KARIMNAGAR
Visiting Places
In early
records of arts in Karimnagar district, we find prehistoric paintings at
Regonda. We come to know that this area was ruled by Nandas (Mouryas). But we
don’t have any architectural
evidences. Karimnagar District has four phases of Architecture based on
dynastic rule. Architecture seems to have four phases of evolution in
Karimnagar district. They are Satavahana, Rashtrakuta, Chalukya and Kakatiya.
The earliest of them is Satavahana which is represented by the unique Stupa at
Dhulikatta which is a structural architecture constructed with bricks and the 6
casing slabs with architectural designs of pilasters, on the hill at
Pashigaom1, five hooded Naga Muchulinda, the Buddhapadas, the Pipal tree and
Mahabhinishkramana. There are also bas reliefs of Yakshis holding floral
objects recalling those at Sanchi.
An
interesting aspect of Hindu religious architecture in Karimnagar district is
the existence of rockcut cave temples of Adivi Somananapalle in Manthani Mandal
belonging to 7th or 8th century A.D. A row of 4 caves is scooped out of the
sand stone rock on the right bank of river Maneru. These caves consist of open
pillared mantapas with shrine chambers in the interior.
After this, there is a gap in the architectural history of Karimnagar district till the middle of 8th century A.D (Rastrakuta period). The Badami Chalukya architecture is represented by the temple of Bhimeswara at Vemulawada, one of the feudatories of the Rashtrakutas. The Chalukyas of Vemulawada seem to have imbibed some of their architectural traditions as can be seen in the temple of Bhimeswara3.
Kalyani/Vemulawada Chalukyas architecture is represented by the Rekha-Nagara type of temple at Dharmapuri, Valgonda and Raikal etc. On plan the former is a single shrine temple with antarala and mukhamandapa while the latter i.e. Raikal is a Trikuta temple. Kakatiya is the last and final of Hindu architecture in Karimnagar district. During this period the region of Karimnagar formed part of Sabbi 1000 and was under the political control of the Kakatiya. The Kakatiyas, as in other districts were responsible for raising a large number of temples mostly dedicated to Lord Shiva. On plan the Kakatiya temples of Karimnagar district show preference for Trikuta shrines as at Nagunur, Kottapalli, Vilasagar and Manthani. Single shrine temples are less in number which can also be seen at places like Nagunur, Bejjanki etc4.
A Trikutalaya was constructed by Polavasa kings in Chalukyan artistic style at their capital, Polasa. Many temples which are in dilapidated form like Pulasthewaralaya, Venugopalalaya are now found to be safe. The temple constructed by polavasa kings can be found near a tank of Nandi Medaram in Dharmaram Mandal.
Once there was a growing period of flourishing Jain temple Architecture in Karimnagar. With the passage of time the scope of their constructions and sculptures became less. The temples of Jains and their architectural debris can be found in Vemulawada (Shubadhami Jinayam), Nagunur, Kapparaopet, Shinigaram and Kurikyala6.
The architecture of Muslim kings next to them is not seen, but some Hindu temples are replaced by masques, which are mainly found in Dharmapuri. Although many dhargas are found in Karimnagar district, the Darga in Bhijigiri Sharif is an impartant one and Gumbadh in Darga is aesthetic in nature. There are mosques and Idghas in many places that are found to be constructed in the recent past.
Inspite of the impact of Christian religion through so many years, we do not find old churches. Most of them are constructed in recent past. So they would not have architectural importance. The CSI Church is the oldest among the churches.
Contents
1. Vemulawada
At a
distance of 36 km from Karimnagar, 127 km from Nizamabad and 151 km from
Hyderabad, Vemulawada is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Telangana
and also one of the popular one day trip
from Hyderabad.
Vemulawada is famous for the temple of Rajarajeshwara Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. It was built by one of the governors of Kalyani Chalukyas by name Rajadithya between 11th and 12th centuries. The presiding deity is locally popular as Rajanna who is accompanied by the idols of Sri Raja Rajeswari Devi and Siddi Vinayaka. It houses several temples dedicated to other deities including Anantha Padmanabha Swamy, Bhimeshwara Swamy, Kodanda Rama and Kasi Visweswara. Apart from these there is a tomb of Muslim saint.
Located on the banks of Mulavagu stream, Vemulawada was once the capital city of Vemulawada Chalukyas dynasty between 750-973 CE. The remains of the temples and sculptures show the great architecture of Chalukyas. There are several inscriptions available that refer the reign of Chalukyas. It was earlier known as Lemulavatika, Lembulavade, and finally transformed into Vemulawada.
According to the legend, Lord Siva after having stayed at Kashi, Chidambaram, Srisailam and Kedareswar chose to reside at Vemulawada. Vemulawada was ruled by the dynasties of Ikshwakus, Satavahanas and the Chalukyas who made it their state capital. The place is also associated with the 11th Century Telugu poet, Vemulawada Bheemakavi.
Agraharam Hanuman Temple, Baddi Pochamma Temple and Nampally Gutta are the nearby attractions of Vemulawada. Every year at the time of Maha Shiva Rathri, more than 5 lakh people visit Vemulavada. During Sravana Masam and Karthika Masam, the temple attracts large crowd. Accommodation is also available in Vemulawada if you are planning to stay a day.
Temple Timings: 4 am to 9 pm.
