Golkonda Fort, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Golkonda Fort is in the south Indian city of Hyderabad, Telangana. Built by Kakathiya Dynasty in the 12th century, this fort was under the rulers of Musunuri Nayaks, Bahamani Sultan, Qutb Shahi Dynasty, and was finally conquered by the Moghul Empire in the 17th century. Many famous diamonds like Koh-i-Noor, Hope Diamond were excavated from the mines surrounding Golkonda.

Fort Gardens

Even though it just ruins that remain today, the architecture of the main fort is still intact. The stone perimeter walls of the fort are around 15 feet high and are still standing strong. The thick cast-iron gates with pointed spikes on top were supposed to protect the fort from enemy attack. These gates and entryways became an integral part of modern roads.

Archways Inside The Fort

The architecture and acoustics of the fort are admirable. The clapping at the front portico can be heard from Darbar Hall, which is the highest point of the inner fort and is 1 km away. 

Walkways Inside The Fort

Summer days can get very hot in Hyderabad and won't be comfortable for a hike. It is better to plan the trip on a relatively mild day. Tour is self-guided but still, hiring a guide is always a good idea as they tend to know better.

Rani Mahal

It can easily take 4 hours to climb up the hill, visit all the places in the fort and climb down. Entry fee varies for Indians and foreigners. Indian citizens pay a minimal entry fee while people from other countries end up paying 10 times more. Purchase tickets for sound & light show if you can. It is a spectacular show to sit back and relax. The influence of Hindu and Muslim architecture is quite evident.  

Rani Mahal

Ramadas' prison is a popular site along with Akkanna and Madanna offices. Wikipedia has the full story of Ramadas. 

The Fort

Climbing down the hill was equally challenging. Over the years, this fort had seen heavy foot traffic. The smooth and slippery granite stairs are evidence of several visitors to this place. Enjoy the architectural details on the fort walls, the intricacy of fort structure, and beautiful views from up top.  

View From Above

Fort Walls

The Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, Ireland

Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher is one of the popular destinations of Ireland. And there is a very good reason why it is so popular. Always plan a visit on a clear summer day. According to The Cliffs of Moher website, these cliffs were formed 319 million years ago and the highest point is 702 feet from the Atlantic Ocean. Feels like they have been around forever. One more reason not to miss these cliffs on your next visit to Ireland.

                     

I personally prefer driving my own car rather than visiting on tour buses. As you enter the car park, you pay 8€ per person. Cliff's entrance is to the other side of the parking lot. The visitor center has plenty of craft stores, gift stores, and cafes. We stopped at a stall of handmade wire necklaces. For 10€, the artist proficiently bent wire in the shape of letters we asked for and added small clover leaves at both ends. But hey, it was custom made. The visitor center is neatly tucked underground and looks like it is part of the Cliffs. But the facilities inside are current. The delicately yet thoughtfully carved Cliffs of Moher Experience wooden sculpture outside the visitor center says it all.

O'Brien's Tower

As you pass the visitor center, towards the right is O'Brien's Tower, and towards the left is the coastal cliff walk. Walking to O'Brien's tower is a bit of an uphill. Be prepared to climb a few stairs but the path is paved and not very hard to walk. Cliff's views from O'Brien's tower were amazing. Admission to the tower itself is additional but not necessary. Views were magnificent at sunset when the sunlight hits the cliffs. Finish cliff walks first and visits the tower later in the day. However, if you are planning to walk the 8km trail to Doolin, it starts from O'Brien's tower.

Regular Summer Noon @ O'Brien's Tower

To the left of the visitor center is the coastal cliff walk. Cliff walks stretch from Liscannor (a village south of cliffs) to Doolin (a village north of cliffs) for around 20km or they can be as short as you want them to be.  Cliffs of Moher Visitor center is in the middle of Liscannor and Doolin. Best views of The Stack and O'Brein's tower can be seen from the coastal cliff walk towards Liscannor.  The cliff walk has two paths. The designated path has fields to it's left and stone wall to it's right. Guarding against the fall. Whereas, the undesignated path is open to the elements.

Magnificent Views

Most tourists choose an undesignated path because of the beautiful views which can be missed otherwise. This path is not for the faint of the heart. Winds can be very strong based on the weather and there were few landslides in recent years. While enjoying the views, pay close attention to your path as well.

Cliffs Coastal Trail

Visiting the cliffs is never complete without taking a ferry ride. Cliffs of Moher ferries leave from Doolin regularly. We booked Aran Island and Cliffs of Moher cruise combination from doolin2aranferries.com. If you are short on time, there is a one hour Cliffs of Moher cruise too. I enjoyed the cruise much more than the cliff walk. 

Beautiful Views From Coastal Trail

On our way back to Doolin from Aran Islands which I will cover in another post, we took Cliffs of Moher cruise. The ferry ride covers all beautiful views that the cliff walk falls short of. These cliff formations can never be seen from the cliff walk alone.

Cliffs - Up Close and Personal

The stack, which looks like a stack of rock from above, houses thousands of birds. These birds managed to comfortably nest between the layers of rock. Apparently, Cliffs of Moher holds the largest mainland colony of puffins. With the waves splashing, cool sea breeze touching your skin, and birds chirping around you,  this is an experience never to be missed.

The Stack - Up Close

A sea arch under Stag Head, The Stack, and magnificent cliffs can be viewed up close from a ferry ride.

Breathtaking Views

Howth Village And Cliff Walk, Dublin Co., Ireland

Howth Yacht Club Marina

Howth is a charming village half an hour away from Dublin. A short trip to Howth village is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. DART ride is the easiest way to reach the Howth village. However, a car is a good choice too.

Howth Village: Howth village is a cute little fishing village very near to Dublin airport. As soon as we arrived in Dublin, we drove directly to the Howth village. There is no point in wasting time elsewhere when the sky was clear and the sun was shining brightly. I fell in love with this charming village right away. Nothing can challenge its beautiful views, utterly delightful shops, and the best marina walk.  

Howth Marina Walk

The village has plenty of coffee shops, eateries, and taverns. There are a couple of golf courses in the Howth peninsular as well.  Also, a few small beaches to relax on a summer afternoon. Claremont beach is right next to the DART station and is easily accessible. The Balscadden bay beach is next to the marina walk and very good for rock pooling. As we relaxed on the beach, local kids geared up with the buckets and shovels in search of coastal treasures. Rock pooling in Balscadden beach is famous among locals.

Howth Lighthouse

Ireland's Eye: Ireland's Eye Ferries operate from Howth to Ireland's Eye almost every day from 10:30 - 5 PM. There is an option to just go around the island or land on the Island. Landing on the island might not be a possible option for everyone. We took a short 10 min. boat ride around the island. With amazing landscapes, beautiful birds, and a seal or two, Ireland's Eye boat trip was worth the visit.

Ireland's Eye

Howth Cliff Walk: Mesmerized by the charming Howth village, we decided to walk from the village center to the cliff walk trail in anticipation of beautiful views. The walk was long and steep. To our disappointment, most of the beautiful views were blocked by houses and high compound walls.

Howth Cliff Walk

Driving till the start of the cliff walk is the best option as you would save energy for the cliff walk itself. Plenty of free parking is available at the start of the trail. There is no paved path for the cliff walk. Nevertheless, the views from the top of the cliff were beautiful. Catch a glimpse of Ireland's Eye, lighthouse and beautiful Celtic sea from the top.