Best Places to Visit in Hanumakonda – Temples, Forts & Cultural Landmarks

1.Thousand Pillar Temple

One of South India’s finest structures found at the foot of the Hanamkonda hill, Warangal, Telangana, is the Thousand Pillar Temple. This temple which was built in the 12th century by the grand Kakatiya king Rudra Deva is a prime example of the rich cultural and spiritual eden of this part of the world.

Historical Significance

Otherwise referred to as Sri Rudreshwara Swamy Temple, Thousand Pillar Temple is mainly devoted to Lord Shiva. However, it stands out in the sense that in this Holy place there are worshipped three deities viz., Shiva, Vishnu and Surya collectively called Trikutlalayam. The deity has a corresponding shrine in the temple complex with syncretism religious of the period.

Architectural Splendor

The name of the temple is an indication of its contents since it boasts of one thousand intricately carved pillars, all of them of unique designing. These pillars are not only the structural aspect. they are works of art with floral motifs; the images of mythical creatures; and geometric patterns. The design is an example of Kakatiya style of architecture characterized by fine stone craftsmanship and symmetric detail.

Among the attractions here one of the major is the large Nandi sculpture-carved out of a single piece of black basalt rock-one that faces the main sanctum. The rock-cut elephants in attractive style and minute carvings add to the charm of the temple.

2.Warangal Fort

Warangal Fort built in 13 th century. Is a perfect example of architectural fineness of Kakatiya reign. The fort at Warangal was built by King Ganapati Deva and evolved further by his daughter Rani Rudrama Devi. Further additions to this fort were also carried out during the reign of King Prataparudra II, or Rudradeva II, the last king of Kakatiya Kingdom. This fort was constructed when the Kakatiya kingdom was shifted from Hanamkonda to Warangal.

Warangal fort has three layered circular fortification with a strong disposition. But then Warangal was badly destroyed because of various attacks. Most of the fort’s ruins can be at its middle part. As an archaeological zone, this fort is a tourist’s place for one who would want to know the glorious past of Warangal city.

3.Bhadrakali Temple

Bhadrakali temple an ancient temple is situated in between Warangal and Hanamkonda. This temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali is believed to be of Chalukyan rule. However this temple gained the glory again in 1950s when Sri Ganapathi Sasthri along with other locals had most of the renovation of this temple. On renovation even the main idol experienced change. It is said that the deity was in fierce form which later was changed to subtle and calming idol.

Here, the main deity Goddess Bhadrakali is seated here. She is depicted with 8 eight hands having each an 1 m long weapon 2.7 on the stone- idol. The stone idol of the deity is crowned.

A temple which is a popular visiting place in Warangal, this temple draws lakhs of devotees every year. When in this temple also schedule a tour of the Bhadrakali Lake and natural rock formations which are nearby.

4.Khush Mahal

Khush Mahal is famous as one can see in Warangal a glimpse of architectural style during Tughluq reign. Centre of the fort Warangal, Khush Mahal is an audience hall constructed in the 14th century during the reign of the Tughlaq rule. It was later used by Shitab Khan who was the full-time Qutub Shahi Dynasty Governor of Warangal in the 16’th century.

Khush Mahal consists of a big chamber which opens through an arch on all four sides with slanting walls. This robust appearing building has stood the test of many decades’ devastation, and there appears to be astounding architecture.

5.Kakatiya Rock Garden

Another monument to see is, Kakatiya Rock Garden. It is approximately 5 km from Warangal fort and approximately 2 km from the Warangal railway station. This garden is a fascinating arrangement of rock sculptures of several wild creatures; lions, deers, giraffes, and so on; nicely placed flowers and plants and a man-made waterfall to complete its scenic beauty. This is also a manmade lake inside the Kakatiya rock garden, where boating facility is available. Tourists are in a position to visit this neatly arranged park and take a few moments of relaxation.

6.Kakatiya Musical Garden

The other Warangal tourist place near to Bhadrakali temple is Kakatiya Musical Garden. It is approximately 2 km away from the station of Warangal. The area under this garden is 15 acres. The principle attraction of Kakatiya Musical garden is the musical fountain with combined show of light and music. It is operated via computers. In the background there is a really big rock formation, contributing to overall beauty of the musical garden. It has a man made lake in it where the facilities to operator’s like boating are also available.

7.Warangal Planetarium

Offering a one of a kind sightseeing option, as it is a place that deserves your visit, if you want to find some fun but also educational activities for your children. Erected with an objective to make people aware of about the science issues including astronomy, Warangal Planetarium does encourage people to think science while watching it. This has an interesting way of understanding universe and different things. Normal shows are also done at the planetarium which is interesting both to the kids and adults.

8.Padmakshi Temple

Founded during Kakatiya reign in 12th century, Padmakshi Temple belongs to the oldest temples of Hanamkonda. This Shiva temple which is dedicated to Goddess Padmakshi also called as Padmakshamma is particularly visited by the women devotees during the Bathukamma festival. The great attraction of this temple is the pillar Annakonda. Annakonda Pillar is quartanarily constructed and is constructed from granite. The pillar walls reveal carvings along with inscription about the Jain religion, mostly dedicated to Goddess Kalalaya.

It is pitiful that the Kakatiya rulers embraced Jainism in the past before becoming Veerashaivism. This is given as the reason why Padmakshi Temple still has points of Jain religion.

9.Vana Vigyan Park

Vana Vigyan Park located in Hanamkonda is a tranquil park; which was constructed by the Forest Department. As vast as 50 acres go, this park has rich flora and fauna. Tourists can see various birds including peacocks, pigeons, ducks, and doves and so on. Apart from a rich avian fauna, Vana Vigyan Park has a great wildlife too. It is habitat of animals like Nilgai or blue bull, Sambar, spotted deer, sloth bear, rabbits, reptiles like crocodiles etc.

There is a well stocked library also in the park compound along with museum and auditorium that can accommodate various shows on environment.

10.Regional Science Center

Regional Science Center is found at the top of a hill, which is in Hanamkonda to offer an attractive and educational method of passing time. It was constructed with help of National Council of Science Museums in Kolkata. Regional Science Center is gaining enormous popularity among students. This center contains some kind of exposition describing the ideas of Biology, Physics, Chemistry etc about 84 in amount. It has numerous interesting displays which not only leave kids speechless but adults as well.

Musical corridor, sympathetic swing, pin hole camera, parabolic reflectors, infinite train are other attractions. Apart from it, Leon Foucault pendulum explaining the earths rotate and Magic tap which explain optical illusion concept as how water falls without any pipe are also quite interesting to watch.

Related articles : Best Places to Visit in Bhadradri Kothagudem – Temples, Waterfalls & Wildlife Sanctuaries