Timings: 09.00 am - 5.00 pm
Closed On: Monday
Remarks:
Hyderabad (Golconda)
Description:
Founded originally by the Kakatiyas in the year 1140, Golconda was expanded by the Qutub Shahi kings into a massive fort of granite with walls and ramparts extending to a length of 5km in circumference. Kakatiya kings built this fort. From this fort they ruled the nearby areas even when their capital was based in Warangal. This massive fort is 11 km in perimeter and its walls are 15 to 18 ft high. The whole fort is built in granite and is flanked by 70 ramparts and 8 huge gates. Previously the whole fort was surrounded by a deep gorge but slowly this was filled up. While entering from the main gate of the fort, if one claps below the Grand Portico, echoes are heard in a Darbar hall some 128 meters away.
The fortress city within the walls was famous for the diamond trade and is said to been the origin of the famous Koh-i-noor diamond. The historic fort lays 11km west of the city of Hyderabad. The name originates from the Telugu words "Golla" meaning Shepard and "Konda" or hill - The 'shepherd's hill'. The fort was later taken over by the Bahamani kings, subsequently passing into the hands of the Qutub Shahis, who held it from 1512 to 1687 AD. The first three Qutub Shahi kings rebuilt Golconda over a span of 62 years.
Famous features of Golconda include its system of acoustics, palaces, factories, the water supply system. The famous Rahban cannon was used during the last seize of Golconda by Aurangazeb to whom the fort ultimately fell.
