Heritage Tourism in Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh is on
rise and Andhra Pradesh Turism depatrtment is promoting it aggressively said
Special Chief secretary & Chairman of Dept of Tourism, Govt of Andhra
Pradesh. Warangal has a lot to offer to discerning travelers.
The Warangal fort is located about 12 kilometres from
Hanamkonda in Warangal. It was constructed during the reign of Kakatiya
Dynasty, in the 13th century. Although today the fort is in ruins, it was
renowned for its impregnability. The remnants of the fort comprise of tall
towers of nearly 50 feet each and an awe-inspiring gateway. The pillars of the
gateway appear to have been cut from a single block of rock. On entering the
gateway, visitors will be welcomed by some beautiful sculptures and motifs of
lions and swans. Inside the fort area, visitors can get a glimpse of the temple
remains. It is believed that early kings from the Qutub Shahi dynasty razed
these temples to the ground.
The historic Thousand Pillar temple is dedicated to Lord
Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya. It is located in the town of Hanamkonda,
which is close to the city of Warangal. The Thousand Pillar Temple was constructed
during the reign of Kakatiya Dynasty in 1163 AD. It is believed that King Rudra
Deva was instrumental in getting this temple constructed. It is a fine specimen
of Kakatiya architecture that was prevalent during the 12th century AD. The
temple was destroyed when the Muslim Tughlaq Dynasty invaded the region.
Bhadrakali Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali and it
is considered to be one of the oldest temples to honor the Goddess. It is
located on the banks of Lake Bhadrakali, between Warangal and Hanamkonda. The
temple’s unique design is a major attraction. It is shaped like a star. The
deity housed in sanctum is made on a 2.7 X 2.7 metre stone and depicts the
Goddess with beautiful eyes looking west, and holding weapons in all her eight
hands, with Lord Shiva under her feet. Opposite the sanctum there is an idol of
the lion, which the Goddess used to move around.
Ramappa Temple is located about 77 kilometres from Warangal
and 157 kilometres from Hyderabad. This medieval temple is dedicated Lord Shiva
and is named after the sculptor who built the temple. The temple is constructed
on a star-shaped platform and there are spellbinding carvings lining the
pillars, walls and ceiling. One can see figures from the Hindu mythology
sculpted here. The bricks used to build the roof of the temple are so light
that it is claimed they can float in water. There is a huge Nandi bull located
in front of the shrine. The Nandi here is depicted in an alert position, as
though waiting for orders from Lord Shiva. Spread of an area of 5 acres. The
Ramappa Temple offers a unique destination to commune with God and experience
tranquility amidst spellbinding greenery.
Warangal has historical importance, as it used to be the
capital of the Kakatiya Kingdom. Today, the region is a hub for culture and
industries, but it has not forgotten its historical legacy. It is claimed that
the city of Warangal was built by Proja Raja in the 12th century and it was
made into the capital of the kingdom. During the 200-year long reign, the
Kakatiya Kingdom erected grand monuments and temples that form a major
attraction of this place. Even the diary of Marco Polo mentions the city of
Warangal for its beautiful architecture and exquisite monuments.
