Golconda Fort

Golconda Fort Hyderabad is an outstanding example of brilliant engineering and magical architecture. Located at a distance of 11km from the city, it is the most famous of all Hyderabad tourist places. The name of the fort has been derived from the Telugu words “Golla” and “Konda” which together means ‘Shepherd’s Hill’.

However, do keep in mind the Golconda Fort timings and entry fee before planning a visit to this regal symbol of history. For instance, Golconda fort timings are from 9 am to 5.30 pm. After that, visitors are not allowed to enter the fort, unless they are going for the light and show at night. Hence, to explore the beauty of this place at leisure, plan you visit early in the day.

History of Golconda Fort

Golconda Fort Hyderabad is an outstanding example of brilliant engineering and magical architecture. Located at a distance of 11km from the ci

Founded in the approximately 12th Century by the Kakatiya Kings, this massive Golconda Fort with eight gates and 87 bastions was later built by Qutub Shahi Kings.

The name Golconda Fort has a legend behind it. As per the story, a shepherd boy was once walking on this hill when he had come across a God idol. The news about the shepherd boy and his findings reached the then ruler of Kakatiya Dynasty. The King then decided to built a fort on the hill, which then came to be known as Golconda (Shepherd’s Hill) Fort.

However, almost 200 years later, the fort came under Bahamani rulers. Later Qutub Shahi Kings took the fort under their control and extended it further. The fort was fortified and expanded during the reign of Bahamani rulers and Qutub Shahi Dynasty. Later in 1687, this fort came under the rule of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. It was then the fort was left unattended.

At present, the Golconda Fort constitutes a complex layout of palaces, mosques and pavilion, all of which unfortunately are in ruins now.

ty, it is the most famous of all Hyderabad tourist places. The name of the fort has been derived from the Telugu words “Golla” and “Konda” which together means ‘Shepherd’s Hill’.

However, do keep in mind the Golconda Fort timings and entry fee before planning a visit to this regal symbol of history. For instance, Golconda fort timings are from 9 am to 5.30 pm. After that, visitors are not allowed to enter the fort, unless they are going for the light and show at night. Hence, to explore the beauty of this place at leisure, plan you visit early in the day.

Eating in and around Golconda Fort

There are many eateries outside the fort, ranging from restaurants to roadside stalls and counters. Visitors are often seen satiating their palate with sumptuous varieties of snacks and drinks.

However, if you wish to have a special dining experience, you can visit the Taramati Baradari resort’s restaurant which is run by Telangana Tourism. It is located quite close to the fort and can be reached within a few minutes of drive. Taramati Baradari is another popular sightseeing place to visit in Hyderabad and the restaurant here offers mouth-watering culinary choices.

Entry Fee and Timings of Golconda Fort

Another feature that makes Golconda fort all the more attractive is the light and sound show presenting its history and facts. The timings of sound and light show at Golconda Fort are from 6 pm to 9.15 pm, depending on which month you are planning to visit. It is closed on Mondays.

The Sound and light show is one of the major attractions of the Golconda Fort. Organised at the area in and around Rani Mahal, Alluring its viewers everyday in three different languages, English Telugu and Hindi.

This show is conducted in English on all days of the week, while the show in Telugu in on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The sound and light show in Hindi is conducted with a voice over of Bollywood living legend Amitabh Bachchan on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

How to reach Golconda Fort

Reaching Golconda fort is quite an easy task as it is well connected by road to the rest of the city. It is around 11 km away from the center of Hyderabad.

One can also travel by metro. The nearest metro station to Golconda fort is Peddamma Temple Metro Station and the Jubilee Hills Check Post Metro Station on the Blue line. Travelers are required to take an auto rickshaw or taxi to reach the fort from these metro stations, which will take around 20 minutes of time.

If travelling by bus, then you can Bus-119 and Bus 66G and 65G from the Nampally station and Charminar via GPO Abids respectively. Although there are upteem number of public transportatiom, one of the best ways would be to hire a taxi and explore these tourists places.