The fort 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.

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 Fateh Darwaza 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. 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 and several epic battles were fought. The ramparts, cannons, the engineering marvels and other structures here are a delight to visit.

Unique Architecture of Golconda Fort

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.

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.

How to Reach

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

Where to Stay

Haritha Taramati Baradari resort which is located at a distance of 4.3kms from Golconda Fort, is an attractive accommodation choice.