Read More on Golconda Fort
History
The huge Golconda Fort, with eight gates and 87 bastions, was built by the Qutub Shahi Kings after it was founded by the Kakatiya Kings in the 12th century.
A tale surrounds the name, Golconda Fort. A shepherd child was once strolling on this hill when he discovered a God idol, according to legend. The word of the shepherd boy's discovery reached the monarch of the Kakatiya Dynasty at the time. The King, therefore, chose to construct a fort on the hill, which became known as Golconda Fort (Shepherd's Hill).
The fort was taken over by Bahamani monarchs about 200 years later. Later, the Qutub Shahi Kings acquired control of the fort and expanded it. During the time of the Bahamani monarchs and the Qutub Shahi Dynasty, the fort was strengthened and enlarged. The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb took control of this fort in 1687. The fort was abandoned at that point.
The Golconda Fort currently consists of a complex layout of palaces, mosques, and pavilions, all of which are tragically in ruins.
Architecture
The fort has 15 to 18 foot high walls with a radius of roughly 11 kilometres. It features massive gates with pointy iron spikes. This helped to secure the fort from both elephants and enemy attackers. The architecture of Golconda Fort is captivating, and it will astound you at every turn. This fort was constructed on a 12-metre high granite cliff. A massive rampart was built around the Golconda Fort, which can still be seen today.
The Fort's acoustics system is something that each and every visitor is drawn to. The sound of clapping at the entry may be heard almost a kilometre distant at the 'Bala Hissar,' the highest point. This device was reportedly utilised for communication, specifically to inform the royal family in the event of an assault.
Activities
- People can get to see Fateh Darwaza.
- Visitors also come across the Bala Hissar Pavillion, which is the highest point within the fort premises.
- Get to know about the Fort's water and ventilation systems.
- Lastly, the Light and Sound Show at Golconda Fort is a must-see.
Tips for visiting
- You'll need to cover a lot of ground on foot, so make sure you're dressed comfortably and in light shoes.
- Because Golconda Fort is public property, it is everyone's obligation to keep it clean and neat. As a result, refrain from polluting the fort's grounds.
- One of the fort's most popular attractions is the sound and light show. So, don't forget to take advantage of it.
- When visiting the fort, make sure to bring plenty of water.
- Tourists may choose to hire a local guide who can explain the structure's historical significance and distinctiveness.
Best time to visit
- Although tourists can visit Golconda Fort at any time of the year, it is recommended that they visit during the winter months of October to February. Tourists are likely to have a fantastic time in the fort during this period because the city's weather is particularly favourable. It is recommended that visitors visit the fort during the nighttime hours to see the popular light and sound performance.
- Tourists should avoid visiting Golconda Fort in the afternoons during the summer since it is exceedingly hot and humid.
Nearby Atractions
- Qutub Shahi Tombs
- Taramati Baradari Resort
- Kasu Brahmanandha Reddy National Park
- Charminar
- Chowmahalla Palace
Nearby market/ shopping places
- Adarsha SuperMarket: in this market, you can get almost everything you require in your daily life.
- Famous Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Market: English market you can get fresh fruits and vegetables of different varieties.
- Saleem Kirana & General Store: grocery store where you can get fresh vegetables and other stationery items.
- M.J. Traders: this is a wholesale store where you can get groceries and stationery items at a wholesale rate.
Nearby Hotels
- Golconda Inn
- Dolphin Hotel
- Golden Lotus Hotel
- Reva Guest House Villa
- Treebo Trend Srico
Interesting Facts About Golconda Fort
- The Golconda Fort was built in 1143 by a monarch of the Hindu Kakatiya dynasty, which governed the area at the time.
- According to mythology, the fort was built by a monarch of the Kakatiya dynasty when a shepherd child discovered God's idol at the location.
- The name 'Golconda' is thought to come from the Telugu word 'Golla Konda,' which means 'Shepherd's Hill.'
- The fort is located on a granite hill that stands 120 metres (400 feet) tall and is ringed by enormous crenellated ramparts.
- After the demise of the Bahmani Sultanate, Golconda Fort rose to prominence as the headquarters of the Qutb Shahi dynasty in 1507.