A Complete Guide to the Koilkonda Fort Trek

The Koilkonda Fort Trek is a classic hike to a hill fort in the Mahbubnagar district of Telangana. Even though it’s just a few hours’ drive from Hyderabad, very few know about it. 

It boasts massive stone walls, intricate carvings and ancient bastions that have stood the test of time. Nested atop a hill, it is flanked by a deep valley to one side, which once served as a natural defence against invaders. We usually associate such hill forts with the Western Ghats of Maharashtra or Karnataka. But the Koilkonda Fort Trek is right up there with the best of them.

And just like the Sahyadri Forts are pages from the history of the Maratha Empire, the Koilkonda Fort also has a deep connection with the power struggles of Hyderabad. Right at the start of this trail stands a 16th-century inscription chronicling Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah’s return to reclaim the Golconda throne. Broken stone steps lead up past a temple and a dargah from there. 

You climb through multiple stone gateways along an overgrown, forested trail. It’s alive with teeming birdlife. Since not many people trek here, it still feels raw and wild. After a steep, tricky section of hopping over broken rocks, the ancient watchtower at the top of the fort finally comes into view. 

This is where the summit views open up. You see the vast blue Koilsagar Lake, rocky hills,farmlands, and a sweeping view of the entire region. It’s a quiet, magical moment that brings together Koilkonda’s history, sense of exploration, and stunning vistas into one fulfilling trek.

And that’s exactly what sets it apart. While finding a good hike around Hyderabad is always a puzzle, the Koilkonda Fort Trek quietly ticks all the right boxes. If you are looking for a trek to do near Hyderabad, this has to be on your list.

Trek Snapshots:

• Duration: One day
• Distance from Hyderabad: 130 km
• Highest Altitude: 2,000 ft
• Total Trek Distance: 4 km (both ways)
• Base: Koilkonda,Telengana
• Permits: Not required

Can beginners attempt the Koilkonda Fort Trek?  The Koilkonda Fort Trek has a few tricky sections and confusing diversions. But other than that, there are no difficult sections on the trail as such. The climb is also gradual except for a small patch of broken boulders near the hilltop and a few ascents over plain slabs. Yet, it feels raw and wild. It gives you the feeling of walking through the past throughout. At the summit, sprawling views of Koilasagar Dam await. This makes Koilkonda Fort a short, rewarding trek that can be wrapped up in under 5 hours. This makes it a great choice for beginners looking to trek in and around Hyderabad.

➤What to Watch out for

1) A Trail Steeped in History

The Kolikonda Fort Trek feels like stepping back in time. Right at the starting point of your trek, you see an inscription that’s almost 500 years old. In 1928–29, the Nizam’s Archaeological Department discovered this 16th-century Telugu inscription at Koilkonda, etched on a stone pillar.It marks a turning point in Deccan history — the return of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah to reclaim the Golconda throne. The inscription records the Koilkonda garrison’s pledge of loyalty to him, led by Haasan Mia and Pirumiya. Further on the trek, you walk past temples, dargahs, and crumbling boundary walls– silent witnesses to the many eras that have swept over this enduring hill fort.

2) Views from the Top

The final stretch to the top of the fort is a bit tricky. You climb over broken steps and scattered boulders. But once you reach the top, the views make it all worth it. The entire Koilasagar Lake lies spread out below you. You see open farmlands, rugged hills, and scattered settlements beyond the clear blue water. It’s a sweeping bird’s-eye view of the entire region.

3) Birdlife on the Trail

The trail is alive with birdlife and you can easily spot resident species like the Ashy Prinia, White-browed Bulbul, Red-vented Bulbul, and the shimmering Purple Sunbird. Even if you don’t see them, you’ll surely hear the delightful calls of Barbets, Common Tailorbirds and Peacocks. The earlier you start, the better your chances of seeing and hearing more birds. If you are observant, you’ll also find Peninsular Rock Agamas scurrying amidst the rocks.

➤ Suggested Itinerary

Koilkonda Fort is a short trek that can be done at any time of the day.  But we recommend starting early in the morning from Hyderabad for the best experience.

