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.
Getting there: Warangal
is 157 km from Hyderabad, a 3-½ hour drive. There is a frequent
bus service between the two cities. You can also get here by train
from Hyderabad. The main bus stand and the railway station are next
to each other. From here, the usual modes of transport are cycle-rickshaws,
autorickshaws, buses and taxis. You can also join a tour of the
area conducted by AP Tourism.
Best time: It is best
to come here in the cool winter months, from November to March.
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.
North
India States
