- Best time
- October to March
- Nearest airport
- Hyderabad, about 140 km
- Nearest railway station
- Warangal / Kazipet
- Ideal time needed
- 2 days
- Known for
- Kakatiya fort and temples
History
The Kakatiyas made Warangal, then called Orugallu, their seat of power. King Ganapati Deva built much of the fort in the thirteenth century, and his successors, including Rani Rudrama Devi, strengthened it. The dynasty's engineers were also known for their large irrigation tanks, several of which still hold water today.
What to see
- Warangal Fort, with its ring of walls and the carved stone gateways (Kirti Toranas) around a ruined temple to the earth goddess Swayambhudevi
- The Thousand Pillar Temple at Hanamkonda, a twelfth-century Kakatiya temple for Shiva, Vishnu and Surya with finely carved pillars and stone elephants
- Bhadrakali Temple, a hilltop shrine to the goddess among natural rock formations, believed to have Chalukya-era origins
- Pakhal Lake, a large thirteenth-century reservoir surrounded by forest, next to Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary
- Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, a forest reserve with sloth bears, leopards and deer, with treks and jeep safaris
- Two city gardens: the Kakatiya Rock Garden close to the fort, and the Kakatiya Musical Garden, below the Bhadrakali hill, with a musical fountain and boating
Best time to visit
October to March is the most comfortable season for exploring the fort and temples. Summer is very hot, while the monsoon fills the lakes and turns the forests green.
How to reach
The nearest international airport is at Hyderabad, about 140 km away. Warangal and nearby Kazipet are important railway stations on the main lines to Chennai and Delhi, with frequent express trains. Buses to Hyderabad run very often through the day, and the drive takes around three hours by road.
Tips for your visit
Plan two days: one for the fort, the Thousand Pillar Temple and Bhadrakali, and one for Pakhal Lake or the forests. Start early at the fort, as there is little shade among the ruins.
Places to see in Warangal
Also nearby
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