• Koilkonda Fort is approximately 130 KM from Hyderabad. We suggest starting early, at around 3.30 AM.
• Reach the Trek Start Point in Koilkonda by 6:30 AM
  Note: The trek is accessible by both public and private transport. While shared private transport lets you start the trek by 6 AM, it’s not possible to reach that early by public transport. Even if you're taking the earliest bus from Hyderabad, you’ll reach the trailhead only by 8 AM.
• Just about 10 minutes before the starting point of the trek, you might find a few tuck shops selling tea and some snacks. However, if you are planning for an early start, these shops may be closed. We recommend carrying your own breakfast and any essential snacks.
• Koilkonda Fort is an open fort with no official entry process or ticket counter. However, be aware that you might encounter local individuals who unofficially request money for entry. While this is not an official charge, paying a small token amount (e.g., the documentation team paid INR 50) might help avoid unnecessary hassle.
• No guides are needed or mandatory for exploring Koilkonda Fort. You can explore it on your own. The trail is mostly marked for most parts. You simply need to follow them. We have also attached a detailed GPX File with waypoints to help you with navigation.
• Target reaching the top by 9 AM. This will give you enough time to explore the ruins at the hilltop.
• Start your descent by 10 AM.
• The descent will take around 1.5 hours.
• Return to base, and start your journey back to Hyderabad by 12.30 PM.
• You can stop at Sri Venkateshwara Bhavan restaurant for a meal after your trek. Located in the heart of Mahbubnagar, it’s a convenient place to eat before heading back.
• Your return time to Hyderabad depends on how you’re travelling. If you’re taking private transport, you may arrive earlier. Public transport can take longer. Lunch stops also add to the time. Expect to be back at Hyderabad anywhere between 4:30 PM and 6 PM.

➤ Detailed Trail Information

The Koilkonda Fort Trek takes you through the ruins of a historic hill fort. Yet, it has a lot of natural elements that will surprise you. There are a few detours as well, that you can take to see more of the hills than usual. In this trek guide, we have put down the entire details, including a detour to a hilltop adjacent to the fort. If you are short on time, you can cut these off to make your trek shorter and faster.

Based on the nature of trail and prominent landmarks, the Koilkonda Fort Trek can be divided into the 3 following sections :

1. Trek Start Point to Water Reservoir: 500 m | 20 mins
2. Water Reservoir to Broken Fort Gate (with detour to fort boundary): 1 km | 1 hr
3. Broken Fort Gate to Hilltop (with detour to adjacent hillock): 800 m | 50 mins

Section I: Trek Start Point to Water Reservoir

Trek Distance: 500 m
Trek Duration: 20 mins

Right at the trek start point, you will see a 16-th century inscription on a stone pillar. The inscription documents the Koilkonda garrison, under the leadership of Haasan Mia and Pirumiya, pledging their allegiance to Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah, who came back to take the Golconda throne.

Here’s the story narrated in the inscription, as obtained from translations that appeared in the Annual Reports of the Archaeological Department, Hyderabad (1928-1929). It tells a compelling story of how the garrison at Koilkonda took a strong pledge of loyalty, and turned the tide of Deccan History.
In 1550, Golconda was shaken by betrayal. Sultan Quli Qutb Mulk was assassinated—allegedly by his own son, Jamsheed Quli, who then imprisoned or killed his brothers to claim the throne. One brother escaped—Ibrahim Quli. He took refuge in Vijayanagara, waiting for his time. That time came when Jamsheed died, leaving a child on the throne. Ibrahim marched back, determined to reclaim his rightful place. Here at Koilkonda Fort, history turned. The local garrison, led by Haasan Mia and Piru Miya, swore fierce allegiance to Ibrahim. They carved their oath into stone in Telugu, invoking harsh punishments—both sacred and social—for any betrayal. They pledged not just loyalty, but their honor, their families, even their souls. Empowered by such support, Ibrahim took back Golconda and ruled with distinction.

• From the starting point, you will find stairs leading up the fort
• In 150 m, you’ll reach the main entrance gate
• Walk through it and continue along the stairs
• You’ll start encountering small patches of overgrown trails with greenery all around
• Cross another stone gate and you’ll pass a temple complex
• Immediately past the temple complex, on the left hand side of your trail, stands the famous Dargah of Hazrath Syed Shah
• Right opposite the dargah, there’s a large pond that was likely used as a rainwater reservoir in earlier times. From here, you can also spot the ruins of huge bastions scattered near the hilltop.

