Ramappa Temple
A rich legacy of architecture and unbelievable sculpture of Kakatiya Dynasty created in 1213 CE. Marco Polo allegedly called it "the brightest star in the galaxy of temples". Former Prime Minister of India P.V. Narasimha Rao described it as "symphony in stone". Some of its unique features include floating bricks used in the roof construction, sandbox technique in laying the foundation that helped it withstand many earth quakes, a statue that can create musical sounds or the seven musical notes by tapping on it, pillars that reflect the exterior day light into the sanctum sanctorum. The intricately carved idols and other exquisite motifs can leave the visitor mesmerized and spell bound. Hence, UNESCO rightly inscribed it as a world heritage site.
Ramappa Lake
The Ramappa lake built by Kakatiya dynasty during 12th Century is a picnic spot with picturesque sunsets and surrounded by interesting landscape. Kakatiya dynasty was way ahead of its times and its governance was the most efficient. The kings gave a lot of importance to the welfare of its people. The highlight of their rule was providing highly efficient irrigation system and providing for drinking water needs of its citizens. Today, Ramappa Lake provides water to more than 300 villages in its vicinity thanks to the Mission Bhagiratha – an initiative of the present government.
Haritha Lake View Resorts Ramappa
Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC)
A resort has been developed right over this picturesque lake by TSTDC. It’s bound to give you a good holiday experience. If you are visiting Ramappa Temple, this is the only resort for you to plan your stay, in case you want to be in close proximity to the temple. In fact, it is hardly a kilometer away. While Deluxe rooms are right over the lake, the other rooms offer a good view of the lake. You have a choice of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. The favorite activity here is boating. You can watch beautiful sunsets from your balcony.
How To Reach
TRAVEL:
Distance from Hyderabad – the capital city of Telangana – 209 km approximately
Distance from Warangal (second largest city after Hyderabad) – 66 km
Distance between Hyderabad – Warangal (enroute Ramappa Temple) – 148 km
Public Transportation : Hyderabad – Warangal. Warangal is well connected by road and rail.
From Warangal one could hire a cab.
ACCOMMODATION:
Haritha Lake View Resorts Ramappa: It is a Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC) initiative.
Stay at Warangal City: It has several hotels. Prominent one being Haritha Kakatiya Hotel (TSTDC)
Haritha SS Tadvai: Presently known as Hotel Feriado, is a private enterprise. It’s a brand-new hotel which is quite classy but you have to travel 48 km further away from Ramappa on National Highway 163. To get to Ramappa, you have to travel in reverse direction towards Hyderabad.
Tadvai Huts (belongs to Telangana State Forest Ministry): 48 km away from Ramappa on the National Highway 163. The travel plan is exactly the same as Hotel Feriado.
NSR Hotel & Convention Center: On Parkhal – Warangal highway is a good choice too. 47 km further up the highway from here.
Hotel Haritha Laknavaram: This is a beautiful resort situated on two islands in the mesmerizing lake of the same name Laknavaram. TSTDC has built two resorts on the two islands of this lake. The rooms are good. Food is available. It takes care of your accommodation needs and also serves as an extra holiday destination. Distance to Ramappa Temple – 30 km
Tourism Department’s Pakhal Hotel: It is situated 63 kms away from Ramappa. This place too is worth visiting. You have very decent accommodation amongst beautiful nature in the shape of a lake and a wildlife sanctuary.
Laknavaram Lake
Laknavaram lake surrounded by lush green forest and verdant mountains. It’s a tourist's ultimate destination. Three attractive hanging bridges enhance the beauty of the Lake. Do you want to experience a beautiful sunrise? Then please head to this lake. Laknavaram lake has about 13 islands but only two are inhabitable. The lake is spread over 40 square km. It irrigates it 3500 acres of land. It was built by the Kakatiya Dynasty.
Haritha Hotel Laknavaram
Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC)
Telangana Tourism department has developed resorts on two of the islands here. The nature, ferry and speed boat rides on the lake will thrill you. The lake is well known for its three hanging bridges considered to be one of its kind in the Telangana State. There is a large restaurant on the first floor overlooking the lake. If you are really looking to hit a nature’s spot and relax without doing anything and be lost, then please head to this island. You are bound to enjoy.
How To Reach
TRAVEL:
Distance from Hyderabad – 209 km approximately.
Distance from Warangal – 74 km and 83 km depending on the route taken
Distance to Ramappa Temple – 30 km approx.
Nearest Railway Station and Bus Connectivity – Warangal
ACCOMMODATION:
Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation has built two beautiful resorts. The first island has a multistoried and recently built resort. It has large, spacious and comfortable rooms looking over the lake. You can wake up in the morning looking at the beautiful lake and sip your morning cup of coffee or tea. You can also watch sunset from your balcony.
