Golkonda, Hyderabad

India is a land of rich culture and heritage sites. Anyone who visits the country is sure to find a hidden gem and an even greater story behind it. And for those who are fond of fortresses and historical treasures, Golkonda provides ample options to explore. One of the most famous places in India, this historical remnant sits gracefully in the western part of the stunning city of Hyderabad. 

Originally known as Shepherd's hill or Golla Konda in Telugu, the legend goes that a young shepherd boy found a sacred idol on the hill. When the Kakatiya king heard about it, he fortified the idol in a mud fort and that was how 'Golkonda' came to be. The fort was later ruled by the Rajah of Warangal in the year 1143, which was then again fortified by the reigning rulers of the Bahmani Sultans and the Qutub Shahi dynasty. 

Brief Description

Golkonda is situated on a 120-meter-high hillock, which was considered a strategic location for a fort in ancient times. The fort is located 9 km from Hussain Sagar Lake and occupies an area of about 4.8 km in length and can be reached by road or public transportation.

Hyderabad city is well connected by road, rail, and air. The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is the nearest airport to Golkonda, at a distance of around 30 km. 

While Golconda itself does not have hills surrounding it, the nearby area does have some small hills and rocky outcroppings. The nearby area is well-known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient Hindu temples, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, lakes, and waterfalls. The area also has several vacant plots and housing establishments with a serene view of the fort's surroundings. 

What’s Great about Golkonda

Being a historic city, the area has several positive aspects which include: 

• Cultural Heritage: Golconda was known for its diamond mines and houses several ruins of palaces and mosques.
• Natural Beauty: The city is surrounded by beautiful lakes and waterfalls.
• Delicious Cuisine: Influenced by south Asian and Arabic flavors, Hyderabadi cuisine is a foodie's delight. Don't forget to try the lip-smacking Hyderabadi biryani!
• Shopping: The city is also a popular shopping destination, with a wide variety of traditional markets and modern malls.
• Accessibility: Well connected by road, rail, and air. 

What’s Not Great about Golkonda

Like every popular tourist destination, Golkonda too has a few drawbacks that one should be prepared for: 

• Crowds: As a sought-after destination by domestic and foreign visitors, it can get quite crowded during peak tourist season. 
• Pollution: The city of Hyderabad has a problem with air and water pollution, which can impact the overall experience of living in the city.
• High-Temperature: During summertime, the temperature in Hyderabad can get very high, making it uncomfortable.

Physical Infrastructure and Livability Index

As Golconda is a historic city and fort, it does not have the same level of physical infrastructure as a modern city. However, the city of Hyderabad, where Golconda is located, has a relatively well-developed infrastructure, with good roads, public transportation, and a range of housing options.

Regarding the livability index, Hyderabad is ranked 24th among 49 cities and is considered to be a livable city with a relatively low crime rate and high development element. 

Social Infrastructure in Golkonda

The social infrastructure in Golconda, as a historical place, is not as developed as in other cities, but the areas around it have relatively well-developed infrastructure.

1. Metro
   • Golconda Fort metro station 
   • Nagole metro station
2. Bus Terminal
   • Hyderabad Golconda Bus Station
   • Hyderabad MGBS Bus Station
3. Railway Station Nearby
   • Begumpet Railway Station
   • Secunderabad Junction railway station
4. Restaurants around Golkonda
   • Pragathi Bhavan 
   • Hyderabad Golf Club Golconda 
   • Attapur Ring Road
   • Kritunga Restaurant
   • The ROOF TOP Restaurant
   • Nice Juice Centre 
   • Al-Wadi Arabian Restaurant
   • Kabul Darbar Restaurant
   • Tagespo - The Bar
   • Istanbul Authentic Doner Kebab
5. Shopping Malls/Markets/Parks
   • Laad Bazaar
   • Begum Bazaar
   • Abids
   • Sangeetha Shopping Mall
   • Lumbini Park
   • Indira Park
   • Sanjeevaiah Park
   • NTR Gardens
   • Nehru Zoological Park 

Popular Roads in Golkonda

Fortunately, several roads lead to Golkonda. Here are some of the popular routes: 

• Golconda Fort Road: The main road that leads to the fort. It's a narrow winding road that runs through the fort's entrance and provides access to the fort's main attractions.
• Tank Bund Road: This road runs parallel to Hussain Sagar Lake, and it provides beautiful views of the lake.
• Necklace Road: This road runs around Hussain Sagar lake and it's a popular spot for evening strolls and picnics.

Home Services in Golkonda

Several home services like electricians, plumbers, cleaning services, interior services, handyman services, locksmiths, pest control services, and home security services are available around the area. Most of them can be easily found through contact numbers registered online.

What’s near Golkonda – Distance Calculator

Some popular places near Golconda are as follows:

How People Rate Golkonda in Telangana

The Golconda area is considered to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. Visitors generally appreciate the fort's rich history, architectural beauty, and beautiful views of the city. Many recommend the fort as a must-see attraction when visiting Hyderabad.

How to Visit Golkonda

There are several ways to reach the fort. Once you are in the city, you can choose any one from the following: 

• Taxi or Auto-rickshaw: Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available for hire from any location in the city.
• Bus: Several bus routes run to the fort. Get on from the nearest bus station and get down near the fort. 
• Metro: You can take the metro from any part of the city and then take a taxi to reach the fort.
• Car: If you have your car, you can drive to the fort. There is parking available.

Tourist Spots and Places To Visit in Golkonda

In addition to the Golkonda fort itself, the area is surrounded by many other tourist spots that visitors can explore. Here are some popular places to visit:

• Charminar: A 16th-century mosque located in the heart of the city, known for its unique architecture and rich history.
• Salar Jung Museum: A museum that houses a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world.
• Hussain Sagar Lake: A large man-made lake located nearby the fort, known for its beautiful views and boating facilities.
• Birla Mandir: A temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, known for its architectural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
• Qutb Shahi Tombs: A collection of tombs from the Qutb Shahi dynasty, located nearby the fort.
• Falaknuma Palace: A palace located nearby the fort, known for its beautiful architecture and rich history.
• Nehru Zoological Park: A popular park known for its wide variety of animals, birds, and reptiles.
• Ramoji Film City: A popular tourist spot known for its film-making facilities and theme park.

Locality Comparison

The area around Golkonda offers a unique experience compared to other areas of the city. Some ways in which the area may be considered better are:

• Proximity to a historic monument: The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site and living near it means that you will have easy access to the fort and its monuments.
• Cultural Experience: The area is steeped in history and culture. You will be surrounded by the rich history and culture of the city.
• Good Connectivity: The area is well connected with public transportation, and it's easy to reach the other parts of the city.
• Local Amenities: The area has a good variety of local amenities such as markets, shops, and restaurants.

Safety: The area around the fort is generally safe, but it's a good idea to stay aware and take precautions.