Warangal

Warangal, the stone hill and the ancient city, is located on 157 km distance from the capital state of Andhra Pradesh called Hyderabad. Dotted with wonderful lakes, brilliant temples and wildlife sanctuaries and reserves, Warangal stands high for its mention in the travel diaries of Marco Polo. Warangal was once the noted capital of the famous Kakatiya kingdom. The rule of Kakatiya kingdom lasted for around 200 years here. It is believed that the patrons of this dynasty had penchant for arts. And it was their inherent interest in arts that contributed towards the heritage sites of this ancient city.

Today Warangal has become one of the most popular tourist places in Andhra Pradesh . There are many unique and elegant attractions to visit. Some of these places of tourist interest include;
• The Thousand Pillar Temple: constructed in 1163 AD by King Rudra Deva, this Thousand Pillar Temple is consecrated to the Hindu deities Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. This magnificent temple boasts of Chalukyan style of temple architecture

• Bhadrakali Temple: located on a on a hillock between Warangal and Hanamakonda, the Bhadrakali Temple features 2.7 meter tall stone image of the deity. This temple also replicates the Chalukyan style of temple architecture.

• Warangal Fort: built during 13 th century under the rule of Kakatiya King Ganapati Deva and his daughter Rudramma, this fort is about 12 km away from Hanamakonda. However, the places of attraction in the fort are a temple and four gateways that replicate Sanchi architecture and reflect Buddhist influence.

• Ramappa Temple: this Shivalaya dating back to 1234 AD is described by Marco Polo in his diary as "brightest star in the galaxy of mediaeval temples in the Deccan".

• Pakhal Lake: surrounded by hills and forests this lake is the famous picnic spot. It was formed by the Kakatiya rulers in 1213 AD.

• Pakhal wild life sanctuary: this excellent sanctuary is an ideal home to tigers, leopards, bears, hyenas, deer and a wide variety of birds. This wildlife sanctuary extends over 90 acres around the lake.

• Eturnagaram Sanctuary: home to tiger, leopard, sloth bear, nilgai, chousingha (four horned antelope), chinkara (mountain gazelle), black buck and various bird species, this sanctuary is very big. This wonderful shelter also houses teak and other beautiful tall trees.

You can reach Warangal by air, rail or bus very conveniently. From Warangal the nearest airport is at Hyderabad at a distance of 157 km. However, if you want to take a rail journey then Warangal is an important railway junction and connected to major cities. And for the bus journey you can avail state bus services operating from Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Karimnagar, Khammam and other districts.

South India Tour Travel offers you interesting information on Warangal in Andhra Pradesh and many more around South India.