Planning on a trip to Telangana? Do not miss these 11 must-visit historical monuments to live through the rich history of the land!
Situated in the lap of many prominent rivers is ‘the land of the Telugu people, Telangana. This most recently formed state in India has played a very important role in framing the history of India, varying from the land of the Kakatiya rulers to the residence of the Nawabs, the Deccan Sultanate, or home to many ancient Hindu Temples, etc.
let’s discover the best Monuments of Telangana through this blog
Join us in this virtual tour, where we discover the rich heritage and legacy of Telangana through its long-built historical monuments.
1. Charminar
The 16th century in Hyderabad was witnessing a devastating plague. This magnificent monument emerged as a result of all the prayers made for the plague to end. Built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the 5th Sultan and founder of Hyderabad, devastated by the effects of the plague, he vowed to build a magnificent building if his prayers were answered.
As the name suggests, the building is four towering minarets, Charminar is also situated adjacent to the Makkah Masjid, becoming an important witness to all kinds of celebrations in the city.
Constructed in 1591, this monument of historical importance is a symbol of Hyderabad and is officially incorporated in the emblem of Telangana.
This fine architecture is a blend of Indian, Islamic, and Persian styles with the combination of white marble with black granite creating a striking contrast, making it more appealing to the eyes. Surrounded by the local markets on its sides, Charminar looks the most captivating in the sunset light and during the nighttime when it is illuminated.
2. Golkonda Fort
Situated on the outskirts of the Hyderabad city are the ruins of the Golkonda Fort. This fortified city was originally built by a Kakatiya ruler in the 11th century. Originally built of mud, this fort later came into the hands of Sultan Quli who was also the founder of Golconda Sultanate. The Kollur mines present here gave a new identity to the city making the
The etymology of the fort derives from Gullakonda, a Telugu word that means ‘Cowherd’s Hill. The hilltop outpost, which later came up as the Golkonda Fort, was built between 1199 and 1262.
![[SALE] Hyderabad Golconda Fort Tour With Light and Sound Show - Ticket KD](https://res.klook.com/images/fl_lossy.progressive,q_65/c_fill,w_1295,h_809,f_auto/w_80,x_15,y_15,g_south_west,l_klook_water/activities/c4sutawtoecpzfib7mfe/HyderabadGolcondaFortTourWithLightandSoundShow.jpg "11 Awe-Inspiring Monuments of Telangana That Will Leave You Speechless")
In 1518, Sultan Quli declared Golconda as the capital of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, and it remained the capital until 1590 until the capital was shifted to Hyderabad. Golconda market has ever since been the primary source of the finest and largest diamonds in the world.
Fact: The Golconda fort was used to preserve the famous Koh-i-Noor and Hope diamonds along with other diamonds.
3. The Thousand Pillar Temple
The Thousand Pillar Temple or The Rudraswamy Temple, situated in Hanamakonda, Telangana, is of historical importance. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Surya Deva, this temple of heritage is on the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage. Built on the orders of Rudra Deva, a major King from the Kakatiya Dynasty in 1175–1345 CE, the temple is named after him (Rudraswamy Temple).
The temple was destroyed during Mohammad bin Tughlaq’s invasion of the Deccan, however, it was reconstructed under the reign of the 7th Nizam of Hyderabad.
The temple is a fine example of the architectural style of the Kakatiya era, a specimen of architecture and sculpture with one thousand pillars! richly carved pillars, perforated screens, exquisite icons, rock-cut elephants, and the monolithic dolerite Nandi as components of the temple.
4. Ramappa Temple
Dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva in the village of Palampet village, the temple is adorned with intricate carvings on its walls, pillars, and ceilings, showcasing the skill of the Kakatiya dynasty’s craftsmen. The temple’s Mandapa is one of the most attractive features of the temple, including the pillars which are all decorated in skillful carvings of deities and celestial bodies.
The serene surrounding adds up to the beauty of the temple, adding to its peaceful environment. A statue of Nandi with delicate carvings is placed in the complex of the Temple.
5. Warangal Fort
A fine blend of Chalukyan and Kaktiyan styles, this fort was built in the 13th century by the. Once the capital city of the Kakatiyas and the Musunuri Nayaks the fort is now in ruins. However, its beauty has not decreased a bit. To begin with, the fort has four massive gates, each with intricated carvings and sculptures. The fort walls and structures showcase delicate stonework and other carvings. While the Shiva temple had been destroyed by the Bahamani Sultanate, its remains were used to build a mosque, which is to date incomplete.
Despite being a 13th-century architecture, the temple remains are preserved in a good manner giving an insightful glimpse of the past. The well-maintained gardens and the serene atmosphere only add up to its beauty.