Section II: Water Reservoir to Broken Fort Gate with Detour to Fort Boundary

Trek Distance: 1 km
Trek Duration: 1 hr

• From the water reservoir, the trail climbs gradually upwards
• In about 200 m of ascent, you’ll arrive at a diversion. The rightward trail goes up towards the top of the fort. If you take the left, it takes you to a grazing ground where locals take their cattle. If you have time, you can explore this side. You’ll find a small crumbling structure with beautifully carved structures. If you keep going further, you’ll eventually arrive at the crumbling boundary walls of the fort. It’s a nice detour if you have time and energy to spare
• If you are taking the detour, make sure to return to the diversion point and then take the rightward trail leading to the hilltop fort
• Along this entire route, you’ll find beautiful forest patches
• From the diversion point, the trail gets a little steeper and the trail is also more overgrown.
• Keep going and you’ll soon arrive at another stone gate
• This gate is more dilapidated than the others, almost giving the impression that the trail ends here. But walk through the broken doorway, and you’ll find the trail continuing ahead.

Section III: Broken Fort Gate to Hilltop with Detour to Adjacent Hill

Trek Distance: 800 m
Trek Duration: 50 mins

• Climb past the broken stone gate and in the next 100 m, you will reach another gateway
• This is the last leg of your climb to the fort
• From the gateway, you need to take a right turn towards the fort. But if you have time at hand, we suggest taking a left towards the adjacent hillock. As you walk towards its edge, you get the first views of the vast Koilsagar Lake
• From the edge of the hillock, trace your way back to the last gate and then take the right turn towards the fort top
• Just before the final flight of stairs leading to your summit, you have to negotiate a steep descent over broken rocks and boulders. It’s a short stretch but step carefully.
• At the top, you see ruins of the grand structures that once stood there. The blue expanse of Koilasagar Lake stretches below you. Spend some time exploring the ruins before making your way back down. Skip all the detours to make your descent faster and shorter.

➤ Best Time to do the Koilkonda Fort Trek

The Koilkonda Fort Trek is accessible year‑round. But we recommend September to February as the best time to do the trek.

In peak monsoon season, trails are overgrown and the steep rocky section just before the hilltop can get risky. It is not a great time to do the trek. 

By September, the rains retreat, but the greenery on the trail is still lush. In winter, the weather is pleasant, and the clear blue skies are a treat. It is the best time for birdwatching as well. 

Even though there is green cover in some parts of the trail, the trek does involve walking through open rocky landscapes. The harsh summer sun can take a toll on you. If you're planning to do the Koilkonda Fort Trek in summer, it's best to start early and aim for a sunrise hike. This way, you can finish the descent before the daytime heat sets in.

➤ How to reach the Koilkonda Fort Trek

Koilkonda Fort is a historical hill fort located in the Koilkonda village of Mahbubnagar district in Telangana. India. The fort is situated about 130 kms from Hyderabad and around 30 kms from Mahbubnagar town. It is easily accessible by both public and private transport.

How to Reach Koilkonda Fort from Hyderabad by Car

The trek starts at Koilkonda, which is well-connected by roadways. It is a 130 km drive from Hyderabad to the starting point via NH-44 and NH-167. It can take anywhere between 3 to 3.5 hrs.

 You can use this Google Map Link for easy navigation.

How to Reach Koilkonda Fort Trek from Hyderabad by Public Transport

To get to the trek by public transport, first reach Mahbubnagar. This is the closest access point for your trek. From Hyderabad, you can take either a bus or a train to Mahbubnagar.

Reaching Mahbubnagar:

• You can book TGSRTC buses heading to Mahbubnagar from Hyderabad. They leave from the MGBS Bus Stand in Hyderabad. The first bus leaves at 5.30 AM.
• You can also choose to travel by train, which ply to Mahbubnagar from the Kacheguda Railway Station in Hyderabad. The first train leaves around 5:45 AM.

From Mahbubnagar:

• From Mahbubnagar, the trek starting point is 25 kms away. You can book an auto, which charges around Rs.500-1000 for a to-and-fro journey to Koilkonda fort from Mahbubnagar.
• Alternatively, you can take a bus upto Koilkonda Government Bus Station. Tickets cost Rs.50 but there is no transport beyond the bus stand. You need to walk the remaining 1.3 kms till the starting point of Koilkonda Fort Trek. 

