Golconda Fort, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Golconda Fort, Hyderabad

City View from Golconda Fort

Address: Khair Complex, Ibrahim Bagh, Hyderabad, Telangana 500008

Duration: 3 - 4 Hours

Fort timing: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm every day. Timing on public holiday night differ

Entry Fee:
 25 per person for Indians
 200 per person for Foreign Tourists
 25 for Still Camera

 

Tips:

(1) Do not forget your sunglasses, hat and umbrella or cap and water as it will be very sunny. Don't forget to bring back the empty bottles.
(2) Guide: This place has a lot of backstories so read it from the internet and local guide is as usual costly.
(3) Wheelchair not accessible as it is having a lot of steps.
(4) We have to climb the fort on foot (approximately 350 stairs). Children and aged people will find it difficult to climb.
(5) Avoid this place in a summer noon. The cloudy climate is best suited for a visit to the fort. 

Note: They charge INR 20 for a plastic bottle deposit, forcing people to not throw trash around, good initiative, but noticed people still need to be educated on this program.

Golconda Fort 

as a historic monument is an amazing structure of Architecture and engineering. The whole of the Golconda Fort complex and its surrounding spreads across 11 km.
After reaching the top, one gets to see breathtaking city views from different angles. Along with brilliant architecture, this fort also captivates its visitors with its system of acoustics, its water supply system, 'Rahban' cannon, and Ramdas’ prison which has carved Hindu deity in it. There is also Goddess Durga temple at the top. The fort is pretty well maintained. You don't see any littering around the area. You have to climb a lot of stairs (approximately 350) so be well prepared for that mentally and physically. If you have kids with you then do not let them go alone while climbing.
   

Fateh Darwaza (Victory Gate):

we enter the fort by the "Fateh Darwaza" (Victory gate, so-called after Aurangzeb’s triumphant army marched in through this gate) studded with giant iron spikes (to prevent elephants from battering them down) near the south-eastern corner.

An acoustic effect can be experienced at Fateh Darwazaan, characteristic of the engineering marvels at Golconda. A hand clap at a certain point below the dome at the entrance reverberates and can be heard clearly at the top 'Bala Hisar' pavilion, the highest point almost a kilometer away. This technique used to escape King and families if there any attach happens. 

Ponds and Water Management System:

I am impressed with the well-designed ponds and water management system, even they built a good rainwater harvesting system in that era.

Ramdas' prison:

Murdha Gate: 

Nagina Baug:

Shri Jagadamba and Shri Mahakali Temple:

'Rahban' cannon:

  

Ambar Khana: 

Ambar Khana

 Ibrahim Mosque:

Ibrahim Mosque

 Darbar Hall (Baradari): 

  

Hyderabad City View from Top of the Fort:

Once you reach the top you get to see the beautiful Hyderabad city. You also get to see the entire area of the fort from the top. The climb is pretty exhausting but definitely worth the effort.
 

Rani Mahal Complex:

 

Light and Sound show:

The light and the sound show in English, Hindi and Telugu language with the voice-over by the Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan is something one must not miss when visiting the Fort.

1. Golconda Fort Light & Sound Show Fee:
•  140 per Adult in Executive Class
•  110 per Child in Executive Class
•  80 per Adult in Normal Class
•  60 per Child in Normal Class
2. Sound & Light Show Timings at Golconda Fort:
• 1st Show English (All Days)
• 2nd Show in Telugu on Monday, Wednesday & Friday,
• 2nd Show in Hindi on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday.
• Show Timings (Nov to Feb): 1st Show 6:30pm 2nd Show 7.45pm
• Show Timings (Mar to Oct): 1st Show 7:00pm 2nd Show 8.15pm.

Note: Sound & Light Show Ticket counter at Golconda Fort is open from 5:30 PM

   

What can be improved?

(1) To enjoy such beautiful historic sites, there should be good maintenance from both the government and the public.
But the government is doing very little in providing public facilities like drinking water, toilets, safe guard rails at certain walkways, etc. There is a public toilet at the lower level, but once you reach the top there is no such facility. At places, it is not at all maintained.

(2) The government needs to appoint registered guides to make the experience wonderful. Different guides charge different rates. This aspect has to be regulated.

But, this engineering marvel makes you forget all the shortfalls and immerses everyone in the fantastic historic exploration.
overall the experience is simply mesmerizing. 

Another nearby place:

Taramati Baradari

Outside the Golconda Fort on the Gandipet Road lies Taramati Baradari, another popular historic building of Hyderabad.

Consisting of a music hall with 12 entrances that served as an auditorium, it used to be the place where the legendary artist Taramathi used to perform. Taramati along with Premamati were said to be most popular dancers and courtesans of the Abdullah Qutub Shah, 7th Sultan of Golconda

Please comment below and let me know what do you like in Hyderabad?

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Golconda Fort, Hyderabad, Telangana, India