Vemulawada is famous for the temple of Rajarajeshwara Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. It was built by one of the governors of Kalyani Chalukyas by name Rajadithya between 11th and 12th centuries. The presiding deity is locally popular as Rajanna who is accompanied by the idols of Sri Raja Rajeswari Devi and Siddi Vinayaka. It houses several temples dedicated to other deities including Anantha Padmanabha Swamy, Bhimeshwara Swamy, Kodanda Rama and Kasi Visweswara. Apart from these there is a tomb of Muslim saint.
Located on the banks of Mulavagu stream, Vemulawada was once the capital city of Vemulawada Chalukyas dynasty between 750-973 CE. The remains of the temples and sculptures show the great architecture of Chalukyas. There are several inscriptions available that refer the reign of Chalukyas. It was earlier known as Lemulavatika, Lembulavade, and finally transformed into Vemulawada.
According to the legend, Lord Siva after having stayed at Kashi, Chidambaram, Srisailam and Kedareswar chose to reside at Vemulawada. Vemulawada was ruled by the dynasties of Ikshwakus, Satavahanas and the Chalukyas who made it their state capital. The place is also associated with the 11th Century Telugu poet, Vemulawada Bheemakavi.
Agraharam Hanuman Temple, Baddi Pochamma Temple and Nampally Gutta are the nearby attractions of Vemulawada. Every year at the time of Maha Shiva Rathri, more than 5 lakh people visit Vemulavada. During Sravana Masam and Karthika Masam, the temple attracts large crowd. Accommodation is also available in Vemulawada if you are planning to stay a day.
Temple Timings: 4 am to 9 pm.
Other temples in the area include:
- Anantha
Padmanabha Swami
- Bhimeshwara
Swami
- Kodanda
RamaSwami
- Nageshwara
swamy
- Baddhi
pocchamma
- Kedareshwara
swamy
Nageshwara swamy
a) Bheemeswara Temple
In southern India under the influence of Shaiva religion, stone
temples had been the oldest and built from seventh century A.D onwards. The
beautiful Bheemeshwara temple in Vemulawada belongs to 9th century A.D. This
temple was known as Badhegeswara temple42, because it was built by Chalukya
king Bhaddega (A.D 850-895). The parapet wall of the temple built with stone
this temple shows of the greatness the sculpture of those times in Vemulawada.
b) Rajarajeswara temple
The most popular of all temples in Vemulawada is Sri Raja Rajeswara
temple. The sthala purana reveals the importance of this temple. It was built
by one of the governors of western Kalyani Chalukyas by name Rajadithya. An
inscription dated 1083 A.D46. reveals the above information.
On the left side of Sri Rajarajeswara temple is Kasi Vishveshwara temple. The color of the lingam in this temple is tender pink. This lingam is the also called Kasi Vishveshwara Lingam. This is the reason why Vemulawada is called as Dakshina Kashi. The Anantha Padmanabha Swamy temple is located on the back side of the Sri Rajarajeswara temple. As Shivakeshava Utsavas are conducted in Vemulawada for this reason this place came to be known as Harihara Kshethram48.
Beside Raja Rajeswara temple, Kodanda Rama temple, Balatripura Sundari temple, Bala Rajeshwari temple, Vitaleshwara temple are also there. Raja Rajeswara temple is on a bund. Beside this temple there is a small pool. This is known as Dharma Kundana. There is belief that if one bathes in this pool it helps one in getting rid of skin diseases, from bad situations and sins. Two mantapas were built in this pool having Shivalingas in them. In this temple premises there is also a tomb of Muslim saint. It is a sacred place for both Hindus and Muslims.
2. Anjaneya Swamy Temple Of Kondagattu
This temple of Kondagattu Anjaneya is famous in Malyala mandal. A
story in this region is as follows, 300 years back a shepherd named Singala
Swamy ji had found the statue of Lord Sri Anjaneya and he built a temple for
the Lord with the help of other shepherds. 165 years back it was owned by
Krishnarao Deshmukh of Kodimyala and renovated in its present form. Three
Sanctorums on the back side of the 16 pillared porches have statues of Lord Sri
Venkateshwara, Lord Sri Anjaneya, Goddess Lakshmidevi. Signs of hill valley fort,
caves and horse skeletons are seen near the temple. The newly built parapet
wall around the Sri Anjaneya temple has porch constructions inside it.
Timings: 4
AM to 8.30 PM.
3. Sri
Laxmi Narsimha Swamy Temple at Dharmapuri
Dharmapuri,
historically a pilgrim center once adorned with great poets, philosophers,
Music, Art and Dance. It is one of the nine Narsimha Kshetras of the Telangana.
Dharmapuri was called so after King Dharamavarma, (Who was a staunch devotee of
Lord Narasimha), it was known earlier as Dhamaraya, Dharmapuram, Dharmmanpuram,
Dhammanvuru, Dharmavura and Dharmapuram. It is famous for temples and artists,
located on the banks of holy river Godavari. It is called Dhakshin Kashi. It is
nearly 80 km from the district headquarters.
There are two temples (Pata and Kotta) of Lord Sri Laxmi Narasimha Swamy. In the 14th and 15th centuries after the fall of Bahamanis and Qutb Shahis, the next phase of anti-Hinduism started under Aurangazeb. His subordinates also followed in his footsteps. Rustumdilkhan, the Subedar of Hyderabad, converted the temple of Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy into a mosque96. In 1448 AD, near to the mosque a new temple was erected with sixty pillars and this temple came to be called as old Narasimha Swamy temple97. In 1725 A.D., an icon of lord Narasimha was found in the vicinity of Dharmapuri village.
