The city was once the heartland of Telugu culture. The capital of the Kakatiya rulers, Warangal today contains some of the best forms of architecture, especially temples.

The 1000-pillar temple and the Ramappa temple in the district are glowing examples of the exquisite architecture patronized by the Kakatiyas.

Warangal city today is part of a cluster of three towns: Warangal, Kazipet and Hanamkonda, the district headquarters’. Bound on the Northern part by the mighty Godavari River, the district has large tracts of forest and an array of flora and fauna

The district is also known for its picturesque lakes, hand-woven thick cotton fibre carpets, scroll painting done on cloth in earth colours mainly at Cheriyal nearby, and sheet-metal artistry at Pembarti.

Prime Attractions

• Thousand Pillar Temple
  This temple is a fine specimen of Kakatiya architecture and sculpture. It was built by Rudra Deva in 1163 AD in the style of Chalukyan temples, star shaped and triple shrined. The 3 shrines are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. The temple is famous for its richly carved pillars, screens and detailed sculpture. The black basalt Nandi, a monolith, has a lovely polished finish.

• Bhadra Kali Temple
  Situated on a hilltop between Hanamkonda and Warangal, it is noted for its stone image of the Goddess Kali. She is depicted with eight arms and carries a weapon in each hand.

• Warangal Fort
  Warangal fort is 12-km from Hanamakonda, which dates back to the 13th century. The Kakatiya king, Ganapati Deva and his daughter Rudramma built the fort. Though the main fort has been ravaged over time, the remains of the four huge stone gateways, similar to those of Sanchi, along with several exquisite pieces of sculpture can still be seen in and around the fort.

Excursions

• Ramappa Temple
  Also know as Ramalingeswara temple, this is situated in Palampet village, which is 70-km form Warangal This is a magnificent monument dating back to 1213 AD depicts the glory and richness of the Kakatiya kingdom.

• Kolanupaka
  Kolanupaka, 80-km from Hyderabad , is situated between Hyderabad and Warangal. This was the second capital town of Kalyani Chalukyas during the 11th century AD. During this period the village was a religious centre of Jains, and ranks among other great Jain centres in the south. It was also a great centre of Shaivism. Literary evidences reveal ‘Kolanupaka’ as the birthplace of ‘Renukacharya’ the great ‘Vira Saiva’ saint, believed to be born from the ‘Svayambaghu Linga’ at this village and absorbed into it after preaching Vira Saivism.

• Jain Mandir
  The 2,000-year-old Jain temple of Mahaveer is a famous place of worship for Jains in the country. The temple is embellished with beautiful images of Thirthankaras. The 5ft high image of Mahavira is entirely carved of Jade.

• Sri Veeranarayana Temple
  The temple is constructed in the Chalukyan style around 1104 AD. The appearance of the temple indicates that it was originally a Jain temple converted into a Vaishnava shrine.

• Someshwara Temple
  Someswara III the Kalyani Chalukya emperor constructed the temple of Someswara. Rare specimens of architecture and sculpture of the western Chalukyan period can be found in this temple.

• Kolanupaka Site Museum
  Kolanupaka came into prominence when it was made the alternate capital of the Kalyani Chalukyas in the 11th century AD. The State Department of Archaeology and Museums established a sculptural gallery, which exhibits artifacts from the various historical monuments in Kolanupaka.

• Pakhal Lake
  A manmade lake completed in 1213 AD by the Kakatiya king, Ganapathidev, by harnessing a small tributary of the Krishna River. It is located 50-km from Warangal and spreads over an area of 30-sq-km.

How To Reach Warangal

By Air

The nearest airport to Warangal is at Hyderabad which is at a distance of around 130 Km from here. It is best to hire a taxi from the airport to Warangal as it takes the least time and is quite comfortable. It will take around 3 hrs to cover the distance.

By Rail

Warangal has its own railway stations that connects it to almost all parts of India. The station lies on Delhi-Chennai main line which has many important trains running on it and all have a halt at Warangal.

By Road

Warangal has good network of roads that connect it to all the important cities of Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad is the closest major city to Warangal. There are regular APSRTC buses plying between the two cities. There are private buses as well.

Local Transportation

Auto rickshaws are the most common mode of transportation inside the city and the cheapest as well. You can hire a taxi which is the most comfortable way of getting around in the city. You will also find good number of buses connecting distant parts of the city.

As-of-now the fort remains in complete ruins but still attracts thousands of tourists and historians from India and abroad. At the entrance of the fort are four Sanchi style gateways and mammoth towers measuring 50 feet. The most astonishing feature about the four pillars at the gateway is they have been cut from a single piece of rock. Tourists get to see ruins scattered all along the fort like delicate stone carved structures, motifs and beautifully crafted designs depicting animals like lions and swans. Warangal Fort is a top tourist attraction of Andhra Pradesh and one of the most iconic historical landmarks in India. Tourists interested in knowing about the ancient culture, history, architecture and sculptors of India will definitely get to learn a lot on their trip to Warangal Fort.

