Discovering Warangal: A Treasure Trove of Tourist Attractions

Warangal, a historic city in Telangana, boasts a rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. Known for its ancient architecture and vibrant history, it’s a must-visit for anyone exploring India. Let’s embark on a journey through some of the most captivating tourist spots in Warangal.

Warangal Fort: A Walk Through History

Warangal Fort stands like a sentinel of time, reminding us of the grandeur of the Kakatiya dynasty. With its massive stone walls, intricate architecture, and impressive gateways, the fort takes you back to a time when it was a thriving royal city. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk through centuries-old structures? The fort's main entrance, known as the 'Kakatiya Kala Thoranam,' is a sight to behold, adorned with beautiful carvings that tell stories of valor and artistry.

Thousand Pillar Temple: A Marvel of Craftsmanship

The Thousand Pillar Temple, also known as the Rudreshwara Swamy Temple, is a monumental testament to ancient architectural brilliance. As you step inside, the coolness of the stone welcomes you, and the intricately carved pillars mesmerize your senses. Each pillar boasts unique carvings of deities and motifs, creating a visual feast. It’s like stepping into a living museum of history and spirituality. The temple’s design symbolizes Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Hindu mythology. Can you imagine the devotion poured into every detail?

Bhadrakali Temple: Divine Serenity

Perched by the tranquil Bhadrakali Lake, the Bhadrakali Temple offers both spiritual solace and scenic beauty. This temple, dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, is a significant pilgrimage site. Pilgrims and tourists flock here to pay their respects and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Picture a serene afternoon by the lake, with the sound of water lapping against the shore, while the temple stands majestically in the backdrop. It’s the perfect spot for reflection and tranquility.

Kakatiya Musical Garden: Nature’s Symphony

The Kakatiya Musical Garden is not just a garden; it’s an experience that appeals to all your senses. With its vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and soothing music from fountains, it’s a place where nature and melody unite. Have you ever felt the urge to just sit back, breathe in crisp air, and let the beauty around you wash over you? This garden is the ideal spot for families, couples, or anyone looking to unwind amidst nature. The playful fountains are like little dancers, creating a joyful atmosphere.

Pakhal Lake: A Serene Retreat

If you’re yearning for some peace away from the hustle and bustle, Pakhal Lake is your haven. Nestled amidst rolling hills, this expansive lake is perfect for picnics, boating, and simply soaking in the views. The serene waters reflecting the sky create a painterly scene you won’t forget. Imagine casting your worries aside as you paddle through calm waters, surrounded by the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves.

Warangal Zoo: A Family Favorite

The Warangal Zoo is a delightful destination for families and animal lovers. It houses a variety of animals in a well-maintained environment. Children can connect with nature and learn about wildlife, while adults can enjoy a leisurely stroll. Seeing animals in their habitats is like being part of a live nature documentary. Who doesn’t love a day full of exploration and wonder?

Conclusion: Warangal Awaits You

Warangal is more than just a destination; it’s a journey through time and culture. Each place you visit tells a unique story, leaving you enchanted and inspired. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply looking for a getaway, Warangal has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to discover the beauty and history that awaits in this incredible city!

About Warangal district of Telangana is glutted with ancient temples, historic monuments and massive forts. Archaeologists find a bounty here while the layman is awestruck.  Historians have a lot to take note of. The archive of the district appeals to historians while the monuments attract archaeologists.

The Kakatiya rulers have contributed in leaps and bounds to the glory of the region.  The Warangal Fort built by the Kakatiya ruler Ganapathi Deva is a fine example of construction in ingenuity as beyond the forbidding moat all along the outer periphery. There are two walls, the outer one built of mud whereas the inner one composed or rugged stone.

Warangal District was once the capital of the Kakatiya dynasty and lies 100km. from Hyderabad.  The 1000 pillared temple on the slopes of the Hanumakonda hill and Bhadrakali temple is a tourist attraction. The other important monument in Warangal is the fort built by the Kakatiyas. The historic town earlier known as Orugallu was the glorious capital of the great Kakatiyas during 13th century AD.  It became an important centre of Telugu culture and literature under the Kakatiya kings.  The fort city is studded with magnificent monuments and temples depicting some of the finest forms of architecture in South India. Warangal is also well known for its durries (carpets) and rumals.

Places to visit in Warangal, Telangana India

This region is full of great lakes, historical monuments and forts. As such, it is an interesting place for the pilgrims, historians, archaeologists and nature lovers. The rulers of Warangal belonged to the Kakatiya dynasty, derived from the word Kukati which is the local name for Durga. The Kakatiyas were great builders of monuments in Chalukyan style.  There are many interesting places in this region.

Thousand Pillared Temple

The star shaped temple at Hanamkonda is a master piece of Kakatiya architecture and one of the most famous monuments of Andhra Pradesh.  It was built in 1163, by Kakatiya king Rudra Deva and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya (sun).  The exquisitely caved pillars, splendid sculptures and a huge six feet high Nandi are noteworthy.

