Warangal is a city in Telangana that served as the capital of the Kakatiya dynasty in the 12th and 13th centuries.
It offers numerous places that are worth a visit. Be it the shrines, wildlife sanctuaries, lakes, or the magical landscape, the place reflects the beauty, charms, and magic of ancient times.
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You can explore a variety of attractions open to tourists, known for their history, nature, and spirituality.
In this article, you will get to know about the following places to visit in Warangal,
- Thousand Pillar Temple
- Kakatiya Musical Garden
- Pakhal Lake
- Warangal Fort
- Padmakshi Temple
- Laknavaram Lake
Let’s see each of these places in detail.
1. Thousand Pillar Temple
The Rudreswara Swamy Temple, also known as the Thousand Pillar Temple, is a stunning example of Kakatiya architecture. This temple is located in Hanamakonda, a small town near Warangal City. It was built in the 12th-13th centuries CE by King Rudra Deva to honor the Hindu gods Vishnu, Shiva, and Surya, who are worshipped in three separate shrines within the temple complex.
The temple showcases the Kakatiya architecture, which blends the styles of the Chalukya and Chola dynasties. The temple is adorned with thousands of pillars, each one carved with exquisite details and motifs. The pillars support the massive roof, which is embellished with intricate sculptures.
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Here you can also see perforated screens, which allow the sunlight to filter through and create a mesmerizing effect. The temple has a monolithic Nandi bull, which is made from a single block of dolerite and weighs about 25 tons.
In the temple, you will also find numerous icons of gods and goddesses, which are finely sculpted and decorated with jewels and ornaments. The temple also has a row of rock-cut elephants, which are realistically portrayed in various poses and expressions.
The temple also has a garden, which has several small Shiva Lingams. The garden is a green oasis that contrasts with the stone structure of the temple. The temple radiates a positive energy that fills the visitors with bliss.
2. Kakatiya Musical Garden
The musical garden stretches across 15 acres and is situated near the Bhadrakali temple in Warangal. This is another place that was built during the Kakatiya dynasty.
The massive garden is attractive to look at and has dazzling lights and fountains that create a magical atmosphere. The ambiance inside is very soothing and the entire area is covered with trees and lush greenery.
There is a vast lake where visitors can go boating and have fun amid the water. Different types of rock statues increase the appeal of the garden along with an artificial waterfall. You can breathe in the fresh and fragrant air from the flowers that bloom in different colors and shapes.
The garden also has a rose garden, a duck pond, and a children’s park where you can spend some quality time with your loved ones. The most spectacular attraction of the garden is the musical fountain show that starts at 7:00 P.M. You will be spellbound by the stunning display of water jets that dance to the tunes of music in the dark night sky.
3. Pakhal Lake
The Pakhal Lake is a man-made marvel that dates back to 1213 A.D. It was built in 1213 A.D. by the Kakatiya King Ganapathidev, who envisioned a serene oasis for his kingdom.
It lies within the Pakhal wildlife sanctuary, covering 30 sq. kilometers of scenic beauty amid green hills and forests. The sanctuary spans over 900 sq. kilometers and hosts a rich variety of flora and fauna, especially birds.
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The lake will offer you a tranquil retreat if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can enjoy the soothing sounds of nature, such as the gentle breeze, the rustling leaves, and the chirping birds while admiring the picturesque and serene landscape.
All the factors here make it a destination where you will be able to chill and spend an entire day relaxing and exploring around. Picnicking is also an option here for the ones who love to cherish nature.
4. Warangal Fort
Warangal Fort is a 12th-century structure and is a prominent landmark in the Warangal district. The glorious fort was built under Ganapatideva and after him, her daughter took over the charge of completing the construction.
The fort reflects the Thorean style of architecture with its 45 pillars that are adorned with intricate carvings depicting various scenes and motifs. The pillars rise up to 30 feet and retain their beauty and elegance even though they are in ruins.
As you enter the fort, you will be greeted by the Swayambhudevi Alayam, a sacred shrine dedicated to the goddess Swayambhu. Further inside, you will find the Swayambhu Devalayam, a medieval temple devoted to Lord Shiva. Another temple that you can visit is the Sambhulingeshwara temple, which also worships Lord Shiva. Opposite the temple, you will see a colossal Nandi statue that faces the shrine with reverence. The fort also houses an open-air museum that displays ancient sculptures and artifacts that reveal the rich culture and history of the place.
To conclude your day with a memorable experience, you can watch the light and sound show at the fort that tells you the fascinating story of the fort and its significance. The show is available in Telugu from 6:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. and in English from 7:30 P.M. onwards.
5. Padmakshi Temple
Established in the 12th century, the Padmakshi Temple is amongst the oldest in the area and exhibits some amazing architectural works.
The temple has a long and rich history that spans over eight centuries. It started as a Shaivite cave temple, carved out of the rocky hillside. Later, it became a Jain shrine. Finally, it was transformed into a temple devoted to the goddess Padmakshi.
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You can see the traces of its diverse history in the Jain imagery and the black granite pillar called Annakonda at the entrance. The temple is adorned with exquisite carvings of Jain Tirthankaras and other deities that create a serene atmosphere.
During the Bathukamma festival, the temple becomes a vibrant and colorful spot, where thousands of women gather to celebrate the goddess and her creation. They bring various flowers and immerse them in the pond at the base of the Padmakshi hillock.
The Padmakshi Temple is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the culture and spirituality of this region.
6. Laknavaram Lake
Laknavaram Lake is a hidden gem that is 50 kilometers away from Warangal. It is nestled among lush green hills and dense forests and depicts the beauty of nature.
The lake stretches over a vast area and has 13 charming islands, three of which are connected by a spectacular hanging bridge that spans 160 meters. The bridge is a marvel of engineering and looks like a picture-perfect postcard, especially from a distance.
You can have a delightful picnic by the lake, savoring the local delicacies and the serene views. You can also go boating and admire the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in the lake.
As the sun sets, you can witness a magical transformation of the landscape. The sky and the lake turn into a canvas of orange shades, creating a stunning contrast with the greenery.
The cool breeze caresses your skin and fills the air with freshness and tranquility. You can end your day by visiting some other attractions near the lake, such as temples, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries.
These are some of the best places to visit near Warangal.
Visit as many as you can, explore around, eat the local cuisines, take a ton of pictures, and cherish every moment to make the trip more memorable.
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