Golkonda is a destroyed south- central Indian city which had been the capital of ancient kingdom of Golkonda which lies 11 km to the western part of Hyderabad.

Ibrahim Quli Shah Wali, the most prominent builder of Golkonda was the fourth king of the Qutub Shahi Dynasty. Ibrahim followed and took forward the spirit of his ancestors, the kings of Qutub Shahi, who had been hierarchal builders and ruled the Golkonda kingdom from 1512. Their premier capital, the fortress citadel of Golkonda, was reconstructed for the purpose of defense from Mughals who used to invade from the northern side. They built up beautiful monuments of Golkonda which is found to be devastated today. There was a well designedacoustical system through which even a hand clap done at the main gates of fort could be heard at the citadel’s top which was found at a height of 300-foot (91 m) granite hill. This feature of fort is quite interesting.

The fort of Golconda consists of 4 small forts within itself. Few of them have heaps of cannons, various living chambers, drawbridges and halls, mosques, temples, stables etc. one has to make his entrance in the fort through 'Fateh Darwaza', which is also known as the 'Victory gate'. The major attractions of the entrance have been the acoustic effects, which is an amazing feature of Fort of Golkonda. It is believed that this kind of an articulate construction was done for the purpose of security in the ancestral days.

The feature which makes things more exciting are in the Golconda fort is the Sound and Light show. The beautiful impacts of light and sound along with the narration of the hair raising story of Fort of Golconda ensures amusement to the visitors coming to the city of Hyderabad.

History

The Golkonda Fort was constructed in the 13th century by the Warangal kings of Kakatiya. Their ascent to power could be known from reign of Chaulakyas of west. Amma II (945 CE-970CE), was a Chaulakyan monarch of east and head of Kakartya Gundyana, incorporated the Kakatiya dynasty. This dynasty got its name either because of its association with a place called as Kakatipura (because the kings gave the title “Kakatipuravallabha”) or due to their worshipping of a goddess known as Kakati. There is a temple having dedication to goddess Kakatamma which lies in Warangal so Kakatipura might be another name of Warangal. The ancestors of Kakatiyas used to belong to the family of Durjaya.

The fortress city of Qutub Shahi empire in the 16th century had its capital as Golkonda, which is located near Hyderabad. This city was the abode of one of the most majestic Muslim sultanates in their respective region and was a hub of a flourishing trade of diamond.

As per the legend, the fort got its name from Golla conda, a Persian term which means Gol Ghandeh or rose jam. This term is found to be used today in the country, and the Jam is known as Golghand. Interestingly, Golkonda also refers to a Telugu term meaning Shepherd's Hill. It is said that a shepherd boy turned up across an idol on the hill and this made the Kakatiya dynasty king of that region to construct a mud fort around the site for the purpose of security.

The fortress and city are constructed on a granite hill which has a 120 meters (400 ft) height and has surroundings of huge crenelated ramparts. The establishment of the fort dates back to 1143, when the the area was ruled under Hindu Kakatiya dynasty. The Kakatiya dynasty also followed the Warangal state, which got conquered by the Sultanat of Islamic Bahmani later. The fort was the capital of a prominent province in the Sultanate and when it got collapsed, it became the capital of kings of Qutub Shahi. This fort turned into ruins when there was a siege and went into the hands of Aurangzeb, a Mughal emperor.

When the Bahmani Sultanat got collapsed, Golkonda got prominence and became the seat of the Qutub Shahi dynasty in 1507. This mud fort got expansion over a period of 62 years by the first three Qutb Shahi kings who transformed it into a gigantic fort of granite, which engrossed about 5 km in circumference. Until 1590, Qutb Shahi Dynasty remained to keep it as its capital however further it was shifted to city of Hyderabad. There was expansion of fort by Qutb Shahis, whose outer wall of 7 km enclosed their city. This state had become a focal point for Shia Islam in India, like in the 17th century Sheikh Salih Al-Karzakani and Sheikh Ja`far bin Kamal al-Din, Bahraini clerics, had their emigration to Golkonda.

The sultanate of Qutb Shahi remained into power until its conquest by Aurangzeb, a Mughal emperor in 1687. The fortress remained against Aurangzeb for nine months, because of its fall to the Mughal emperors through treachery.

Architecture

Golkonda comprise of 4 different forts having a outer wall of 10 km with 87 semicircular bastions (few of them still mounted with cannons), 4 drawbridges, eight gateways, various royal apartments & halls, mosques, temples, stables, magazines etc. inside it. The lowest of them being the outermost enclosure into which one enters by the "Fateh Darwaza" near south-eastern corner (or Victory gate, called so, after triumphant army of Aurangzeb marched in through this gate) which is studded with enormous iron spikes so that elephants may not batter them down. One can experience a perfect acoustic effect at Fateh Darwaza, feature of the engineering marvels at Golkonda. Even a hand clap at some point below the dome at the entry gate reverberates and may be heard quite clearly at the 'Bala Hisar' pavilion, which is the highest point distant about a kilometer. It worked as a note of warning to the royals if in case there was an attack.