After the fall of Bahamani Kingdom,Warangal fell to the “Qutab Shahis” of Golkonda and thereafter it has came under the sway of Nizam’s dominitions.

Thus the city of Warangal has developed both under the political and historical influences of successive great kings.The Historical events and development occured in Warangal City. These are :-

1. Kakatiya  Stage               1260  -  1422
2. Transmission  Stage     1422  -  1725
3. Asifijahi  Stage                1725  -  1948
4. Modern  Stage                 1948 -   On Wards.

The temple is in shape of a star and has three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya, thus the temple complex is popularly known as “Thrikutalayam”. The temple is built on a 1m high platform on the slopes of the Hanumakonda hill,. The black basalt Nandi, a monolith, has a lovely polished finish. It is notable for its richly carved pillars has multiple designs, 2 centimeters to about 30 centimeters, on the perimeter of circular pillar. They used designs of jewelry of the age. Chains, bangles, rings, crowns and the Kakatiya Dynasty’s symbol, Kalisam, can be seen one after another on each pillar. The design also had flowers finely carved. So fine, the sculptures carved gap between petals .

This pillars support the central ‘Natya Mandapam’ (dance floor) are large and made of multiple blocks of stone the reflection of which can be viewed from anywhere of the central complex and a mandapam, that contributes 400 of 1000 pillars, was dismantled by the Archeological Survey of India for reconstruction. Unlike pillars in other temples of India, pillars of the main temple, are tightly knit and form its walls and so don’t seem like there are 600 of them. An impressive rock cuts of elephants and Nandi. The Nandi figure carved out of a single ‘Black Basalt’ stone measuring six feet in height has exquisitely chiseled ornaments and garlands.

Unlike most temples in India that face east, 1000 pillar temple faces south. Because, the Kakatiyas, worshipers of Lord Shiva, wanted early morning sun rays to fall directly on Shiva Lingam. So, of the three shrines, Shiva’s shrine faces east and other shrines face south and west. On the fourth side is Nandi. Adding to the uniqueness, the Nandi in 1000 pillar temple looks east, unlike most Nandis in Indian temples that look west

There are many small lingam shrines surrounding the gardens. The temple is famous for its richly carved pillars, screens and detailed sculpture. The atmosphere is calm and serene with the sonorous ringing of the puja bells, gentle chirping of the birds and the soothing cool breeze.

On the verge of collapse, but even before the inevitable can happen, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has embarked on a mission to save it. The Kalyana Mandapam of the temple, which is lying in ruins, will be dismantled and reconstructed from the foundation level. “This is possible. We are working on it,’’ senior conservation assistant at the 1,000-pillar temple L D P Vittal

Warangal was the capital of the Hindu Shaivite Kakatiya dynasty from the 12th to the 14th centuries.Warangal Fort is one of the architectural wonders of the bygone era. History of the fort dates back all the way to 13th century The fort Warangal is built with Geometric intricacies during the reign of Ganapathi Deva, in 1199 AD and was completed by his daughter Rani Rudramadevi in 1261 AD. The Warangal Fort displays a rare and exquisite Thorean Architectural style. There are Thoranan Arches and the pillars are spread across an area of about 19 kilometers between Hanamkonda and Warangal. Although most of the fort is in ruins today, but still Warangal fort is among the best attractions in Andhra Pradesh. The place is full of riches and resources from the past.

This fort has stood witness to many wars and revolts almost throughout its life as well the history associated with it. The remarkable feature about the main gateway comprises of the four gigantic pillars, which have been crafted out of a single rock. Warangal Fort, having three protective layers, suggests the standards of security that used to be employed to guard the inner precincts and center of power.

The fort has 45 towers and pillars spread over a radius of 19 km, and a temple of Mother Earth called ‘Swayambhudevi Alayam’ in the middle. The famous ‘Ekasshila’, a beautifully carved gateway located within the fort, symbolises the Kakatiya empire Warangal Fort was destroyed by one of the invaders who successfully penetrated the three layer protection of the fort. The outermost wall which has a circumference of few kilometers is a mud wall which is around 20 feet in height. The second wall is completely built of granite. Warangal Fort is also famous for some exquisite gateways that have become a symbol of Andhra Pradesh Tourism. This huge Sanchi type gateways at the entrance are fine specimens of South India style architecture. These huge gateways, carved intricately from top to bottom are called Kirti Toranas (The Gateways of Glory). It is 56 feet in height and 72 ft wide.

