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5. Golconda Fort

Located in the city of Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh, the majestic Golconda Fort is a legacy of the Qutb Shahi rulers to the city. The fort was built around the 12^th-16^th centuries on a granite hill, with huge stones weighing several tons. Its elegant architecture is reminiscent of the Nawabi influence. It is a cleverly designed fort- a single clap at the entrance reverberates through the structure, an early warning system for imminent danger. The majestic fort looked out over grand gardens and crystal clear fountains, which unfortunately now lay in ruins. Beautiful temples, mosques and halls all rest within the walls of this fort, that spreads over an area of about 11km. It is said that the Qutb Shahi kings were buried in beautifully carved graves within the fort walls. The fort is guarded by the Fateh Darwaza or the victory gate, through which Aurangzeb marched after his triumph. The gate is studded with giant iron spikes to prevent elephants from battering it down. Although its architecture is fascinating, this fort is most famous as a centre of diamond trade. In fact, the biggest diamond in the world, the Kohinoor, is said to have been found here.