The entire Golkonda Fort complex along with its surrounding engrosses a total area of around 11 km, and discovering every nook of it is a difficult task. The architectural splendor of the fort is evident from its several pavilions, entrances, gates and domes. Distinguished into 4 district forts, the beauty of architecture can be evident from each of its halls, apartments, temples, stables and mosques. The gardens of the fort might have lost their grace and fragrance, for which they were popular 400 years ago, but still a walk in the former gardens can be in ones schedule while exploring the glories of past fort of Golkonda.

Bala Hissar Gate is the major entrance of the fort situated on the eastern side. It comprises of a pointed arch which is surrounded by rows of scroll work. There are yalis as well as decorated roundels in the spandrels. The area at the top of the door consists of peacocks having ornate tails with a beautiful ornamental niche of arches. These designs of lions and peacocks are a mix of Hindu – Muslim architecture.

There is Toli Masjid, located at Karwan, around 2 km from the fort of Golkonda which was constructed by Mir Musa Mahaldar in 1671. He was a royal architect of Abdullah Qutb Shah. There are facades consisting of 5 arches, each having lotus medallions. The central arch is broader and more decorated. The mosque is having two halls, an inner hall and a transverse outer hall which can be reached through triple arches.

There was more emphasis laid on building of gate. There is a huge wall which prevented elephants as well as the soldiers from having a ramp to run or break the gate during times of attack.

The Golkonda fort is popular for its perfect acoustic system. The topmost point of fort is the "Bala Hissar", lying at a distance of a kilometer. Some of the attractions are palaces, water supply system, factories and popular "Rahban" cannon.

It is said that, a secret underground tunnel is there which leads from the "Durbar Hall" and comes to an end in one of the palaces at the foot hill. The fort also comprise of the tombs of the Qutub Shahi kings. The tombs comprise of Islamic architecture which are abounded by graceful gardens and several exquisitely carved stones. People believe that Char Minar also had a secret tunnel.

The main attractions of fort are 2 pavilions lying on the outer side of Golkonda. It is constructed on a point which is bit rocky. There is "Kala Mandir" found in the fort. It is visible from the durbar or court of the king on top of fort of Golkonda.
The amazing acoustic system of fort of Golkonda is a proof to the perfect architecture of the fort. The powerful structure consists of graceful palaces and well organized water supply system.

Fort’s ventilation is extremely fabulous with exotic designs. These were designed in such a way that cool breeze could be accessed from the fort interiors, giving relief from summer’s heat.

Reaching there

Air

The Hyderabad International Airport, Rajiv Gandhi International Terminal, is connected to different significant cities abroad. There is a domestic terminal, N T Rama Rao domestic Terminal, which is well connected to different cities of India.

Rail

Secunderabad is a main station being the head quarters of railway of Southern region.

Road

A regular bus service to city of Hyderabad from different places in central, southern and southeastern parts of India is there.

City Transport

The fort of Golconda lies 11-km from Hyderabad. There are autos, taxis and rickshaws available from luxury/semi-luxury buses, for local transportation.

Nearby Places to Visit

Naya Qila (New Fort)

Naya Qila is an expansion of the Golkonda Fort found oppositely. The area is quite extensive having extenstive ramparts, Haathiyaan Ka Jhaad - a huge and old Baobab Tree, many Burj etc. It includes a war mosque. There are plans by the local government to transform this area into a Golf Club.

Qutub Shahi Tombs

The Qutb Shahi sultans tombs are found around one km north of outer wall of Golkonda. The structures are built of gracefully carved stonework, and abounded by picturesque gardens. They are open for public and have various visitors.

Things to Do

Acoustics at Golkonda

There is a perfect acoustics system here in the Golconda Fort as mentioned earlier.

The Sound & Light Show in Golconda Fort

One of the major attractions of the fort is a light and sound show which adds life to the Golconda fort. Having a spectacular interplay of visual and audio effects, the story of Golconda is unfolded over centuries of splendor. The show is worth watching and livens up the beautiful past in languages like Telugu, English and Hindi. The unique Sound & Light Show takes one back in times, when Golconda was full of glory, life and grandeur.

1st Show (English-All days)

Nov-Feb 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm
Mar-Oct 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm

2nd Show (Telugu- The, Thu & Sat)

Nov-Feb 7.45 pm to 8.45 pm
Mar-Oct 8.15 pm to 9.15 pm

2nd Show (Hindi-Mon, Wed, Fri & Sun)

Nov-Feb 7.45 pm to 8.45 pm
Mar-Oct 8.15 pm to 9.15 pm

Weather and Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit this Golconda Fort is the winter season in months of October to February. The highest temperature during these times is 28 º– 29º C.

Accomodation

Quality Inn Residency

Contact Details

Public Garden Road,
Nampally, Hyderabad,
Andhra Pradesh, 500 001 India

SG Comforts

Contact Details

5-9-211 Chirag Ali Lane,
Medwin Hospita, Chirag,
Ali Road Abids,
Hyderabad- 500001 India
‎1800 102 3346‎

Timings and Tickets

Timings: 7.00 a.m - 8.00 p.m
Open on all days except on Mondays

Entry charges are

Indians: Rs. 10
Foreigners: Rs. 100

Photo Gallery

Video