The wreckage comprises of intricate sculpturea, stone works, motifs and designs – depicting animals like lions and swans. The four large elaborately carved gateways, which can be still seen were the creation of the then architects, which they called as “Kirti Toranas”. The temples, sculptures, and pillars inside the fort spread over a radius of 19 kms between Hanamkonda and Warangal. The impregnable fort was popularly known as the seat of power. The largest of the temple that is in the center of the court was presumably under the construction and has been excavated .The fort premises are the ruins of temples that were demolished by the early Qutub Shahi rulers.

A legendary masterpiece known as Khush Mahal architectural splendor. Shittabh Khan constructed the Khush Mahal which was constructed in the year 1504-1514. located near by Warangal fort.

It has many possessions that are worth-seeing. In short and snappy terms, visit the fort and explore this standing testimony of its glorious past. The place is filled with the treasures from the past, one only has to keep an open eye to hit the jackpot.

Situated just 2 Km from the Warangal Railway Station, the fort is easily accessible from any part of the city.

Warangal is to the north east of Hyderabad, 150 kilometers from it. The two cities are linked by road and rail. Warangal Fort is in southern Warangal.

Pro-Telangana supporters celebrated the central government decision while those from the Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions (Andhra region) protested. In fact, within a short time of the Home Minister’s declaration, sensing the public mood, MLAs from the Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions (Andhra region) submitted their resignations in protest of the process of creation of a new state within Andhra Pradesh. By the 16th of December, at least 147 legislators (including Praja Rajyam Founder Chiranjeevi) and many Members of Parliament had resigned in protest of the Government’s decision to begin discussions on forming a new state of Telangana. 22 Ministers from the State Cabinet, all from Andhra (Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema) regions submitted their resignations.

On December 16, media reports confirmed that there was a split in the Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) over the Telangana issue, with its leader Chiranjeevi as well as 16 out of 18 party MLAs(the remaining 2 hailed from Telangana) opposing the division of Andhra Pradesh while Telangana leaders in the party were unhappy with the shift in the party’s views.

On December 23, the Government of India announced that no action on Telangana will be taken until a consensus is reached by all parties. The TRS reacted by calling for another general strike on 24th Dec ’09, an action aimed at stalling the regional economy.

A Joint Action Committee (JAC) was formed with the pro-separation members of the major political parties. There were reports that members of the JAC had widely divergent approaches on the issue of a separate Telangana. Subsequently, Andhra (Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema) region MLAs started withdrawing their resignations while MLAs and ministers from Telangana started submitting their resignations, demanding the Centre to take immediate steps to initiate the process of bifurcating Andhra Pradesh. The Home minister had an all party meeting on the 5th of January to elicit views of all parties in the State. Further, on the advice of Congress party’s central leadership, all of the Ministers from Telangana withdrew their resignations. Rallies, hunger strikes, suicides continue, sometimes turning violent, through out Telangana to protest against the delay in bifurcating the State. The all-party Telangana Joint Action Committee (JAC) started relay hunger strikes and threatened resignations of all legislators on Jan 28, demanding the Centre to spell out its stand on separate Telangana and start the process of creating the State within a timeframe. The Union minister for Home Affairs P Chidambaram announced on January 28 that a Committee to examine the demand for a separate Telangana would be announced after a week. On the 3rd February the government announced the 5 member committee that would look into the issue of Bifurcation of state.

The Telangana Joint Action Committee said the agitations would continue until a Bill was passed in Parliament for the formation of a Telangana State. Agitation involved human chains, community kitchens on roads, amongst others On Feb 3rd JAC organized a longest human chain in India, a distance of 500 km, from north to South in Telangana.

The Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has supported a separate Telangana state by giving the slogan, “Justice for Telangana and Telangana for Justice” The Jamaat with its student wing Students Islamic Organisation of India organized a large rally at Nizam college grounds on February 7, 2010.

On February 12, Central government announced Terms of Reference to B.N. Srikrishna Committee with a deadline of December 31, 2010. Telangana-JAC rejected the terms of reference saying that it “undid” Union home minister’s statement in New Delhi on December 9, 2009.

On February 16, Congress legislators from the Telangana region resigned from the Joint Action Committee due to “unilateral actions by KCR.

As of February 22, 2010, more than 250 Telangana people committed suicides over the delay in the formation of Telangana state.

Sri Krishna Committee solicited suggestions/views from the political parties, social organisations and other stakeholders on February 21. Committee received over 60,000 petitions by the deadline of April 10. The committee began personal interactions with the various stakeholders, including the political parties starting from April 16. The committee met with the leaders of TRS, PRP, CPI, MIM, TDP leaders from Seema-Andhra, TDP leaders from Telangana and various organizations from though out Andhra Pradesh.