6. Chowmahalla Palace and the Nizams of Telangana
Also known as Chowmahallat, it is a mansion located in Hyderabad, Telangana. The construction of this mansion was done under Mohammad Quli, the founder of Hyderabad city along with the Purani Haveli, Charminar, etc.
The Chowmahalla Palace and the Purani Haveli, both served as a residence to the Nizams however both of them are now a site of heritage. A museum lies in a complex showcasing the origin and evolution of Hyderabad, achievements, and contributions of the Nizams towards the development and their social lifestyle.
7. Bhuvanagiri Fort
The cemented stairs snake up to the magnificent glory of the Bhuvangiri fort. The specialty of this fort is that it is built upon a single monolithic rock, making it a fine example of an ancient single-cut rock fort! The fort is a mix of the Chalukyan and Kaktiyan styles marking its importance as a grand architecture of historical importance. The carvings and details of the fort, though now in ruins are still exquisite allowing it to stand out.
The best time to visit this site of heritage is during sunset. You will definitely fall in love with the view it offers!
8. Alampur
Alampuram, a popular Hindu pilgrimage site is a town situated in Jogulamba Gadwal district of Telangana. A place dedicated to both Shiva and Shakti, the town is home to Shakti Peetha and Navabrahma Temples (a group of 9 temples dedicated to Lord Shiva). The town also witnesses the meeting of two prominent rivers Tungabhadra and Krishna, earning the name, Dakshina Kashi. A place of Historical importance, it is mentioned in Skanda Purana.
The Navabrahma temples were built in the 8th Century under the reign of the Badami Chalukyas showcasing the fineness of the architecture of the era. The most prominent temples of Alampur include Jogulamba Temple (a Shakti Peetha), Navabrahma Temples, Sangameswara Temple, and Papanasi Temples (a group of 23 temples in the village Papanasi, Alampuram).
9. Medak Fort
The most amusing fact about this fort is its name. The Medak Fort was earlier known as ‘MethukuDurgam’ which literally means ‘cooked rice’! Standing on a hilltop, this fort provides you with a mesmerizing view of the city from an elevation.
It has three gates namely the Pratham Dwaram (first gate), the Simha Dwaram (gate with two sculptured lions welcoming), and Gaja Dwaram (gate with two sculptured elephants welcoming).
The fort was a command post for the Kakatiya rulers, then the Musunuri kings, and later of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty (the mosque present inside being a symbol of the era). A grand cannon of 3.2 meters welcomes you at the gate of the fort. A must-visit for your trip to Telangana!
10. Elgandal Fort
10 km from the town of Karimnagar, situated on the banks of the Manair River is the Elgandal Fort. It has been under the control of the Qutub Shahi dynasty, the Mughal Empire, and the Nizams of Hyderabad as well. It was the headquarters of Karimnagar during the Nizam era. It is also believed that there is a secret tunnel (9 kilometers) that connects Elgandal Fort and Manakondur from Karimnagar on the Karimnagar-Vemulawada highway.
The fort served as a stronghold for its rulers, providing them with strength, power, and confidence. The rulers of this fort used to fill the moat (5 meters wide and 4 meters deep) with crocodiles to prevent foreign invasions.
The massive walls and steep stairs of the fort will take you back in time. Situated on an elevation, this fort will provide you with the perfect view of the surroundings. Just outstanding!
Also read: – https://itihaaskikhoj.in/11-historical-temples-of-south-india/
11. Pandavula Guhalu
An ancient cave situated near Thirumalagiri, the Pandavula Guhalu is one of the best places to visit if you are visiting the Ramappa temple. Its a pre-historical habitation site situated on the hilltop of Pandavulakonda, catering to the pre-historic existence and paleolithic paintings. The walls and the ceilings of the caves have a fair depiction of the pre-historic man’s art. A geo-heritage site in Telangana, Pandavula Guhalu is known for its habitation from the Mesolithic period (about 10,000 B.C. to 8,000 B.C.) to medieval times.
The cave paintings depict animals like Bison, tigers, leopards, etc, and other shapes and symbols in various natural colors including green, red, yellow, and white.
This place has so much more to offer than its pre-historical paintings. If you are fond of rock climbing, this place offers you the best!
CONCLUSION
From the majestic forts of Warangal and Bhuvanagiri to the intricate temples of Ramappa and Thousand Pillar, each monument is a testament to the region’s glorious past. Telangana’s history is a kaleidoscope of beauty, with each monument and landmark offering a glimpse into the region’s fascinating past. The beauty of Telangana’s history is truly a sight to behold and a treasure to cherish! Make sure to include these monuments in your next trip to Telangana for a rather wholesome experience and ithihaaskikhoj will be back to you with some more interesting places and histories!
Beautiful💐
Thanks for giving it a read!