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Golconda
Fort, Andhra Pradesh
 Golconda
fort, located on the outskirts of the city of Hyderabad, the
capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh. This Fort is one of
the most magnificent fortress complexes in India. 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.
It is built on a granite hill 120 metres high, and is surrounded
by crenellated ramparts constructed of large masonry blocks
weighing several tonnes. The massive gates are studded with
large pointed iron spikes to prevent elephants from battering
them down. The outer wall surrounding the entire township
of Golconda, is about 11 kilometres long, and is strongly
fortified. In its heyday, the 10 kilometre long road from
Golconda to outer Hyderabad, was a fabulous market selling
jewellery, diamonds, pearls and other gems, which were famous
all over the world.
How
to reach there:
Air:
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.
Railhead:
It is also easily accesible by train, from any part of the
country.
Road:
There is a regular bus service to Hyderabad from many cities
in southern, central and south-eastern parts of the country.
Accomodations:
The good hotels to stay in Hyderabad are
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Gateway,
Banjara Hills.
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The
Krishna Oberoi.
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Bhaskar
Palace.
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Quality Inn Green Park.
Best
time to visit: The best time to visit Golconda
Fort is between September and March.
Tourists
Info:
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Andhra
Pradesh Development Corporation Ltd.,
Yatri Niwas, Sardar Patel Road, Secunderabad-3
Tel: 843931, 816375, 843932
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Government
of India Tourist Office,
Sandozi Building, Street no.1. Himayat Magar, Hyderabad.
Tel: 666877
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. Abu Hasan the last of the Qutab Shahi kings
held out for seven long months, against a Mughal army commanded
by Emperor Aurangzeb before losing the fort through treachery
in 1687.
What
to see:
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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.
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There
is also supposed to be secret underground tunnel Leading
from the Durbar Hall to one of the palaces at the foot
of the hill.
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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, and a number of
them have beautifully carved stonework
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