Warangal, about 150 km north-east of Hyderabad, was the capital of the Kakatiya dynasty from the 12th to the early 14th century. The Kakatiyas built reservoirs, forts and temples in a distinctive style, with star-shaped plans, black basalt pillars and intricate carvings. Their gateway arch, the Kakatiya Kala Thoranam, is the emblem of Telangana.
The things to do in Warangal include the ruins of Warangal Fort, the Thousand Pillar Temple in Hanamkonda, the Bhadrakali Temple on its lake, and a trip to the Ramappa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021. The forests and lakes of Mulugu district, such as Laknavaram and Bogatha waterfall, add nature to the trip.
One to two days is enough. October to February is the most comfortable time.
For how to get there, when to go and where to stay, see our Warangal travel guide.
Quick answer: best things to do in Warangal
- See the Kakatiya Kala Thoranam at Warangal Fort
- Visit the Thousand Pillar Temple
- See the UNESCO-listed Ramappa Temple
- Visit Bhadrakali Temple and lake
- Walk the hanging bridge at Laknavaram Lake
- See Bogatha waterfall
- Relax at Pakhal Lake
- See the Kush Mahal
- Buy Warangal durries
- Attend the Medaram Jatara
Going by road? See our guide to road trips from Hyderabad.
Interested in the history? See our guide to heritage in Telangana.
Kakatiya heritage
See Warangal Fort
Warangal Fort, begun in the 13th century, once had concentric walls of earth and stone. Inside, the ruins of a great Shiva temple are marked by four magnificent carved stone gateways, the Kakatiya Kala Thoranam, and scattered sculptures. A sound and light show is held in the evening.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Best time
- Late afternoon
Visit the Thousand Pillar Temple
The Thousand Pillar Temple in Hanamkonda, built in 1163 under King Rudra Deva, is a star-shaped temple dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Surya, with finely carved pillars and a large Nandi carved from a single stone.
The temple has three shrines arranged around a central hall, and the Nandi in front is polished black basalt. Restoration work has reassembled parts of the mandapa.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
See the Ramappa Temple
The Ramappa (Rudreswara) Temple at Palampet, about 70 km away, was built in 1213 and is named after its sculptor. Its bracket figures of dancers and mythical beasts, carved in polished black basalt, are among the finest in India. The temple is famous for its roof bricks, which are light enough to float. It was listed by UNESCO in 2021.
The temple stands near the Ramappa lake, another Kakatiya reservoir, and a small Kameshwara temple and other shrines lie in the same complex. Local guides explain the dancer figures, which are said to reflect the Perini Shivatandavam dance form.
- Time needed
- Half day with travel
- Good for
- History and art lovers
See the Kush Mahal
The Kush Mahal, a later royal hall near the fort built in the 14th century, has a small collection of sculptures.
Temples and lakes
Visit Bhadrakali Temple
The Bhadrakali Temple, on a hill between Warangal and Hanamkonda, is dedicated to the goddess Kali. It overlooks the Bhadrakali lake and is especially busy during Navratri.
Walk the hanging bridge at Laknavaram
Laknavaram Lake, a Kakatiya-era reservoir about 70 km away in forested hills, has suspension bridges linking small islands, boating and lakeside cottages. It is especially beautiful after the monsoon.
- Best time
- September to February
- Good for
- Families, couples
See Bogatha waterfall
Bogatha waterfall, deep in the forests of Mulugu district, is a wide cascade often called the Niagara of Telangana. It is at its best in and after the monsoon; swimming in the pool is restricted in high flow.
- Best time
- July to November
Relax at Pakhal Lake
Pakhal Lake, another Kakatiya reservoir from the 13th century, lies inside a wildlife sanctuary and is a quiet place for birdwatching.
Crafts and festivals
Buy Warangal durries
Warangal durries, flat-woven cotton rugs with a GI tag, are made by weavers in Kothawada. Workshops and shops sell them in many colours and patterns.
- Good for
- Shoppers
Attend the Medaram Jatara
The Sammakka Saralamma Jatara at Medaram, held every two years in February, is one of the largest tribal festivals in the world, honouring two Koya women warriors. Millions attend, offering jaggery as bangaram (gold).
- Best time
- February in Jatara years
Eat Telangana food
Try Telangana dishes such as sarva pindi (a spicy rice-flour pancake), jonna rotte (sorghum flatbread) and spicy chicken and mutton curries.
By season
October to February
Pleasant weather for temples and forts, and lakes full after the monsoon.
March to June
Very hot; visit monuments early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
July to September
The monsoon fills the lakes and waterfalls and turns the forests green, a good time for Bogatha and Laknavaram.
Things to do in Warangal by type of traveller
History lovers: The fort, the Thousand Pillar Temple and a half day at Ramappa.
Families: Laknavaram's bridges and boating, Bhadrakali Temple and the fort's light show.
Weekenders from Hyderabad: Drive out on Saturday for Warangal's monuments and spend Sunday at Ramappa and Laknavaram.
What to do in Warangal with one day
Visit the Thousand Pillar Temple and Bhadrakali Temple in the morning, then drive to Palampet for the Ramappa Temple. Stop at Laknavaram Lake on the way back, and end at Warangal Fort for the evening light and sound show.
Practical tips for Warangal
- Warangal and Kazipet have railway stations; Hyderabad airport is about three hours away.
- Ramappa and Laknavaram are best combined in one day.
- Carry water and a hat; there is little shade at the fort.
- Dress modestly at temples.
- Start early for Ramappa and Laknavaram; the forest roads are slow.
Plan the rest of your Warangal trip
Warangal things to do: FAQs
What are the best things to do in Warangal?
See Warangal Fort and the Kakatiya gateways, the Thousand Pillar Temple, the Ramappa Temple and Bhadrakali Temple, walk the bridges at Laknavaram and see Bogatha waterfall.
How far is Ramappa Temple from Warangal?
About 70 km, roughly one and a half hours by road.
Is Ramappa Temple a UNESCO site?
Yes. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.
How many days are enough for Warangal?
One to two days.
What is the Kakatiya Kala Thoranam?
It is the carved stone gateway at Warangal Fort built by the Kakatiya dynasty, now the emblem of Telangana.
Things to do near Warangal
- Things to do in Hyderabad: about three hours away
- Bhadrachalam: temple town on the Godavari
More things to do in Telangana
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team · Last updated · How we research our guides
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