The Ramappa Temple

The Ramappa Temple  at Palampet is 77km from Warangal.  The temple is a splendid fusion of the Chalukyan and Hoysala architectures. Situated near the village Palampet, is this temple built in the 13th century.  This temple has been described as the Brightest star in the galaxy of medieval temples of the Deccan.  The temple is similar in style, deign and workmanship to the Thousand Pillar Temple at Hanumakonda, but it is more ornamental.  The pillars and ceilings are decorated with scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata depicted in sculpture.  Ling panels of figures of gods, goddesses, warriors, musicians and dancing girls decorate the outer walls.  Large figures of dancing girls in various attitudes have been utilized as brackets springing from pillars and supporting overhanging eves.  All these figures are carved in black basalt with fine polish; their fine anatomy, vigour and rhythm of the dance poses make them extremely beautiful.

Srisailam

Srisailam is located on 230 from Hyderabad is the famous pilgrimage centre dedicated to Lord Shiva.   The presiding deity Lord Mallikarjuna is believed to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of the country.  An unique feature of this Shiva temple is that any devotee irrespective of caste or creed can touch the Lord and worship him.

Sri Bhadrakali Temple

The 8th century shrine set atop a hillock near Thousand Pillar temple enshrines a2.7m tall statue of the Goddess Kali. Other shrines in the temple complex are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Subramaniyam Swamy, Anjaneya and Nava Grahas.  The Dasara Navarathri festival is celebrated here for 9 days.

Warangal Fort

The foundation of this magnificent fort was laid in 1199, by king Ganapathi Deva and was completed in 1261, by his daughter Rudramadevi.  It has 45 exquisitely carved towers and pillars.  Within the fort is the temple of Mother Earth known as ‘Swayambhudevi Alayam’.  Near the shrine is the famous ‘Ekshila’, an ornately carved gateway resembling the gateway at Sanchi.

Khush Mahal

This elegant edifice near the fort was built by Shitabh Khan.  It is a mute witness to the glorious past of Warangal.  The idols excavated from surrounding area and displayed here.

Warangal Places to Visit

Eturnagaram, Sanctuary (80km)

It sprawls along the banks of river Godavari and is one of the oldest sanctuaries of Andhra Pradesh.  The key fauna includes tiger, leopard, sloth bear, chousingha, black buck and many varieties of birds. Best season – October to May.

Kolunpuka (50km)

The important Jain and Hindu pilgrim centre was the capital of Kalyani Chalukyas in 11th century and the birth place of Renukacharya, a great Veera Shaiva saint.  It has a number of ancient Jain and Hindu temples adorned with beautiful sculptures.

Amaravati

Amaravati  is another Buddhist centre of ancient times, which flourished between the 3rd century AD.  This place is well known for its marble Stupa, which is exquisitely carved with lamps, decorated all round.  Amaravati is 148km from Nagarjuna Sagar.

Thirumala

Sri Govindaraja Perumal temple at Tirupati is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this is at the middle of the town.  There is also a Shiva temple at the foot of the hill going to Tirumala.

Tiruchanur

  The temple of Padmavatiamman (consort of Lord Venkateshwara) is about 5 km from Tirupati.

Hanamkonda

Hanamkonda is about 9km from Warangal. This is the same town as Warangal newly developed township outside the fort area.  The place has become famous for the ancient temple popularly called as the Thousand Pillar Temple.  A most exquisite example of architecture of the Kakatiya reign, attracting several visitors, both foreign and Indian, was founded by Ganapathi.  It is star shaped and a triple shrine, the three shrines being dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Surya.  With no deities in the shrines at present, the pedestals inside are fitted with black basalt Lingams only.  The temple is renowned for the richly carved pillars and lintels, the delicately pierced screens and most carefully finished sculptures.  The black basalt Nandi in front of the temple is a splendid specimen of sculpture in monolith.  Constructed in 1164, the unfinished Kalyana Mantapa behind the Nandi has numerous pillars with carvings of flowers, creepers and animals, which give its name on account of the many pillars.

The old fort, occupying a place of eminence has two walls surrounded by a moat.  The outer wall has tow entrances called Bandavi Darwaza and Hyderabad Darwaza, while the other wall, which is constructed of immense boulders, has four imposing gates. Inside the fort can be seen some beautiful granite pillars some of them 10m high, containing superb sculpture.  There are shrines dedicated to Narasimha, Padmakshi and Govindaraja.

Kazipet

Kazipet is about 12 km from Warangal. The name is derived from a domed tomb built by a Kazi in the early part of the 19th century. There are three ancient temples on the summit of a hillock, containing interesting specimens of early Hindu carvings.  Nearby is Mudikonda, where two temples are located dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu.  Both are in Dravidian style of architecture with pyramidal towers or spires.

Laknavaram Lake

Laknavaram is about 73km from Warangal. A huge reservoir created by shutting up the three narrow valleys with short bunds.  Set in such natural surroundings, it looks more like a natural pond than man-made tank.  The forests around abound in many animals which can be seen with the permission o the forest department.

Pakhal Lake

Pakhal Lake is about 55km from Pakhal Lake. A beautiful lake, enclosed by dense wooded hills on three sides and bund on the other across a river cutting its way over an outcrop of the Vindhya mountains.  The lake abounds in fish and alligators.  A forest rest house is available only for emergent use.