Warangal is recognized as one of the best heritage cities of India. It is 150 km away from the state capital Hyderabad. It is also the second largest city in the state of Telangana. The city’s name is derived from the Telugu word Orugallu – ‘Oru’ which means one and the word ‘gallu’ meaning stone. The city was the capital of the great Kakatiya rulers who reigned between 12th and 14th centuries. Warangal comes under the list of World Heritage places by UNESCO. Its architecture is affected by many different dynasties over the years and mostly influenced by Kakatiya Dynasty around the 12th Century.
Hindu and Muslim both prevail in this region, hence all the festivals of Hindus including Holi, Diwali, Dussera, Raksha Bandhan, Ram Navami, Vinayak Chavithi, Sankranthi, Ugadi etc, and all festival of Muslims including Ramadan, Eid-Ul-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Milad Un Nabi, Moharram etc., are celebrated with full enthusiasm among people. Apart from these Bonalu Festival, Bathukamma Festival, Kakatiya Festival, Shakambari Festival and Sammakka-Sarakka Jatara are special festivals of the region celebrated here with fervour.
According to the history of Warangal, the Prola Raja of great Kakatiya dynasty built the beautiful city in 12th century. The Kakatiyas, who ruled the place for more than 200 years, have left the succeeding generations, many grand monuments and architectural wonders like the famous Warangal fort, Swayambhu Temple and many other amazing ancient structures.
Warangal Fort
The Warangal Fort, which is the main attraction of the city is spread over a radius of 19 kilometers between Warangal and Hanamkonda. The fort was constructed in the 13th century in the reign of the Kakatiya King Ganapati Deva. The Warangal fort is most famous for its graceful and finitely carved arches and pillars. This fort has four large stone gateways.
Pakhal Lake
Pakhal Lake, situated amidst undulating forest land hills and dales is a popular retreat for the tourists. The lake constructed around 1213 A.D. by Kakatiya Ruler, Ganapatideva is spread over an area of 30 sq km., provides a beautiful sight. Set around the shores of this lake is the Pakhal Wild Life Sanctuary, a dense forest shelter for a variety of fauna.
The sanctuary harbors mammals which include the nilgai, chital, leopard, jackal, sloth bear, porcupine, languor, bonnet macaque, and reptiles like the python, cobra, Russell’s viper, common krait, monitor lizard, Indian chameleon, and occasionally, marsh crocodiles.