Warangal is considered one of the best heritage cities of not just Telangana, but also India. It is located nearly 145 km away from the state capital city of Hyderabad. Telangana state, known for its range of tourist destinations is home to many heritage structures and prominent among them is Warangal fort.

Warangal fort, which dates back to the 13th century, is located approximately 3 km away from the Railway station. The second largest city in Telangana, the city derives its name from the Telugu word Orugallu – ‘Oru’ meaning one and the word ‘gallu’ meaning stone. Hence, the city is also known as Ekasila Nagaram. It served as the capital for great Kakatiya rulers, between 12th and 14th centuries. The Kakatiyas, who ruled this place for more than 200 years, have built grand monuments and architectural wonders such as famous Warangal fort. Warangal Fort, which is a main attraction of the city, is spread over a radius of nearly five kilometers between Warangal and Hanamkonda.

Built in the 13th century, during reign of the Kakatiya King Ganapati Deva, Warangal fort is well known for its gracefully carved arches and pillars, with four large stone gateways. The Archaeological Survey of India has listed this fort as a Monument of National Importance. The Warangal Fort is laid out in three concentric circular walls featuring defensive fortifications. Along with the earthen wall and the moat, there is a fortified inner stone wall which is about 0.75 miles in diameter. The wall was built using dressed huge granite stone blocks of large dimensions. During the period of Rudrama Devi, the height of this wall was increased to more than 29 feet from the structure which was built earlier by Ganapati Deva. The walls were fortified with 45 large rectangular bastions measuring 40–60 feet. The fort has 18 stone steps which have been laid over a gradual slope built along the inner slopes of the earthen wall, that serves as easy access to the ramparts. The central part of this fort is home to the ruins of a great Shiva temple with only freestanding entrance portals or gates seen currently on the four sides.

There are many ruins here like wall slabs, brackets and ceiling panels, exhibited in an outdoor museum. There are several inscriptions on the ruins of the wall of this main temple, which records the gift of a Kakatiya king, on pillars as well as one a stone outside the fort, and at quite a few places, in Telugu language. Telangana Tourism organizes regular sound and light shows at the spectacular Warangal fort. The highly popular and impressive sound & light show at Warangal fort reveals the grand history of the rulers of Kakatiya dynasty. The sound and light shows organized at Warangal fort is indeed a visual delight, that testifies the architectural and historic pride of the state, especially Warangal region.

How to reach

Warangal fort is located at a distance of 3-4 km from Warangal city, which is well connected by road and rail from Hyderabad, approximately 145 km away.

Where to Stay

Haritha Kakatiya Hotel in Warangal City is a popular accommodation choice for tourists visiting heritage city of Warangal and other close by tourist attractions.