Warangal: Telangana’s Crown Jewel - Feature

Warangal is an excellent starting point for discovering the beautiful countryside of Telangana and is conveniently connected to Hyderabad. Popularly known as the Cultural Capital of Telangana, Warangal is laced with rich history and legacy.
Warangal, the crown jewel of Telangana and one of India’s top heritage cities, is a vibrant city that plays an important role in the country’s rich cultural and historical history. The city’s name is derived from the Telugu word Orugallu – ‘Oru’ which means one, and the word ‘gallu’ meaning stone. Located in Telangana, Warangal is the state’s second-largest city, dotted with mesmerizing locations. 
Warangal is a renowned tourist destination, thanks to the imposing monuments, fortresses, temples, and stone gateways left behind by an old kingdom. The colossal Kakatiya Kala Thoranam doorway is such a symbol of Telangana’s history that it is included in the state’s official emblem. It’s no surprise that Warangal is frequently referred to as Telangana’s cultural capital.
Glimpse Into Glorious Past Warangal was ruled by Beta Raja I, the founder of the Kakatiya dynasty, who ruled for three decades before his son Prola Raja I moved the capital to Hanamkonda. Later, Ganapathideva moved the capital from Hanamkonda to Warangal. The Kakatiyas built several heritage worthy structures which are visited by droves of tourists on a regular basis. 
In this present POV issue, we are glad to write about the Thousand Pillar Temple and Laknavaram Lake, which equally draws a lot of international and local visitors. 
Thousand Pillar Temple Located in Hanamkonda, the Thousand Pillar Temple is a sacred Hindu temple also known as the Rudreshwara Swamy Temple. Dedicated to the Hindu Gods—Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Surya—this temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kakatiya Vishwakarma Sthapathis constructed this masterpiece between 1175 and 1324 CE. 
The Kakatiya sculptors’ talent and inventiveness are on full display in the temple’s thousands of carved pillars, delicate perforated screens, symbols, rock-cut elephants, and monolithic dolerite Nandi. 
To conserve and improve the temple’s architectural wonders, the Archaeological Survey of India, and contemporary engineers undertook a renovation in 2004. As a living reminder of the Kakatiya dynasty’s cultural legacy and artistic prowess, the temple continues to bring in tourists from all over the world.
Lakhnavaram Lake
Lakhnavaram Lake is situated in Mulugu district’s Govindaraopet Mandal, around 70 km from Warangal, and is a popular place for outings and picnics. The closing of three tiny valleys to create this breathtaking lake is a natural wonder. 
The lake was built by the 13th-century Kakatiya dynasty, which ruled the area, by filling in each valley with a short bund and using the surrounding hills as additional defenses. Lakhnavaram Lake’s isolated location is one of its selling points, as it allows vacationers some peace and quiet.
The lake, surrounded by verdant fields and placid water sources and hidden among the hills, was enlarged by the Kakatiyas to serve as a source of irrigation. The suspension bridge that leads to the little island in the middle of the lake just adds to the ethereal allure of the place. 
The lake’s upkeep authority also provides boat trips so that guests can get even closer to its peaceful center. Telangana Tourism has built new lodgings in and around the lake for nature lovers who can come and rejuvenate from their visit. 
Warangal Travel Options
Warangal is well connected to the bustling city of Hyderabad by road, rail, and air. Embarking on a trip to Warangal takes travelers through the scenic landscapes of Telangana. 
The most convenient way to travel is by road. The bus services are frequent. One can also hail a private taxi from Hyderabad to reach Warangal by taking National Highway No. 163. The travel time is approximately 3-4 hours, depending on the traffic and the mode of transportation. Regular rail services operate between Hyderabad and Warangal, offering a comfortable and scenic journey. The journey time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. By air, the travel time to Warangal is around 30 minutes. Warangal Airport is located 10 kilometers from the city center. 
Next time when you visit 
Hyderabad, you may add Warangal to your travel itinerary to explore the rich legacy of the place.                                            
Distance from Hyderabad 
150 Km 
Travel Time (approx.) 
Road: 3-4 hrs  
Rail: 1hr 30 min
Air: 30 min