Golconda Fort

Golconda Fort is a fortified citadel on a granite hill about 10 km west of central Hyderabad, Telangana, and was the capital of the Qutb Shahi dynasty from the early 16th century until 1687. Golconda Fort began as a mud fort under the Kakatiya kings, was strengthened under the Bahmani Sultanate, and was rebuilt in stone by the Qutb Shahis into one of the strongest forts in the Deccan.

Golconda was also the trading centre for diamonds mined in the Krishna river region, and famous stones including the Koh-i-Noor and the Hope diamond are linked to the Golconda mines. In 1687 the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb besieged Golconda Fort for about eight months, and the fort fell when a gate was opened from inside. Its walls, gates and ruined palaces still climb the hill to the Bala Hisar at the summit, about 120 m above the plain.

What to see

• The Fateh Darwaza gateway, where a hand clap can be heard high up the hill
• The Bala Hisar pavilion at the summit, with views over Hyderabad
• The ruined palaces, halls and water channels on the way up
• Taramati Mosque and the Ramdas prison cell on the climb
• The sound and light show on the fort's history in the evening

What to wear

Golconda Fort involves a climb of several hundred uneven stone steps, so wear sturdy shoes with grip and light, breathable clothing. There is little shade, so bring a hat, sunscreen and water, especially from March to June. Modest clothing is best for the mosque and temple on the hill. Around Hyderabad you may see the sherwani at weddings and, for women, the khada dupatta or a Pochampally ikat saree from the nearby weaving town.

Local food to try

After Golconda Fort, eat in Hyderabad's traditional style: Hyderabadi dum biryani, haleem, mirchi ka salan and bagara baingan, with double ka meetha or qubani ka meetha for dessert. The lanes near the fort gate and the Tolichowki area nearby have many biryani and kebab restaurants. For Irani chai and Osmania biscuits, the old city around Charminar is best. Most meat served is halal, and vegetarian curries are easy to find.

Good to know

• Best from October to February, early morning or late afternoon
• Open daily, about 9am to 5:30pm; the sound and light show runs in the evening
• ASI ticket; foreign visitors pay a higher rate; the show is ticketed separately
• Allow 2 to 3 hours
• About 10 km west of Charminar and about 30 km from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
• Carry water; there are few vendors on the upper levels

Nearby places

Charminar, built by the same dynasty, is about 10 km east in the old city. Ramoji Film City lies on the eastern edge of Hyderabad, about 40 km away, and the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is a longer journey of roughly 550 km south.