When we hear of the Koh-I-Noor ot Daria-I-Noor or the Hope Diamond, we probably associate these with diamonds, wealth, stories, mystery etc. But what’s common to all these famous diamonds is they were all mined arouind Golconda region. Golconda means round hill. This region was famous for its diamonds and as such a vibrant economy around them started flourishing here. During this time, the name Golconda became synonymous for enormous wealth, and the Qutb Shahi Dynasty who ruled this region enjoyed the riches and built many forts and palaces. A trip to Hyderabad is incomplete without one to Golconda Fort.
Originally known as Mankal, the Golconda Fort is said to have been first built by the Kakatiya Dynasty on a 120 metre high granite hill. It passed through many hands until the Qutb Shahi Dynasty took over, and the current structure is because of their re-building from the earlier mud structure.
Spread over 3.8 square kilometres, the fort is made of four district forts. Each of the palaces, temples, mosques, even stables inside the fort are an architectural marvel. Take out at least a day to see the view and nearby Qutb Shahi Tombs.
We had reached on a windy, rainy day which wasn’t planned, but it turned out all the better. How often do you see iconic monuments in the rains? As we walked the lawns of the fort, a light drizzle energised us. The many corridors, watch towers and pavilions were alive with a strong breeze that made us want to stay back longer than we had planned. After this experience, why would we visit this beautiful open fort in the summers?
[box type=”success” width=”100%” ]How to reach : Hyderabad can be easily reached via an international airport, or trains or road. Once inside, take an app based taxi or a local Auto rickshaw to Golconda Fort. be sure to fix a fare with teh rickshaw person beforehand.
Where to stay: Hyderabad has many choices of stay but you can try the Haritha Taramati Baradari resort run by the Telangana Tourism department.
When to visit : Just at the beginninhg (early July) or end of monsoons (around end August) or winters (November till early March) are a good time. Summers are hot.
Where to eat: Hyderabad is famous for it’s food. Check this earlier post about eat out places.
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The Golconda fort looks rather different when the sky is overcast. I climbed those stairs in the blistering heat 🙂 Thanks for sharing such lovely photos.
Thanks for dropping by, Antonina! Hyderabad summers can be quite something…
I really love the decorations above the arched gateway to the fort, so much so I’m actually intrigued by the apparent difference between the austere disc on the right with the highly ornate one to the left. As for the Golconda Fort compound itself, it certainly looks stupendous!
Wow! That’s detailed observation Bama! These forts belonged to the land that gave us the world’s most famous diamonds! Imagine how this fort would have looked in its time.
It always leaves me amazed when I look at these historical monuments. I always wondered how it felt to live in such magnificent buildings?! How formidable the fort looks…!! Awe-inspiring arches and your captures…btw…I have heard Hyderabad is still experiencing heavy torrents of rain.
Thanks Bushra! We left before the rains became heavier. And yes, living in this fort must have been something else…
Interesting
Interesting.
Absolutely amazing pictures and great info on Golconda Fort!
Thanks Divya
Wow! You’ve done an amazing job of documenting several important regions of this incredible piece of Medieval Indian Architecture. Loved the post!
Thanks Pradita
Truly stunning captures and loved reading every bit of this post.
Thanks!
Such an informative post, and the information of the history is amazing.
Thanks Randall! I do wish these magnificent forts were better preserved though.
Lovely post. Informative and enjoyable… Those lovely pictures are the icing on the cake…
I have heard so much about Golconda Fort, and today I visited it virtually 🙂 will definitely think of you when I visit in person…Thanks for sharing this lovely post and those awesome pictures 🙂
we had been to Golconda fort a few years back.
your pics brought back sweet memories. we missed the light and sound show then.
the fort has come alive in your lens. it was like walking through it once again, after all these years. and the description was engaging too
What a detailed and wonderful post.. Thanks for sharing..
Thanks guys!
Looks a gem of a fort, especially with the greenery around. I feel we should get to live in such forts, there would be many takers ( even if it is expensive) ☺️
This fort seems so lovely and definitely worth exploring! Excellent pictures. Is one day enough to explore it whole?
Hi Agness! Yes one day for the fort is enough. You will need more for the various interesting places around Hyderabad though.
India has so many beautiful forts. I went to Rajasthan in 2015 and visited Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer. Haven’t gone to Hyderabad. But it seems like a lovely place to visit.