Golconda Fort
Situated in the Western part of the beautiful city of Hyderabad at a distance of approximately 9 km from Hussain Sagar Lake, Golconda Fort is one of the region's best-preserved monuments. The construction of this fort was completed in the 1600s and it is reputed for being the area where once, the mighty Koh-I-Noor diamond was stored. It is said that if you clap your hands at the bottom of the fort, the echoes of it can be heard right to the top! The architecture, the legends, the history, and the mystery of Golconda Fort add to its allure and make it one of the must-visit places in Hyderabad.
The mines here are known to produce some of the most coveted and popular gems ever known in the world such as Idol's Eye, the Hope Diamond, Darya-i-noor, and the famous Koo-i-noor.
In the evening, Golconda Fort comes to life with the light and sound show which showcases snippets from its regal past. The grandeur, the rise, and the fall of the fort are all spectacular in their own right. With its fascinating history, the place is worth a visit.
History of Golconda Fort
According to popular historical beliefs, a shepherd had discovered an idol in the place where Golconda Fort rests today. Soon after this unique discovery, the matter was conveyed to the Kakatiyan King, who ordered a fort of mud to be constructed around this idol.
After the construction of the structure was complete, people started recognizing it by the name “Golla Konda”, meaning Shepherd’s Hill. The fort became popular in the sixteenth century during the reign of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty. Eventually, the mud fortress expanded and took the shape of a huge structure manifesting an outer wall of around 10 kilometers.
Later in the year 1687, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb conquered the fort. As of now, Golconda Fort is home to a spectrum of mosques and palaces, many of which are unfortunately in ruins. The beauty and elegance of the fort are famous all over the globe.
Architecture of Golconda Fort
Golconda Fort is constructed on a 400 feet high hill and boasts a mesmerizing blend of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles. The walls of the fort have 87 bastions and 8 gates each measuring up to a height of 60 feet. The fort houses the beautiful and spacious resting chambers of the princesses and queens.
Golconda Fort has gained a lot of popularity for its parade grounds, royal apartments, mosques, and halls. Out of the 8 magnificent gates, Fateh Darwaza happens to be the primary one as Aurangzeb’s victorious march had passed through it.
Designed using steel spikes, this gate measures around 25 feet in length and about 13 feet in breadth. Another gate that is of prime importance is Balahisar Darwaza which manifests the Nawabi architectural style. At present, only the gate on the eastern side is open for visiting purposes.
Sound and Light Show at Golconda Fort
The sound and light show are counted among the primary attractions of Golconda Fort. The show is presented in 3 different languages – English, Hindi, and Telugu. The English version of the show can be experienced throughout the week while the Hindi version can be enjoyed on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. The local visitors can experience the show in the Telugu language on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
The sound and light show is held in the beautiful area around and within Rani Mahal. The show is presented twice daily in two different languages and the timing of each show may vary based on the month in which you are planning to go and experience it. From November to February, the first show takes place at 6.30 PM while the second one takes place at 7.45 PM. From March to October, the first show is presented at 7 PM, whereas the second is presented at 8.15 PM.
