Golconda Fort, Hyderabad, In The Rains

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?

 

Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
Massive yet beautifully proportioned arched gateways lead you inside various portions of the Golconda Fort
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
I love the way the various arches converge inside the fort at the ceiling.
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
Many lawns dot the inside of the fort. These must have been Qutb Shahi Gardens once…
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
I love the way the fort is built in winding layers…
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
The arched windows have arched frames inside them. How beautiful…
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
Must have been quite a view when up and running… The Golconda Fort, Hyderabad
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
What look like tunnels and drainages inside the Golconda Fort, Hyderabad
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
Long corrdors lead to more corridors.
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
Was this the kitchen? Are those ovens?
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
So many arches exist in almost musical harmony…
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
Param ponders arch inside an arch inside an arch…
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
Oh to see it standing!
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
Walking inside the fort itself will take you a long time. Winder when the fort was inhabited, how often would people need to step out…
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
Looking at the topmost portion of the fort
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
Ruins amidst granite stone structure of the fort. I can only wonder how beautiful it must have been. It still is…
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
Love those steps leading to the highest point of the fort.
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
We start climbing up. Its quite a climb…
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
A fabulous view of Hyderabad from up at Goldonda Fort. The concrete expanse must have been forests and paddy or millet fields once…
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
It gets very very breezy at the top…
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
Love the amalgamation of architecture and natural landscape at the Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
With a commanding view of the adjoining area like this, Golconda Fort has been instrumental in the defense of the ruling dynasties.
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
Some of the places of worship are still in use.
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
Morons ruin ancient ruins with their worthless signatures.
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
At the top, looking at the surrounding view… the strong breeze here almost made us shiver in the cold…
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
Enjoying a phone conversation at the top.
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
As the arches converge beautifully, some people don’t get enough of selfies…
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
The entrance corrridors are tunnel like, perhaps to trap invading forces inside them…
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
The Golconda Fort, Hyderabad
Goldconda Fort, Hyderabad
Auto rickshaws drop you till the very gate of the Golconda Fort

 

[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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26 thoughts on “Golconda Fort, Hyderabad, In The Rains”

  1. 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!

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  2. 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.

    Reply
  3. 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 🙂

    Reply
  4. 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

    Reply
  5. 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.

    Reply

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