Hello Steemians, We spent our last weekend in Hyderabad Read here
and what better way to start our tour than visiting this 12th century fort.
Pardon for poor quality photos. It was dark and this is all my phone could click.
This Mud fort was constructed by The Kakatiya Kings to save diamond mines from invaders. Those who don’t know this area has produced some of the world's most famous gems, including the Koh-i-Noor, the Hope Diamond, Nassak Diamond and the Noor-ul-Ain.
By the 1880s, "Golkonda" was being used generically by speakers to refer to any particularly rich mine, and later to any source of great wealth.
During the early modern eras, the name "Golkonda" acquired a legendary aura and became synonymous for vast wealth. The mines brought riches to the Qutb Shahis of Hyderabad State, who ruled Golkonda up to 1687, then to the Nizam of Hyderabad, who ruled after the independence from the Mughal Empire in 1724 until 1948, when the Indian integration of Hyderabad occurred.
Architecture
A perfect example of Architectural wonders the fort is designed in a way that even a clap at entrance can be heard half a mile away. This was used as a distress signal thus alerting others of unseen dangers. Plan also allowed uninterrupted water supply throughout the year. Any whisper in the chamber can be easily heard by king’s men. The chamber acoustics is such that any noise from the movement of clothes to attack the King or people is echoed multiple times.
It is believed that there’s a secret underground tunnel that leads from the "Durbar Hall" and ends in one of the palaces at the foot of the hill.
Sound & Light Show
During light & sound show the rooms are lit by various red and yellow lights while there’s narration played highlighting the history of Fort and Hyderabad. Shows happen in different languages on different timings to cater to larger audience.
Entry Fee:
For light & sound show you can choose either Normal (80 Rs) or Executive Class (140 Rs)
Executive Class (140 Rs) tickets gives a better view as the chairs are placed on a paddock
Show Schedule:
• 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.
Reaching Out:
Just 11 kms outside the main city; the fort is well connected by public transport. There’s also a bus stand by the name Golconda and buses ply regularly.
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