Golconda Fort: Behold The Impressive Sight of The Fortified Citadel (2024)
Golconda Fort Tour Guide:
Located at Khair Complex near Ibrahim Bagh in Hyderabad, Golconda Fort is one of the most magnificent fortress complexes in the country that have stood the test of time and attracts thousands of visitors even today. Built with superior engineering craftsmanship, this fortified citadel will leave you amazed with its unparalleled grandeur.
Located on the top of a 120-meter high granite hill, Golconda fort was originally known as Mankal. Even though it was a mud fort under the rulership of the King of Warangal, the rulers of the Qutub Shahi dynasty and the Bahmani sultans fortified it between the 14th and 17th centuries. Many believe that the citadel used to be the capital of the Qutub Shahi rulers.
Golla Konda translates to Shepherd’s Hill in Telugu. According to a popular story, a ruling Kakatiya king constructed a mud fort at this place after coming to know from a shepherd boy about the presence of an idol here. After being possessed by the Bahamani rulers, this fort came under the rulership of the Qutub Shahi kings who converted this citadel into a massive granite fort. Golconda fort has witnessed many historical events including the end of the Qutub Shahi reigns after being defeated by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
The history of the Golconda fort coupled with its rich history and mysteries attracts thousands of history enthusiasts and tourists from different parts of the country every year. The superior architectural style along with the robust architecture can impress anyone in no time. Most of the tourists enjoy the breathtaking sunset which can be witnessed from the topmost part of the fortress. During your visit to the Golconda Fort, you will still be able to find gateways, majestic halls, drawbridges, cannons, and so on. What makes Golconda Fort even more attractive is the light and sound show here which takes you through the history of the fort. This show is organized around the Rani Mahal area inside the fort.
How To Reach The Golconda Fort?
There are a couple of ways to reach the Golconda Fort. Whether you are coming from another city or state, here are the easiest ways to reach the fort in no time.
By Air: If you are arriving in Hyderabad from another state or country, it is best for you to arrive at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport which is roughly 26 km away from the Golconda Fort. If you take a cab from the airport, you should be able to reach the Golconda Fort in 40 minutes.
By Metro: If you are traveling from within the city of Hyderabad, you should get down at the Jubilee Hills Checkpost metro station which is roughly 6.5 km away from the Golconda Fort.
By Cab and Bus: If you are not able to catch a cab to reach the Golconda Fort, you can also take a bus operated by the AP State Road Transport Corporation to reach the fort. You can take Bus-119 and Bus 66G and 65G from the Nampally station and Charminar via GPO Abids respectively. 
Attractions: What Should You See At The Golconda Fort?
The Golconda Fort is filled with architectural wonders which will make your trip to the fort memorable. During your visit to the Golconda Fort, don’t miss to pay a visit to these architectural wonders:
Fateh Darwaza: Located at the outmost part of the fort, the Fateh Darwaja or the Victory Gate is known for its fantastic acoustical effects. Being one of the topmost engineering marvels at the fort, this gate is the one through which the Army of Aurangzeb successfully marched. It is believed that even a simple clap near the dome entrance can be heard at the Bala Hissar located at the pavilion at the hilltop. Often this was used to alert the inhabitants about the upcoming danger.
Pointed Iron Spikes On Walls: The 15 to 18 foot high walls on the perimeter of the Golconda Fort come with pointed iron spikes on them. It is believed that these spikes were incorporated to save the fort from enemy attack as well as elephants. Built on a 12-meter high granite rock, the mindblowing architecture of the fort will amaze you at every step.
Water Supply System: The water supply system at the Golconda Fort unravels the best opportunity for you to witness the scientific excellence of that time. What will also amaze you is the Rahban cannon.
Ramdas Prison: Another thing that you shouldn’t miss during your visit to the Golconda Fort is the Ramdas Prison. After being imprisoned, Ramdas, a revenue collector in Abdul Hasan Shah’s court, started creating carvings of Hindu deities on the wall of his prison cell. You can still see the carvings of Lord Hanuman on the wall which is adorned with holy vermillion.
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Other Attractions: Besides being home to huge halls, eight gateways, drawbridges, and cannons, the Golconda Fort is also home to the Durbar Hall which is the beginning point of a secretive tunnel that ends at the foot of the hill. Many believe that this was created for the purpose of being used as a secret passage in case of any attack.
