a reasonable perspective of its ascent and fall. With its entrancing history, the place is unquestionably justified regardless of a visit.
How to reach
Golconda Fort is located in Hyderabad, India, and there are several ways to reach the fort:
- By road: The fort is well-connected by road, and you can take a taxi or a private vehicle to reach there.
- By public transport: You can take a local bus or an auto-rickshaw to reach the fort. The closest bus stop is the Golconda Bus Stop.
- By train: The nearest railway station is the Hyderabad Deccan Railway Station, which is approximately 10 kilometers from the fort.
- By air: The closest airport is the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, which is approximately 25 kilometers from the fort. You can take a taxi or an airport shuttle to reach the fort.
What are the timings and the entry charges?
There are no entry charges to visit the fort. However, a sum of Rs 20 for adults and Rs 10 for children is charged for the Sound and Light Show organized at the fort. The show timings are 0700 hours to 0800 hours (March-October).
Golconda Fort History
According to legends, an icon was found in the territory (now known as Golconda Fort) by a shepherd. Before long, the Kakatiyan ruler was educated about the same, and he gave the request to assemble a mud fort around the symbol. The fort came to be known as “Golla Konda” which implied Shepherd’s slope in Telugu. The Golconda fort was raised in the year 1143 under the Kakatiya Dynasty. Be that as it may, it rose to unmistakable quality when it went under the management of the Qutub Shahi Dynasty in the sixteenth century, i.e. at the point when Quli Qutub Shah proclaimed his autonomy from the Bahmani Sultanate in 1518. The striking fort from that point forward extended from a mud fortress to an elevated structure to having a 10 km external divider. After a fizzled endeavor in the year 1686, the Mughal head Aurangzeb was, at last, ready to rupture the secure fort in 1687 following a long nine-month attack.
What does the past say?
The name Golconda is derived from “ GollaKonda” in Telugu, meaning Shepherd’s Hill. It is said that in the year 1143, on Mangalavaramhill, a shepherd boy came across an idol. As the news of this idol reached the then-Kakatiya ruler, he got a mud-fort built around this sacred spot. Two centuries later the Bahamini rulers captured the fort in the year 1364. At the beginning of the 16th century, three QutubShahi kings kept the fort expanding for over a period of 62 years, turning the structure into a massive fort of granite measuring around 5 km in circumference.
The architecture of Golconda Fort
Golconda Fort is a stupendous structure based on a slope of height 400 feet with a boundary of 7 km showing the delightful combination of the Hindu-Islamic style of architecture. Its divider includes 8 entryways and 87 bastions everyone achieving a stature of 50-60 feet. There are three capable back-to-back fortification dividers each inside the other. The main line of the divider contains the town, and the second line is a twofold divider that circles the foot of the slope on which the fortification stands. The third line is further up the slope existing in the second contained stonework and normal rocks. Arranged with the fortress are the residences of the rulers and princesses and the estates of their retainers. The amazing fort is very well known for its regal condos, parade grounds, various corridors, and mosques. Among the eight entryways, Fateh Darwaza is the fundamental door as the triumphant walk of King Aurangzeb continued through it. This entryway is 13ft wide and 25ft long and was comprised of steel spikes to shield it from elephants. The Balahisar Darwaza which was fabricated utilizing the Nawabi style and culture is another heavenly structure. Today, just the eastern entryway can be gone to by the sightseers. The Golconda fort is arranged on a ridge and has heavenly airing which is the thing that made life less complex for the royals amid summers.
What are the nearby attractions?
Mecca Masjid
Mecca Masjid is a popular tourist attraction in the city. It is named so because it has a few bricks from the holy shrine of Mecca embedded in it. The mosque is counted among the largest in the world.
Hussain Sagar Lake
The Hussain Sagar Lake, a vast manmade lake, is a famous tourist spot. A modern 17.5 high statue of Budhha, installed at the center of the lake, is the key attraction of the lake. Boat rides can also be had from Lumbini Park.
Birla Mandir
The Birla Mandir is a modern temple built in white marble. The visitors are greeted by a Rajagopuram built in the South Indian style. The idol of the presiding deity Venkateshwara is 11 feet tall, with a carved lotus forming an umbrella over it.
Qutub Shahi Tombs
The Qutb Shahi Tombs lie at a distance of around one kilometer from the Golconda Fort. These tombs of the QutubShahi rulers can be visited from 0930 hours to 1630 hours.
Golconda Fort Best time to visit
The best time to visit Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, India is during the winter months from November to February when the weather is pleasant and the temperatures are mild, making it easier to explore the fort. However, it can get crowded during holidays and weekends, so plan accordingly.
Things to do
When visiting Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, there are several things you can do:
- Explore the fort’s architecture: The fort is known for its grand entrance gates, massive walls, and impressive defensive structures.
- Visit the tombs of the Qutub Shahi rulers: The fort houses several tombs of the Qutub Shahi rulers, including the famous “Bala Hissar” tomb.
- Enjoy the Sound and Light Show: Golconda Fort offers a Sound and Light Show that brings the history of the fort to life through music, sound effects, and illuminated displays.
- Learn about the history: The fort has a rich history, and you can learn about it by visiting the museum or taking a guided tour.
- Take in the views: Golconda Fort is located on a hill, offering panoramic views of the city and surroundings.
- Shop for souvenirs: There are several shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs near the fort that you can check out.
