GOLCONDA FORT

The documented history of Golconda goes back to the Kakatiya Dynasty in 11th century when they built a mud fortress on a hill called Golconda. During the span of 800 years from Kakatiya to Qutub Shahi rulers, the fort-city grew and prospered. During the reign of Qutub Shahi rulers, espically at time of Mohammed Qutub Shahi the culture reaches its zenith. Most of the places of interest in the area pertain to Qutub Shahi Era.

The majestic ruins of Golconda stands as a backdrop to the city of Hyderabad. The orginal fort was built by Kakatiyas in 1143. It went to the hands of Bahmani Kings in (1364-1507). Quli Qutub-ul-Mulk declared Golconda as an independent Kingdom and assumed the title of Sultan Quli Qutub Shahi I. The original mud fortress was strengthened during the next 62 years. The walls and bastions were built of large blocks of masonry, some weighing 7 tons. The fort's outmost walls traverse a circumference of approximately 7km with 87 semicircular bastions and 8 huge gates. The majority of people lived with in the fort walls. Golcanda was a flourishing market of priceless gems. The famous Kohinoor diamond which now adorns the British Crown went to the hands of Aurangazeb from here.

Golconda Fort is a majestic monument, which lies on the western outskirts of Hyderabad city. It speaks of a great cultural heritage of 400 years and is regarded as a place worth visiting. Built by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah in 1525, Golconda Fort stands as the epitome of Nawabi culture and grandeur.

A Well Planned Architecture - Golconda Fort
The magnificent architecture of the Golconda fort is manifest in its acoustic system, the structural grandeur of the palaces and ingenious water supply system. Golkonda fort was famous for its diamond trade and the 'Kohinoor' diamond is said to have come from here. One is perplexed to see the meticulous details of the architecture and the fading gardens, which were once upon a time replete with sprawling lawns and playing fountains.

Golconda Fort is built on a granite hill 120m high, and is surrounded by crenulated ramparts constructed of large masonry blocks weighing several tonnes. The design of the ventilation reveals the brilliant planning of the architects; they are designed to let in a flow of fresh cool breeze, which is a respite from the heat of summer.

The massive gates are studded with large pointed iron spikes to prevent elephants from battering them down. The outer wall surrounding the entire township of Golconda, is about 11-km long, and is strongly fortified. In its heyday, the 10-km long road from Golconda to outer Hyderabad was a fabulous market selling jewellery, diamonds, pearls and other gems, which were famous all over the world.

History Of Golconda Fort
Before the city of Hyderabad was founded the Deccan was ruled from Golconda fort. Founded originally by the Kakatiya's in the 13th century the existing structure was expanded by the Qutub Shahi kings into a massive fort with granite walls and ramparts extending some 5-km in circumference. The first three Qutub Shahi kings rebuilt Golconda, over a span of 62 years.

Shepherd's Hill" or "Golla Konda", as it was popularly known in Telugu, has an interesting story behind it. One fine day, on the rocky hill called 'Mangalavaram', a shepherd boy came across an idol. This was conveyed to the Kakatiya king, who was ruling at that time. The king got a mud fort constructed around the holy spot. Over a period of time this lowly construction was expanded by the Qutub Shahi kings into a massive fort of granite, which has been a silent witness to many historic events.

Attractions Within The Golconda Fort
Places to see inside the fort are:
Jama Masjid built in 1518 by Sultan Quli Qutub Shahi I
Mortuary Baths where the deceased kings were bathed before burial
Madanna temple dedicated to goddess Kali probably built by Kakatiyas
Katora Hauz probably the largest mortar tank in the world built in 1560
Ambar Khana granary built in 1642
Ibrahim Masjid built by Ibrahim Qutub Shah(1550-1580), Darbar hall, Rani Mahal (Queen's apartment), Silah Khana(arms depot), Nagina Bagh garden, Akkanna and Madanna's offices, Ramdas jail, and many more.

One of the most remarkable features of Golconda is its system of acoustics- a hand clap at a certain point below the dome at the entrance reverberates and can be heard clearly at the 'Bala Hissar', the highest point almost a kilometre away, palaces, factories, water supply system and the famous 'Rahban' cannon, that was used during the last seize of Golconda by Aurangazeb, to whom the fort ultimately fell.

There is also supposed to be secret underground tunnel leading from the 'Durbar Hall' to one of the palaces at the foot of the hill. The tombs of the Qutub Shahi kings, built with Islamic architecture lie about 1-km north of the outer wall of Golconda. These graceful structures are surrounded by landscaped gardens, and a number of them have beautifully carved stonework. Not be missed is the Sound and Light show conducted by Andhra Pradesh Tourism.

Outside the Golconda Fort are two separate pavilions built on a rocky eminence - the 'Taramathi Gana Mandir' and the 'Premathi Nritya Mandir' from where the legendary sisters 'Taramathi' and 'Premamathi' resided. They gave their performance on a circular dais atop a two-storied structure, the 'Kala Mandir', which was visible from the king's durbar (king's court) on top of the Golconda Fort.