At a distance
of 31 km from Jagityal, 65 km from Ramagundam, 70 km from Karimnagar and 245 km
from Hyderabad, Dharmapuri is a small historical town in Karimnagar district of
Telangana. It is famous for Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, one of the popular
places of pilgrimage in Telangana.
The town was ruled by King Dharma Varma and thus the name of the town was named after him as Dharmapuri. It is famous for its temples and artists, located on the banks of holy river Godavari. The most interesting fact of Dharmapuri is that the Godavari river flows from north to south direction unlike west to east in all other places where it flows and hence the river is termed here as Dakshina Vahini. Dharmapuri has one of the largest settlements of Vedic Brahmins in Telangana. Due to presence of many temples in the area, it is also known as 'Teertharajamu'.
Dharmapuri attained religious importance owing to the existence of the shrine dedicated to Narasimha Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is regarded as one of the nine Narasimha Kshetrams of Telangana & Andhra Pradesh. It is believed that the temple was built between 850 - 928 AD. This ancient Telangana temple has two versions owing to the ravages it has witnessed. The older one is known as the Pata Narasimha Swamy Temple and the newer one is called the Kottha Narasimha Swamy temple. The Subedar of Hyderabad, Rustumdil Khan, with the support of Aurangzeb the then Sultan of Delhi converted the temple to a Mosque. But it was constructed yet again in 1448 and made a temple.
The presiding deity Lord Narasimha is seen seated in Padmasana depicting the yogic posture with the palms bending on his knees. He is accompanied with Goddess Lakshmi. Such a yogic posture is considered a rare form of the Lord. The sculptures of Gods and Goddesses are scattered inside the temple premises. The eight idols of Hanuman and the six feet tall idol of Lord Brahma along with other idols of Lord Yama, Lord Krishna and Lord Balarama are also worth seeing.
Kottha Narasimha Swamy Temple, also known as Sri Ugra Narasimha Swamy Temple is situated to the right side of the Pata Narasimha Swamy Temple. This new temple was built by Panatula Narayana Deekshitulu in 1803 AD. This place is also famous for the 6 feet tall idol of Lord Brahma with four faces. Idols of Lord Krishna and Balarama are also special attractions of the temple. There also smaller shrines for Lord Venkateshwara, Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple, and Sri Prasannanjaneya Swamy Temple with in the temple complex.
Every year in the months of March and April, devotees of the Lord come together to celebrate the famous Dharmapuri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Aalaya Jatara, also known as Brahmotsavam Jathara. During the celebrations, the procession idol or the Utsav Vigraha of the presiding deity is adorned and taken out in a procession.
Timings: 5 AM - 2.30 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
The town was ruled by King Dharma Varma and thus the name of the town was named after him as Dharmapuri. It is famous for its temples and artists, located on the banks of holy river Godavari. The most interesting fact of Dharmapuri is that the Godavari river flows from north to south direction unlike west to east in all other places where it flows and hence the river is termed here as Dakshina Vahini. Dharmapuri has one of the largest settlements of Vedic Brahmins in Telangana. Due to presence of many temples in the area, it is also known as 'Teertharajamu'.
Dharmapuri attained religious importance owing to the existence of the shrine dedicated to Narasimha Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is regarded as one of the nine Narasimha Kshetrams of Telangana & Andhra Pradesh. It is believed that the temple was built between 850 - 928 AD. This ancient Telangana temple has two versions owing to the ravages it has witnessed. The older one is known as the Pata Narasimha Swamy Temple and the newer one is called the Kottha Narasimha Swamy temple. The Subedar of Hyderabad, Rustumdil Khan, with the support of Aurangzeb the then Sultan of Delhi converted the temple to a Mosque. But it was constructed yet again in 1448 and made a temple.
The presiding deity Lord Narasimha is seen seated in Padmasana depicting the yogic posture with the palms bending on his knees. He is accompanied with Goddess Lakshmi. Such a yogic posture is considered a rare form of the Lord. The sculptures of Gods and Goddesses are scattered inside the temple premises. The eight idols of Hanuman and the six feet tall idol of Lord Brahma along with other idols of Lord Yama, Lord Krishna and Lord Balarama are also worth seeing.
Kottha Narasimha Swamy Temple, also known as Sri Ugra Narasimha Swamy Temple is situated to the right side of the Pata Narasimha Swamy Temple. This new temple was built by Panatula Narayana Deekshitulu in 1803 AD. This place is also famous for the 6 feet tall idol of Lord Brahma with four faces. Idols of Lord Krishna and Balarama are also special attractions of the temple. There also smaller shrines for Lord Venkateshwara, Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple, and Sri Prasannanjaneya Swamy Temple with in the temple complex.
Every year in the months of March and April, devotees of the Lord come together to celebrate the famous Dharmapuri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Aalaya Jatara, also known as Brahmotsavam Jathara. During the celebrations, the procession idol or the Utsav Vigraha of the presiding deity is adorned and taken out in a procession.
Timings: 5 AM - 2.30 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
4. Sri
Kaleshwara & Mukteswara temple of Kaleshwaram
This village
lies in thick forest surroundings, at a distance of 16 kms from Mahadevapuram
and 32kms from Manthani at a picturesque spot where the river Godavari receives
into it another stream called the Pranahitha. Kaleshwaram has many ruined
temples, same of them prominent. Among these temples, the one dedicated to “Mukteswara
Swamy” is the most important. Special significance is attached to this shrine
owing to the existence of two Sivalingams (shiva-Kala) on one Panavattam. The
Sivalingam here is considered to be one of the three Jyothirlingas of Lord Siva
which constituted the three corners of the Andhra Desha, the other two being at
Srisailam in Kurnool and in Draksharama in East Godavari districts.
