Are you a history buff and find the idea of spending your holiday amongst the ruins fascinating? Then plan a visit to Warangal, a city of stone temples, forts, and scenic beauty that transports you back in time.
The heritage city of Warangal was once the capital of the Kakatiyas in the 12th to 14th centuries. The impressive fort at Warangal 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 Warangal amidst grassy hills and forests.
There is a wildlife park around Pakhal Lake, 50 km from Warangal, and this is a reserve for tigers, panthers, sambhars, and other wildlife. Take a trip to Warangal if you are fascinated by history.
How to Reach Warangal?
By Air : The nearest airport Hyderbad is 157 kms away. It is a three and half hour drive to Warangal from Hyderabad.
By Rail : Warangal is connected by rail to major towns.
By Road : Warangal is connected by good roads to Hyderbad, Rajahmundhry and Vishakhapatnam all in Andhra Pradesh.
Best Time to Visit Warangal
The best time to visit Warangal would be the period between the onset of autumn and spring time, which is between October and March. The weather during these months is pleasant with the temperature hovering between 22-23º C, affording extensive travel without the need for too many woollens.
January and February are also the months when there are celebrations in the air as the popular four-day Samakka Saralamma Jataka tribal festival that rivals the grandeur of Kumbha Mela in north India is celebrated either in January or February.
Things to do in Warangal
Warangal is a quiet little town a few hours away from Hyderabad. The list of things to do in Warangal is not too long but will definitely enthrall a person interested in history. This historical town wields an old fort that is now in ruins but one can still see the strength of the Kakatiya empire in the architectural remains of the fort.
Visit the old temples and walk among the ruins to take you back in time. Warangal is a town built on the ruins of the Kakatiya empire and the remnants still bear testimony to their supremacy.
Places Near Warangal
There are numerous places near Warangal that one can visit on a day trip. Some of the prominent ones include the popular Ghanpur Village, Ramappa Temple, Lake Cheruvu and Kolanupaka among others.
Situated at a distance of 31 kms from Warangal, Ghanpur Village is amongst the most visited village. The village is popular for a group of 22 small shrines built during the Kakatiya period.
Take a trip to Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary that is situated at a distance of about 50 kms from Warangal and is spread over an area of 860-sq-km around Pakhal Lake. The captivating scenic beauty of this place makes it a must-visit place around Warangal.
Ramappa Temple in Palampet Village is another must-visit place that is located at a distance of 60 kms from Warangal. The uniqueness of this temple lies in the fact that it is the only temple that has been named after its sculptor Ramappa.
Take a trip to Laknavaram Cheruvu or Lake Cheruvu, which is situated at a distance of 60 kms from Warangal and is an hour and a half’s drive away from here. It is a lake with a chain of islands spread across an area of 10,000 acres. The 13 islands are verdant with flora of various kinds; three of them are even linked by hanging bridges.
Kolanupaka – a historical small village located at a distance of 80 kms from Warangal is another interesting place that you may visit on a day trip. Renowned as an important pilgrimage centre for Shaivite and Jain followers – Kolanupaka was the ancillary capital of the Kalyani Chalukyas during the 11th century. Some of the prominent attractions of this place include Mahavir Jain Temple, Sri Veeranarayana Temple and Someswara Temple.
The State Archaeological Department of Kolanupaka has also set up a museum in the Someswara Temple complex where one can see various artefacts including a legendary bell that bears an inscription referring to the gift of bells to God Someswara of Kolanupaka.
Hotels in Warangal – Choice is Yours
There are numerous hotels in Warangal ranging from 3-star, 4-star and 5-star deluxe to budget hotels.