The construction of this fort was way ahead of its time as it still manages to amaze the tourists and how! Thanks to its ingenious architecture that leaves people jaw-dropped even after 6 centuries! The Golconda fort or ‘Mankal’ which is its historic name, was built on a hilltop in the year 1143 and is spread in an area of 11 kilometres. Although the fort was built by a ruler of the Kakatiya dynasty, altered by the Bahamian kings, yet it is associated majorly with the Qutub Shahi dynasty and its rulers! The fort was expanded, and went through modifications on elementary and advanced levels and was upgraded to the stature of an architectural plus acoustic wonder under the Qutub rulers.
History of Golconda Fort
It is intriguing to know that this fort was rebuilt and also strengthened by Rani Rudrama Devi and her successor who was Prataparudra. After her rule, this fort came under the kingship of Musunuri Nayaks. It was them, who had defeated the army of Tughlaqs who were occupying the city of Warangal. Then after this event, it was ceded by Musunuri Kakaya Bhupathi as a part of the treaty somewhere around the year of 1364 which was under the Bahmani Sultanate.
And under the Bahmani Sultanate, Golconda saw its, although a little slow, but a significant rise. During 1487-1543, this place was established by the Sultan Quli Qutb Ul-Mulk as his providential seat. Even a massive fortification of granite was also built around an area of 5km to have a powerful grip over the security aspect of this place. And it was in the year of 1687, that this fort saw its final ruin by the hands of the Mughal ruler, Aurangzeb.
The Diamonds
It is said that that the Golconda Fort used to have a specific vault. In this vault was stored the much famous and revered diamond 'Koh-i-Noor' along with many other pieces of significant jewellery. Furthermore, Golconda has always been looked upon as a renowned place for the amazing quality of its diamonds. Yes, even the hub for its diamond mines is located in Kollur, in the Guntur district which is quite nearby.
A Visionary Specimen of Acoustic & Architectural Excellence
Initially, during the reign of Kakatiya kings, the fort was known as a mud fort, as it was made using the mud, later it underwent some more modifications by the Bahamian rulers. After the Bahamian rulers, came in the Qutub rulers who used granite for the expansion of the fort and made many architectural and aesthetic changes. The intricately carved walls, reminisces of Mughal art, majestic premises, and acoustic intelligence and engineering is a marvel to cherish for the millennials and generations ahead of them!
Apart from that, the fort also has a water reservoir that would collect the rainwater and would supply it throughout the year. There are 8 entry gates in the fort and a few most popular ones amongst them are the Fateh Darwaza, Eastern Gate, and Balahisar Darwaza. The walls of the fort and the gates are also drenched in Mughal art which looks simply intriguing and mesmerizing.
The Famous Security Alarm of Golconda Fort
The fort has made it to the list of the best acoustic wonders of the world for its intelligent construction based on scientific calculations. During the visit to the fort, you will see many tourists clapping at a specific place in the fort and tumbling a piece of cloth, which is only to experience the life in old times and appreciate the creation. The architecture of the fort is such that the sound travels as far as a kilometer, which in those days, was used to alert the kings in situations of an attack. If you clap at the entry gate of the fort it will get heard at the highest hall of the fort. Another place in the fort is a hall where if we tumble a piece of cloth the sound of it would echo.
The Security Alarm that Changed the Course of History
It's ironic that the fort which was known for its reliable security system failed to protect itself from the traitors in its own premises. It’s hard to believe that this accurate and reliable security system was the reason for its destruction! As per the historians, the army of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb bribed the security guards and asked them not to alert the king when they will proceed towards the fort for an attack and the plan went well! Aurangzeb successfully captured the Golconda fort and he then destroyed it so that no other ruler would rule that kingdom ever after!
Things To Do Near Golconda Fort
Golconda Fort is among the best places to visit in Hyderabad. Here's the list of things to do near Golconda Fort.
1. Mahakali Mandir
It is said that this temple dates back to 190 years in the past. A great number of tourists can be seen visiting this temple for receiving the blessings of Goddess Mahakali. And in particular, during the time of Ashada Jathara, this place sees a footfall of literally lakhs of devotees. It is indeed quite a spectacle to watch the traditional rituals take place here.