Andhra Pradesh government in 1976-82 has constructed a new temple replacing the old one in the same place without disturbing the Kaleshwara-Mukteshwara Lingams in the Garbhagriha.
It is a famous Tirtha Khetra abounding in many holy temples dedicated to both Vaishnavate and Saivates gods, like Venkateswara Aalayam, Bindu Madhavaswamy Aalayam, Chandrasekhara Aalayam, Someswara Aalayam, Saraswati Aalayam, Adi Muktiswara Aalayam; Annapurna Aalayam and Balarajeswara Aalayam.
At a
distance 17 km from Mahadevpur, 134 km from Karimnagar and 263 km from
Hyderabad, Kaleshwaram in Karimnagar district
is famous for Sri Kaleshwara Muktheshwara Swamy Temple.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is unique because of two Shiva Lingas engraved on a single pedestal. According to legend, this temple was established by the Lord Yama and named Muktheshwara and at the same place lord Shiva appeared in the form of lingam on the same stone and named it as Kaleshwara. The devotees first pray to Yama at this shrine before proceeding to Lord Siva. Kaleshwaram is one of the most famous Shiva adobes in Telangana.
This place is also called Dakshina Triveni Sangamam, as rivers Godavari and Pranahita meet here along with a third, the illusionary flow of Antarvaahini. It is believed that there is another river named Saraswati flowing under the Godavari hence it is called Triveni Sangamam. The Kaleshwaram is centre for Godavari pushkarams organised once in 12 years.
Kaleswaram gets a huge number of piligrms during the Karthika masam and Shiva Ratri. Devotees from neighboring states of Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka State also visit the temple during the Mahasivaratri festival. The devotees take a holy dip in River Godavari before offering prayers to the presiding deity.
Timings: 4 AM - 1 PM and 3:30 PM - 9 PM.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is unique because of two Shiva Lingas engraved on a single pedestal. According to legend, this temple was established by the Lord Yama and named Muktheshwara and at the same place lord Shiva appeared in the form of lingam on the same stone and named it as Kaleshwara. The devotees first pray to Yama at this shrine before proceeding to Lord Siva. Kaleshwaram is one of the most famous Shiva adobes in Telangana.
This place is also called Dakshina Triveni Sangamam, as rivers Godavari and Pranahita meet here along with a third, the illusionary flow of Antarvaahini. It is believed that there is another river named Saraswati flowing under the Godavari hence it is called Triveni Sangamam. The Kaleshwaram is centre for Godavari pushkarams organised once in 12 years.
Kaleswaram gets a huge number of piligrms during the Karthika masam and Shiva Ratri. Devotees from neighboring states of Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka State also visit the temple during the Mahasivaratri festival. The devotees take a holy dip in River Godavari before offering prayers to the presiding deity.
Timings: 4 AM - 1 PM and 3:30 PM - 9 PM.
5. Manthani
Temple
As stated in the puranas, inscriptions, the name of this village was
derived from words like Mantrakuta or Manthenya. The various dilapidated
temples and statues in this region tell us about the glorious history of the
town which is 72 K.M away from Karimangar in the North-East side.
6. Laxmi
Narsimha Swamy Trikutalaya of Raikal
The village of Raikal is 20 km away from Jagtial. Trikutalaya of
Chalukyan artistic model dates back to 11th century and was built in the temple
fort on the eastern side of the Raikal Lake. This temple is presently known as
Pancha Mukha Lingeshwara Keshavanadha temple. This place is still called temple
fort as the temple has been housed in the fort.The Trikutalaya of Raikal
belongs to 11th century with Chalukyan art style. But the Inscription of it was
laid in 1305 A.D.
7. Main
Trikutalaya of Naganoor
The village
of Nagunuru is 8 km away from Karimnagar in the north. The multi label images,
big and small rock inscriptions in this dilapidated temple tell us about the
past glory of this temple. The old city of Nagaroor is now called Naganur. This
village has been the capital for 5 centuries, between 8th and 13th centuries
B.C. during the reign of Vemulawada Chalukyas, Kalyani Chalukyas and Kakatiyas
and was a centre for religious, political and spiritual activities. The
existence of the remains of the ancient parapet walls around the village can
still be seen.
NAGUNUR FORT AND TEMPLES:
Distance (From Karimnagar Bus Station): 10 Kms
At a
distance of 1.7 km from Nagunur Bus Stop, 10 km from Karimnagar Bus Station and
177 km from Hyderabad, Nagunur Fort is situated in Nagunur Village in Karimnagar district
of Telangana. This is an important historical site in Karimnagar district.
The Nagunur fort was constructed in the period of Kakatiya dynasty. This fort was one of the important forts in Kakatiyas kingdom. The Fort contains ruins of many temples. The origin and style of these temples can be traced back to the era of the Kalyani Chalukyas and Kakatiyas. However, it is strongly believed to have been built during 12th and 13th centuries under the patronage of the Kakatiyas. At one point of time this place was believed to house around 400 temples.
The most important temple in the complex is the Shiva temple. The temple is made of red stone and consists of three shrines of Lord Shiva. The shrines are placed on a raised pedestal. The main entrance to the temple is on the northern side. The pillars and galleries around the Shiva temple here are worth seeing. The beams of the temple have sculptured images of musicians playing on Mridangam and other instruments. Panels are carved with visuals of dancers in graceful poses.
