KOLANUPAKA - WARANGAL (FROM HYDERABAD)

At a distance of 83 km from Warangal and 81 km from Hyderabad, the 2000 years old Jain Temple of Mahavira is located in Kolanupaka village (also called as Kulpak) in Nalgonda district. The temple is decorated with beautiful images of Tirthankaras and it's one of the important Jain pilgrimage sites in the country. It is also a popular place to visit around Warangal & Hyderabad. Kulpakji is an important pilgrimage center for Swetambara Jains of South India. This is one of the popular one day trip near Hyderabad and among the prime place to visit on a Hyderabad tour.

According to the mythological legend, the main temple of Kolanupaka is said to have been built by Emperor Bharata, son of King Dushyanta and Queen Sakuntala. Jainism was prevalent in Andhra Pradesh &

At a distance of 82 Kms from Warangal and 82 Kms from Hyderabad, Sri Someswara Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kolanupaka village in Nalgonda District.

This temple is also called as Veyi Lingala Gudi (Thousand Lingas Temple).The temple was built around 12th century by Kakatiya Kings. Here Lord Shiva is found in human form unlike the common Linga form. Poojas are still being performed in this temple.

The temple complex also houses the Archeological Museum with sereral hundreds of wonderful sculptures dating back to 10th century to 14th century found in this region.

The temple is situated at a distance of 1.5 Km from Kolanupaka Bus Station (past Veeranarayana Temple) and 2 Kms from Jain Temple.

Timings: 6 AM to 7 PM

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 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 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. It is one of the popular tourist places to visit near Hyderabad as a weekend getaway.

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: .....