🏰 Medak Fort (Methukudurgam) Kakatiya & Qutb Shahi citadel | 500+ steps | 3 grand gates | Panoramic views | Medak, Telangana ⛰️ Medak Fort (originally Methukudurgam) – a majestic hill fort located in Medak town, Medak district, Telangana , approximately 95 km from Hyderabad . Built between 1139–1157 AD by Prolaraju II of the Kakatiya dynasty , the fort served as a strategic second capital and military command post. Spread over 100 acres atop a granite hill, it features three grand entrances – Prathama Dwaram, Simha Dwaram (with snarling lions), and Gaja Dwaram (with interlocked elephants). The fort showcases a blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture, with a 17th‑century mosque on the summit and the Gandabherundam (double‑headed eagle) emblem of the Kakatiyas. A 3.2‑metre cannon , a stepped well ( Raju‑Rani cheruvu ), and the Gulshan Mahal (now a Haritha Resort) are among its highlights. The fort is in a ruinous state but offers s...
🏰 Khammam Fort (Stambhadri) 950 CE Kakatiya citadel | Second capital of the dynasty | 4 sq. miles on granite hill | Secret tunnels & stone gallows | Khammam, Telangana 🏔️ Khammam Fort (also known as Stambhadri) – a historic hill fort located in the heart of Khammam city, Telangana . Believed to have been built by the Kakatiya rulers in 950 AD , it served as the second capital of the Kakatiya dynasty due to repeated attacks on Orugallu (Warangal). The fort spans 4 square miles atop a massive granite hill, with walls averaging 40–80 feet in height. It has 10 large gates , 15 bastions , a 60x30 ft stepped well (Zafar well) , a stone gallows known as Nethi Bhavi , and a 30‑ft main entrance (Khilla Darwaza) with cannons. Secret tunnels are believed to connect to Warangal Fort. The fort was ruled by Kakatiyas, Padmanayakas, Qutb Shahis, Mughals, and Asaf Jahis. Protected monument, but neglected. 🏰 950 CE (1,074 ...