WARANGAL DISTRICT PLACES OF INTEREST

Warangal is the second largest city in Telangana as far as population is

concerned. Warangal served as the capital of the Kakatiya dynasty which was

established in 1163. The monuments left by the Kakatiyas include fortresses, lakes,

temples and stone gateways which, in the present, helped the city to become a popular

tourist attraction. The Kakatiya Kala Thoranam was included in the emblem of

Telangana by the State Government and Warangal is also touted as the cultural capital

of Telangana.

It is one of the eleven cities in the country to have been chosen for the Heritage City

Development and Augmentation Yojana scheme by the Government of India.

1. 1000 PILLARS TEMPLE

Distance from Hanumakonda New Bus Stand: 2.3 KMs.

The Thousand Pillar Temple or Rudreswara Swamy Temple is a

historic Hindu temple located in the town of Hanamakonda, Telangana State. It is

dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. Many Hindu temples were developed under

the patronage of Ganapati Deva, Rudrama Devi and Prataparudra who were of Kakatiya

dynasty. The Thousand Pillar Temple was believed to be constructed during the period

between 1175–1244 CE by order of the king, Rudra Deva. It stands out to be a

masterpiece and achieved major heights in terms of architectural skills by the ancient

Kakatiya Vishwakarma Sthapathis.

2. BHADRAKALI TEMPLE

Distance from Hanumakonda New Bus Stand: 4.4 KMs.

The temple is believed to be built in 625 A.D by the King Pulakeshin II of Chalukya

dynasty to commemorate his victory over Vengi region of Andhra Desham, as per the

writings on the temple wall.

Kakatiya kings later have adopted the temple and considered Goddess Bhadrakali

as their "Kula Devatha". A lake was also built by Ganapati deva adjacent to the

temple.Apara Ekadashi is observed as Goddess Bhadrakali Ekadashi. The history of

the Koh-i-Noor diamond; part of British Crown Jewels, is closely associated with this

temple as it was installed, as the left eye of Goddess Bhadrakali by the Kakatiya

dynasty.The exceptional feature of the temple is the 2.7 x 2.7 stone image of

Goddess Bhadrakali with fierce looking eyes, and eight arms each carrying various

weapons. Goddess Bhadrakali's vahana – Lion is placed opposite to the sanctum

sanctorum. Temple also has Dwajasthambam and a Balipeetam.

3. WARANGAL FORT

Distance from Hanumakonda New Bus Stand: 8.7 KMs.

Warangal Fort was the capital city of Kakatiya dynasty and Musunuri Nayakas. It

appears to have existed since at least the 12th century when it was the capital of

the Kakatiyas. The fort has four ornamental gates, known as Kakatiya Kala Thoranam,

that originally formed the entrances to a now ruined great Shiva temple. The Kakatiyan

arch has been adopted and officially incorporated into the emblem of Telangana after

the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.The fort is included in the "tentative list"

of UNESCO World Heritage Site and was submitted by the Permanent Delegation of

India to UNESCO on 10/09/2010.

Although precise dating of its construction and subsequent enhancements is

uncertain, historians and archaeologists generally agree that an earlier brick-walled

structure was replaced with stone by Ganapatideva (1199 AD-1262 AD), and was

completed by his daughter Rudrama Devi, who ruled until 1289, and further

strengthened by her grandson Prataparudra II and II.

4. RAMAPPA TEMPLE

Distance from Hanumakonda New Bus Stand: 65 KMs.

Ramappa Temple, also known as the Rudreshwara temple, is a UNESCO World

Heritage Site located in Telangana. An inscription in the temple says it was construction

started in the year 1213 CE by Recharla Rudra—a General of Kakatiya ruler Ganapati

Deva 1199–1262. Located in the vicinity of Ramappa Lake, the Ramappa Temple

complex which consist of three temples was constructed between 1212 and 1234,

designed and architect by Rammapa—after whom the temple complex is named.

The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside

have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are

carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of

Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies

and heads". On 25 July 2021, the temple was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage

Site as "Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana".

5. ETURUNAGARAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, WARANGAL

Distance from Hanumakonda New Bus Stand: 111 KMs.

