The city of Hyderabad is famous for its breathtaking monuments.The majestic and imposing monument, which lies on the western outskirts of Hyderabad city, Golconda Fort unravels 400 years of rich cultural heritage. Built by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah in 1525, the Golconda Fort epitomises the opulent Nawabi culture of those times.

"Shepherd's Hill" or "Golla Konda", as it was popularly known in Telugu, has an interesting story behind it. One fine day, on the rocky hill called Mangalavaram, a shepherd boy came across an idol. This was conveyed to the Kakatiya king, who was ruling at that time. The king got a mud fort constructed around the holy spot. Over a period of time this lowly construction was expanded by the Qutub Shahi kings into a massive fort of granite which has been a silent witness to many historic events.

The impregnable fort was ruled by many dynasties and it was of strategic importance. In 1518, when the Qutub Shahi dynasty was founded, Golconda was made its capital. The subsequent generations saw Golconda being fortified further with several additions and the formation of a beautiful city within.

By the 17th century, Golconda was famous as a Diamond Market. It gave the world some of the best known diamonds, including the Kohinoor.

The Golconda fort is known for its magnificent acoustics, the structural grandeur of the palacesand ingenious water supply system. The modern acoustic system, was so designed that a hand clap sounded at the entrance gate of the fort could be heard right up in the citadel. One visit to the fort, and you will be transported to that eventful age of the Qutub Shahi dynasty that speaks volumes of their glorious achievements. One is perplexed to see the meticulous details of the architecture and the fading gardens, which once had sprawling lawns and playing fountains.

The design of the ventilation reveals the brilliant planning of the architects. The ventilation is designed to let in a flow of fresh cool breeze, which is a respite from the heat of summer!

Close to the fort are the beautiful domed monuments, the Qutub Shahi Tombs built with Islamic architecture. Golconda is all this and more. A new attraction at the fort is a sound and light show that brings the legend of Golconda to life. With a spectacular interplay of audio and visual effects, the saga of Golconda unfolds over centuries of splendor.

The show livens up the glorious past and it is an experience worth watching. The show is presented in English and Telugu on alternate days of the week.

Golconda stands tall as a proud sentinel leaving its imprint on the sands of time.