Golconda Fort Is A Majestic Landmark In Hyderabad You Must Explore Once

The story of Golconda Fort is the story of Hyderabad, the prequel of what is today an ever-growing city with global impact. Let’s rewind the clock a few hundred years to the 12th century AD when the Kakatiya Dynasty first fortified Shepard’s Hill (Golla-Konda). Built on a granite hill, the first structures were made of mud and predictably didn’t hold too well against invasion. By 1364, the fort had changed hands, so to speak, from the Kakatiyas to the Munusuri Nayaks, to the Bahamani Sultans. Breaking away from the Bahamani Sultanate, Sultan Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk quickly established the Qutb Shahi dynasty, restrengthening and expanding the structure into the granite fort we see today. Fast-forward a century, to the year 1687, after eight years of being under siege by the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb, the fort fell to the Mughal Empire.

Golconda’s outer wall encompasses 11 kilometres, with each successive ruling dynasty adding to the fort's architecture. There are four forts, several temples, mosques, stables, royal apartments, bastions, gardens — the works. Entry into the fort is guarded by spiked gates, the 15- to 18-foot-high walls deterring the most determined diamond burglars. Speaking of much-coveted rocks, the Daria-i-Noor, Koh-i-Noor, and Hope Diamond are believed to have been unearthed at the Golconda Mines. 

While the mines may be inaccessible today, the acoustic design is a fun feature of Golconda that you can still witness first-hand. From the Bala Hisar pavilion, at the apex of the hill, you can clearly hear handclaps at the fort's entrance (a warning signal in case of invasion). Nearby heritage sites include the Qutub Shahi Tombs and Taramati Baradari (a royal music hall), where you can catch the occasional classical music concert.

Timing: 9 AM - 5:30 PM

Price: INR 15 per person, INR 25 for still camera

Best Time To Visit: The most suitable time to visit Golkonda Fort will be in the winter months, November to February. If you are used to hot days, you can also visit during the summer months, March and April.

How To Reach: Airplanes, buses, and trains —you can reach Hyderabad by any means of transport. Once you are in the city, reaching Golkonda Fort is a cakewalk. Being one of the biggest tourist attractions, you can catch plenty of city buses from any bus stop close to you or hire an auto or cab. If you want to check out the Hyderabad metro, it is possible to reach Golkonda Fort, get down at Pedamma Temple metro station or the Jubilee Hills Check Post station on the blue line. From there, you will need public transport. 

Total Approximate Cost: The total cost of the trip, including the tickets, transport to the fort, and tour guide, should be approximately INR 600 and upwards. 

When you're here, we recommend you hire a guide who can walk you through the fort the right way. There are one too many pathways, and you might miss out on interesting viewpoints, sculptures, carvings, and more unless there's an expert to show you around. They will charge you around INR 500-1000, depending on the time. 

Sound and Light Show: This new feature attracts many locals (not just tourists) who want to witness a piece of history in all its glory. The walls will be lit up with lasers and light to narrate the 800-year-old story in English, Hindi, and Telugu. The whole show lasts approximately 30 minutes, and there's comfortable seating for a group of 50. The first show starts at around 6:30 PM, and the last show starts before 9 PM.

Price: INR 140 for adults and INR 110 for children

When you are done at the Golkonda Fort, it's going to be hunger time. Like every place in Hyderabad, you don't have to go far searching for a local grub that will put a smile on your face.Our Recommendations include: 

Continental By Mandi King is for chicken, mutton, and fish mandis. It's located at Towlichowki and costs about INR 1,000 for two. 

Mohammedia Shawarma is the place if you're craving chicken shawarmas and kebabs. Located at Manikonda and approximately costing only INR 500 for two

Aazebo is for great Arabian and Mediterranean cuisine, again at Towlichowki, and would approximately cost you INR 1,500.

Paradise Biryani serves delectable North Indian cuisine, regional cuisine and Hyderabadi biryani. It's located at Mehdipatnam and costs roughly INR 2,000 for two.

Cafe Niloufer is for Irani chai, bun maska, and snacks, and it's perfect for when you don't want to feast on something too heavy. It's located at Banjara Hills and costs INR 500 for two.