Warangal and Amaravathi

In my next trip to India in October/November I want to flight back home from Hyderabad.

I'm interested in visiting Warangal and Amaravathi but the information in LP and other guides is quite short and not very much attractive, the information on line is also quite bad.

I would like to know first hand information and opinions about this two places as well as about Vijayawada. Is worth to spend a couple of nights in Warangal and something similar in Vijayawada for visiting Amaravathi?

Have also read about Palampet and Kolanukapa on the way from Warangal to Hyderabad. Any interest in this places?

Thanks a lot

Jorge

The authoritative poster on this topic is on another site. He and I share an interest in ancient architecture. If you wish I can attempt to make a contact for you. He knows his stuff where I am just an amateur. He recommended Warangal. The guidebooks (not LP) say its gone. But, he gave some details of the reconstruction. Its on my go to list the next time I go back to Hyderabad. Haven't heard from him for a month but will PM him on the Thorn Tree. I love the obscure sites. For Hyderabad there is a self published guide to places within and around the city that is invaluable. Sometimes (often) locals don't know what is in their back yard..

Warangal is situated 120 kms from Hyderabad, the state capital of Andhra Pradesh. Few places you can visit are

Warangal fort.. it dates back to 13th centuty, mostly in ruins now. The fort has famous stone gateways, about 50 feet high and still standing, a masterpiece carved from a single rock. They are called Kirti Toranas.. a widely replicated symbol ..

Thousand pillar temple.. As the name describes, this old temple stood on 1000 pillars, also mostly in ruins now..

March to May is the peak summer time with temperatures going above 42 degrees centigrade..Would advise you to plan you trip sometime during monsoon as the entire stretch from Hyderabad to Warangal is usually dry and very hot.

Amaravati.. is located 60 kms from Guntur.. Main attraction is the excavation site of a buddhist templle and a small musuem showin Buddhist artefacts..

Theres nothing much to do in both these places, but depends on what your interests are. If you are interested in Archeology, these places are worth visiting..

Have a great trip

I was in Waranagal over Christmas for a few days; stopped there on my way to Kerela. Although not one of the "tourist" places I found it very interesting and the people extreemly friendly.

As said the 1000 pillar temple is well worth a visit. I don't know if there are regular "events" there but there was a lot going on at the time I was there.

I have posted some pictures of Warangal on our web site.

Jenny

edwardseco,
Thanks a lot for the info. I have also heard they have made a lot of reconstruction.

Goababa,
I know more or less all the most important sites to visit in both places. My main doubt is if is really worth to travel to this places or to head elsewhere.

Jennyandernie,
Great pictures. Thanks for sharing.

Jorge

My suggestion would be to give both these places a skip.. There isnt anything worth mentioning in Warangal or Amaravathi..

There are other good places that I can suggest in Andhra Pradesh, depends on what your interest is...wildlife ? hill stations.. beaches etc...

I'm not so sure that both places are not interesting. I'm not interested in particular things in India, mostly architecture and old cities with character, and obviously I always prefer places "off the beaten trails".

I'll spend most of my time on this trip in Chhattisgarh and some parts of south Orissa (have already been there before) as I´m pretty much interested in tribal population. I want also do the boat journey from Rajahmundry to Bhadrachalam (Papikondalu etc.)

Jorge

Visited Hanamkoda (nice town and old temple) and about 3 hours to the North East the very fine Ramappa Temple (Palampet village - I think) in '89.

Sure okay.

Warangal has a beautiful 1000 pillar temple and a fort.

Amarathi is a Buddhist pilgrimage site in Andhrapradesh.

I'm thinking a trip is well waranted just so i can re-enact scenes from the movie Varsham at the 1000 pillar temple!

I'm thinking about passing through here on our way down to Hyderabad from Puri. It doesn't really break up the train ride that much, but it might be nice to check out another town in AP.

Can anyone tell if just a few hours is enough to stop in Warangal to see the fort and the temple? Or are there other sights i should include in my plans? Our train arrives at 8am in Warangal, and I'd like to be in Hyd by the early evening (3 hour bus or train ride, yes?)

Many thanks!