subject: Historical Place Warangal,madhya Pradesh,india [print this page] 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.
Historically Speaking
Warangal was under the rule of the Kakatiyas during the 12th to 14th century during which the area flourished with the Kakatiyas. It is a well known fact that the Kaktiyas were very fond of the arts and promoted them extensively during their rule. This transalated into the Kakatiya kings building
many temples and forts which still stand today. The Kakatiya kings built an impressive fortress and stone archways across the town as also a few temples. The Mughal emperor Aurangazeb acquired Warangal as part of the Golconda sultanate in 1687 and it became a part of the state of Hyderabad. In 1948 Hyderabad was taken over the by Indian government and Telangana region where Warangal is situated became part of the state of Andhra Pradesh. Warangal has always been a cultural centre and has been patronized by all the great kings who ruled here.
Shopping
You can visit the Lepakshi Emporium to buy handicrafts of the regionthey are just so amazing and make great souvenirs too!
Night Out
South Indian food is available in the little food joints all over the town. Restaurants here do not serve very fancy food and it may be difficult to get cuisines other than the typical South Indian food.
Sights
Visit the once glorious Warangal Fort near Hanamkonda, erected by Ganapati Deva and his daughter Rudramma. Though the Warangal fort now lies in ruins, four huge stone gateways leading to the fort stand as testimony to the Kakatiyas'' architectural prowess. Perhaps a willing suspension of
disbelief is all you need as you wander through the Warangal palace portals. Close your eyes and enter the stone gateway at Warangal, and offer flowers at the crumbling Swayambhu temple, a shrine dedicated to Shiva. Then visit the three concentric shrines to Vishnu, Shiva and Surya in the Thousand Pillared Temple - another striking example of ornate Kakatiya architecture. King Rudradeva built this edifice at the base of Hanamkonda Hill. Shivas sacred bull, Nandi, carved out of black stone, guards the entrance and each pillar is intricately sculpted. The Bhadrakali Temple at the summit of Hanamkonda is a shrine to Goddess Kali in her battle glory, brandishing weapons in each of her eight arms. Finally, cool off in front of the fountains at Warangal''s sprawling Musical Gardens . Or spend a lazy afternoon at the Vana Vignan Kendra, a park on Hunter Road.
How to get there by Air
The nearest airport Hyderbad is 157 kms away. It is a three and half hour drive to Warangal from Hyderabad.
How to get there by Rail
Warangal is connected by rail to major towns.
How to get there by Bus
Warangal is connected by good roads to Hyderbad, Rajahmundhry and Vishakhapatnam all in Andhra Pradesh.
Best time to Visit
It is best to come here in winter, between October and March, when the weather is at its mildest. The temperatures at this time hover at between 30 C and 15 C. The summer months can get very uncomfortably hot with temperatures shooting up to 41 C.
Where to Stay
Accommodation is limited here - government tourism hotels and private lodges here. The Hotel Ashoka in the city centre is the best in accommodation you will get in Warangal.
Nearby Places
Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the Palampet, 60 km out of Warangal, is the site of the magnificent Ramappa Temple and the Ramappa Cheruvu lake amidst forested hills.
For more information for this Destination please check india Travel Guide
