my city of birth

Plan a trip to the Golconda fort. The ambience around the fort is amazing. Built by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah in 1525, the Golconda Fort epitomises the opulent Nawabi culture of the time. Famous features of Golconda include its system of acoustics - a hand clap at a certain point below the dome at the entrance reverbarates and can be heard clearly at the Bala Hissar, the highest point almost a kilometre away. The impregnable fort was cradled by many dynasties and it was of strategic importance to most of the rulers. In 1518, when the Qutb Shahi dynasty was found, Golconda was made its capital. The subsequent generations saw Golconda being fortified further with several additions and the formation of a beautiful city within. The fortress city within the walls was famous for the diamond trade and famous Ko-hi-noor diamond, which now lies embeded in the crown of the queen of England, is said to have come from here. A new attraction at the fort is a sound and light show that brings the legend of Golconda to life.

Quick Tips:

When visiting Hyderabad you absolutely must: visit the old part of town. Near the Charminar stands the Mecca Masjid, begun by Muhammad Qutb Shah in 1617 and completed by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1693. It is a grand edifice with a huge courtyard which can accommodate nearly ten thousand men at prayer.

Best Way To Get Around:

Auto rickshaws and taxis are the best way to get around. Alternatively, you could ask your hotel to arrange a taxi for you.

Hotel Viceroy is centrally located and is great value for money. The service is good, and the food worth eating. It''s situated at one end of the `husain sagar'' lake.

Located at a prime location in the city, Hotel Banjara is run by one of the major hotel chains in the country and is one of hyderabads best known hotels.

This is one of the places where you can get good and authentic `hyderabadi biryani', kebabs and other dishes. Always crowded, but that's for a good reason!

There are a number of Kamath restaurants in town...it's a chain of South Indian vegetarian food. The food is usually spicy. Try the `thali' for a wholesome meal.