Golconda Fort is landmark of Hyderabad which is 11ms far from the Hyderabad city (west side of the city). The name Golconda came from Telugu words “Golla Konda” meaning “Sheperd’s Hill”. It was built by Kakatiyas rulers of Warangal in 13th century. During Kakatiyas rule, Golconda fort has nice door carvings and lotus at the entrance of Balahisar. In 1363 AD, Kakatiya Kingdom went into the hands of Bahmani Sultanate Rulers. Quli Qutub Shah declared his independence from Bahmani Sultanate. He established Golconda Kingdom with Golconda as it capital.
Qutub Shahi dynasty (1518 to 1687) brought glory to this fort. Qutub Shahi kings made Golconda as their capital and during this time the fort was renovated. Qutub Shahi converted this fort into a beautiful fort with granite walls, huge gates and bastions. The fourth kind of Qutub Shahi dynasty, Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shahi Wali is the most important contributor for the renovation of the beautiful Hyderabad Golconda Fort.
Golconda Fort in Hyderabad is built on a 400 Ft high hill. The circumference of this fort is 7kms. It has 8 gates and 87 bastions. Each bastion height range is from 15 meters to 18 meters. The main gate of Golconda Fort which is 13 feet wide and 25 feet high is called as ‘Fateh Darwaza’ meaning Gateway of Victory. This gate is studded with steel spikes to protect it from elephant attacks.
“Balahisar Darwaza” is one of the eight gates which is quite impressive gate of all the gates. There are around 380 steps from Balahisar Darwaza to Glolconda Fort.
Hyderabad Golconda Fort has a parade ground, a mosque, a palace, armory and many other buildings. Also there is perfect water supply system in this fort. Water is raised by using Persian wheels and stored at an overhead tank. The water collected in overhead tank is distributed to various buildings, mahals, roof gardens, apartments, fountains etc.
Golconda Fort in Hyderabad has many interesting and important structures like a three storied armory building (also called as Aslah Khana), guard lines, Akkanna Maddana Offices, Nagina Bagh, Baktha Ramadas jail, Darbar Hall, Ambar Khana, Masjid, Baradari on the summit.
Hyderabad Golconda Fort is known for its acoustic system (signaling system using sound). One clap at the center of the entrance hall is heard at Bala Hissar which is the one kilometer far and it’s the highest point. The fort is constructed in such a way that the sound is transmitted to various far away areas.
Sound and Light show is organized by APTDC all days after 6 pm. There are 2 shows every day. (7pm to 8pm and 8:15pm to 9:15pm)
Golconda Fort in Hyderabad still stands as a landmark and icon even after 800 years it still reflects itself as a great architectural structure of India.
Distance:
– 15 Kms from Secunderabad Railway Station (50 min drive)
– 11 Kms from MGBS Bus Stop, Hyderabad. (35 min drive)
Public Transport:
– Plenty of buses from Secunderad but no direct bus. You need to change two buses to reach Golconda Fort ( 5K & 189G,20P & 113G)
– Direct Bus from MGBS Bus Stop, Hyderabad is 80G
Timings: 9am to 5pm
Entry Fees: Rs. 10 for Indians and Rs.100 for Foreign Nationals
Sound and Light Show charges: Rs.50 for adults and Rs.30 for children.
Contact Numbers: +91 40 23512401
Image Courtesy:
www.ljpindiatourntravel.blogspot.com
http://www.cityhyd.info