Golconda Fort, a fortified citadel of India, in Hyderabad, Telangana is the most impressive monument of Hyderabad. The history of this fort is interesting and what makes it more interesting are the diamonds. Because of its proximity to diamond mines, it thrives as a trade hub for large diamonds that are known as Golconda Diamonds.
Golconda Fort, Hyderabad is a fortress that is a must visit to get to know the history and the war of the region. You can book your flights to Hyderabad with lowestflightfare in order to explore this huge fort closely and clearly. This particular region has produced many world-famous diamonds, including Kohinoor Diamond, that are now owned by different countries all over the world.
History
This huge and marvellous fort was built by Qutbs Shah in the 16th century in the western part of Hyderabad, 9 kilometres from the Hussain Sagar Lake. Originally known as Mankal, this fort was a mud fort under the rule of Rajah of Warangal. Bahmani Sultans fortified this fort in the 14th and 17th centuries and later, the Qutb Shahi Dynasty. This magnificent fortress, initially known as Golla Konda that signifies Shephard’s Hill in Telugu, was ruled by Qutb Singh’s Dynasty in the 16th and 17th centuries.
The history of this huge fortress not only ends here. Later, it was taken over by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1687, terminating the rule of Qutb Singh’s Dynasty. Golconda Fort, Hyderabad has witnessed a number of historic events and still houses the fort in the original state of construction as it was built. The mounted cannons, eight gateways, majestic halls, stables, four drawbridges and the huge Fateh Darwaza, known as The Victory Gate, will impress you and will make you dig deep into its history.
War
The home of Kollur Mine, the Golconda Fort witnessed a war in 1687 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. After conquering two muslim kingdoms of Ahmednagar and Bijapur, assembling the most advanced Mughal Army, Aurangzeb seized the Golconda Fort, Hyderabad. The Qutb Shah Dynasty, further, refused to surrender to the Mughals and protected the fort, the home of Kollur Mine (the only diamond mine at that time).
But unfortunately, one of the Golconda commanders defected towards the Mughals and the Aurangzeb army successfully defeated and conquered the Qutb Shah Dynasty, entering in through a huge gate that is now known as the Victory Gate or “Fateh Darwaza”.
Diamonds
Known for their clarity and size, Golconda Diamonds became synonymous with Golconda itself as they were produced in the region. This region functioned as the only source of diamonds until the 17th century after it was produced for 2000 long years. The diamond mines of this region have been inactive since 1830 and now are mined in the Godavari Delta, in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
But the fact that the region produced some significant diamonds such as the Kohinoor, Hope, Idol’s Eye, white Regent, Orlov, etc, will definitely retain this place for its heritage and its contribution to History.
Nearby Attractions
Golconda Fort, Hyderabad, undoubtedly presents the history of Mughals and other rulers who at some point of time ruled this huge fortress but that does not end it with exploration. This fortress offers some other huge and famous places to visit while you are in Golconda fort. The nearby attractions are not less than the heritage sites and moreover, offer something or the other to admire and delve into.
Birla Mandir
Built on Naubath Pahad, this is a Hindu Mandir that was opened in 1976 by Swami Ranganathananda and is constructed on a 280 feet high hillock. It is made up of 2000 tons of white marble and the construction took 10 years. The main deity who is followed and worshipped by people is Lory Venkateshwara. Other deities who include Saibaba, Ganesha, Shiva, Brahma, Saraswati, Hanuman, Laxmi, etc are also worshipped here.
Chowmahalla Palace
Owned by the Nizams of Hyderabad, this palace was the seat of Asaf Jahi Dynasty and was built by Nizam Salabat Jung. The word Chowmahalla signifies Four Palaces in Urdu, Persian and Hindi. This palace near Golconda Fort, Hyderabad is a UNESCO cultural heritage conservation site constructed in 1750. It is known for its style, elegance and includes architectural styles and royal influences of the early years.
NTR Gardens
Named after the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, NTR Garden is a small urban park constructed in several phases. Geographically, it is located in the centre of the city, near to Lumbini Park and Birla Mandir. Its location makes it a tourist place as tourists often visit the nearby attractions and plan to visit this garden as well. This garden also has a memorial of Late NT Rama Rao and has shrubs, trees, flowers and other types of plants that increase its beauty.
Qutb Shahi Tombs
As the name suggests, its location is close to the Golconda Fort, Hyderabad and houses tombs and mosques by different rulers of Qutb Shahi Dynasty. These tombs are the evidence of the rule of Qutb Shahi Dynasty and their architectural traditions. Decorated with blue and green tiles, these tombs are a structure of arches, domes, columns, minarets and galleries.
Essential information
The Golconda Fort does not allow tourists to explore its traditional heritage and elegance for free. Being such a huge fortress and witnessing remarkable history, you’ll have to pay a nominal fee to explore this impressive Golconda Fort, Hyderabad. This fort also has a Sound and Light Show, for which as well you’ll have to buy tickets.
Price for Fort visit:
Rs. 25 per person for Indians
Rs. 300 per person for foreigners
(Rs. 25 extra if you want to carry a camera)
Golconda Fort timings:
09:00 AM to 05:30 PM (Monday-Sunday)
Price for Sound and Light Show
Child- Rs. 60 for normal class and Rs. 110 for Executive Class
Adult- Rs. 80 for normal class and Rs. 140 for Executive Class
Sound and Light Show additional information
The first show is always in English everyday. The second show is in Telugu on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and is in Hindi on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. For the show timings, that change according to months, you can visit the official website.
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Conclusion
The unique style, elegance, tradition, architecture and the history of Hyderabad will keep you in awe and is the sole reason that attracts tourists from all over the place and countries to explore the history. Golconda Fort, Hyderabad, a major tourist attraction is a marvellous monument that presents the history, tradition and war that was witnessed by the fort in the 17th century during the rule of Qutb Shahi Dynasty.
The rulers of ancient times and the history is something that the travellers have never witnessed or seen in real life. But the fact that India has such places that present the heritage and royalty of an area is something that never fails to amaze the tourists. Golconda Fort, Hyderabad is a fortress that has a huge history related to it and it will be right to say that you’ll get to know the reality and the witnesses of the war only after you visit it.
