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Warangal Travel Guide

Warangal once the capital of the Kakatiya Kingdom. is the fifth largest city of Andhra Pradesh, IT is also an important cultural  centre of the Telengana region. Warangal's  history. beautiful lakes. fine temples and rich faura and fiora. have contributed to its importance as a tourist centre.
The historic city of Warangal in the state of Andhra Pradesh, 175 kms from Hyderabad, is known for its beautiful turquoise lakes, spectacular temples and rich flora and fauna. The Capital of erstwhile Kakatiya Kingdom, Warrangal is a place for those interested in Hindu temple architecture. Here in specimen of Kakatiya architecture-the star-shaped thousand pillars temple. This triple shrined temple dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Surya is noteworthy for its delicately carved pillars screens and exquisite icons. The rock cut elephants and the Nandi bull (1.8mts) are very impressive. The Bhadrakali temple atop a hill near Warrangal, which is noted for the eight armed stone image of the Goddess and the Warangal Fort are the places worth a visit.
Looking for an interesting historical interlude from Hyderabad? Then visit Warangal, a city of stone temples and forts, wildlife and scenic beauty. The legendary city was once the capital of the Kakatiyas in the 12th to 14th centuries. Its impressive fort was a medieval bastion admired by intrepid travellers of Marco Polo's vintage. Some of the most striking relics of the south lie scattered here in the midst of grassy hills and forests.
The once glorious Warangal Fort near Hanamkonda, erected by Ganapati Deva and his daughter Rudramma, now lies in ruins. Four huge stone gateways leading to the fort stand here as mute testimony to the Kakatiyas' architectural prowess. Perhaps a willing suspension of disbelief is all you need as you wander through the palace portals. Close your eyes and enter the stone gateway, and offer flowers at the crumbling Swayambhu temple, a shrine dedicated to Shiva.

Then visit the three concentric shrines to Vishnu, Shiva and Surya in the Thousand Pillared Temple - another striking example of ornate Kakatiya architecture. King Rudradeva built this edifice at the base of Hanamkonda Hill. The entrance is guarded by Shiva's sacred bull, Nandi, in black stone, and each pillar is intricately sculpted. The Bhadrakali Temple at the summit of Hanamkonda is a shrine to Goddess Kali in her battle glory, brandishing weapons in each of her eight arms.

While in Warangal, visit the Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary in the forests around Pakhal Lake, 50 km from Warangal, a reserve for tigers, panthers, sambhars and other wildlife. Palampet, 60 km out of Warangal, is the site of the magnificent Ramappa Temple and the Ramappa Cheruvu lake amidst forested hills. And finally, cool off in front of the fountains at Warangal's sprawling Musical Gardens. Or spend a lazy afternoon at the Vana Vignan Kendra, a park on Hunter Road.

Accommodation: Warangal has plenty of budget accommodation especially in the area near the station. You can stay at guesthouses, lodges and motels where the tariffs range from Rs100 for a basic room to Rs 500 for a deluxe room. Accommodation is also available at the Vanavihar (Forest) Guest House on the banks of the lake Ramappa Cheruvu at Palampet (68 km from Warangal), by arrangement with the tourist bureau at Kazhipet.For more information, contact APTTDC's Regional Tourist Information Bureau, Tourist Rest House, Kazhipet, Warangal. Tel 08712-576201 For country information, see India.For state and visitor information, see Andhra Pradesh.