Warangal is the city of temples, a place where many historic landmarks remind us of the glory of the South Indian kings of the regal era. Sightseeing in Warangal is a worthwhile experience, seeing how we can get a glimpse of the majestic Kakatiya architecture, the influence of the Musunuri Nayaks, and understand how the Qutub Shahis spread their legacy.And then in the 18th century, the city came under the official rule of East India Company. Interestingly, there is a huge granite boulder in the Kakatiya Fort that remains undamaged even today. That is why, people also call the city by the name, ‘Ekashila Nagaram’ or ‘Single Stone City’.
Warangal was once the capital of the Kakatiya empire. Every fort, construction, stone, and pillar in Warangal will tell you tales about the mighty Kakatiya rulers like Mahadeva, Rudradeva, and the infamous female ruler – Rani Rudrama Devi. Warangal is the second largest city in Telangana, only after the capital Hyderabad.
Read on to find out more about this magnificent city in South India and plan your itinerary for sightseeing in Warangal.
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Best places for sightseeing in Warangal
1 – Warangal Fort
The Warangal Fort is a classic example of world-class architecture that is still intact despite the numerous attacks and invasions. It is a symbol of the Kakatiya rule, and the ruins are a testament to the glorious days of the medieval period. The fort is also popular by the name ‘Orugallu Fort’ and some also call it the Ekashila Gutta.
The most iconic feature of the Warangal Fort is the gate which has a monumental arch with intricate carvings. This is called the Kakatiya Kala Thoranam. Go a few steps ahead and explore the ruins in the central part of the fort. These are structures that include pillars, carved stones, walls, and mini-gates. They give you an idea about the military approach and cultural aspects of the ancient era. Also, you will find Khush Mahal here. It is a small part of the Fort which used to be the royal residence. Explore this wonderful place first while sightseeing in Warangal to spend ample time on the greatest fortification of South India.
Location – Mathwada, Warangal, Telangana 506001
Timings – 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee – Indians INR 15; Foreigners INR 200
2 – Thousand Pillar Temple
Thousand Pillar Temple is present in the Kakatiya Fort complex and happens to be one of the main tourist places in Warangal. Anyone who sets out on sightseeing in Warangal city should not head back before exploring this powerful temple. The speciality of this place is that it has about a thousand pillars that have beautiful carvings and are so strong that they can easily last another century! This place is also called Shree Rudreshwara Swamy Temple and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
During Mahashivratri, the place lights up gorgeously and devotees from across the country flock here to enjoy the festivities and chant the Lord’s name the whole night. Here, you will find Nandi’s idol carved out of a single black basalt stone. It looks magnificent at the entrance. It surprises us to see how much hard work and dedication was put into constructing this holy shrine, especially at a time when there was no modern technology to aid the manual labour.
Location – 2H3F+FVF, Hyderabad – Warangal Hwy, Raganna Darwaja, Rd, Brahmanawada, Hanamkonda, Telangana 506001
Timings – 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee – Free
3 – Pakhal Lake
Pakhal Lake is a man-made wonder that is present within the Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary. There is a wonderful dam built on the water that serves as an ideal source to conserve natural rainwater from monsoon showers. The Pakhal lake has a very serene environment and people who are in search of peace can come here happily. You can pack your picnic bags, lay down that blanket, and enjoy eating sandwiches while bird-watching near the lake.
On the other hand, the dam is an architectural marvel that enhances the natural beauty of the place. It was built during the 13th century and remains intact and works perfectly even today. Tourists can also indulge in relaxing recreational activities near Pakhal Lake. Boating is one of the most sought-after things to do here and locals also take a dip, enjoy a swim, and go fishing.
Location – 12 Km from Narsampet, Warangal, Telangana, 506132, India
Timings – 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee – Free
4 – Warangal Jain Temple
The Jain Temple is one of the best places to cover while sightseeing in Warangal. However, you will have to travel a little farther from the heart of the city. Rest assured, every minute of your travel time is worth it. The temple has idols of several deities and is the main pilgrimage site for the Jains in the country. You will find the idols of the Tirthankars here – Lord Rishabha, Lord Neminath, and Lord Mahavir. It is awe-inspiring that Lord Mahavir’s idol is made from a single jade stone and is 140 cm in height. The whole temple is built using red sandstone and the pillars inside are made from pristine white marble. Apart from the three main deity idols, you will come across 8 other idols of the main Jain spiritual figures.
People who want to stay here overnight can do so in the guest houses. While you can steal a glimpse of the inner section of the temple, only the people with pooja clothes and priests are allowed to step inside this place. The peaceful vibes from this place make this one of the most gorgeous places to visit in Warangal.
Location – XHHW+R25, Ramannapet, Warangal, Telangana 506002
Timings – 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM; 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM
Entry Fee – Free
5 – Bhadrakali Temple
The people of Telangana hail the female figures in history and offer their respects for their contribution to the prosperity of the state. That is why the Bhadrakali Temple is of great significance to Warangal locals. This is where they pray to Goddess Bhadrakali, a form of Goddess Shakti, the wife and consort of Lord Shiva. The temple is situated on a hill that falls between Warangal City and Hanamkonda. There is an interesting story associated with this temple.