Golconda Fort Timings and Entry Fee
Golconda Fort remains open between 9 AM and 5:30 PM throughout the week. The entry fee charged is given below:
INR 15 per person for Indians
INR 200 per person for Foreign Tourists
INR 25 for Still Camera
INR 130 for Sound & Light Show
Sound and Light Show timings and fees are given below:
1st Show English (All Days)
2nd Show in Telugu on Monday, Wednesday & Friday
2nd Show in Hindi on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
Show Timings (Nov to Feb): 1st Show at 6:30 PM and 2nd Show at 7:45 PM
Show Timings (Mar to Oct): 1st Show 7 PM and 2nd Show 8:15 PM
INR 140 per Adult in Executive Class
INR 110 per Child in Executive Class
INR 80 per Adult in Normal Class
INR 60 per Child in Normal Class
Best Places To Stay Near The Golconda Fort
Treebo Tryst Tree Inn Jubilee: Located 7 km away from the Golconda Fort, Treebo Tryst Tree Inn Jubilee is known for offering 3-star accommodation at pocket-friendly prices. Besides having facilities such as flat-screen TV, fridge, kettle, shower, wardrobe, and toiletries, this hotel offers continental or a la carte breakfast as well. The on-site restaurant will certainly keep your tastebuds rejuvenated.
Location: Near, Plot no 1274,Road No 63,63A, Jubilee Hills Check Post Rd, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033, India
Website: https://www.treebo.com/hotels-in-hyderabad/treebo-tryst-tree-inn-jubliee-jubliee-hills-1905
Phone Number: +91 93228 00100
Price: INR 3500 to INR 7000 per night
FabHotel Yesmark II: Located 14 km away from the Golconda Fort, the FabHotel Yesmark II is another decent option when it comes to finding budget-friendly properties near the fort. This hotel offers a wide gamut of facilities including 24-hour front desk, free wifi, shared kitchen, and an onsite restaurant. All the rooms here come adorned with amenities such as flat-screen TV, private bathroom, and a desk. You will also get a la carte breakfast here every morning.
Location: Plot no.38, behind Raddisson Hotel DLF, Chhota Anjaiah Nagar, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032, India
Website: https://www.fabhotels.com/hotels-in-hyderabad/fabhotel-yesmark-ii.html
Phone Number: +91 70424 24242
Price: INR 2300 onwards per night
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Hyderabad Banjara Hills: Exuding luxury and combining modernity with elegance, the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Hyderabad Banjara Hills stands at a distance of 10 km from the Golconda Fort. The tastefully decorated rooms here adorn themselves with modern interiors along with flat-screen TV, comfortable seating area, etc. The Chill Restaurant here offers a wide variety of local and international dishes while the Holy Basil offers pan-Asian dishes.
Location: 8-2-409, Rd Number 6, Green Valley, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034, India
Website: https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-hyderabad-banjara-hills
Phone Number: +91 40 6733 1133
Price: INR 5000 to INR 12,000 per night
Places You Must Visit Near The Golconda Fort
Before visiting the Golconda Fort, you can visit the nearby attractions on the same day. This way you will be able to save time and make your trip to Hyderabad even more enjoyable. Here are some of the places that you must visit located around the Golconda Fort.
Birla Mandir: Located 12.2 km away from the Golconda Fort, Birla Mandir on the Naubath Pahad is one of the top places to visit in Hyderabad. Made with 2000 tons of white marble, this temple is one of the gorgeous places that you must not miss during your stay here. This temple was opened by Swami Rangnathananda in the year 1976. 
Location: Hill Fort Rd, Ambedkar Colony, Khairtabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004, India
NTR Garden: Located 13 km away from the Golconda Fort, the NTR garden is one of the most expensive gardens in the country. Spread across 55 acres, this garden is home to the memorial of Late NT Rama Rao. Adorned with a diverse range of trees and plants, this garden beside the Hussain Sagar Lake is worth visiting. 
Location: NTR Marg, Central Secretariat, Khairtabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004, India
Qutb Shahi Tombs: Located 1.7 km away from the Golconda Fort, Qutb Shahi Tombs is known for being home to the tombs and mosques constructed by different kings of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. While the larger tombs are two stories, the smaller ones are single-storied. Many consider the tomb of Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah’s mausoleum here to be the grandest one here. 
Location: Qutub Shahi Tombs, Hyderabad, Telangana 500008, India
