Basking In Royal Glory – Golconda Fort

The Golconda Fort was built in the 13th century by the rulers of the Kakatiya dynasty. The area and the fort were also used by the Bahmanis and the Qutb Shahis. It was initially called Golla Konda in Telugu, meaning Shepherd’s Hill. A story goes like this: A shepherd boy, who was on this hill, found an idol called Mangalavaram. He reported it to the Kakatiya king at the time; he built a mud fort around the sacred spot.

Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah repaired the fort and beautified it. The following rulers added to it, some establishing a city within it even! The entrance gate, Fateh Darwaza, is studded with long iron spikes, and leads to the Balahisar gate, another superb structure. A clap which was sounded at the Balahisar gate could be heard all the way up in the citadel, almost a kilometre away. Imagine the acoustics. Within the fort you can find ruins of palaces, mosques and other structures.

Check out the Nagina Gardens, which was the bodyguards’ barracks. There are three 12m-deep water tanks which provided water for the fort. The fort’s durbar hall is located on top of a hill, and offers a view of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. A 1,000-step stairway will take you up.

The Qutub Shahi tombs built in Islamic architecture are situated near the fort. A light and sound show, started in the recent years, is a star attraction at the fort. It explains the history of the fort.

The fort is situated about 10km from the city centre. Hyderabad is well connected by rail, road and air.