When the Muslim rulers invaded the Kakatiya empire, they wanted to demolish the temple. However, the locals negotiated a deal with ruler Alauddin Khilji for not invading the temple. They agreed to gift him a diamond in exchange for their holy place. The ruler sent his confidant Malik Kufur to collect the invaluable gift and left the shrine untouched. This is the main place where the Dussehra, Sankranti, and Mahashivratri festivals are celebrated with vigour. The temple signifies the power of women and is believed to give you a lot of confidence, and strength. It is known to clear all confusion and dilemmas in your head after you offer prayers to the Goddess in the temple.
Location – XHVM+W4X, Tadkamalla Village, Warangal, Telangana 506007
Timings – 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM; 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Entry Fee – Free
6 – Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary
The Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is about 100 km from Warangal. But you must pay your visit to the place either while heading toward Warangal or leaving the place. This is the oldest wildlife sanctuary in Telangana and is known for its steep planes, wonderful teak, and rich biodiversity. The Godavari River flows through the sanctuary and a small stream of this river divides the place into two halves. This is where the interesting fact comes into the picture.
The small stream of perennial water divides the sanctuary into two halves. This is called ‘Deyyam Vagu’ or the ‘Ghost’s Stream’. On either side, you will find animals like the Tiger, Leopard, Wolf, Golden Jackals, Blackbuck, Spotted Deer, and Sloth bear. In the rippling waters, you will find crocodiles, pythons, cobra, and the krait. There are a lot of birds that reside here and migratory birds visit during the winter months.
Location – Eturnagaram, Warangal District, Warangal, Telangana, 506165, India
Timings – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee – INR 10 for adults; INR 5 for kids.
7 – Kakatiya Rock Garden
If you are travelling to Warangal with children, then definitely take them to the Kakatiya Rock Garden. This is a must-visit place because of its greenery, vibrant flowers, and attractive rock structures. You will see structures of animals like deer, lions, and antelopes that look absolutely realistic. This is a famous picnic spot for the locals and you can also see the stunning musical fountain show at 7:45 PM. It is the last thing that happens before the gates to the garden close for the day.
The flower arrangements in the garden are marvellous, especially the rose garden which is the best spot for couples to go on a stroll. This garden is about 1.5 km away from the heart of the city and easily accessible by local transport. There is a small pond within the boundaries of the garden where you can see ducks swimming and birds flying from one side to the other. It is a picturesque spot for clicking good pictures.
Location – XHRQ+CGG, Near MGM, Tadkamalla Village, Warangal, Telangana 506002
Timings – 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee – INR 10 for adults + INR 20 for camera
8 – Rayaparthi Shiva Temple
Rayaparthi Shiva temple is in Hanamkonda of Warangal district. This is a 13th-century construction that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. You will see a lot of temples around Warangal that are shrines of either Lord Shiva or his consort, Goddess Parvati or Goddess Shakti. The Rayaparthi temple is gorgeous with the Kakatiya style of architecture. There is a central kund where people take a dip before entering the temple. The shrine is so well-built that whenever hymns and mantras are chanted within the sanctum sanctorum, the sound resonates beautifully and creates an ideal spiritual atmosphere.
It is said that this place was built by Rani Rudrama Devi, the first female ruler of the Kakatiya dynasty. This was a symbol of her gratitude to the Lord and her intention was to leave a legendary mark that will remind the future generations of the Kakatiya supremacy. The temple underwent several renovations and a major transformation happened in the 18th century.
Location – PJ24+VCC, Rayaparthi, Telangana 506314
Timings – 6:30 AM to 1:00 PM; 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Entry Fee – Free
9 – ISKCON Warangal
There are so many temples in the city that people who want to go on spiritual sightseeing in Warangal will have a gala time. The ISKCON temple in Warangal is a stunning place with realistic idols of Radha Krishna. This is one of the sightseeing in Warangal places where you can chant the names of Krishna, dance to his songs, and indulge in an enlightening experience. This is the perfect place to visit in Warangal on an evening after you are done exploring other spots during the day.
Location – ISKCON Temple, Beside Vajra Gardens Near Ayyapa Swamy Temple, Mulugu Road Paidipally, Warangal, Telangana 506007
Timings – 4:30 AM to 1:00 PM; 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Entry Fee – Free
People planning to come to Warangal from North India should make a pit stop in Hyderabad first. The journey to Warangal is roughly two hours by road and four hours by railway. While you are in Hyderabad, book your short stay at Hotels in Hyderabad. Relax, eat something, rejuvenate, and set out on your journey to explore Warangal.
Sightseeing in Warangal is an exhilarating experience only when you plan it properly. The mornings are stunning with the fresh yellow rays of sunlight illuminating the city. The evenings are serene with the orange hues slowly dimming to accommodate the blue skies of twilight. The afternoons are hot so you will have to carry a bottle of water or coconut water while exploring.
