Nalgonda

Occupying the heart of the Southeast India state of Andhra Pradesh, Nalgonda is a popular tourist town with tourist places ranging from hills to forts and numerous religious sites. Above all, the town is famous for a long history and association with the earliest human settlements. Nalgonda succeeds to attract leisure travellers and pilgrims as well as those interested in exciting historical tours and expeditions. In addition, the region also exhibits the blend of different cultures and religions through its art, music, traditions and cuisines. Trekking tours are also possible in the town which is home to two hills.

Formerly referred to as Nilagiri, the town changed its name to Nallagonda and finally to Nalgonda. The name is believed to have been derived from the words ‘Nalla’, meaning ‘black’, and ‘Konda’, meaning ‘hill’. Many archaeological discoveries in the region establish the place’s inhabitation during Palaeolithic and Neolithic Ages. Powerful dynasties from North and South India ruled the region during different periods. Attractions of Nalgonda are not limited to the town, but span across the district of Nalgonda. The town experiences extremely hot weather during summers, while winters are mildly cold here.

October to March

Stated below are some of the must visit places at Nalgonda:

Nalgonda bears the influence of different cultures and it is reflected from the popular cuisines it offers. Non-vegetarian Nawabi style cuisines are quite popular in the area. Mutton pulao, chicken Mangalore, grilled chicken and mutton kheema are some of the popular items. Fish fry and fish cutlets are other mouth-watering preparations. In addition, typical South Indian dishes can be easily availed. Chutneys Restaurant, Udipi Hotel, Paradise and Sri Venkat Raman Restaurant are some of the popular places offering quality food.

Nalgonda is popular for its handloom weaving industry, the most popular item being Pochampally sarees. Crafted using top grade silk and cotton, these sarees can be purchased in huge variety and at cheap prices at one of the stores in the town. Puttapaka sarees are equally popular.

Though not directly located on any highway, Nalgonda still boasts of good road connectivity, thereby facilitating regular public transport and convenient private transport. The town also has its own railway station and is well-connected by regular trains to many destinations. Hyderabad has the closest international airport which is about 117 km. away. Local buses, cabs, auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available for sightseeing in Nalgonda.

As mentioned earlier, tourist destinations in the region are not limited to the town, but are spread across the district. With the right tourist information, you must visit Pochampally (the Silk City), Yadagiri Gutta Temle, Bhongir Fort, Yendlapally (popular for lush green paddy fields, lakes, canals and temples), Nandikonda Village and Mattapalli Village.

Suryapet (about 50 km.): Popular for an array of religious sites that include PillalaMarri Temple (more than 1,000 years old) of Shiva and Undrugonda Laxmi Narasimha Swamy Temple and also for attractions like Moosi Reservoir. Phanigiri (about 80 km.): A popular Buddhist site with structures like Buddhist Stupas and Viharas dating back to the 1st century. Vanasthalipuram (about 90 km.): Home to Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park (popular for blackbucks and a number of bird species), Mount Opera and many temples and mosques. Nagarjunasagar (about 93 km.): The world-famous Buddhist site, previously called Vijayapuri, this place is known for archaeological sites, Nagarjunakonda (a fabulous island museum), waterfalls and lagoons. Kolanupaka (about 100 km.): Also called Kulpakji, it is famous for an old Jain shrine visited by huge numbers of pilgrims every year. Hyderabad (about 102 km.): The capital city of Andhra Pradesh needs no introduction as a tourist place with many renowned attractions like Charminar, Golconda Fort, Chowmahalla Palace and others. Khammam (about 110 km.): Worth visiting for attractions like Khammam Fort, Jamalapuram Temple, Laxmi Narasimha Temple, Palair Lake and Wyer Lake. Guntur (about 167 km.): Popualr for Amareswara Swamy of Amaravathi, Kondaveedu Fort, Guthikonda Caves, Sitanagaram Beach and so on.