➤ Frequently Asked Questions about the Koilkonda Fort Trek

1. Is there any permission required to do the Koilkonda Fort Trek?

No. You don't need to obtain any permits to do this trek. 

2. How difficult is the Koilkonda Fort Trek?

The Koilkonda Fort Trek has a few tricky sections and confusing diversions. But other than that, there are no difficult sections on the trail as such. The climb is also gradual except for a small patch of broken boulders near the hilltop and a few ascents over plain slabs. Yet, it feels raw and wild. It gives you the feeling of walking through the past throughout. At the summit, sprawling views of Koilasagar Dam await. This makes Koilkonda Fort a short, rewarding trek that can be wrapped up in under 5 hours. This makes it a great choice for beginners looking to trek in and around Hyderabad.

3. Are there any food stalls and water sources on the Koilkonda Fort Trek ?

There are no food stalls or any drinking water at the trek start point ,also no further water sources along the way as well. So, we strongly recommend you to buy some snacks or water bottles in the village before heading for trek.

4. What is the distance of the Koilkonda Fort Trek from Hyderabad?

Koilkonda Fort, about 130 km from Hyderabad main city, is accessible by both private and public transportation means.

5. Can I do the Koilkonda Fort Trek alone?

The answer would be both Yes and No. "Yes" because there is no logistical hindrance. You don't need permits or guides to do this trek. But "No" as well because the fort is mostly deserted, with little to no public movement. There are no authorised security personnel or network points. The dilapidated condition of the fort makes it risky for an individual to go on his own. In addition to that, incidents of thefts have often been reported. Hence it is advised to exercise some caution before venturing alone and we recommend doing this trek as a team of at least 5-6 individuals.

What to Pack for the Koilkonda Fort Trek

➤ Places to Visit After Completing the Koilkonda Fort Trek

• Sri Ramakonda Temple:  Located in Koilkonda itself, just 3 km from the trek starting point, this temple is a significant historical and spiritual site. It is believed that Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana stayed here during their exile. It is believed that you can still see Rama’s footprint and the stone where Sita sat. The hill is considered sacred and bears evidence of ancient sages’ dwelling in the area.
• Koilkonda Veera Bhadra Swamy Temple: This is a hill temple around 5 km from Koilkonda Fort. You need to climb around 500 steps to reach here. It is an ancient temple that dates back to the Kakatiya period. Shiva devotees worshipped Lord Veerabhadra here. You also get great views of Koilsagar Lake from the top.
• Koilasagar Project and Lake: Located about 20 km from Koilkonda Fort, this is a picturesque reservoir built during the Nizam era (1945–48). It stretches across the Peddavagu River, a tributary of the Krishna River, and is surrounded by high hills. After exploring the Koilkonda Fort, unwind at Koilsagar Lake. Sunsets on the Koilsagar Lake are a stunning sight.
• Manyamkonda: About 28 km from Koilkonda Fort, this site has produced numerous artefacts that establish its identity as a hub of Buddhism. In the 3rd century BCE, it was a significant religious center with monasteries and shrines. Excavations in the area have revealed stupas, viharas, sculptures, and decorative panels. The emergence of Manyamkonda points to an early historic period marked by active Buddhist practices and trade. The site holds immense historical and archaeological value in Telangana.
• Pillalamarri Banyan Tree:  Just 28 km from Koilkonda Fort, you can visit this 700–800 years old banyan tree, standing over a sprawling 3 acre area.You can also explore a small zoo, an aquarium, and an archaeological museum located within the site.
• Mayuri Haritha Vanam: About 35 km from Koilkonda Fort, this eco-park offers recreational activities, scenic beauty, and adventure experiences such as jungle safaris and nature trails.

➤ Trek Contribution

Trek documented by InTREK Hyderabad Chapter Members (Abdullah, Aditya, Anil, Ankur, Anuhya, Bhavana, Francis, Gargee, Krishna Manoj, Meghana, Nikhil, Pallavi, Ramana, Razia, Riddish, Sebi, Shashank, and Somesh)

Trek written by Upayan Chatterjee and InTREK Hyderabad Chapter Members (Aditya, Ankur, Krishna, Meghana, Sebi, Shashank and Somesh)

Banner Image by Abdullah Khan