Golconda Fort

Once the capital of a powerful sultanate and the centre of the world's diamond trade — the Koh-i-Noor passed through here — Golconda Fort is a massive citadel rising on a granite hill west of Hyderabad. Its concentric fortifications, palaces, mosques and gardens sprawl across the slopes.

The fort is famous for its ingenious engineering: a clap at the entrance dome can be heard at the hilltop pavilion nearly a kilometre away, an acoustic early-warning system. Climb to the top for sweeping views, and stay for the evening sound-and-light show narrating its dramatic history.

• ›The famous acoustics at the Fateh Darwaza gate.
• ›The climb to the Bala Hisar pavilion and its views.
• ›The evening sound-and-light show.

It's a fair climb — wear good shoes and carry water. Late afternoon lets you explore then catch the show. The nearby Qutb Shahi tombs pair well with a visit.