India

Golconda Fort (Hyderabad)

I had recently been to Hyderabad, on a 3 days weekend solo trip. This destination was chosen by me primarily since this is very close to Pune (my residence) and can be reached in under 12 hours overnight train. One of my friends has his own office here in Hyderabad and ever since he had been calling me here, to explore the place.

I had 2 things in my mind as MUST EXPERIENCE:

The famous Hyderabadi Biryani and



Visit to Golconda Fort

Some Quick History of Golconda Fort

Golconda Fort occupied an important place during the Qutub Shahi dynasty for about 200 years (from 1500 to 1700 AD). While it was built by the Kakatiya Dynasty around 950 AD primarily for their defense, it rose to prominence during 1500 AD when this was taken over by the Qutub Shahi kingdom. They further built & strengthened it. It was around 1700 AD that this finally went to Aurangzeb. From whatever I could see from the top of this fort, I felt as if the fort & surrounding area was built to the tune of 5 Kms of circumference. Pretty huge.

There are about 250 steps and may take about 40 minutes on an average to reach to the top. Another interesting aspect that I came to know was that just near the entrance, there is a certain dome shaped structure built, a clap of the hand from under this dome can be heard at the highest point of the Golconda Fort, which could be 1 km away.

World’s most precious diamond “KOHINOOR” was extracted from the mines of this place.

Other than this, it is true that the fort hasn’t been maintained nicely. The overall architecture of the fort looks dilapidated. Overall whenever I visit forts, I always find the layout, design and structure very mysterious. Then I keep thinking about how, about 300-400 years back – when there wasn’t any technology – such magnanimous things got built in the first place. Besides, the bathrooms of the King & the Queen used to be so big. Compare that with today’s times, we are content with 1BHK & 2BHK 😉

I am not aware of all the different areas of the fort, so can’t describe it much technically. I am sharing quite a few pictures & my first ever video, that I captured:

(Entrance Fee is INR 5/- per person for Indians and INR 100/- per person for Other Nationals)

(Golconda Fort & the Layout)

(The Main Entrance @ Golconda Fort)

(Golconda and it’s magnanimous structure !)

I have also attempted to have a video, taken extempore… So excuse me if you think it hasn’t churned out well.

Back to some pictures now 🙂

(Streets of Golconda Fort)

(I guess this was the Rani Mahal, not sure though !)

(The Baradari, at the top of the citadel)

(Overview of the Hyderabad City)

Tea & Refreshments Near Golconda Fort

Tea & refreshments counters are outside of the fort, you don’t get anything inside. Keep mineral water bottle with you, might need it while climbing. Toilet facility is available before you begin with the steps, just near the entrance.

How To Reach

Since I stayed in OYO Rooms (Times Square Hotel) near Secunderabad Railway Station, Golconda Fort was around 18 Kms one way, as you can see above. Normally also, it should be in the range of 15-18 Kms from anywhere in Hyderabad. Public buses as well as Autos and Taxis are easily available. While buses are cheaper, costing you only INR 30/- or so, taxis for sure are the convenient mode of transport, especially that Hyderabad can be pretty hot.

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Last Visited in August 2015