Hyderabad: Golconda Fort and Charminar, Hyderabad’s most iconic landmarks, were among the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) top 10 monuments in terms of domestic tourist footfall in 2023-24.
According to the data provided by the Union tourism ministry, Golconda Fort welcomed 16.08 lakh Indian visitors who purchased tickets, ranking sixth in the list, while Charminar saw 12.9 lakh visitors purchasing tickets, securing the ninth rank.
The Taj Mahal in Agra topped the list with 60.99 lakh visitors, followed by the Sun Temple in Konark (31.97 lakh) and Qutub Minar in Delhi (31.24 lakh). Other historical monuments that made it to the list include the Red Fort (27.94 lakh), Ellora Caves (17.41 lakh), Agra Fort (14.1 lakh), Bibi Ka Maqbara (12.95 lakh), and Shaniwar Wada in Pune with 12.61 lakh visitors purchasing tickets.
The steady increase in tourist footfall at Hyderabad’s heritage sites highlighted the city’s growing appeal as a cultural and historical hub. The Telangana government’s efforts to promote tourism, improve infrastructure, and organize heritage walks have contributed to this rise.
Dr N Taher, former director of ASI, said Golconda and Charminar are ticketed monuments under Hyderabad Circle, and the number of visitors has increased by 20-22 per cent.
“We expect this number to grow even more in the future. Hyderabad has a rich history, and every monument has a story to tell. It is important to spread awareness in the right way. Protecting these heritage sites is a shared duty, and the local community should play an active role.”
