Heritage Tours >> Forts and Palaces >> Golconda Fort

Golconda fort is a majestic monument lying on the western outskirts of Hyderabad city. The fortress is built on a granite hill 120 metres high, surrounded by massive crenellated ramparts. One of the most remarkable features of is its system of acoustics whereby the sounds of hands clapped at the entry gate can be heard quite clearly at the top of the hill..

History:  
Founded originally by the Kakatiyas in the 13th century, the existing structure was expanded by the Qutb Shahi kings into a massive fort of granite with walls and ramparts extending some 7 kms in circumference. It speaks of a great cultural heritage and is regarded as a place worth visiting. Before the city of Hyderabad was founded the Deccan was ruled from Golconda fort. The first three Qutub Shahi kings rebuilt Golconda, over a span of 62 years.

Sound and Light Show:  
A new attraction at the fort is a sound and light show that brings the legend of Golconda to life holding the audience spellbound. 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 has Amitabh Bachan's voice as its voice over, taking the audience down the history lane. Events of the bygone era are narrated. The event that unfolded reverberates in Bachan's booming voice and the place on the fort is tastefully illuminated. This colorful spectacle is organised by the AP Tourism Department. The show is presented in English, Hindi and Telugu. Duration: 55 minutes English: Wednesday, Sunday Hindi: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday Telugu: Thursday, Closed on Mondays.

Attractions:  
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.

Story behind:  
Shepherd's Hill" or "Golla Konda", as it was known in Telugu, has an interesting story behind it. One fine day, on the rocky hill called 'Mangalavaram', a shepherd boy came across an idol. This was conveyed to the Kakatiya king, who was ruling at that time. The king got a mud fort constructed around the holy spot and over a period of time this lowly construction was expanded by the Qutub Shahi kings into a massive fort of granite, which has been a silent witness to many historic events.

A Well Planned Architecture:  
The magnificent architecture of the fort is manifest in its acoustic system, the structural grandeur of the palaces and ingenious water supply system. One is perplexed to see the meticulous details of the architecture and the fading gardens, which were once upon a time replete with sprawling lawns and playing fountains. The ventilation design reveals the brilliant planning of the architects; they are designed to let in a flow of fresh cool breeze, which is a respite from the heat of summer. The massive gates are studded with large pointed iron spikes to prevent elephants from battering them down. The outer wall surrounding the entire township of Golconda, is about 11-km long, and is strongly fortified. In its heyday, the 10-km long road from Golconda to outer Hyderabad was a fabulous market selling jewellery, diamonds, pearls and other gems, which were famous all over the world. The kohinoor diamond, Orloff diamond and the Hope diamonds are believed to have been originated from here.