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Andhra Pradesh is the most sought after tourist state for its treasured history and natural beauty. The rivers, forests, mountains and oceans blend here to bring forth a charismatic natural feel among the visitors. It is the fifth largest state of India with thousands meters of long stretching coastline. It is becoming economically more significant with the recent boom in information technology industry and trade. Since it is a big state, it is not possible to visit the place in one go. Rather, it would be a good option to arrange a tour plan of around ten to 12 days to visit the place.
Warangal
The ancient name of Warangal is Orugallu. The term 'Oru' means one and 'Gallu' means stone. Surrounded by mountains and forests this was once the capital of the Kakatiya kingdom. The ancient forts and temples stand as witness of the golden period of Indian history. Besides, the natural beauty and the earthly green blanket spreading over the vast land masses together with the flowing water bodies make it the most engrossing place on earth. This place is famous for carpets and paintings.
How to reach?
The distance between Warangal, and Hyderabad is 140 of kilometer. Both of these places are well-connected with buses and trains. After every half an hour, buses leave from Mahatma Gandhi bus stand for Warangal. The fares vary between the buses from RS 120 to RS 150. Those who arrive in Hyderabad, by the East-coast express from Kolkata could get down here.
Lodging
The Warangal bus stand, and the railway station is in a close vicinity. Though not many options are available to choose a suitable hotel, but a few available to suit one's need. Some hotels like the Hotel Vanilla Residency, Hotel Shanti Krishna, Hotel Surya and Vijay Lodge deserves a special mention. The hire for a single day stay for a double ranges from RS 500 to RS 1500. The check out time as usual 24 hours.
Major attractions
It would take around five to six hours to view all the main attractions of the place. One good option available for visitors is to hire an auto rickshaw. The hire may vary from RS 250 to RS 350. Some of the important tourist attractions of the place is as given below:
- Thousand Pillar Temple: It is also known by the name of 1000 Sthambala Gudi. The primary deities of this house of worship are lords Shiva, Vishnu and Surya and built-in the Chalukya architectural style by the Kakatiya dynasty. King Rudra Deva built it in 1163 AD and is in Hanamkonda, Andhra Pradesh. There is a Shiva Linga inside and the idol of lord Ganesha outside. The monolith figure of six feet Nandi bull is outside the temple. This worship place of thousand decorated pillars rests from one meter above the ground.
- Bhadrakali Temple: It is also known as Bhadrakali Gudi dedicated to the deity Bhadrakali. This is at the bank of a lake and in a peaceful atmosphere. This lake is also a major attraction of the place as it attracts many people to the place. The Pulakesi second built it in 625 A.D. Inside it, is the goddess Bhadrakali decorated with ornaments and holding weapons. There are many other temples situated nearby this sacred place.
- Warangal Fort: Just two kilometers away from the temple is the fort. But the fort is no more now and only the remnants are available for viewership. Built during the thirteenth century, this fort must have been a great attraction. At least, this is what the residual of the place reminds during the visit of this place. This four gates of the fort has gone through changes during the time.
- Ramalingeswara Temple: It is also known by the name of Ramappa Gudi. It was once the capital of the Kakatiya kingdom and locates at the Palampet village. The sculptor of the temple is Ramappa and people, worship the lord Shiva here. It took around 40 years to build and design this star-shaped temple during the Kakatiya dynasty. The pillars, roofs, ceilings and walls are well carved out and decorated. Some of the portions of the temple got ruined during earthquakes and other natural and artificial disasters like the main entrance gate of the temple.
Best visit time: The best time to visit the place is between the months of October and March. The weather remains pleasant in these months with no major fluctuations in temperature degrees.