Golconda Fort

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Golconda is one of the famous forts of India. The name originates from the Telugu words "Golla Konda" meaning "Shepherd's Hill". The origins of the fort can be traced back to the Kakatiyas period Golconda was originally a mud fort, which passed to the Bahmani dynasty and later to the Qutb Shahis, who held it from 1518 to 1687 A.D. The first three Qutb Shahi kings rebuilt Golconda, over a span of 62 years. Golconda Fort is a marvelous piece of military architecture. It was one of the most defensive and impregnable strongholds of its time with massive ramparts, bastions, and gateways. The fort also reflects the architectural skill of its builders, who built it atop a rugged boulder-strewn terrain.
The fort is famous for its acoustics, palaces, factories, ingenious water supply system and the famous Fateh Rahben gun, one of the cannons used in the last siege of Golconda by Aurangzeb, to whom the fort ultimately fell.

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.The glorious past of Golconda Fort is narrated effectively with matchless Sound and Light effects. The unique Sound & Light Show takes you right back in time, when Golconda was full of life, glory and grandeur.

» 1st Show (English-All days)
Nov-Feb 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm
Mar-Oct 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm

» 2nd Show (Telugu- The, Thu & Sat)
Nov-Feb 7.45 pm to 8.45 pm
Mar-Oct 8.15 pm to 9.15 pm

» 2nd Show (Hindi-Mon, Wed, Fri & Sun)
Nov-Feb 7.45 pm to 8.45 pm
Mar-Oct 8.15 pm to 9.15 pm

Architecture :
Golconda Fort has a strange savage grandeur to which the mammoth boulders on the surrounding hills contribute a rugged and eerie charm. From the top of the acropolis, the walls of Golconda Fort appear meandering nearly four miles in circumference with 87 semi-circular bastions, eight gateways and four drawbridges, further secured by a deep moat running below the awesome ramparts. Later on, an irregular rhombus with a rough pentagon (known as the Naya Quila) was added to its northeastern side. Aurangzeb completely destroyed the fort in 1687 and left it in a heap of pathetic ruins. Huge cannons can still be seen mounted at a few vantage points.

Golconda fort has a number of imposing gateways. The Fateh Darwaza (victory gate) is a marvel of architecture and is known for its acoustics. A clap of hands at the portico is heard at the Balahisar Baradari (a wind-swept pavilion) on top of the acropolis. This acted as the warning note to residents in case of danger, though it is now a mere amusing diversion to visitors. Most of the massive bastions still uphold cannons left behind by the Qutab Shahis and Mughal forces. The Fateh Rahbir canon (guide to victory) was mounted by Aurangzeb on the Pethla Burj where it stands as reminder of the Mughal emperor’s determination to conquer Golconda. The Balahisar Darwaza is the most impressive gateway of this fort and is guarded by statues of mythical beasts and lions. From the Balahisar Darwaza starts the uphill ascent of some 380 uneven stone steps.

Golconda Attraction :
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. 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, some of which having beautifully carved stonework. Outside the Fort are two separate pavilions built on a rocky eminence - the 'Taramathi Gana Mandir' and the 'Premathi Nritya Mandir' 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 fortress city within the walls was famous for the diamond trade and the Koh-i-noor diamond is said to have come from here.

Additional Information :
The fort is open daily from 7.00 am to 8.00 pm. There is a very interesting sound and light show every evening.