At a distance of around 100 km from Warangal, Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary,

located on the banks of River Godavari is one of the popular tourist places in Warangal.

One of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in the state, it was declared a sanctuary in the year

of 1952. Covered by a dense forest, it boasts of rich flora and fauna. It is home to wild

animals such as tigers, sloth bears, leopards, nilgari, blackbuck, deer, etc.

6. PAKHAL LAKE

Distance from Hanumakonda New Bus Stand: 69 KMs.

A manmade lake, Pakhal Lake was built around 1213 AD during the Kakatiya reign

by King Ganapati Deva. It was built for the irrigational purposes. Spread across 30 sq km,

this lake is surrounded by the refreshing greenery of dense forest. Adding to its beauty

is the Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary which is just next to the lake. One can see deer roaming

freely in the surrounding as well as other animals such as jackals, wolf, panthers, sloth

bear, tigers, porcupines, etc. The wildlife sanctuary also houses a wide variety of

reptiles.

For those looking for a peaceful environment should visit this lake. Tranquil

surroundings accompanied by the rich flora and fauna promises an experience worth

remembering. The view of sunset from all this lake is something that you cannot miss

when visiting the lake.

7. GHANPUR GROUP OF TEMPLES, WARANGAL

Distance from Hanumakonda New Bus Stand: 62 KMs.

Located at a distance of 62 km from Warangal, Ghanpur Group of Temples is a

popular place to visit near Warangal. It is complex f double stone wall, consisting of

around 22 temples, each with a different size and shape. Also known as Kota Gullu,

Ghanpur Group of Temples was constructed in 13th century during Kakatiya rule.

These temples have architectural similarity with the Ramappa temple. The main

attraction Ghanpur Group of Temples is the Lord Shiva temple. This temple has

Sabhamandapa entrances, two 'Madanikas' or 'Salabhanjikas', offering a captivating

sight. Ghanpur Group of Temples consists of various unique sculptures in addition to the

exquisite carvings of flowers and mythological stories on granite rocks, walls and

ceilings. Tourists can see figurines such as that of Gaja-Kesari-half human and half lion

riding on an elephant and Hayagriva, etc.

8. LAKNAVARAM LAKE

Distance from Hanumakonda New Bus Stand: 68 KMs.

Laknavaram Lake is undeniably one of most popular visiting places in Warangal.

Spread across 10,000 acres of area, this lake was first discovered by the Kakatiya rulers

who then built a sluice over the lake to make it as water reservoir. This lake serves as a

source of irrigational water for 6 villages, comprising of around 3,500 acres of land.

A visit to Laknavaram Lake offers you breathtaking scenic beauty. Its vast spread

of serene water, surrounded by lush greenery creates a scene worth remembering.

Sunset here is especially mesmerizing. Facility of boating is also offered at the lake.

Haritha Hotel Laknavaram by the TSTDC offers good accommodation facility as well. A

160 meters long suspension bridge over the lake is another attraction of Laknavaram

Lake. Walking through the bride with the vast spread of water around you and

refreshing greenery of nearby hill is sure to leave you enchanted.

9. SAMMAKKA SARALAMMA TEMPLE, WARANGAL

Distance from Hanumakonda New Bus Stand: 92 KMs.

Another tourist places to visit in Warangal is Sammakka Saralamma Temple. Built

in 12th century, this ancient temple is dedicated to Goddesses Sammakka, who is said to

have protected and fought for her tribe against Kakatiya rulers. She is believed to still

protect her devotees.

Festival named Sammakka Saralamma Jatara also known as Medaram Jatara is

celebrated with great fervor at this temple. Lakhs of devotees from all over the state

participate in it.

10. SHAH AFZAL BIYABANI, KAZIPET DARGAH

Distance from Hanumakonda New Bus Stand: 5 KMs.

Green symbolises life and sustainability, but the historic Kazipet Dargah of Sufi

saint Hazrat Syed Shah Afzal Biabani coloured in green has more essence than that,

reflecting oneness and universality of the mankind. A peek into the history of this

Dargah that immortalised Hazrat Syed Shah Afzal Biabani reveals how the annual Urs

celebrated here has become so popular. Born to Syed Shah Ghulam Mohiuddin Biabani

and Qasim Bibi Saheba couple in 1795, Afzal Biabani regarded as something

extraordinary right from his childhood.

