Warangal, also known as Orugallu and Ekasila Nagaram is a city and district headquarters of Warangal district in Telangana state.Warangal is located 148 kilometres northeast of the state capital of Hyderabad and is the administrative headquarters of Warangal District. Warangal area is a combination of Warangal, Hanamakonda and Kazipet.Warangal is the second biggest city next to Hyderabad in Telangana.
Warangal was the capital of Kakatiya kingdom ruled by the Kakatiya dynasty from the 12th to the 14th centuries. The Kakatiyas left many monuments, including an impressive fortress, four massive stone gateways, the Swayambhu temple dedicated to Shiva, and the Ramappa temple situated near Ramappa Lake. The cultural and administrative distinction of the Kakatiyas was mentioned by the famous traveller Marco Polo. After the defeat of PratapaRudra, the Musunuri Nayaks united seventy two Nayak chieftains and captured Warangal from Delhi sultanate and ruled for fifty years.
Today, the region is a hub for culture and industries, but it has not forgotten its historical legacy. It is claimed that the city of Warangal was built by Proja Raja in the 12th century and it was made into the capital of the kingdom. During the 200-year long reign, the Kakatiya Kingdom erected grand monuments and temples that form a major attraction of this place. Even the diary of Marco Polo mentions the city of Warangal for its beautiful architecture and exquisite monuments.
The local community is agrarian, cultivating cotton, rice, red chillies and tobacco. The city also famous for its granite quarries and there is a great demand from other states for Warangal granite. The main attractions of the city are its fort and a star-shaped temple, but it has a lot to offer discerning travellers.
Accommodation
Haritha Kakatiya, Warangal
This modern and well-decorated resort comes with a presidential suite, suite rooms, deluxe rooms and dormitory. Its friendly ambience, courteous staff and perfect location offers a unique holiday experience that visitors and guests will cherish forever.
Warangal Fort
The fort is located about 12 kilometres from Hanamkonda in Warangal. It was constructed during the reign of Kakatiya Dynasty, in the 13th century. Although today the fort is in ruins, it was renowned for its impregnability. The remnants of the fort comprise of tall towers of nearly 50 feet each and an awe-inspiring gateway. The pillars of the gateway appear to have been cut from a single block of rock. On entering the gateway, visitors will be welcomed by some beautiful sculptures and motifs of lions and swans. Inside the fort area, visitors can get a glimpse of the temple remains. It is believed that early kings from the Qutub Shahi dynasty razed these temples to the ground.
Thousand Pillar Temple
This historic temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya. It is located in the town of Hanamkonda, which is close to the city of Warangal. The Thousand Pillar Temple was constructed during the reign of Kakatiya Dynasty in 1163 AD. It is believed that King Rudra Deva was instrumental in getting this temple constructed. It is a fine specimen of Kakatiya architecture that was prevalent during the 12th century AD. The temple was destroyed when the Muslim Tughlaq Dynasty invaded the region.
Bhadrakali Temple
As the name suggests, the Bhadrakali Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali and it is considered to be one of the oldest temples to honor the Goddess. It is located on the banks of Lake Bhadrakali, between Warangal and Hanamkonda. The temple's unique design is a major attraction. It is shaped like a star. The deity housed in sanctum is made on a 2.7 X 2.7 metre stone and depicts the Goddess with beautiful eyes looking west, and holding weapons in all her eight hands, with Lord Shiva under her feet. Opposite the sanctum there is an idol of the lion, which the Goddess used to move around.
Ramappa Temple
Ramappa Temple is located about 77 kilometres from Warangal and 157 kilometres from Hyderabad. This medieval temple is dedicated Lord Shiva and is named after the sculptor who built the temple. The temple is constructed on a star-shaped platform and there are spellbinding carvings lining the pillars, walls and ceiling. One can see figures from the Hindu mythology sculpted here. The bricks used to build the roof of the temple are so light that it is claimed they can float in water. There is a huge Nandi bull located in front of the shrine. The Nandi here is depicted in an alert position, as though waiting for orders from Lord Shiva. Spread of an area of 5 acres. The Ramappa Temple offers a unique destination to commune with God and experience tranquility amidst spellbinding greenery.
Accommodation
Haritha Hotel, Ramappa, Warangal
This peaceful and tranquil hotel offers seven air-conditioned rooms that are reasonably priced. Guests will enjoy their stay here and leave with cherished memories.
