Best time to visit : October to March
Warangal is a heaven for people fascinated with history and architectural monuments. Warangal is located in South India, in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Tourists get lured with its ancient temples and magnificent forts. The city still retains the architectural wonders of Kakatiyas and is also an important pilgrimage.
Facts
Warangal was ruled by Kakatiya dynasty during 12th-14th century. Kakatiyas promoted art and sculptures widely. This is the reason Warangal is flanked with several beautiful forts and grand temples. In 1687, Aurangazeb included Warangal in the Golconda sultanate. Indian government took over Hyderabad and Telangana in 1948. Thus, Warangal became a city in Andhra Pradesh state. Till today, Warangal is famous for its unmatched architectural monuments and the exquisite artwork.
Andhra Pradesh is famous for its spicy food. You will experience the same hot cuisine in Warangal as well. Both non-vegetarian and vegetarian food is served with lot of spices making it a memorable outing. Mostly all the main hotels serve excellent food in their in-house restaurant. Sri Kalinga restaurant is one of the more famous in-house restaurant for both South-Indian and North-Indian dishes. If you wish to taste real South-Indian food, do eat at various roadside small restaurants.
Mango pickle is an essential side to the food here and is a popular delicacy. The food is garnished with gram powder, which gives it a typical aroma and taste. Any visit to Warangal will be incomplete without eating the famous Hyderabadi Biriyani. For sweets, don’t forget to enjoy Jalebis from a roadside stall.
Lepakshi Handicrafts, Hanumakonda, DCWRA Bazaar and Subedari are the important shopping places in the city. Lepakshi Handicrafts Emporium is known for its authentic brass items. Brass pots, paper weights, perfume pots, dishes, etc. are embossed with beautiful designs. The more famous design is the peacock motif that is the most popular souvenir to carry back home.
Hanumakonda and Subedari bazaar are good places to buy khadi products. Kothawada is famous for beautiful handmade durries. For buying other diverse variety of products, DCWRA Bazaar offers a good bargain. You can buy the unique scroll paintings, from Cherial too.
Nearby Places:
- Ghanpur Village: Located around 31 km. from Warangal, it is among the most popular tourist places near Warangal because of 22 shrines built by the Kakatiya rulers.
- Kolanupaka: Another historical village that is a must-visit is Kolanupaka, 80 km. from Warangal. It is famous for being an important religious centre for Jain and Shaivite followers. The place has several popular temples, such as Mahavir Jain temple, Someswara temple and Sri Veeranarayana temple. There is also a museum situated in the Someswara temple compund where various artefacts are on display.
- Ramappa Temple: About 60 km. from Warangal, this is one of the important attractions around Warangal. This is the only temple named after the temple's sculptor, Ramappa.
- Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary: This famous sanctuary is located at a distance of about 50 km. from Warangal. The sanctuary covers an area of about 860 sq. km. around the Pakhal Lake. The place has enchanting beauty of its own.
- Laknavaram Cheruvu or Lake Cheruvu: Situated at a distance of 60 km. from Warangal, the lake has a chain of 13 islands in 10,000 acres of space. The islands look beautiful with its green lush flora.