Warangal is a city in Andhra Pradesh, 157Kms northeast of state capital Hyderabad. The fourth largest city in Andhra Pradesh, covers an area of 12,846 Sq. Kms. Warangal district is bordered by four districts, namely Karimnagar in the north, Medak in the west, Nalgondain the southwest and Khammam in the east and southwest. Warangal is famous for its beautiful lakes, magnificent temples and varied wildlife. Warangal was once the capital of the legendary Kakatiya kingdom, from the 12th to14th centuries. The old name of the city was Orugallu. The Kakatiyas rulers built many monuments that include an impressive fortress, four massive stonegates, the Swayambhu temple dedicated to Shiva and the Ramappa temple.Amidst grassy hills and forests the city houses some of most important antiques and relics of South India. The city has famous institutes like Kakatiya University, Kakatiya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Kakatiya Medical College, and National Institute of Technology. The city is known for the granite quarries (notably the black and brown varieties), grain market for rice, chillies, cotton, and tobacco etc.
Attractions at Warangal :
Warangal Fort - The fort dates back to the 13th century, lies at a distance of 2 Km from Warangal Railway station. The fort was built by Kakatiya king, Ganapati Deva and his daughter Rudramma.Warangal fort has been ravaged over time and only remnants can be seen. The fort had three layers of protection, the remnants can still be seen today.First layer is a 40 feet high wall, made of mud, which surrounds the whole fort. Second layer is a granite rock wall, than the main fort stands. The remains of the four famous stone gateways are still present, they stand about 50 feet high. The gateways are called as Kirti Toranas(great gateways) of Kakatiyas.
Thousand Pillar Temple - Built in 1163 A.D by Rudra Deva, this temple is one of fine examples of Kakatiya architecture and sculpture. The Star shaped temple was built in the style of Chalukyan temples, and it has triple shrine. The three shrines are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Shiva and Surya. The temple is known for nicely carved pillars,screens and detailed sculpture.
Bhadra Kali Temple -The temple located on a hill top, falls between Hanamkonda and Warangal. Itis famous for housing the stone image of the Goddess Kali. The goddess ishas eight arms, with a weapon in each hand.
Siddeshwara Temple - The temple was built in 3rd century and it is one of the Pachimadwara Muka Temple, that means the entrance will be from west side.
Excursions :
Jain Temple - The Jain temple of Mahavira, is a popular place of worship for Jains. The 2,000-year-old temple has the 5 feethigh image of Mahavira, and is adorned with beautiful figures of Tirtankaras.
Pakhal Lake - The artificial lake, 50 Kms from Warangal, was built in 1213 by the Kaktiya king, Ganapathidev. The lake spreads over an area of 30 Sq Kms, was constructed by harnessing a small stream of the river Krishna.
Ramappa Temple (Ramalikgeswara Temple) - The temple, 70 Kms from Warangal is located in Palampet village. The beautiful monument dates back to 1213 A.D, displays the glory and richness of the Kakatiya kingdom.
Sri Veeranarayana Temple - The temple was built around 1104 AD. The temple built in Chalukyan Style appears, that it was originally a Jain temple converted into a Vaishnava shrine.
Accessibility :
Warangal is not directly connected by Air, but it is well connected by Railand Road links.
Air - Hyderabad (140 Kms) is nearest airport fromWarangal. The airport in Hyderabad is connected by Indian Airlines flightsto Bombay, Bangalore, Bhubaneshwar, Calcutta, Delhi, Madras, Nagpur, and Vishakhapatnam etc.
Rail - Warangal is well connected to all the major cities of the country by Rail. Nearest convenient rail head is at Kazipet 6 Kms from Warangal.
Road - Volvo buses runs from Warangal to Bangalore. The regular Hi-Tech bus services are available from Warrangal to all other cities like Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Armur, Kolanupaka, Jangaon,Kodad, Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Adilabad, Suryapet, Palampet, Jagtial,Khammam, Bhadrachalam, Basara, Bangalore, Mysore and Tirupati etc.
Accommodation :
The hotels of the city ranges from star hotels to economy hotels. The hotels well-equipped with modern amenities offer a home like ambience toguests. Some of the important hotels of the city are Hotel Ashoka, Hotel Ratna, Hotel Shankar, Vijaya Lodge, Maheshwara Lodge, Broadway Lodge and Radhika Lodge etc. One can also stay in Hyderabad (157 Kms), as there are many choices of accommodation.
Best Time to Visit :
The climate of Warangal is some what pleasant, so one can visit the city any time throughout the year. The temperatures in summers vary between minimum.23.2°C and maximum. 39.6°C and remain between minimum 13.5°Cand maximum 30°C in winters.
Heritage
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