Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Warangal
0870 / POP 620,000
Warangal was the capital of the Kakatiya kingdom, which covered most of present-day
Andhra Pradesh from the late 12th to early 14th centuries. The Hindu Kakatiyas were
great builders and patrons of Telugu literature and arts, and during their reign the
Chalukyan style of temple architecture reached its pinnacle.
Sights
Fort
(Indian/foreigner ?5/100; 9am-6pm)
Warangal's fort was a massive construction with three cir-
cular strongholds surrounded by a moat. Four paths with decorative gateways led to the
Swayambhava, a huge Shiva temple. The gateways are still obvious, but most of the fort
is in ruins. A
pillared hall
can be seen at the children's park across the street. From
Warangal, take a bus (four daily) or autorickshaw (?300 return). Admission includes entry
to nearby
Kush Mahal
, a 16th-century royal hall.
FORT
1000-Pillared Temple
( 6am-6pm)
Built in 1163, the 1000-Pillared Temple, on the slopes of Hanamkonda Hill, is
a fine example of Chalukyan architecture in a leafy setting. Dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu
and Surya, it has been carefully restored, with intricately carved pillars and an impressive
black-granite Nandi (bull; Shiva's mount).
Down the hill and 3km to the right is the small
Siddheshwara Temple
. The lakeside
Bhad-
rakali Temple
, whose striking deity sits with a weapon in each of her eight hands, is on a hill
between Hanamkonda and Warangal.
HINDU TEMPLE
Sleeping & Eating
Vijaya Lodge
( 2501222; Station Rd; s/d from ?200/350)
Close to the train station, the Vijaya is well organised
with helpful staff and pin-striped hallways. Rooms are borderline dreary but workable.
HOTEL
$
Hotel Ashoka
HOTEL
$$