Nagunur is situated close to the road towards Choppadandi.
Fort Timings: 8 am - 6.30 pm.
The Nagunur fort was constructed in the period of Kakatiya dynasty. This fort was one of the important forts in Kakatiyas kingdom. The Fort contains ruins of many temples. The origin and style of these temples can be traced back to the era of the Kalyani Chalukyas and Kakatiyas. However, it is strongly believed to have been built during 12th and 13th centuries under the patronage of the Kakatiyas. At one point of time this place was believed to house around 400 temples.
The most important temple in the complex is the Shiva temple. The temple is made of red stone and consists of three shrines of Lord Shiva. The shrines are placed on a raised pedestal. The main entrance to the temple is on the northern side. The pillars and galleries around the Shiva temple here are worth seeing. The beams of the temple have sculptured images of musicians playing on Mridangam and other instruments. Panels are carved with visuals of dancers in graceful poses.
Nagunur is situated close to the road towards Choppadandi.
Fort Timings: 8 am - 6.30 pm.
8. Shiva
temple of Kotilingala
The village Kotilingala is in Velgaturu Mandal of Karimnagar district.
It is 3 K.m off from the highway between Karimnagar and Lakshettipet. We can
reach this village which is on the northern side of the Godavari from
Velgaturu. The fort of Shathavahana era was unearthed in the excavations. This
fort has Shivalaya of Koteshwara, Siddeshwara Lingas. It was named after the
Lingas which were in the fort in past as Kotilingala. Gradually it has been
named as Kotilingala due to the erection of Koteshwara Shivalinga in Shivalyam.
It is a historical place in Karimnagar district. This is said to be the first
capital of Satavahanas.
At a
distance of 19 km from Dharmapuri, 55 km from Karimnagar and 218 km from
Hyderabad, Kotilingala is a major and famous pilgrimage site in Telangana.
Kotilingala is situated at the confluence of Peddavagu and Godavari River. It was one of the capitals of Satavahana dynasty. It was also the capital of Assaka Janapada, one of the 16 great janapadas of early India.
Kotilingala is well known for Sri Koteswara Siddeshwara Swamy Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple was built by Sathavahana Kings between 2nd and 3rd centuries. It is one of the oldest and historical temples in Telangana.
According to the legend, sages used to meditate in the caves adjoining the hillocks called Munula Gutta and visit the banks of the Godavari for bathing. The sages decided to construct a temple and asked Lord Hanuman to get a Siva Lingam. When Lord Hanuman failed to come on time, the sages installed a Siva linga made of sand. By the time Lord Hanuman arrived the Siva linga was completed leaving him angry. It is a custom here to first offer prayers to the Shivalinga brought by Hanuman and later to the linga made with sand.
The temple is located inside the Kotilingala fort. It is a mud fort with several gates and a watch tower. The State government has decided to construct a protection wall along the shores of river Godavari to protect the site from submergence under the backwaters of the Sripada Yellampalli project.
Kotilingala is about 4 km from Velagatur between Karimangar - Dharmapuri ( a right diversion required before Velagatur town). Road condition is good till Velagatur and it's a narrow road from there. Kotilingala is connected by bus from Karimnagar, though frequency is less. More transportation options are available till Velagatur from where autos can be hired.
Many pilgrims visit this place during the festival of Mahashivaratri. This is also famous for Godavari Pushkaralu and a ghat is built for this purpose.
Kotilingala is situated at the confluence of Peddavagu and Godavari River. It was one of the capitals of Satavahana dynasty. It was also the capital of Assaka Janapada, one of the 16 great janapadas of early India.
Kotilingala is well known for Sri Koteswara Siddeshwara Swamy Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple was built by Sathavahana Kings between 2nd and 3rd centuries. It is one of the oldest and historical temples in Telangana.
According to the legend, sages used to meditate in the caves adjoining the hillocks called Munula Gutta and visit the banks of the Godavari for bathing. The sages decided to construct a temple and asked Lord Hanuman to get a Siva Lingam. When Lord Hanuman failed to come on time, the sages installed a Siva linga made of sand. By the time Lord Hanuman arrived the Siva linga was completed leaving him angry. It is a custom here to first offer prayers to the Shivalinga brought by Hanuman and later to the linga made with sand.
The temple is located inside the Kotilingala fort. It is a mud fort with several gates and a watch tower. The State government has decided to construct a protection wall along the shores of river Godavari to protect the site from submergence under the backwaters of the Sripada Yellampalli project.
Kotilingala is about 4 km from Velagatur between Karimangar - Dharmapuri ( a right diversion required before Velagatur town). Road condition is good till Velagatur and it's a narrow road from there. Kotilingala is connected by bus from Karimnagar, though frequency is less. More transportation options are available till Velagatur from where autos can be hired.
Many pilgrims visit this place during the festival of Mahashivaratri. This is also famous for Godavari Pushkaralu and a ghat is built for this purpose.
9. Lower
Manair Dam
At a
distance of 4.5 km from Karimnagar Bus Stand, 65 km from Siddipet Bus Station
and 163 km from Hyderabad, Lower Manair Dam is situated at Alugunur village
near Karimnagar town.
The Lower Manair Dam (LMD) is built across the Manair River, a tributary of Godavari River. The construction of the dam was started in 1974 and was finished in 1985. The gross storage capacity of the reservoir is 24 TMC. The project serves as a balancing reservoir for Kakatiya Canal and regulates flow below Lower Manair Dam for an ayacut of 5,65,452 acres. It is also serves as drinking water source to Karimnagar and Warangal towns.
