2 DAY TRIP FROM HYDERABAD | WARANGAL - ETURNAGARAM - MEDARAM - LAKNAVARAM

At a distance of 6 Kms from Warangal Railway Station (in Hanmakonda part of the city), Thousand Pillar Temple is one of the finest examples of Kakatiya architecture.

Rudra Deva built this temple in 1163 AD in the style of star shaped Chalukyan temples and named after him as Sri Rudreshwara Swamy Temple, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Separate shires for Lord Surya & Lord Vishnu in the temple are connected to main shrine by a square mandap in the centre. A beautifully carved giant Nandi (bull) is seen on the platform connecting the shrines. The exterior wall of the temple, the ceiling slabs and the four central pillars of the mandap are decorated with finely carved sculptures. Poojas are still performed.

The actual thousand pillar hall situated behind Nandi in the temple complex is currently being renovated by the archelogical department and closed for visitors.

The temple is located between Warangal and Hanmakonda Chowrasta, close to main road.

Timings: 6 AM .....

At a distance of 5 Kms from Warangal Railway Station, the historic Warangal Fort was built by Kakatiyas in 12th Century AD. The King Rudradeva started construction of this Fort when the capital was shifted from Hanamankonda. It was further extended by his nephew, Ganapati Deva and was finally completed by Princess Rani Rudrama Devi. The fort was mostly destroyed by invaders and only the ruins can be seen now.

Most of the fort is filled with settlements and small area in the center of fort has Open Air Museum with architectural remains of Kakatiyas. The famous stone gateways (called Kirti Toranas) are situated here, about 30 feet high and still standing, a masterpiece carved from a single rock.

The Shambhulingeshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is opposite to Open Air Museum.

Timings: 10 AM - 7 PM.

Entry Fee: Rs. 5 for Indian, Rs. 100 for Foreigners, Rs. 25 for Video Camera.

Kush Mahal, on the way to Museum houses several sculptures.Timings: 10 AM to .....

At a distance of 5 Kms from Warangal Railway Station, the Bhadra Kali Temple is situated on top a hillock towards Hanamkonda. This temple is famous for 2.7 meter stone idol of the deity with eight arms and a weapon in each hand, in sitting posture. This deity is believed to be worshipped by the Chalukyan ruler Pulakesin-II in the year 625 AD.

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, found in peaceful mood. This temple is located on the banks of Bhadrakali Lake. There is a park adjacent to the temple along Bhadrakali Lake which also has a shrine for Lord Siva in the form of Sri Chandra Mouleeswara.

Brahmotsavas are held every year in the month of April/May in a grand manner. The festival attracts thousands of devotees from all over the region of Telangana.

Timings: 5 AM to 1 PM & 3 - 9 PM. No lunch break during festivals. Photography not allowed.

At a distance of 66 km from Warangal, Ramappa Temple (also known as Ramalingeswara Temple) is situated in a valley at Palampet village of Venkatapur Mandal in erstwhile Mulug Taluka of Warangal district.

Ramappa Temple is an ancient temple built by a General Recherla Rudra, during the period of the Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva in 1213 AD. The history says that it took 40 years to build this temple. This temple is constructed in the South Indian architectural style and is devoted to Lord Shiva. The temple got its name from Ramappa, the chief sculptor of the temple. It's probably the only temple in the country to be known by the name of its sculptor.

The temple stands on a 6 feet high star-shaped platform. The sand stone temple is crowned with a grand sikhara and is surrounded by pradakshina patha. The Ramalingeswara Temple consists of garbhagriha, large ranga mandapa and a mukha mandapa. At the entrance of the temple, we can .....

At a distance of 109 Kms from Warangal and 253 Kms from Hyderabad, Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the oldest sanctuaries in South India. It was declared as wildlife sanctuary in 1952 by Hyderabad Nizam Government. The sanctuary is located near the border of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Telangana. The famous Sammakka-Saralamma Temple is situated inside the sanctuary.

This sanctuary is spread across 806 sq. kms area. Eturnagaram Sanctuary has a water source called Dayyam Vagu, which separates the sanctuary into two parts. This sanctuary provides shelter to Tiger, Leopard, Panther, Wolf, Wild Dogs, Jackals Sloth Bear, Chousingha, Black Buck, Nilgai, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Four Horned Antilope, Chinkara, Black Buck, Gaur and Giant Squirrels. The sanctuary is also home to a wide range of bird species.

Jampannavagu, a tributary to Godavari River which flows through Medaram, merges .....

At a distance of 30 km from Eturnagaram, 120 km from Bhadrachalam, 140 km from Warangal and 200 km from Khammam, Bogatha waterfalls is a nice waterfall situated near Chikupally village in Wajedu mandal in Khammam district of Telangana. It is also known as Chikupally Falls.

Situated in forest region between Kaleswaram and Bhadrachalam, Bogatha falls is formed on Chikupally Vagu that merges with River Godavari. Situated amidst thick vegetation, Bogatha Falls is a favorite picnic spot for the residents of nearby villages. Dropping from a height of over 30 feet in several parallel streams, the water is collected into a large pool at the bottom of the falls. Swimming in the pool is a favorite activity here and swimming here is considered safe.

In order to reach the falls from Eturnagaram, drive past Godavari Bridge and reach Chikupally village which is 11 km from New Godavari River bridge past Jagannathapuram village. From Chikupally, .....

At a distance of 95 Kms from Warangal & 260 Kms from Hyderabad, Medaram is famous for Samakka Sarakka Jatara held once in every two years during the month of February. It is located within Ethurnagaram Wildlife Sanctury.

Sammakka is mother of Sarakka; both belong to the tribal community in Medaram village. In 14th century, Sammakka & Sarakka fought against Kakatiyas ruler Prathaparudra who tried to occupy the tribal territories. Finally, they lost their lives along with all their family members during the brutal fight.

The Sammakka Sarakka Jatara (Festival) is held to offer tribute to the brave mother-daughter warriors. Approximately 6 million people converge over three days around the small village of Medaram and its adjacent, Jampanna Vagu. This fair is said to be the largest repeating aggregation of tribal communities in the whole world.

Accommodation is available at Laknavaram Lake (35 km - Haritha Resort), Tadvai (14 km - few Cottages) & ITDA Guest House at Medaram.

Laknavaram .....

At a distance of 75 Kms from Warangal, 29 Kms from Ramappa Temple & 219 Kms from Hyderabad, Laknavaram Lake is a wonderful lake situated close to Etunagaram highway (NH202).

Built by Kakatiyas in 13th century, this is the largest lake in Warangal district. It still provides irrigation water for over 50,000 acres of land. The magnificent lake is surrounded by thick forests of Eturnagaram Sanctuary. The suspension bridge across the lake is a special attraction.

Laknavaram is one of the best places to visit around Warangal and it's a perfect getaway to spend time with family. Boating facility is available in the lake on speed boats and motor boats. Telangana Tourism provides accommodation facilities along with a restaurant on the island in middle of the lake. Post monsoon is the best season the best season to visit this place when the lake is filled with water and the surrounding hills .....