Golconda Fort, Charminar in Hyderabad among top 10 ASI monuments with highest Indian visitors

Hyderabad: Golconda Fort in Hyderabad secured the sixth position in the list of ASI monuments with the highest domestic visitor footfall during the financial years 2022-23 and 2023-24. In the financial year 2022-23, the fort recorded 15.27 lakh visitors, which increased to 16.08 lakh visitors in 2023-24.

Golconda, a fortified citadel located on the western outskirts of Hyderabad, was originally built by Kakatiya ruler Pratāparudra in the 11th century. It was later fortified by Sultan Quli, the Governor of Hyderabad under the Bahmani Sultanate, and became the capital of the Golconda Sultanate. The fort is famous for its historical significance and its proximity to the Kollur diamond mines, making it a prominent diamond trade center.

Charminar, another prominent landmark in Hyderabad, also ranked among the top 10, securing the ninth position for the highest footfall during the same period. In 2022-23, Charminar saw 9.29 lakh visitors, which increased to 12.90 lakh in 2023-24.

Built-in 1591, Charminar is an iconic structure with four grand minarets and holds both historical and religious significance. For over 425 years, a mosque has existed on its top floor. The monument is surrounded by bustling markets, including the famous Laad Bazaar, and remains a popular tourist destination. It is also a key site for cultural and religious celebrations, including Eid festivals.

The list of top 10 ASI monuments with the highest Indian visitor footfall in the financial years 2022-23 and 2023-24 was topped by the Taj Mahal in Agra, which recorded 60.99 lakh visitors in 2023-24. Following the Taj Mahal, the Sun Temple in Konark, Qutub Minar in Delhi, and Red Fort in Delhi secured the second, third, and fourth positions, respectively.

The Ellora Caves in Aurangabad came in fifth place, with Golconda Fort securing sixth. Agra Fort, Bibi ka Maqbara in Aurangabad, Charminar, and Shaniwarwada in Pune rounded out the top 10.

The rising footfall at these historic sites highlights the increasing interest in India’s cultural and architectural heritage. This trend is also reflected in the growth of foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) at Hyderabad’s airport, which recorded 3.56 million FTAs in 2023, a slight increase from 3.41 million in 2019. This accounts for 3.73% of the national share of FTAs.