The Lower Manair Dam is an important tourist attraction in Karimnagar. The dam has 20 floodgates. The gushing waters from the flood gates during monsoon season is the breathtaking sight for tourists. People from the neighboring areas flock to watch this amazing scene. The serene waters of the Lower Manair Dam and its surrounding areas provide a beautiful view.
Boating facility is available in the reservoir. The Dam provides an amazing view of the Karimnagar town from the top and is a great favorite among the locals for a weekend picnic. The nearby Deer Park and the Ujwala Park are the other attractions of the dam.
Boating Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM.
The Lower Manair Dam (LMD) is built across the Manair River, a tributary of Godavari River. The construction of the dam was started in 1974 and was finished in 1985. The gross storage capacity of the reservoir is 24 TMC. The project serves as a balancing reservoir for Kakatiya Canal and regulates flow below Lower Manair Dam for an ayacut of 5,65,452 acres. It is also serves as drinking water source to Karimnagar and Warangal towns.
The Lower Manair Dam is an important tourist attraction in Karimnagar. The dam has 20 floodgates. The gushing waters from the flood gates during monsoon season is the breathtaking sight for tourists. People from the neighboring areas flock to watch this amazing scene. The serene waters of the Lower Manair Dam and its surrounding areas provide a beautiful view.
Boating facility is available in the reservoir. The Dam provides an amazing view of the Karimnagar town from the top and is a great favorite among the locals for a weekend picnic. The nearby Deer Park and the Ujwala Park are the other attractions of the dam.
Boating Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM.
10. Rajiv Gandhi Deer Park, Karimnagar
Deer Park
situated in Karimnagar District. Rajeev Gandhi Deer park is located in
Karimangar ( approx 30-acre land ) near to Lower Manair Dam (LMD) on the
outskirts of Karimnagar.
Deer Park is one of most famous tourist place in Karimnagar. Deer Park is
located in ourskirts of Karimnagar and called as Rajeev Gandhi Deer Park. It is
near by Ujwala Park and Lower Manair Dam ( LMD ).
Address:
Rajeev Gandhi Deer Park
Near LMD and Ujwala Park,
Vemulawada Bypass Rd, Rampur,
Karimnagar - 505001
Near LMD and Ujwala Park,
Vemulawada Bypass Rd, Rampur,
Karimnagar - 505001
11. Ujwala Park
Ujwala Park located in Karimnagar
District was created in 2001 near the Lower Manair Dam close to the outskirts
of Karimnagar town. Today it has emerged as one of the famous tourist places in
Karimnagar. It is situated near the NTR statue, at the entrance of Karimnagar
town for those coming from Hyderabad and for tourists coming from Warangal it
is located after Alugunoor Bridge.
12. Lakshmi Narasimha Temple - Nampally Gutta
At a distance of 2 km from Nampally Bus Stop, 4.5 km from
Vemulawada Bus Stand, 3 km from Vemulawada Temple & 32 km from Karimnagar,
Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is situated at Nampally Gutta.
The temple is nestled on a small hillock on the Vemulawada - Karimnagar highway. It is a small shrine dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The idol was carved out of the rock around which the temple was built. The visitors have to walk a few hundred steps that lead to the top from nearest the parking area at bottom. The climb is little steep may take up to 15 minutes.
One the way to the Narasimha temple, there is a temple for Naga Devatha. The temple was built in a model of Snake. Visitors can enter the shrine through the snake's belly - a long, winding tunnel. There are statues depicting the story of Prahalada and Hiranyakasipu. At the end of the tunnel, the statue of Lord Narasimha killing the demon Hiranyakasipu is present. There are also a few ancient idols of Naga Devatha. At the entrance of the temple, one can find a statue of Lord Narasimha breaking his way out of a pillar.
The temple is nestled on a small hillock on the Vemulawada - Karimnagar highway. It is a small shrine dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The idol was carved out of the rock around which the temple was built. The visitors have to walk a few hundred steps that lead to the top from nearest the parking area at bottom. The climb is little steep may take up to 15 minutes.
One the way to the Narasimha temple, there is a temple for Naga Devatha. The temple was built in a model of Snake. Visitors can enter the shrine through the snake's belly - a long, winding tunnel. There are statues depicting the story of Prahalada and Hiranyakasipu. At the end of the tunnel, the statue of Lord Narasimha killing the demon Hiranyakasipu is present. There are also a few ancient idols of Naga Devatha. At the entrance of the temple, one can find a statue of Lord Narasimha breaking his way out of a pillar.
Timings: 9 AM to 5:30 PM.
13. Elgandal Fort
Distance (From Karimnagar Bus Station): 16 Kms
At a
distance of 1 km from Elgandal, 16 km from Karimnagar Bus Station and 167 km
from Hyderabad, Elgandal Fort is situated on the bank of the Maner River at
Elgandal town in Karimnagar district of Telangana. This is one of the
important historical sites to visit around Karimnagar & Hyderabad.
The fort had been a centre of power of various dynasties, including the Kakatiya dynasty, Bahmanis, Qutub Shahis, Mughals and Asaf Jahis. The fort was appointed as the headquarters of Karimnagar during the rule of the Nizams of Hyderabad. In earlier times, Elgandal is also called as Bahudhanyapuram, Tellakandula and Veligandula. And finally in course of time, the name changed to Elgandal.