2. Naya Quila
Naya Quila is fundamentally an extended portion of Golconda Fort. It was built by the Sultan Abdullah Qutb Shah. Furthermore, this part of the fort contains a great number of historic structures of many strange figures and animals. if you visit this part of the ruins then it will surely intrigue your curiosity.
3. Qutub Shahi Tomb
Located in the Ibrahim Bagh, these tombs are situated near Golconda Fort. These tombs mainly consist of buildings, mosques built by the various kings of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty. The galleries in smaller tombs are single-storeyed whereas the larger ones are two-storeyed.
4. Aziz Bagh
Being a historic residence in Hyderabad, this place is owned by a scholar and civil servant by the name of Hasanuddin Ahmed. It was built in the year of 1899 by the Persian and Urdu Poet Aziz Jung Bahadur. And then in the year of 1997, it was also given a cultural heritage award by INTACH, the Indian National Trust For Art And Cultural Heritage.
How to Reach Golconda Fort
Famously known as the City of Nizams, Hyderabad is all about exploring the amazing historical charm of mosques, old roads, and chaotic bazaars. Hyderabad is located at a distance of 1,558, 712, 1,504, 569 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. This is how you can reach Golconda, Hyderabad by the following means of transportation.
By Air
The best option to travel Hyderabad by air would be Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD). This airport has been named after the former Prime Minister of Indian - Mr Rajiv Gandhi. Hyderabad Airport was established on 23rd March 2008 to replace Begumpet airport.
As per the data of 2009, Hyderabad Airport was considered as the sixth busiest airport in terms of overall passenger traffic in India. After deboarding at the airport, you will need to cover an approximate distance of 30 km. For this, you can choose to travel by cab or some other means of public transportation like a bus.
Many airlines operate to and fro Hyderabad connecting many other Indian cities.
- Surat - Board Spicejet, IndiGo, Air India flights from Surat International Airport. The airfares are starting from Rs.3,000
- Kolkata - Board IndiGo, Spicejet, Air India, Vistara from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. The airfares are starting from Rs.2,500
- Delhi - Board Air Asia, IndiGo, Spicejet, Vistara flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport. The airfares are starting from Rs.2,000
- Indore - Board IndiGo, Air India, Vistara flights from Indore Airport. The airfares are starting from Rs.2,500
- Bengaluru - Board Air Asia, IndiGo, Spicejet, Air India flights from Kempegowda International Airport. The airfares are starting from Rs.1,500
By Train
Hyderabad has three main railway stations namely Hyderabad Railway Station, Secunderabad Railway Station, and Kachiguda Railway Station. All of these train stations connect various Indian cities in a fairly good manner. After deboarding at the train station, you will need to cover the remaining distance by some means of public transportation like a cab.
Depending upon your location, you can make a decision to deboard at any one of the railway stations.
- Delhi - Board Telangana Express or Dakshin Express from New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station respectively and deboard at the Secunderabad Junction.
- Bengaluru - Board Kacheguda Express from Bengaluru Cant and deboard at the Kacheguda Station
- Mumbai - Board Konark Express from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and deboard at the Secunderabad Junction
- Chennai - Board Hyderabad Express from MGR Chennai CTL and deboard at the Secunderabad Junction
- Mysuru - Board Jaipur Express from Mysuru Junction and deboard at the Kacheguda Junction
- Surat - Board RJT SC Express from Surat Junction and deboard at the Secunderabad Junction
By Road
Depending upon your location, you can consider travelling to Hyderabad via road as well. You can choose to travel in your own vehicle, cab or bus.
From Vijayawada, the bus fares start from Rs.350. From Bengaluru, the bus fares start from Rs.1,500. From Mysuru, the bus fares start from Rs. 1,100.
- Delhi - 1,558 km via NH44 or NH46
- Bengaluru - 576 km via NH48
- Mumbai - 826 km via NH65 or NH52
- Surat - 940 km via NH65 or NH52
- Madurai - 1,168 km via NH44
- Vijayawada- 275 km via NH65
- Pune - 695 km via NH65
Frequently Asked Questions About Golconda Fort
Q1. who built golconda fort?
A1. Under the rule of the Raja of Warangal, it was once a mud fort. Afterward, it was established by the Bahmani Sultans and later the governing Qutub Shahi Dynasty during the 14th and the 17th centuries.
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here.
