Golconda Fort Entry Fee
25 per person for Indians
300 per person for Foreign Tourists
25 for Still Camera
Golconda Fort Sound & Light Show Fee
140 per Adult in Executive Class
110 per Child in Executive Class
80 per Adult in Normal Class
60 per Child in Normal Class
Golconda Fort Phone
040 2351 2401
Sound & Light Show Bulk Bookings Phone
+91 9640069290
Golconda Fort Address: Ibrahim Bagh, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500008, India
Golconda Fort Timings
| Day | Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 9:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| Wedesday | 9:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| Thursday | 9:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| Friday | 9:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| Sunday | 9:00 am – 5:30 pm |
Sound & Light Show Timings at Golconda Fort
- 1st Show English (All Days)
- 2nd Show in Telugu on Monday, Wednesday & Friday,
- 2nd Show in Hindi on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday.
- Show Timings (Nov to Feb): 1st Show 6:30pm 2nd Show 7.45pm
- Show Timings (Mar to Oct): 1st Show 7:00pm 2nd Show 8.15pm.
Note: Sound & Light Show Ticket counter at Golconda Fort is open from 5:30 PM
Links: Website | MapGolconda Fort Hyderabad is an outstanding example of brilliant engineering and magical architecture. Located at a distance of 11km from the city, it is the most famous of all Hyderabad tourist places. The name of the fort has been derived from the Telugu words "Golla" and "Konda" which together means 'Shepherd's Hill'.
However, do keep in mind the Golconda Fort timings and entry fee before planning a visit to this regal symbol of history. For instance, Golconda fort timings are from 9 am to 5.30 pm. After that, visitors are not allowed to enter the fort, unless they are going for the light and show at night. Hence, to explore the beauty of this place at leisure, plan you visit early in the day.
An impressive structure, which once, would have bewitched every onlooker, stands majestically even today. Golconda Fort is sure to impress you with not only with that highly advanced techniques were used back then and sturdy structure, but also with an outstanding view of the surrounding city.
The sunset from the top of the fort, is awe-inspiring. One of Hyderabad's most popular and supreme monuments, Golconda Fort allures every visitor with its unparalleled beauty and grandeur. A Hyderabad Tour is incomplete without a visit to this fort.
History of Golconda Fort
Founded in the approximately 12th Century by the Kakatiya Kings, this massive Golconda Fort with eight gates and 87 bastions was later built by Qutub Shahi Kings.
The name Golconda Fort has a legend behind it. As per the story, a shepherd boy was once walking on this hill when he had come across a God idol. The news about the shepherd boy and his findings reached the then ruler of Kakatiya Dynasty. The King then decided to built a fort on the hill, which then came to be known as Golconda (Shepherd’s Hill) Fort.
However, almost 200 years later, the fort came under Bahamani rulers. Later Qutub Shahi Kings took the fort under their control and extended it further. The fort was fortified and expanded during the reign of Bahamani rulers and Qutub Shahi Dynasty. Later in 1687, this fort came under the rule of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. It was then the fort was left unattended.
At present, the Golconda Fort constitutes a complex layout of palaces, mosques and pavilion, all of which unfortunately are in ruins now.
It is said that Golconda used to be a famous diamond market attracting merchants from all over the world. It was at Golconda that the famous Kohinoor and Hope diamonds along with others such as The Regent Diamond, Darya-e Nur, Nur-Ul-Ain Diamond were stored.
Architecture of Golconda Fort
With perimeters of around 11 kilometers, the fort has 15 to 18 foot high walls. It has huge gates that have pointed iron spikes on them. This protected the fort from Elephants damaging the fort as well as enemy attacks. Golconda fort presents a mesmerizing architecture which will astonish you at each and every step. This fort has been built on a granite rock with a height of 12 meters. Huge rampart around the golconda fort was built, a glimpse of which can still be seen.
The system of acoustics in the Fort is something which attracts each and every visitor. The sound of clapping at the entrance can be heard at the ‘Bala Hissar' which is the highest point and almost a kilometre away. This system was apparently used for communication purposes, especially to alert royal in case of any attack.
Other attractive features of the Fort include water supply system which does leave many marvelling at the advancement of the technical and scientific knowledge while constructing this fort. Another popular aspect is the 'Rahban' cannon.
Ramdas’ prison is one of the popular spots inside the fort. According to legend, Ramdas who was a revenue collector in Abdul Hasan Shah's court was imprisoned. During his imprisonment, he carved Hindu deities on the wall of his cell. One can see many carvings of Hindu Lord Hanuman on the wall, which are now smeared with holy vermillion. A holy lamp or two (diyas) is also kept lit in front of the carvings.
The main entrance of the fort is named Fatesh Darwaza, which means Victory Gate in english. It was named after Aurangzeb’s army had entered the fort through this gate. Not just for the victory procession of his army, this gate is also attracts visitors with its marvelous acoustics.
Showcasing an architectural excellence, this gate has been built in such a way that if one claps at a certain point of the entrance, then the sound of clapping can be heard at the top most pavillion. Another attractive feature of Golconda Fort is the 80 feet tree which is said to be more than 800 years old.
The fort also consists of many mounted cannons and drawbridges. Huge halls, mosques, eight gateways, and stables add on to the immense enormity of its magnificent architecture. There is speculation that a secretive tunnel starts from Durbar hall and ends at the foot of the hill. It is believed to be a secret passage to escape in case of any attack. However, no such passage has been found till date.
Image Gallery of Golconda Fort, Hyderabad
Eating in and around Golconda Fort
There are many eateries outside the fort, ranging from restaurants to roadside stalls and counters. Visitors are often seen satiating their palate with sumptuous varieties of snacks and drinks.
