Golconda Fort is one of the most magnificent fortress complexes in  India. It is located on the outskirts of the city of Hyderabad,the capital of the state of Andhra  Pradesh. The history of Golconda Fort dates back to the early 13th century when this south eastern part of the country was ruled by the Kakatiyas. The bulk of the ruins of    this fort, date from the time of the
Qutab Shahi kings, who had ruled this area in the 16th and 17th century. Golconda city remained
the capital of the Qutab Shahis from 1512 to 1590, from where they later shifted it to Hyderabad.

 Golconda Fort is itself built on a granite hill 120 metres high, and is surrounded by  walls of solid stone. The fortress had held out for eight long months, when in 1687, the fort was besieged by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. It finally fell to the Mughals, after it was treacherously betrayed. The outer wall surrounding the entire townshipof Golconda, is about 11 kilometres long, and is strongly fortified. In its heyday,the10 kilometre long road from Golconda toouter Hyderabad,was a     fabulous market selling jewellery, diamonds, pearls and other gems, which were famous all over the world.

One of the most remarkable features of Golconda, is its system of acoustics. The  sounds of hands clapped in the grand portico can be heard in the Durbar Hall, at the  very top of the hill. The tombs of the Qutab Shahi kings,lie about one kilometre north of the outer wall of Golconda.These graceful structures are surrounded by landscaped gardens, with beautifully carved stonework.

Site Map

                          Golconda Fort
 

 Best time to visit :

 The best time to visit Golconda Fort is between September and March.

 How to get there :

 Hyderabad can be reached by air, from all the major cities of the country. Indian Airlines and many  other private airlines operate flights to Hyderabad. It is also easily  accesible by train, from any part of the country. There is a regular bus service to Hyderabad from many cities in southern, central and south-eastern parts of the  country.

  Where to stay :

   The good hotels to stay in Hyderabad are Gateway, on Banjara Hills (Tel:
  +91-40-399999, Fax: +91-40-392218), The Krishna Oberoi (Tel: 392323, Fax:
   393079), Bhaskar Palace (Tel: 226141, Fax: 222712), and Quality Inn Green Park
   (Tel: 291919, Fax: 291900).

  Contact :

   Andhra Pradesh Development Corporation Ltd., Yatri Niwas, Sardar Patel Road,
   Secunderabad-3

   Tel: 843931, 816375, 843932

  Government of India Tourist Office, Sandozi Building, Street no.1. Himayat Magar,
   Hyderabad.

   Tel: 666877