Elgandal Fort is one of the best survived forts in Telangana. The Fort is located on a hillock. There are 300 well laid steps providing access to the fort. The East entrance of the fort, the Brundavan pond, the Mosques and graves in the fort are various points of attraction for tourists. Within the premises of the Fort exists various tombs of Muslim saints. These include the dargahs of great saints like Syed Shah Munawar Quadri Saheb, Doola Shah Saheb, Syed Maroof Saheb, Shah Talib Bismilla Saheb and Vali Hyder Sahib. These attract devotees in huge numbers.
The Alamgir mosque, built by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb is a major attraction. It is crowned with three minarets unlike the usual four minarets found on every mosque. Brindavan tank on the outside of the eastern gateway of the fort was built by Zafar-ud-Doula in 1754. The temples of Nelakantha Swamy and Narasimha Swamy are also located inside this fort. The fort offers pleasing view of the country-side, the water reserve of the Lower Maner Dam and small hills around.
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM on all days.
The fort had been a centre of power of various dynasties, including the Kakatiya dynasty, Bahmanis, Qutub Shahis, Mughals and Asaf Jahis. The fort was appointed as the headquarters of Karimnagar during the rule of the Nizams of Hyderabad. In earlier times, Elgandal is also called as Bahudhanyapuram, Tellakandula and Veligandula. And finally in course of time, the name changed to Elgandal.
Elgandal Fort is one of the best survived forts in Telangana. The Fort is located on a hillock. There are 300 well laid steps providing access to the fort. The East entrance of the fort, the Brundavan pond, the Mosques and graves in the fort are various points of attraction for tourists. Within the premises of the Fort exists various tombs of Muslim saints. These include the dargahs of great saints like Syed Shah Munawar Quadri Saheb, Doola Shah Saheb, Syed Maroof Saheb, Shah Talib Bismilla Saheb and Vali Hyder Sahib. These attract devotees in huge numbers.
The Alamgir mosque, built by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb is a major attraction. It is crowned with three minarets unlike the usual four minarets found on every mosque. Brindavan tank on the outside of the eastern gateway of the fort was built by Zafar-ud-Doula in 1754. The temples of Nelakantha Swamy and Narasimha Swamy are also located inside this fort. The fort offers pleasing view of the country-side, the water reserve of the Lower Maner Dam and small hills around.
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM on all days.
14. Ramagiri Fort
Distance (From Karimnagar): 56 Kms
At a distance of 20 km from Peddapalli Bus Station, 56 km
from Karimnagar and 215 km from Hyderabad, Ramagiri Fort or Ramagiri Khilla is
located in Karimnagar District of Telangana.
Ramagiri Fort often referred as Ratnagarbha has as ancient fort believed to be used by Satavahanas and Kakatiyas as their Military establishment. Ramagiri Fort is a picturesque hilltop fort built using stone with a number of bastions spread across a huge area across the hill. It gives a great view of the merging of the rivers Manair and Godavari. It is also known as Aaram-Giri because of the thick greenery and the beautiful views. It is also a good trekking spot with wonderful views to offer .
There is a temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita on one side of the hill. There is also a Shiva linga which was believed to be installed by Lord Rama. There is also a seasonal waterfall on this hillock.
The fort houses several buildings, bastions, mosques, tombs, Prataparudruni Kota, Horse stable Elephant shed, the prison, a huge dining hall, an enormous Hall, secret passages, narrow paths, guns, cannons, cannon balls, the ruins of Chitrakota, Tratikota, Nimmakota, Nagara khana and ammunition rooms. There are numerous wells built by various rulers like the Topubavi, Nallakayyabavi, Pasarubavi, Haribavi, Achchammabavi and Ammagaribavi etc.
This fort is between Karimnagar and Manthani. One needs to follow the Karimnagar-Manthani road till Begumpet X roads and take right diversion to reach the Begumpet village. The fort is around 2 kms from there and can be reached only on foot. If you want to visit only the temple, get down at Rathnapur and reach the temple directly.
Lots of people visit this temple during Shravana Masam to pray Lord Shiva and Sri Rama. However, it is not advisable to go around this place other than Shravana Masam because of robbery incidents.
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM.
Ramagiri Fort often referred as Ratnagarbha has as ancient fort believed to be used by Satavahanas and Kakatiyas as their Military establishment. Ramagiri Fort is a picturesque hilltop fort built using stone with a number of bastions spread across a huge area across the hill. It gives a great view of the merging of the rivers Manair and Godavari. It is also known as Aaram-Giri because of the thick greenery and the beautiful views. It is also a good trekking spot with wonderful views to offer .
There is a temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita on one side of the hill. There is also a Shiva linga which was believed to be installed by Lord Rama. There is also a seasonal waterfall on this hillock.
The fort houses several buildings, bastions, mosques, tombs, Prataparudruni Kota, Horse stable Elephant shed, the prison, a huge dining hall, an enormous Hall, secret passages, narrow paths, guns, cannons, cannon balls, the ruins of Chitrakota, Tratikota, Nimmakota, Nagara khana and ammunition rooms. There are numerous wells built by various rulers like the Topubavi, Nallakayyabavi, Pasarubavi, Haribavi, Achchammabavi and Ammagaribavi etc.
This fort is between Karimnagar and Manthani. One needs to follow the Karimnagar-Manthani road till Begumpet X roads and take right diversion to reach the Begumpet village. The fort is around 2 kms from there and can be reached only on foot. If you want to visit only the temple, get down at Rathnapur and reach the temple directly.