However, if you wish to have a special dining experience, you can visit the Taramati Baradari resort’s restaurant which is run by Telangana Tourism. It is located quite close to the fort and can be reached within a few minutes of drive. Taramati Baradari is another popular sightseeing place to visit in Hyderabad and the restaurant here offers mouth-watering culinary choices.
Entry Fee and Timings of Golconda Fort
To enter the fort you are required to pay a minimal Golconda fort entry fee of Rs.15; it is Rs. 200 foreign tourists. You have to pay extra if you are planning to take your camera inside. For sound and light show, you are required to buy a separate ticket. The timings for Golconda Fort is 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM and it is open on all days of the week.
Sound and Light Show at Golconda Fort
Another feature that makes Golconda fort all the more attractive is the light and sound show presenting its history and facts. The timings of sound and light show at Golconda Fort are from 6 pm to 9.15 pm, depending on which month you are planning to visit. It is closed on Mondays.
The Sound and light show is one of the major attractions of the Golconda Fort. Organised at the area in and around Rani Mahal, Alluring its viewers everyday in three different languages, English Telugu and Hindi.
This show is conducted in English on all days of the week, while the show in Telugu in on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The sound and light show in Hindi is conducted with a voice over of Bollywood living legend Amitabh Bachchan on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
Golconda Fort Sound and Light Show Timings and Ticket Cost
The timings of Sound and light show at Golconda fort is 6.30 PM for first show and 7.45 PM for second show, for the month of November to February. The show timings during the months of March to October is 7 PM and 8.15 PM.
The ticket counter for the sound and light show opens at 5.30 PM.
Golconda Fort is one of the most famous landmarks of the city of Hyderabad. Its ancient remains differentiate it from the rest of the tourist attractions and enhance its beauty.
The ticket cost for sound and light show at Golconda Fort is Rs. 140 per person for executive class and Rs.80 per person for normal class. For children, the ticket price is Rs.110 and Rs.60 for executive and normal class respectively.
Best Time to visit Golconda Fort
Although if interested one can visit the fort at anytime, it is preferable to visit the Golconda fort from months of September to March. As the weather tends to get hotter during summer in Hyderabad, exploring this majestic fort, which does require a lot of walking and climbing stairs, can be slightly uncomfortable.
Also, visit during the evenings as after exploring this magnificent fort, you can sit for the sound and light show.
It is also recommended to visit other 2 nearest sightseeing places from Golconda fort, which are Qutub Shahi Tombs and Taramati Baradari.
How to reach Golconda Fort
Reaching Golconda fort is quite an easy task as it is well connected by road to the rest of the city. It is around 11 km away from the center of Hyderabad.
One can also travel by metro. The nearest metro station to Golconda fort is Peddamma Temple Metro Station and the Jubilee Hills Check Post Metro Station on the Blue line. Travelers are required to take an auto rickshaw or taxi to reach the fort from these metro stations, which will take around 20 minutes of time.
If travelling by bus, then you can Bus-119 and Bus 66G and 65G from the Nampally station and Charminar via GPO Abids respectively. Although there are upteem number of public transportatiom, one of the best ways would be to hire a taxi and explore these tourists places.
You can hire one of the leading car rental companies in hyderabad and visit places like golconda fort at comfort.
Reviews
Reviews of Golconda Fort
Rating:
5 starsWhat I like the most about Golconda Fort is the view you get from the top. You can see the entire city. I loved that...it was cool day...the breeze and the view made it perfect for me. It would have been better if tourists are allowed in night too...the view in night would be even better I am sure. Actually golkonda fort timings are only till 5.30 pm thats why I had to come down early. openness of the fort is also quite likeable.
Rating:
5 starsGolconda Fort is an important part of Hyderabad History. I went to visit this fort on a weekend. Weekends seems usually crowded so if you can visit during the week. But the visit was worth. I reached the fort by afternoon itself as I knew that timings of golconda fort are from 9 am to 5.30 pm so wanted more time to explore the place. although it was sunny, I saw every part of the fort. It is captivating!
Rating:
4 starsNo doubt this fort is beyond comparison. I loved the architecture, its vastness..it even has a temple inside it! But it requires a lot of walking. if you really want to see the place you should climb upstairs and see. In summer that is not a good idea and as the Golconda fort timing for entry are only till 5.30 pm you cannot even go in evening. I would suggest you to go after the month of april and may. If visiting during summer, plan for an early morning visit only, afternoon you can’t bear that much heat.
Rating:
5 starsGolconda fort is no doubt one of the best forts i have seen till now. What I loved the most about this fort was its light and sound show. The show is in all the three language- Telugu, hindi and English and in the voice of Amitabh Bachchan. It gave us details about the fort and its history. It was a different experience. Before going please do check the sound & light show timings..
Rating:
5 starsGolconda Fort was built about 400 years back, I visited with my family. I wanted my kids to see the grand monument from past and understand its value. After seeing it I can confidently say it is one of the most beautiful buildings of the city...In-fact in entire India. You can visit this place on all days of the week but the entry timings are from 9 to 5.30 only. Golconda fort entry fee is minimal so don’t worry about it. But yes, you need to pay extra if you are carrying a camera inside which is also quite less. Truly speaking even if the entry fee was more i would have gone there for sure. This fort is worth the visit.
Rating:
5 starsGolconda fort is beautiful. And what makes it even more beautiful is the fact that is well maintained. I would recommend that this fort should be in everyone’s travel itinerary. We thoroughly researched on various places and things like golconda fort timings Hyderabad and then planned our travel with all the list that you can do on your visit to Hyderabad. Unlike other forts, you have place to sit, snacks stalls and cold drinks stalls are also there. It makes it easier to explore the fort...you can take breaks and enjoy the experience at your own pace.
