A place where bodies of the departed seven legendary Qutub Shahi kings, the rulers of Golconda for nearly 171 years (1518- 1689) were buried. The elegance of nearly 30 small and big tombs which includes royal members of dynasty was surrounded by landscaped Ibrahim Bagh gardens, a kilometer away from Golconda Fort.
These Qutub Shahi tombs differ in size but all are unique to one another in architectural grandeur and beauty are 11 kms away from Nampally Railway station, Hyderabad and a 10 kms away from central bus station of the Hyderabad.
The great elegance of the tombs, intricately carved stonework exhibits the royalty of Qutub Shahi rulers. The usage of grey granite with stucco ornamentation, pointed arches and domed structure blends the architectural grandeur and beauty of Persian, Pathan and Hindu styles influenced by Deccan engineering ideas.
Obeying the custom of building a tomb in lifetime, the founder of Qutub Shahi dynasty, Sultan Quli Qutub ul Mulk, had built an octagonal chamber with sides measuring nearly 10 meters. Constructed in 1543 A.D., the tomb was crowned by circular dome with inscriptions referring as ‘bade malik’, a term used by Deccan people for elderly and respectable person.
Out of the galaxy of tombs the founder of Hyderabad city, Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah’s is considered as the grandest with a height of 42.5 meters, topped by a huge dome with Persian and the Naskh scripts where minarets and rich ornamental parapets completing the Islamic architecture style.
However, a tourist can distinguish tombs of royal family members with sultans which were fitted with golden spires. The tombs of Husain Wali, a Sufi saint and builder of Husain Sagar Lake, and Fatima Sultan, a sister of Muhammad Qutub Shah, were also honored beside royal family rulers.
Though every small and big tomb has an adjacent mosque, but finest and grandest was built in 1666 by the mausoleum of Hayat Bakshi Begum, daughter of fifth sultan Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah. The roof of the structure has fifteen cupolas with a prayer-hall flanked by two high-raised minarets.
The glory of these square based tombs testament and the craftsmanship which stood the test of time and the vagaries of nature was restored by Sir Salar Jung III in the early 19th century under Asaf Jah rulers.
Distance:
• 10 Kms from Hyderabad Rly Station
• 11 Kms from Central bus stand, Hyderabad
• 15 Kms from Secunderabad Railway Station
Location: 1 km away from Golconda fort.
Journey Time by Road:
• 30 minutes from Secunderabad Rly station
• 30 minutes from Central bus stand, Hyderabad
Route by Road: Nampally Railway Station > Mehdipatnam Circle > Congress Hand Junction > Langer House X Roads > Golconda Fort > Qutub Shahi Tombs
Food Facilities: All kinds of cuisine available in Hyderabad ranging from East to West with unique mixture of Hyderabadi style.
Nearby Tourist Attractions:
• Golconda Fort
• Osman Sagar (Gandipet) Road
• Taramati Baradari
• Chilkur Balaji Temple
Timings: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm on all days
Entry Fee: Rs.10 to Rs.20 for Indians and Rs.100 for Foreign Nationals
Transport: Qutub Shahi Tombs are very well connected with road transport (APSRTC buses). Mehdipatnam is the nearest place to reach.
Useful Contact Numbers: +91 40 23513410
Source of Information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qutb_Shahi_dynasty
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qutb_Shahi_Tombs
http://www.hyderabadplanet.com/qutb-shahi-tombs-photos.html