Lots of people visit this temple during Shravana Masam to pray Lord Shiva and Sri Rama. However, it is not advisable to go around this place other than Shravana Masam because of robbery incidents.
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM.
15. Molangur Fort
Distance (From Karimnagar): 31 Kms
At a
distance of 1.2 km from Molangur Bus Station, 31 km from Karimnagar and 169 km
from Hyderabad, Molangur Fort is located at Molangur in Karimnagar District
of Telangana.
The Molangur fort was constructed on a hillock by Voragiri Moggaraju, one of the chief officers of Prathapa Rudra of Kakatiya dynasty. It was constructed as a transit halt for Kakatiyas while travelling from Warangal fort to Elgandal Fort in Karimnagar. The Molangur fort is listed as protected site by the Archaeological Department.
The fort is constructed on a huge granite hill that made it difficult for anybody to climb it from any side. On the way to the top of the hill, an inscription carved on a boulder mentions that there are two ways to the fort. At the entrance of the fort there is a Dargah of Molang Shah Wali, a muslim saint. It is reported that the original name of the village was Mudugar. It appears to have been renamed as Molangur after the name of the Muslim saint Molang Shah Wali.
In addition to the Dargah, the fort also houses two temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is a beautiful tank on the fort and also on its foothills along with a well called Doodh Bowli (milky well)
The ramparts of the fort still bear the remnants of garrisons, stables that remind it's glorious past. The ruined walls, gates, bastions, moatsculptures and several other remains in the fort still attract the attention of the visitors.
The Molangur fort was constructed on a hillock by Voragiri Moggaraju, one of the chief officers of Prathapa Rudra of Kakatiya dynasty. It was constructed as a transit halt for Kakatiyas while travelling from Warangal fort to Elgandal Fort in Karimnagar. The Molangur fort is listed as protected site by the Archaeological Department.
The fort is constructed on a huge granite hill that made it difficult for anybody to climb it from any side. On the way to the top of the hill, an inscription carved on a boulder mentions that there are two ways to the fort. At the entrance of the fort there is a Dargah of Molang Shah Wali, a muslim saint. It is reported that the original name of the village was Mudugar. It appears to have been renamed as Molangur after the name of the Muslim saint Molang Shah Wali.
In addition to the Dargah, the fort also houses two temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is a beautiful tank on the fort and also on its foothills along with a well called Doodh Bowli (milky well)
The ramparts of the fort still bear the remnants of garrisons, stables that remind it's glorious past. The ruined walls, gates, bastions, moatsculptures and several other remains in the fort still attract the attention of the visitors.
16. Jagityal Fort
Distance (From Karimnagar): 51 Kms
At a distance of 2.7 km from Jagityal Bus Station, 51 km
from Karimnagar Bus Station and 191 km from Hyderabad, Jagityal Fort or Quilla
Gadda Fort is located at Jagityal town in Karimnagar District
of Telangana.
The Jagityal fort was built during the reign of Nawab Ibrahim, a Governor in the Mughal dynasty. The Mughal rulers used it as a defence fort in the 17 century. The structure was constructed by 2 French engineers. It bears a strong resemblance to the castles of Europe.
The fort was built with stones and lime and it had a moat around that was filled with water. The fort has two wooden gates, which were lifted by using pulleys. This is the only star-shaped fort in Telangana with a moat (water body). It is surrounded by four water bodies. History says that there used to be a row of rooms for the storage of ammunition at this fort. Though most of this fort is now in ruins; its uniqueness still makes it an interesting site, attracting several visitors.
One of the prominent monuments in the fort is the Jama Masjid which was established in the 18th century. The fort also consists of several cannons that were used to defend the structure and the town during battles. A court and a Tahsil Office were also built in the town of Jagtial during the 18th century. In the heart of the town is the four-faced clock tower. It was built in 18th century by Nizam's minister Khasim Razvi.
Timings: 8:30 AM - 5 PM.
The Jagityal fort was built during the reign of Nawab Ibrahim, a Governor in the Mughal dynasty. The Mughal rulers used it as a defence fort in the 17 century. The structure was constructed by 2 French engineers. It bears a strong resemblance to the castles of Europe.
The fort was built with stones and lime and it had a moat around that was filled with water. The fort has two wooden gates, which were lifted by using pulleys. This is the only star-shaped fort in Telangana with a moat (water body). It is surrounded by four water bodies. History says that there used to be a row of rooms for the storage of ammunition at this fort. Though most of this fort is now in ruins; its uniqueness still makes it an interesting site, attracting several visitors.
One of the prominent monuments in the fort is the Jama Masjid which was established in the 18th century. The fort also consists of several cannons that were used to defend the structure and the town during battles. A court and a Tahsil Office were also built in the town of Jagtial during the 18th century. In the heart of the town is the four-faced clock tower. It was built in 18th century by Nizam's minister Khasim Razvi.
Timings: 8:30 AM - 5 PM.
17. Kothakonda
Kothakonda is a beautiful village located in the
Bheemadevarpalle mandal of Karimnagar District. The major attraction of the
site is an ancient fort which stands on a hillock. The temple of Veerabadra
Swamy is another attraction of the village.
18. Yagna Varaha swamy temple
This is a very famous temple in the district of Karimnagar.
The presiding deity of this kshetram is Lord Yagna Varaha swamy (third
incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu). There are very few temples in India dedicated
to Varaha swamy and this is one such rare temple. Varaha Swamy temple is in
this town. This temple is just 3kms away from Bus station of Karimnagar.
Karimnagar is 165kms from Hyderabad.
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