Warangal

Introducing Warangal

Warangal was the capital of the Kakatiya kingdom, which covered the greater part of present-day Andhra Pradesh from the late 12th to early 14th centuries until it was conquered by the Tughlaqs of Delhi. The Hindu Kakatiyas were great builders and patrons of Telugu literature and arts, and it was during their reign that the Chalukyan style of temple architecture reached its pinnacle.

If you’re interested in Hindu temple development, then it’s worth the trip to Warangal, which is also a friendly town, and Palampet. It’s possible – but not leisurely – to visit both places on a long day trip from Hyderabad, 157km away.

Most buses and trains will stop en route at Bhongir, about 60km from Hyderabad. It’s well worth jumping down for a couple of hours to climb the fantastical-looking 12th-century Chalukyan hill fort (Rs 3) from which the town gets its name. Looking like a gargantuan stone egg, the hill is mostly ringed by stairs.

Last updated: Apr 17, 2009