THE SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW - GOLCONDA FORT
A new attraction at the Golconda Fort is a sound and light show that brings the legend of Golconda to life. With a spectacular interplay of audio and visual effects, the story of Golkonda unfolds over centuries of splendour. The show livens up the glorious past and it is an experience worth watching. The show is presented in English, Hindi and Telugu.
Golconda fort is a majestic monument, which lies on the western outskirts of Hyderabad city. It speaks of a great cultural heritage of 400 years and is regarded as a place worth visiting. Built by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah in 1525, it stands as the epitome of Nawabi culture and grandeur.

The Sound & Light Show in Golconda Fort
A new attraction at the fort is a sound and light show that brings the legend of Golconda to life. With a spectacular interplay of audio and visual effects, the story of Golconda unfolds over centuries of splendour. The show livens up the glorious past and it is an experience worth watching. The show is presented in English, Hindi and Telugu.

» Show Timings : Winter (November - February) 6:30pm, Summer (March - October) 7:00pm
» Duration : 55 minutes
» In English : Wednesday, Sunday
» In Hindi : Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday
» In Telugu : Thursday
» Closed on : Mondays
» Advance Booking : Available at Yatra Nivas, Secunderabad. Coach leaves Yatranivas at 5:00pm and returns from Golconda Fort at 8:15pm.

CHARMINAR
It is the principal landmark of Hyderabad. In 1591, Mohamed Quli Qutub Shah built Charminar to commemorate the end of a devastating epidemic. Charminar, which means four towers, stands 56m high and 30m wide creating four arches facing each of cardinal points. The lower area of the Charminar is open daily 9am to 4.30pm. The structure is illuminated during the night from 7pm to 9pm.

MECCA MASJID
One of the largest mosques in the world, it can accommodate up to 10,000 worshipers. Mecca Masjid is situated adjacent to the Charminar. Mohamed Quli Qutub Shah built the mosque. Construction began in 1614 and Aurangazeb completed it in 1687. The name of Mecca Masjid was given to the mosque since many bricks embedded above the gate are made from the soil brought from Mecca. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the Masjid. But one can definitely appreciate the architectural features of the mosque from outside.

LAAD BAZAR
Situated on the right side of Charminar, Laad Bazar is one of the oldest shopping centers of the city. The Bazar is famous for bridal ware, henna, cosmetics, bangles etc. You will find almost everything in the Bazar.

SALAR JUNG MUSEUM
A major attraction for art lovers, Salar Jung Museum was put together by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan (Salar Jung III), the Prime Minister of Nizam Osman Ali Khan. One of the largest private collections in the world that covers exhibits from every part of the world, the museum has over 35,000 items comprising of wood carvings, sculptures, Persian miniature paintings, weaponry and a library of 50000 books. The museum is located near the Musi River Bridge. The museum is open every day from 10 AM to 5 PM except Fridays. 

BIRLA MANDIR
As the name indicates, Birla Trust in 1976 constructed the temple. Built with white Rajastani marble, the temple is located on Kalabahad, one of the twin rocky hills overlooking the south end of Hussain Sagar. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple is a replica of Venkateshwara temple at Tirupati. The temple is open to all from 7-12 AM and again from 3-9 PM.

BIRLA PLANETARIUM
On the hill adjacent to the Birla Mandir is the Birla Planetarium and the Science Museum. The planetarium has daily session in Telugu, English and Hindi. The science museum is open from 1030hrs to 2015hrs daily except last Tuesday of every month.

HUSSAIN SAGAR LAKE (TANK BUND)
Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali built The Bund in 1562 during the reign of Ibrahim Qutub Shah. Tank Bund once a water source for the Secunderabad Contonment is now a recreational facility and a picnic spot with facilities for water sports. The largest stone statue of Buddha in the world, weighing 350 tons and 17.5 meter tall, is located on a plinth in the middle of the lake.

FALAKNUMA PALACE
Built by Nawab Vicar-ul-Umra in 1892, and later purchased by Nizam Mahboob Ali Khan, Falaknuma palace is Hyderabad's most famous and magnificent palace. The palace is on top of a hill 2000 feet high on the southern fringes of the city. The palace was designed by an Italian architect and constructed with carefully chosen imported material. The palace has a large collection of paintings, statues, and English furniture. It also has a collection of books, manuscripts and jade. Since it is the private property of the Nizam's family, one has to obtain special permission to see it.

QUTUB SHAHI TOMBS
The royal cemetery of the Qutub Shahi kings lies about 2km from the Golconda Fort. The tombs are a scattered group of large domes and terraces. Perhaps this is the only place in the world where one can see so many tombs in one place. All the Qutub Shahi kings except Abdul Hassan Tana Shah who died in captivity in Daulatabad are buried here. These graceful domed tombs are surrounded by landscaped gardens. They are open daily from 0930hrs to 1630hrs except on Fridays.

PAIGAH TOMBS
The Paigah nobles ranked next in hierarchy to the ruling family of the Nizams. They have constructed many palaces including Falaknuma Palace. Several generations of Paigah nobles are buried in one place and the tombs are built along Persian style with stucco and inlay works of Rajasthani style.