Warangal is the fifth largest city in the state of Andhra Pradesh and is the administrative headquarters of Warangal District. It is located about 148 kilometres from of the state capital of Hyderabad. Warangal was the capital of erstwhile Kakatiya Kingdom many the monuments in the city today stand testimony to the exquisite architecture patronized by the Kakatiyas. The city was known as Oruguallu due to the presence of huge hillock which is carved from a single stone.
The city with its magnificent monuments, grand temples, beautiful gardens, lakes and sanctuaries attracts several tourists. Warangal is a major tourist’s destination in the state today.
Places of Tourists Interest in Warangal
Thousand Pillar Temple
Thousand Pillar Temple is located in the slopes of the Hanumakonda hill on the Hanamkonda-Warangal highway. This star shaped temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya is believed to have been built by King Rudra Dev, a Kakatiya dynasty king in 1163 AD. The temple has intricately carved thousand pillars. One can also see intricate carvings on the ceiling, slabs and the exterior walls. There are several shrines and lingams inside the temple. Along with this 6 foot Nandi carved out of a single rock made of black basalt is another attraction here.
Warangal Fort
It is located 12 km from Hanumakonda hills. It is one of the architectural wonders built by kings of Kakatiya dynasty. The fort which dates back to the 13th century was built by The Kakatiya king, Ganapati Deva and his daughter Rudramma. The fort has a three layered protection but major portions of the fort are in ruins now. The four huge Sanchi style gateways at the entrance is a major attraction here. The temple inside the fort is dedicated to the Mother Earth, Swayambhudevi.
Bhadra Kali Temple
Bhadra Kali Temple is situated on a hilltop between Hanamkonda and Warangal. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. This deity is referred to as Tripura Sundari (Beauty of the Three Worlds). There is an artificial lake in the vicinity of the temple.
Kakatiya Musical Garden
The Musical garden in Warangal is located nearby the famous Bhadrakali temple. It is beautifully landscaped garden spread over an area of 15 acres and the major attraction of this garden is a magnificent music fountain operated through computer. There is an artificial lake in which boating facility is available.
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is located nearby Warangal. This is considered to be one of the oldest sanctuaries of the country. Spread across an area of 806 square km this sanctuary is home to wide variety of flora and fauna. The sanctuary has rich vegetation of teak trees. The animals include tiger, spotted dear, wolf, panther, black buck, chinkara, giant squirrels, jackals, nilgai, sloth bear and four horned antelopes. The sanctuary is also home to a wide range of bird species.
Lakhnavaram Lake
Laknavaram Lake is around 78Km from Warangal. This lake basically stores rain water and covers an area of around 10,000 acres. A hanging bridge has been recently constructed here.
Pakhal Lake
This picturesque lake is located at a distance of 50 km from Warangal. Pakhal Lake is a man-made lake built in 1213 AD by the Kakatiya king, Ganapathidev. Spread over an area of 30 sq. km this lake was built in a small tributary of the Krishna River. The lake is surrounded by dense forests and hills. The Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary is situated around the lake. The sanctuary is sprawled over an area of 90 acres and is home to many exotic species of plants and animals
Ramappa Temple
Ramappa Temple is located 77 km from Warangal. Ramappa Temple is a 12th century built during the rule of the Kakatiyas. . According to an inscription in the temple this temple was built in the year 1213 and said to have been built by a General Recherla Rudra. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. Intricate carvings adore the walls, pillars and ceilings of the temple.
Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Devasthanam
Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Devasthanam is located about 12kms from Warangal. The temple is believed to be built around 700 AD prior to Kakatiya Dynasty. It was then developed by Kakatiya rulers. The presiding deity is Lord Mallikarjuna swamy. The Keerthi Toranams on the east and the south side of the temple signify unique Kakatiya style of architecture.
Kolanupaka
Kolanupaka is situated about 75kms from Warangal. This was the second capital of Kalyani Chalukyas during the 11th century AD. There is literary evidence that suggests that 'Kolanupaka' was the birthplace of Renukacharya who was a great Vira Saiva saint. He was born from a self-manifested lingam and it is said that after preaching Vira Shaivism he was again absorbed in the lingam. This place is also known for a Jain Mahavir temple. A 5 feet jade idol of Lord Mahaveera and an archaeological museum are other the attractions here. The State Department of Archaeology and Museums established a sculptural gallery here which showcases various artefacts from the various historical monuments in the region.
Sri Veeranarayana Temple
Sri Veeranarayana Temple is located in Kolanupaka in Warangal District. The temple was constructed around 1104 AD and has Chalukatan architectural style. The main deity is Shri Veeranarayana who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is said that this was an ancient Jain temple which was later converted to a Hindu temple. Beautiful carvings adorn the walls of the temple.
There are many other places worth visiting like the Someshwara Temple, Sri Swayambhu temple, Sammakka Saralamma Temple etc.
How to Reach Warangal
The nearest Airport is Hyderabad which is about 140 kms. from the destination. Warangal railway station is a major railway station on the railway line that connects the northern and southern parts of India and is well connected to many of the major cities of India. Warangal is well connected with good network of roads. Andhra Pradesh Road Transport Public bus services connect Warangal with other major cities in Andhra Pradesh.
Accommodation
Plenty of accommodation options are available in the city which offers comfortable stay to the tourists.