 Golconda Travel Guide, India
Golconda, India
Author: Negikun (public domain)
Golconda is an ancient citadel sprawled across the arid plateau west of Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh. The name Golconda means "shepherd's hill", and it was here that the Qutb Shahi dynasty built the fortifications that came to be known as Golconda Fort.
Golkonda Fort
Author: ArjunG (Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 2.5 Generic)
The most important builder was Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah Wali. The fortress citadel of Golconda was built as protection against invading Mughals. One of the most remarkable feature of the Golconda Fort was its perfect acoustical system, where a hand clap at the fortress gate could be heard at the very top of the citadel, which stands on top of a 300-foot granite hill.
Golconda Fort was also famous for its treasures, particularly diamonds mined in Paritala, which during those times was the only known diamond mines in the world. It was because of the diamonds that the name Golconda came to be associated in the 19th century with great wealth.
Budget Travel to Golconda
Golconda is located within Hyderabad district, about 9 km (6 miles) to the west of Hyderabad. Refer to Hyderabad Budget Travel Guide for travel there.
Budget Travel within Golconda
The usual form of transportation is the auto rickshaws. If you can find an honest, reliable driver, negotiate to use him for the whole day.
Golcunda Fort Mosque
Author: Rudolph.A.furtado (public domain)
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Sights within Golconda Fort
- Golconda Fort
The great fort of Golconda, with many sights inside.
- Fateh Darwaza
Victory Gate, the main entrance to the fort.
- Archaeological Museum
Museum showcasing the history of Golconda.
- Habshi Kaman Gate
Two massive arches with rooms on top.
- Jami Masjid
The mosque within Golconda Fort.
- Bala Hisar Gate
A ceremonial gate.
- Hathion ka Jhaad
Elephant Tree, an extraordinarily baobab tree that is now 700 years old.
- Rani Mahal
A vaulted hall on a raised terrace.
- Mahakali Temple
Hindu temple built into a cave below the summit at Golconda.
- Durbar Hall
The throne room at the summit of Golconda Hill.
Sights within Qutb Shahi Tombs
- Qutb Shahi Tombs
Royal necropolis of the Qutb Shahi rulers.
- Tomb of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah
Tomb of the founder of Hyderabad.
- Tomb of Queen Hayat Baksh Begum
Tomb of the consort of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah.
- Royal Mortuary Bath
Chamber where the bodies of the deceased rulers were ritually bathed.
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