Warangal Fort is located 12 kilometres from Hanamkonda in south-east of Warangal city in Telangana. The fort is now under ruins and a popular spot among the tourists. This fort was constructed in the 13th century by the Kakatiya Dynasty.
Warangal Fort in Telangana was built in the 13th century by the Kakatiya rulers. Although today the fort is in ruins and the remnants of Warangal Fort comprise of 50 feet tall towers and an awe-inspiring gateway. These are known as Warangal Kirti Pillars or Toranas. Inside the fort area, visitors can get a glimpse of the early medieval temple remains. The fort is a chief attraction among the travellers, archaeologists and local tourists as the remnants of this medieval fort offer a great insight into the history of the early medieval South India.
History of Warangal Fort
Warangal served as the capital of the Hindu Shaivite Kakatiya dynasty from the 12th to the 14th centuries. Warangal Fort, of the 13th century was built during the reign of Ganapathi Deva in 1199 AD. The fort was later completed by his daughter Rani Rudramadevi in 1261 AD. 
Built with Geometric workings, the fort portrayed an exquisite Thorean Architectural style. Although most of the fort is in ruins today, but still Warangal fort is among the best attractions in Telangana. The fort stands as a fine example of the architectural brilliance of the past.
Architecture of Warangal Fort
Warangal Fort, a popular destination for the tourists is known for its architectural splendour. The fort is adorned with beautiful arches, pillars, towers and four huge stone gateways. The gateway of the fort is adorned with pillars that had been carved out of a single rock known as Kirti Thoranam. These extend upto about 19 kilometres between Hanamkonda and Warangal. These beautifully carved and intricately designed from top to bottom.
Located close to the Ekashila hill rock, there are different layers of the fort that spreads out. Warangal fort is bordered by three consecutive walls built around it making it almost impregnable for invaders to enter the premises in ancient period. The outer two compound walls standing at an altitude of 20 feet have been made of mud while the inner-most wall has been built of granite blocks.
Warangal Fort in Telangana was bounded by a wide water channel dug all around the fort. This secured the fort from the invaders. Tourists can trace ruins within the fort that lay scattered like the delicate stone carved structures, motifs and beautifully crafted designs representing animals like lions and swans.
The most striking is the great temple located in the central part of the fort known as Swayambhuva which is dedicated to Mother Earth. 
There are nearly 45 towers and pillars spread over a large area amidst which stands this temple. The fort has two fortifications, with the inner one consisting of four stone gateways made of granite.
These gateways also called as Torana dwara and more popularly as Hamsatoranas, are similar in design. The fort also houses a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which has now in ruins. Some other temples which adorned the fort were destroyed by the rulers of Qutub Shahi Dynasty. The fort as well as the entire town of Warangal had been popular for its sculptural beauty. The place also finds a mention in the books of Marco Polo during his visit to this Deccan region of South India. Even the Muslim invaders admired the beauty of this place and its amazing forts, temples and palaces. The majestic beauty of the place with its finest rock carvings makes this place worth visiting.