Island #2 has single floor rooms over the waters. This lake too is served by a beautiful hanging bridge that connects to another island. To reach this island, you have to take a speed boat ride from Island #1. Compared to the other island, this seems to be smaller in size.
Bogatha Waterfalls
Of the half a dozen or more waterfalls in Telangana, Bogatha Waterfalls is one of the best. It is also known as "Telangana Niagara". Located 276 km from Hyderabad on the Hyderabad - Chhattisgarh National Highway No.163, Bogatha Waterfall is bound to enchant you with its breathtaking views.
How To Reach
TRAVEL:
From Hyderabad, you can travel to Warangal by public transport, either by train or buses. At Warangal board a bus service that heads to Eturnagaram. Every 30 minutes a bus departs from Warangal. At Eturnagaram you can avail the autorickshaw or the Tuk-Tuk to Bogatha Waterfalls which is just 18 km away.
From Hyderabad, every hour a public transportation bus departs to Eturnagaram. You can avail these bus services.
According to our local sources, from Wazedu, the nearest place to Bogatha, offers a night bus service to Hyderabad but not in the reverse direction.
Distance from Hyderabad of 276 km approximately, depends from which part of Hyderabad you are departing.
ACCOMMODATION:
There are no hotels or resorts by the side or nearby to the waterfalls. It is totally a forest area. The nearest is about 12 km away, by the side of Godavari River and on the way to Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary.
Hotel Feriado (previously known as Haritha SS Tadvai) is a very new one. It is a very good hotel that is 3-star category. They have very good rooms, restaurant and good greenery. 40 km to Bogatha Waterfalls.
Tadvai Huts is a rustic resort or cottages type accommodation. It is a “make-do” kind of an accommodation. But it makes up for its rustic looks by presenting you with a good “forest feel” which we get to enjoy by staying here. It also has very impressive wild buffaloes’ statues and an environment (science) museum. Good for kids and helps their learning skills. You can experience a pollution free atmosphere and breathe pure oxygen. Distance to Bogatha 41.5 km.
A recent addition is the Feriado Resort Bogatha, by the side of Godavari Bridge. This resort is built on the banks of beautiful Godavari River. One can enjoy beautiful river views from one’s room. It is a new resort and is just 12 km from Bogatha. River background is a bonus, if you stay here
Medaram Haritha Grand is belongs to Telangana State Tourism ministry. Decent rooms and nice settings. Distance to Bogatha – 55 km
Haritha Laknavaram Resort is another option. Though rooms are great, the distance is a factor. It is 75 km away from Bogatha.
NOTE:
Please remember that Bogatha Waterfalls doesn’t have any kind of eateries at the spot or in the vicinity. Remember - you have to trek nearly a kilometer from the parking lot. Better carry your food stuff. Swimming is not allowed. There is a play area for kids and a small temple.
The above information provided for Bogatha Waterfalls is also applicable to those interested in visiting Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary (E.W.S). If you are traveling from Hyderabad or Warangal to Bogatha, E.W.S is on the way. Bogatha is just 18 kms away from E.W.S.
1000 Pillars Temple
Thousand Pillar Temple or Rudreswara Temple is a historic temple situated in Hanmakonda (Warangal) in Telangana. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya or the Sun God. An outstanding example of architectural brilliance during the reign of Kakatiya rule, Thousand Pillar Temple is a place not only for devotees but for every history enthusiast and architecture lover.
How To Reach
TRAVEL:
The 800-year-old temple and the fort in Warangal are situated approximately 151 kms from Hyderabad.
Hyderabad and Warangal are excellently connected with each other by public transportation - trains and bus services.
There are plenty of trains that ply between the two cities. Every half an hour or still less, a bus departs from Hyderabad to Warangal.
ACCOMMODATION:
Three cities namely Warangal, Hanmakonda and Kazipet that form triple cities, have several hotels.
Hotel Kakatiya Warangal belonging to the state Tourism ministry is one of the best in 3-star category.
Kakatiya Zoological Park
Warangal District Administration has constructed the zoo to protect and preserve the sanctity of nature. It was opened for public in 1985. The zoo serves as both the educational and entertainment center.
The zoo is located on a 50-acre area, and contains a variety of species of birds, animals and reptiles. A few of those include Bear, Leopard, deer, black bear, Ostrich, peacocks, cat jungle, tortoise, rheas, pigeons, golden jackal and crocodiles. Zoo also has a butterfly park.
How To Reach
TRAVEL:
The temple and the fort in Warangal are situated approximately 151 km from Hyderabad.
Hyderabad and Warangal are excellently connected with each other by public transport like trains and bus services.
There are plenty of trains that ply between the two cities. Every half an hour or still less, a bus departs from Hyderabad to Warangal.
ACCOMMODATION:
Three cities namely Warangal, Hanmakonda and Kazipet that form triple cities, have several hotels.
Hotel Kakatiya Warangal belonging to the state Tourism ministry is one of the best in 3-star category.