Golconda Fort Hyderabad: Marvelous Art Completing the Incredible Hyderabad
A fort which reflects the beauty and expresses itself to every visitor, Golconda fort is an essential part of Hyderabad Tourism. The fort is also known as Mankal and was fabricated in the year 1143. This historical place covers almost 11 kilometers and is guarded by high walls, ranging from 15 to 18 foot. Its mammoth gates with an arrow-like structure on top of them are enough to experience the royal pride. The fort’s structure mesmerizes and compels the visitor to feel proud of ancient architecture. Every pillar and stone of this fort is a piece of mind-boggling craftsmanship. The name Golconda is a combination of two words “Golla”+”Konda” which means “Shepherd’s Hill” in Telugu.
This fort demonstrates the use of wireless means of communication of that era. In the fort “Bala Hissar” is the highest point of the fort and is almost a kilometer away from the entrance. Even from this point, a person can hear the sound of clapping produced at the entrance. Another such thing which proves that this fort was much ahead of time is the water supply system, which assured the supply of water throughout the fort and that too round the clock.
Golconda fort Hyderabad always remained rich in all aspects and stored the renowned diamonds like Koh-i-Noor, The Hope and Daria-i-Noor which all were found in the nearby Kollur Mine. The Qutub Shahi Tombs and Taramati Baradari are two places that one can visit near the fort. Golconda Fort is just 11 kms away from Hyderabad and is one of the best places to visit in Hyderabad.
Golconda Fort Timings
The Golconda Fort entry timings are very short and visitors are only allowed to enter fort between 9 AM to 5:00 PM. Entry to the fort beyond 5:00 PM is only allowed to those with a ticket for the sound and light show. Golconda Fort evening timings remain the same throughout the year. Golconda Fort weekends timings for entry in fort remain same but changes for the Sound and Light show as per the season.
Golconda Fort Ticket Price
Ticket prices for entry are Rs.15/- for Indian visitors and Rs.200/- for Foreign Visitors. To carry the still camera inside the fort it costs Rs.25/-.
Golconda Fort Sound & Light Show Timings
The special attraction is the Sound and Light Show which flawlessly presents the history and the story of Golconda Fort. This show lasts almost 90 minutes. With the view of Indian lingual diversity and foreign visitors, this show is delivered in three languages; Telugu, Hindi, and English. Every day there are two shows throughout the year as per below schedule-
- 1st Show |English | Every day | 6:30 PM (Nov to Feb)| 7:00 PM (Mar to Oct)
- 2nd Show |Telugu| Monday, Wednesday & Friday| 7:45 PM (Nov to Feb)| 8:15 PM (Mar to Oct)
- 2nd Show |Hindi| Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday| 7:45 PM (Nov to Feb)| 8:15 PM (Mar to Oct)
Golconda Fort Sound & Light Show Tickets Cost
The ticket for the Sound & Light Show needs to be purchased from the ticket counter which opens at 5:30 PM. Another way is to purchase a ticket online through the official website of Telangana Tourism. There are two classes and for both the classes adults and kids are charged differently.
Adult
- Rs.140/- Executive Class
- Rs.110/- Normal Class
Child
- Rs80/- Executive Class
- Rs.60/-Normal Class
The Golconda Fort is a must visit place in Hyderabad. While visiting the fort, always remember keep fluids to remain hydrated. It’s also important to wear the right footwear and hire only the government approved guide.
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