Warangal District was once the capital of Kakatiya kingdom. But Waranagal district prospered from the prehistoric times. Warangal district consists of many Prehistoric habitation sites, which were explored by the authorities of Archaeological Survey of India. Other than the forts and toranas of Kakatiya Dynasty, Palaeolithic Rock art paintings at Pandavula gutta, Padmakshi Gutta, Angadi Veerannagudi, Thousand Pillar Temple, Bhadrakali Temple, Warangal fort, Ramappa Temple, Khush Mahal, Pakhal Lake, Medaram and many other spots in Warangal District attracts the national and international tourists. The ancient name of Warangal was known to be "Oruguallu" or "Omtikonda". It was found on the account of huge boulder like hillock, which is situated near the Swayambhu Shiva Temple. In course of time, it was called as "Orugallu", and finally known as Warangal. Toranas of Kakatiya Dynasty Warangal District of Telangana is proud of having the pillars or Toranas. This attracts the national and international tourists. These are present in the complex of the ruins of Warangal Fort. Thousand Pillars Temple Thousand Pillars Temple is a historical Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Surya, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Thousand Pillars Temple is situated in Hanamakonda town near Warangal, Telangana. Presently, the temple is being maintained and preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India and one will notice beautiful lawns surrounding the Thousand Pillars Temple. As suggested by its name, the temple is smartly supported with the aide of a thousand pillars. It was built during 1163 AD by Rudra Deva, a Kakatiya king. Thousand Pillars Temple was also termed as 'Sri Rudreshwara Swamy Temple', in the honour of the Kakatiya ruler who erected it. The temple lies at a distance of nearly 150 kilometres away from Hyderabad. Thousand Pillar Temple is constructed on a platform that is raised to one meter height from the ground level. Rock cut elephants and perforated screens in the temple are the main characteristic of Kakatiya Dynastical architecture. Ramappa Temple Ramappa Temple is located in the Palmpur village of Warangle district in Telangana. It is accessible by road from both Warangal and Hyderabad, the joint capital of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and is located 77 km from Warangal and 157 km from Hyderabad. This temple of architectural splendour was built in the year 1213 by General Recherla Rudra during the reign of Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva. This is the only temple in India, is named after the chief architect Ramappa. Warangal Fort Warangal Fort is a popular destination for the tourists. This fort of structural and architectural splendour is known for its Kirti Toranas or Pillars. Warangal Fort is adorned with beautiful arches, pillars, towers and four huge stone gateways. The gateway of the Warangal fort is adorned with pillars of architectural grandeur that had been carved out of a single rock known as Kirti Thoranam. These extend upto about 19 kilometres between Hanamkonda and Warangal. These pillars are beautifully carved and intricately designed from top to bottom. Warangal Fort was destroyed by the Mughal invaders. There is a mud wall of around 20 feet which surrounds the entire fort while the second layer is of granite. The fort of Warangal consists of imposing stone gateways which have a stature of around 30 feet. They are carved out of single rock. The gateways are known as Kirti Toranas. Ghanpur Group of Temples Ghanpur Group of Temples is located in Ghanpur mandal. Located at around 62 kilometers away from Warangal, this temple complex is famous for its architectural styles of Kakatiya Dynasty. It is locally known as "Kota Gullu". It is believed that Ghanpur got its name from the King Ganapatideva, who ruled this place in between 1199 to 1260 AD. The temple complex of Ghanpur is in a dilapidated condition but it speaks the volumes of the architectural proficiency of the Kakatiya Dynasty. Ghanpur group of temples comprises of 22 temples constructed within a double walled stone enclosure. Among the group of temples of Ghanpur, the main temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pakhal Lake Pakhal Lake is situated amidst the undulating forest land hills and dales. This place is a popular retreat for the tourists. Pakhal Lake is constructed around 1213 by Kakatiya Ruler, Ganapatideva. This lake spread over an area of 30 square km, and it provides a beautiful site for the tourists. Medaram Village Medaram Village is situated in thick forest area, extended at about 104 km from Warangal city. Sri Sammakka and Saralamma Yatra is celebrated once in two years in Medaram Village of Tadvai Mandal of Warangal District. Warangal District also offers the wildlife sanctuary, gardens and entertainment hubs to the tourists. Some of the places are musical garden, rock garden, Regional Science Centre, Van Vigyan Kendra, Etunagaram Wild Life Sanctuary and Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary. |