This Fort is one of the most magnificent fortress complexes in India. The history of Golconda Fort dates back to the early 13th century, when this south eastern part of the country was ruled by the Kakatiyas. The bulk of the ruins of this fort, date from the time of the Qutab Shahi kings, who had ruled this area in the 16th and 17th century.Golconda city remained the capital of the Qutab Shahis from 1512 to 1590, from where they later shifted it to Hyderabad. Abu Hasan the last of the Qutab Shahi kings held out for seven long months, against a Mughal army commanded by Emperor Aurangzeb before losing the fort through treachery in 1687.

It is located on the outskirts of the city of Hyderabad., the capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh. Golconda Fort is itself built on a granite hill 120 metres high, and is surrounded by crenellated ramparts constructed of large masonry blocks weighing several tonnes. The massive gates are studded with large pointed iron spikes to prevent elephants from battering them down.

The outer wall surrounding the entire township of Golconda, is about 11 kilometres long, and is strongly fortified. In its heyday, the 10 kilometer long road from Golconda to outer Hyderabad., was a fabulous market selling jewellery, diamonds, pearls and other gems, which were famous all over the world.

One of the most remarkable features of Golconda, is its system of acoustics. The sounds of hands clapped in the grand portico can be heard in the Durbar Hall, at the very top of the hill. There is also supposed to be secret underground tunnel Leading from the Durbar Hall to one of the palaces at the foot of the hill.

The tombs of the Qutab Shahi kings, lie about one kilometer north of the outer wall of Golconda. These graceful structures are surrounded by landscaped gardens, and a number of them have beautifully carved stonework.