Before the city of Hyderabad was founded the Deccan was ruled from Golconda fort. Founded originally by the Kakatiya's in the 13th century the existing structure was expanded by the Qutub Shahi kings into a massive fort with granite walls and ramparts extending some 5 km in circumference.
The fortress city within the walls was famous for the diamond trade and Ko-hi-noor diamond is said to have come from here. This historic Golconda fort lies 11 kms west of the city. The name originates from the telugu words "Golla" and "Konda" - 'shepard's hill'. Later the fort was taken over by the Bhaamani kings, subsequently passing to the Qutub Shahi kings rebuilt Golconda over a span of 62 years.
Famous features of Golconda includes its system of acoustics - a hand clap at a certain point below the dome at the entrance reverbarates and can be heard clearly at the Bala Hissar, the highest point almost a kilometre away, palaces, factories, water supply system and the famous Rahban cannon, on the those used during the last seize of Golconda by Aurangazeb, to whom the fort ultimately fell.Not be missed is the Sound & Light show conducted by Andhra Pradesh Tourism, that re-enacts the glory and grandeur of the Qutubshahis.
Sound & Light Show at Golcond Fort Show time : Winter (Nov - Feb) 6:30 P.M Summer (March - Oct) 7:00 P.M Duration : 55 minutes English : Wednesday, Sunday Hindi : Tuesday, Friday, Saturday Telugu : Thursday Monday closed Advance Booking available at Yatri Nivas, Secunderabad Coach leaves yatrinivas at 5:00 P.M and returns from Golconda Fort at 8:15 P.M. Coach fare and show ticket Rs.45/-Fares mentioned above are subjected to change.
