Places of Interest

Thousand Pillar Temple

The most popular place to visit in Warangal is the Thousand Pillars Temple, located at the base of Hanamkonda hill. It was built in 12th century by the Kakatiya King Rudra Deva. Dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva, this temple is also known by the name of Sri Rudreshwara Swamy Temple. At this temple, three deities- Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya are worshipped. They are known as Trikutalayam. There are three shrines, one for each deity.

Currently under the maintenance of Archaeological Survey of India, Thousand Pillar Temple is known for intricately carved pillars. A massive sculpture of Nandi, carved out of a single rock, is another attraction of this temple. Rock cut elephants and exquisite engravings at the temple are also worth noticing.

Warangal Fort

Built in 13th century, Warangal Fort is a perfect example of architectural fineness of Kakatiya reign. Warangal fort was built by the King Ganapati Deva and was later developed further by his daughter Rani Rudrama Devi. Later additions to this fort were also made by King Prataparudra II, also known as Rudradeva II, who was the last ruler of Kakatiya Kingdom. This fort was built when the Kakatiya kingdom was relocated from Hanamkonda to Warangal.

Warangal fort has three layered circular fortification, each offering a robust defense. However, due to various attacks, Warangal was damaged to a great extent. Ruins of the fort can be mostly in its middle part. Recognized as an archaeological zone, this fort is a place for every tourist who wants to get an idea of the glorious past of Warangal city.

Bhadrakali Temple

An ancient temple, Bhadrakali temple is located between Warangal and Hanamkonda. Dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, this temple dates back to Chalukyan rule. However, this temple regained its glory in 1950s when Sri Ganapathi Sasthri along with other locals started renovations of this temple. During renovation changes were made to the main idol as well. It is said that the deity was in fierce form, which was later changed to more subtle and calming idol.

The main deity Goddess Bhadrakali is in a sitting position here. She is shown with 8 eight hands, each with one weapon. 2.7 meters long, stone idol of the deity is wearing a crown as well.

A popular visiting place in Warangal, this temple attracts lakhs of devotees throughout the year. When visiting this temple also plan a visit the Bhadrakali Lake and the natural rock formations which are located closer by.

Khush Mahal

Khush Mahal is a popular place to see in Warangal, presenting a glimpse of architectural style during Tughluq reign. Standing closer to the Warangal fort, Khush Mahal is an audience hall which was built around 14th century at the time of Tughlaq rule. It was later used by Shitab Khan who was Qutub Shahi Dynasty Governor of Warangal in 16th century.

Khush Mahal is consisted of a huge chamber with arch opening on four sides with slanting walls. This sturdy looking structure has withstood the ravages of many decades, presenting an impressive architecture.

Kakatiya Rock Garden

Another place to visit in Warangal is the Kakatiya Rock Garden. It is located around 5 km from Warangal fort and about 2 km away from Warangal railway station. This garden presents an interesting display of rock sculptures of various wild animals such as lions, deer, giraffes, etc. Beautifully arranged flowers and plants along with an artificial waterfall make add scenic beauty to this park. This is also a manmade lake inside Kakatiya rock garden offering boating facility. Tourists can visit this carefully laid out park and spend some a few relaxed moments.

Kakatiya Musical Garden

Located near the Bhadrakali Temple which is another popular Warangal tourist place is the Kakatiya Musical Garden. It is around 2 km from Warangal railway station. This garden is spread over an area of 15 acres. Major attraction of Kakatiya Musical garden is the musical fountain presenting a coordinated show of light and music. It is operated via computers. In the background, a massive rock formation adds further to overall beauty of the musical garden. There is an artificial lake in the garden where the facilities of the boating are also offered.

Warangal Planetarium

Presenting a unique sightseeing choice, Warangal Planetarium is a place to visit if you are looking for something entertaining yet educational for your children. Built with the motive of generating awareness on science related topics such as astronomy, Warangal Planetarium does promote scientific thinking among its viewers. It presents an interesting way to understand universe and its various aspects. Regular shows are conducted at the planetarium which interests not only kids but adults as well.

Padmakshi Temple

Built during Kakatiya reign in 12th century, Padmakshi Temple is one among the oldest temples in Hanamkonda. Dedicated to Goddess Padmakshi, also known as Padmakshamma, this temple is especially visited by women devotees during the Bathukamma festival. The major attraction of this temple is the pillar Annakonda. Annakonda Pillar is made up of granite and is built in quadrangular shape. The walls of the pillar showcase carvings and inscription related to Jain religion, especially dedicated to Goddess Kalalaya.

It is sad that Kakatiya rulers previously followed Jainism before converting to Veerashaivism. This is said to be the reason why Padmakshi Temple still holds traces of Jain religion.

Vana Vigyan Park

Situated in Hanamkonda, Vana Vigyan Park is serene park, which was built by the Forest Department. Spread across 50 acres of area, this park consists of a rich flora and fauna. Tourists can spot birds such as peacocks, pigeons, ducks, doves, etc. Along with a rich avian fauna, Vana Vigyan Park also boasts of a rich wildlife. It is home to animals such as Nilgai or blue bull, Sambar, spotted deer, sloth bear, rabbits, and reptiles like crocodiles, etc.

There is well stocked library too within the park compound along with a museum and an auditorium that hosts various shows on environment.

Regional Science Center

On the top of a hill, Regional Science Center is located in Hanamkonda, presenting an engaging and educational way of spending time. It was built with the assistance from National Council of Science Museums in Kolkata. Regional Science Center is gaining immense popularity among students. This center consists of around 84 exhibits describing concepts of Biology, Physics, Chemistry, etc. It has many interesting displays that impress not only kids but adults too.

Musical corridor, sympathetic swing, pinhole camera, parabolic reflectors, infinite train are a few other attractions here. Leon Foucault pendulum explaining the Earth’s revolution and Magic tap which explain the concept of optical illusion where water falls without any pipe are also quite interesting to watch.

Siddeshwara Temple

Siddeshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated near Hanamkonda in Warangal. It was constructed in the 3rd century AD and is one of the Paschimadwara Mukha Temples. The temple is popular for its intricately carved pillars and architectural work, which is similar to the Chalukyan style of architecture. A huge number of devotees visit this temple during the festival of Maha Shivratri.

Mettugutta Temple

Mettu Gutta (Rocksteps Hill) is a famous Hindu temple that is located in Madikonda.
This place is also Known as Manigiri. The Linga in this temple has many similarities with Varanasi Visveswara.

There are two temples on Mettu gutta. One temple is for Lord Shiva and other one is for Lord Sri Ram.Local people call this temple as Mettu Rama Lingeshwara swamy temple.Siva temple is constructed during the kaktiya regime. The temple is located on a hillock, there many small water bodies located with in the area, there are various rock formation which can be found near the site, which have very important significance.