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One of the greatest ruling clans of Andhra Desa made this fort city, its Capital. Orugallu, as it was known, is
today's modern Warangal. During the reign of the Kakatiya, Telugu
culture and literature attained great heights. Some of the finest forms
of architecture in the whole South India can be seen in the ruins of the
once glorious empire. Only the beauty of the surroundings lakes Warangal,
the heartland of Andhra Pradesh. The capital of the Kakatiya empire.
Warangal, once the capital of the Kakatiya Kingdom
lying south of the River Godavari, is the fifth largest city in Andhra Pradesh
located about 148 kms from Hyderabad. It is an important cultural centre of the
Telangana region. The ancient history, beautiful lakes, fine architectural
temples, rich fauna and flora have contributed its importance to Warangal as a
Tourist Centre.
Warangal is well connected by rail from New Delhi, Hyderabad, Vijaywada,
Visakhapatnam and Chennai. The city is a cluster of three towns -
Warangal, Kazipet and Hanamkonda. Today the city and the district of
Warnagal offer, for the connoisseurs of art, architecture and nature, a
rich spread.
Places of Interest:
Thousand Pillars Temple:
Perched elegantly on the slopes of the hills at Hanamkonda, the thousand
pillars temple is fine specimen of Kakatiya Architecture and sculpture.
Built by Rudra Deva in 1163 AD in the Chalunkan style, the star-shaped,
triple shrine temple is dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. The temple
is notable for its richly carved pillars, preformatted screens and
exquisite icons, specially impressive are the rock cut elephants and the
Nandi.
Warangal Fort:
The Warangal Fort with its impressive and beautifully carved thoranan
arches, and pillars inside spread over a radius of 19 kms between
Hanamkonda and Warangal, the impregnable fort was popularly known as the
seat of power. The fort consists of seven towers , with a radius of 8
kms. The main fort has 45 towers, and a temple of mother earth in the
middle of the fort (Swayam Bhudevi Alayam). A legendary master piece
known as Khush Mahal built by Shittabh Khan (Reign 1504-1512 is situated
close to the glorious Warangal Fort. Even today, the beautifully carved
gateway located within the fort-the famous 'Ekashila'- symbolises the
Kakatiya empire and Warangal like the Charminar does for Hyderabad.
Ramappa Temple:
The medieval Deccan Ramappa Temple dating back to 1213 AD, built by the
7th Kakatiya kind Rudra Senani, is the right choice for architectural
lovers with a panoramic view of scenic beauty, situated at Palamet
village 64 kms away from Warangal, the Temple has several idols in
dancing postures. It documents the glory and grandeur of the Kakatiya
kingdom with rich intricate culture on walls, pillars and ceilings
brackets and ceiling will captivate you. The main attraction of this
temple is the floating bricks and a warrior queen.
Other Places of
Interest:
Ramappa Lake,Khush Mahal,Pakhal Wild
Life Sanctuary,Pakhal Lake,Bhadrakalli Temple,Khazipet Dargha,Fatima
Church,Kolanupaka,Pembarti,Eturungaram and Cheriyal.
How to reach there:
Warangal is easily
accessible by road from Hyderabad and Vijaywada. Regular bus service
connect Warangal with Hyderabad, Vijaywada, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati and
Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh.
Warangal is well
connected with regular bus services to all places in the district and to
surrounding like Khammam, Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Nalogonda, Hyderabad
and to all important cities in Andhra Pradesh.
No Air Services. The
nearest Airport is Hyderabad.
Warangal is linked with all important cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai,
Banglore, Kerala, Chennai, Calcutta, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jammu and
many other states in India by Train Services.
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