Hyderabad is one of India’s best heritage cities, owing to its legacy of more than five hundred years. The city and the surrounding Deccan region have seen the rule of many dynasties, over a period of one thousand years. The ancient fort of Golconda Fort had flourished as the capital of the Golconda Sultanate. Telangana state, with its many themed tourist destinations is a treasured land of heritage structures and one such rare structure is the magnificent Golconda fort. The history of Golconda fort which dates back to several centuries is located in the suburbs of Hyderabad city.

There are many temples located usually on hillocks, which is of particular reverence in Hindu Mythology. Manyamkonda Sri Lakshmi Venkateshwara Swamy Temple too is located atop Manyamkonda hill. It is a shrine dedicated to the worship of Lord Venkateshwara in Mahabubnagar district. It is also called as "Palamoor Tirupathi" by ardent devotees who throng the temple premises for darshan and spiritual salvation.

History

It was initially known as Mankal, and built on a hilltop in the year 1143. It was originally a mud fort under the reign of Raja of Warangal. Later it was fortified between 14th and 17th centuries by the Bahmani Sultans, followed by the Qutub Shahi dynasty. Golconda was the principal capital of the Qutub Shahi kings.It was also known as Shepherd’s Hill, meaning Golla Konda in Telugu while according to legend, on this rocky hill a shepherd boy had come across an idol and the information was conveyed to the ruling Kakatiya king at that time. The king constructed a mud fort around this holy spot and after 200 years, Bahmani rulers took possession of the place. Later the Qutub Shahi kings converted this into massive granite fort extending 5km in circumference. The Qutub Shahis reign at Golconda ended in 1687 when it was run over by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

Unique Architecture

The inner fort contains ruins of palaces, mosques and a hill top pavilion, which rises about 130 meters high and gives a bird’s eye view of other buildings. The outer fort occupies an area of three square kilometers, which is 4.8 kilometers in length. The walls of the fort range from 17 to 34 feet marked by 87 semi-circular bastions, some of them reaching 60 feet in height. The fortress rests on a granite hill 120 meters high while huge crenellated ramparts surround this structure.

Highlights of the Fort

The Golconda fort still features mounted cannons, four drawbridges, eight gateways, and majestic halls, magazines, stables etc. The outermost enclosure is called FatehDarwaza meaning Victory gate, after Aurangzeb’s army marched successfully through this gate.

Here tourists can experience wonderful acoustical effects, one among the many famous engineering marvels at Golconda. Clapping your hand at a certain point near the dome entrance reverberates and this is heard clearly at the hill top pavilion, almost one kilometer away. This reportedly served as a warning note to the inhabitants of the fort of any impending danger.

Sound and Light Show

Telangana Tourism organizes regular sound and light shows at the amazing Golconda fort. The impressive and popular sound & light show at Golconda fort shows the grand history of the rulers of various dynasties. The Sound and Light Show at the Golconda Fort attracts a large number of tourists who witness the events showing the past of the fort using by means of sound and light effects.

The breathtaking fort of Golconda leaves the tourists mesmerized, transporting them back to the historic era, given the monumental significance of the centuries-old fort.One of the majestic forts of Telangana, Golconda fort has been a witness to history from the time when many kings had ruled andseveral epic battles were fought.The ramparts, cannons, the engineering marvels and other structures here are a delight to visit.

How to Reach

Golconda fort is located at a distance of nearly 11 km from Hyderabad and is accessible by road.

Where to Stay

Telangana Tourism operates Plaza Hotel in Begumpet, Located at distance of 11.8kms from Golconda Fort is a comfortable stay. The Plaza hotel here is ideal for tourists visiting destinations in and around Hyderabad. Haritha Taramathi Baradari resort is located at a distance of 4.3kms from Golconda Fort, is an attractive accommodation choice in Hyderabad. The resort has an Open Air Auditorium, which is ideal for corporate gatherings and private events.