The city was once the heartland of Telugu culture. The capital of the Kakatiya rulers, Warangal today contains some of the best forms of architecture, especially temples.

The 1000-pillar temple and the Ramappa temple in the district are glowing examples of the exquisite architecture patronized by the Kakatiyas.

Warangal city today is part of a cluster of three towns: Warangal, Kazipet and Hanamkonda, the district headquarters’. Bound on the Northern part by the mighty Godavari River, the district has large tracts of forest and an array of flora and fauna

The district is also known for its picturesque lakes, hand-woven thick cotton fibre carpets, scroll painting done on cloth in earth colours mainly at Cheriyal nearby, and sheet-metal artistry at Pembarti.

The famous "Thousand Pillar Temple" built in 1163 A.D. by Rudra Deva, is situated between Hanamkonda and Warangal, the twin towns. An excellent example of Kakatiya architecture, built in the style of Chalukya temples - a star-shaped and triple-shrine, with perforated screens, exquisite icons and rock cut elephants. The temples are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Surya.

The added attraction is the splendid six-foot monolith Nandi carved out of granite with a smooth finish. The one thousand pillars themselves are richly carved. Close by is another famous temple of Bhadrakali, noted for its stone image of Goddess Kali, depicted in a sitting posture.

Warangal Fort, 12 kilometers from Hanamkonda was built during the 13th century by the Kakatiyas. The impressive fort has four huge stone-gateways. Built by one of the Kakatiya Kings, Ganapathi Deva and his daughter Rani Rudrama Devi, one can still spot some exquisite pieces of sculpture here.

Ramappa Temple at Palampet village is 70 kilometers from Warangal and about 200 kilometers from Hyderabad. The Ramalingeswara temple, popularly called Ramappa Temple, is a classic example of Kakatiyan architecture. The construction of the temple dates back to 1213 AD and originally there were said to be three structures but only one is presently intact.

The Shivalaya stands majestically on a six-ft high star-shaped platform. This temple is famous for its rich, intricate sculpture covered walls, pillars, brackets and ceilings.

As was the tradition of Kakatiyan rulers, a tank was excavated adjacent to the temple, which is called the Ramappa lake and is known for its scenic beauty.

This sprawling sanctuary along the Godavari River is about 80 kilometers from Warangal and 210 kilometers from Hyderabad. Spotted deer, black buck, Neelgai, sloth bears, panthers and tigers inhabit the forest area interspersed with low hills. Spending the day walking along forest paths or staying the night amidst sylvan surroundings is exciting. Cottages maintained by the Forest Department at Eturunagaram and nearby Tadvai offer comfortable accommodation for tourists. The best time to visit is between October and May, before the onset of summer and monsoon.

Kolanupaka in neighbouring Nalgonda district was the second capital of the Kalyani Chalukyas during the 11 th century. It developed into a great centre of Shaivism and Jainism and is today considered to be a major pilgrim centre for the Jains.

Located on the Hyderabad-Warangal road, 80 kilometer from Hyderabad, Kolanupaka has a number of temples and shrines, prominent among them being one of the oldest Jain temples, over 2000 years old with a 5-ft jade idol of Mahavira.

Pembarti is famous for its sheet metal art, which flourished during the reign of the Kakatiyas. Even now Pembarti is known for its handicrafts and a Copper & Silver Metal Craft Centre here is worth a visit. Pembarti is located about 100 kilometers from Hyderabad and about 60 kilometers from Warangal.

APTDC provides accommodation facilities at Warangal for comfortable stay in its "Punnami Hotel" located at Hanamkonda, 2 kilometers from Kazipet Railway Station and 14 kilometers from Warangal Railway Station.

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