It’s also believed that the Sufi saint worshipped in a cave at Battupalli hills near

Kazipet and at a forest location in Nizamabad district. Although he enjoyed the position

of Qazi of Warangal, he preferred to live in a hut like any other poor man, always

hobnobbing with Hindus.

11. INAVOLU MALLIKARJUNA SWAMY TEMPLE

Distance from Hanumakonda New Bus Stand: 22 KMs.

Inavolu Mallanna temple is at Inavolu village, Vardhannapet Mandal, Warangal

District. Inavolu Mallanna Swamy is known as Inavolu Mallikarjuna Swamy, and this is

one of the ancient temples of Lord Shiva in South India. The temple’s deity is Lord Shiva,

and the temple referred to as Ardhapranavattam, Shiva Lingam, with Half Dome

In the 11th Century, the temple built by Kakatiya Rulers. The temple built with

108 pillars in the form of Chariot, and on the eastern side, there is a giant Nruthya

Mandapam. Sri Ayyanna Deva, a minister of the Kakatiya dynasty, ordered to construct

the Mallanna Temple.

The temple is rich with architectural carvings portraying the Kakatiya dynasty and

having four entrance gates and a Keerthi Thoranam on the main entrance. Mallanna

temple maintained by the archaeological department.

12. BOGATHA WATERFALLS

Distance from Hanumakonda New Bus Stand: 140 KMs.

Bogatha Waterfall is a waterfall located on the Cheekupally stream, Wazeedu

Mandal, Mulugu district, Telangana, it is the second largest waterfall in the Telangana

region. Even though water flows throughout the year, a good time to visit is between

June and November (after the monsoon), when the most water flows. There is no road

facility, so visitors have to trek for some distance to reach the waterfall. Bogatha is

colloquially called as "the Telangana Niagara" and "Telangana Niagara jalapatham".

13. SRI LAKSHMI NARASIMHA SWAMY TEMPLE, MALLUR VILLAGE

Distance from Hanumakonda New Bus Stand: 129 KMs.

Malluru famous for Sri Ugra Narasimha Swamy temple, is located app 90 Km from

Bhadrachalam(famous Sri Rama Shrine in south India) and app 130KM from Warangal

City. This temple has many specialities, the height of mollaviraat Sri Narasimha Swamy is

upto 10 feet. It is located in the midst of forest. The Belly part of Moolavirat idol is soft

ashuman skin. The dwjasthambha here at the temple is nearly 60 feet in height. There is

a rock formed Ugra Anjaneya Swamy Statue near to the temple.

14. CHILPUR GUTTA

Distance from Hanumakonda New Bus Stand: 30 KMs.

This is the parihara (Solution) temple for loans, debts, enemy problems, sorrow,

worries, fear. The temple is situated on a rocky mountain called Chilpur gutta.

Chilpurgutta has been the preferred place of none other than Lord Venkateshwara

Swamy himself when he was feeling burdened under the weight of the wedding loan,

he had taken from Kubera the God of wealth. The temple has been popular as a place to

seek refuge when burdened with debts and enemy threats. Bugulu means fear and

nervousness in Telugu language.

15. KAKATIYA MUSICAL GARDEN

Distance from Hanumakonda New Bus Stand: 5 KMs.

The interesting Musical Garden is very close to the Bhadrakali temple, and covers

an area of 15 acres. This huge garden has musical fountains that are attractive to the

eyes, as their colour keep changing. Yet another place built by the Kakatiya dynasty this

is a must-visit, and one of the best places to visit in Warangal. There is a man-made lake

here that provides guests with entertainment, such as boating. The main event, musical

fountains, starts at 7 pm every day, and is a crowd puller. The garden has rock statues

and various types of flowers present here, so you can walk around this beautiful musical

garden and enjoy all the various attractions that it has to offer. You also have duck

pond, rose garden, and children’s park. This is definitely one of those places that can be

enjoyed by the entire family, especially children. So, when in Warangal, do not miss out

on this place.