Golconda Fort, Hyderabad, India – Insider Tips

Things to Do in Hyderabad: Golconda Fort

If you’re planning to visit Hyderabad, India, you can’t miss the historic Golconda Fort, open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM each day. This ancient city was constructed under three different dynasties and combines both Hindu and Muslim architecture for a historic marvel.

Explore the History

The name Golconda Fort translates as “shepherd hill.” It is made of granite and has a circumference of over four miles (7 km) with walls as tall as 18 feet. It was originally constructed by the Kakatiyas kings, and then passed on to two different dynasties: the Bahmanis and the Qutub Shahis. Within the walls, tourists can visit a mosque, a temple, and a prison. If you climb the steps to the highest point in the city, called Bala Hissar, you can pause to take photos of the sprawling fort. You can hire a guide for around 500 rupees to enhance your understanding of this historical site, which was at one time part of the diamond trade. One fascinating aspect of its architecture is that if you clap your hands under the dome at the main gate, the sound can be heard at Bala Hissar, about 400 feet away (128 meters)!

Visit the Light Show

If you want to have the full experience at Golconda Fort, plan your trip around the evening light show. If you arrive in the afternoon, you’ll have plenty of time to walk around and snap photos in the daylight before settling in at the sound and light show after sunset. The show can be heard in English, Hindi, and Telugu. This light show highlights the history of the site for those who did not have a tour guide.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about Golconda Fort in Hyderabad.