Kappalayi Gutta Megalithic Township

A Significant Archaeological Discovery

In April 2026, a technical team from the Telangana Department of Heritage inspected a major cluster of megalithic dolmen burials after receiving information from residents of Motlagudem village in Tadvai Mandal, Mulugu district. The team — led by Director Prof. K. Arjun Rao, Deputy Director Dr. P. Nagaraju, and OSD A. Raju — documented a vast cluster of megalithic dolmen burials spread across nearly 100 acres in the Kappalayi Gutta region.

The site is locally known as "Rakasi Bandalu" (giant stones) and "Rakasi Guhalu" (giant caves). These names reflect longstanding local recognition of the massive stone burial structures.

A Planned Burial Landscape · Evidence of Organisation

The layout of the burial structures suggests a well-organised arrangement resembling an ancient settlement or planned necropolis. The systematic spacing of structures across the nearly 100-acre site indicates that this was not simply a random collection of burials.

The Godavari Basin · A Prehistoric Cultural Landscape

The discovery of these burial sites in the Godavari river basin provides valuable archaeological evidence for understanding the lifestyle, customs, occupations, burial practices, and social organisation of prehistoric communities in the region.

Hundreds of such burial sites have been identified across the Eturnagaram agency area, including locations in Damaravai, Tadvai, Mangapet and surrounding areas, as well as sites such as Mallur Gutta, Motlagudem, Chettupalli, and Gundala.

"This may be one of the largest clusters of dolmen burials in India."

The sheer scale of the Kappalayi Gutta site sets it apart. Spread across nearly 100 acres with structures arranged in a planned layout, the site is believed to be potentially one of the largest concentrations of dolmen burials in India.

The engineering sophistication required to quarry, transport, and erect sandstone slabs weighing up to 20 tons demonstrates the remarkable skill and craftsmanship of the prehistoric communities responsible for these monuments.

The site's planned layout, with structures separated by varying distances and enclosed within circular boundary walls, suggests a significant degree of social organisation. The precise social or settlement implications, however, require further archaeological study.

Location & Access

Kappalayi Gutta Megalithic Township
Motlagudem Village, Tadvai Mandal,
Mulugu District, Telangana, India

Distance:
Approximately 120 km from Warangal
Approximately 230 km from Hyderabad

Nearest Town: Tadvai (approximately 10 km)

The archaeological landscape lies in a forested area of the Eturnagaram agency region, with megalithic structures distributed across nearly 100 acres. The final approach may require travel from the road head through forest terrain.

Visitors should obtain local directions and current access information before entering the area. A knowledgeable local guide may be useful for locating the widely dispersed megalithic structures.

Visitor Tips & Archaeological Etiquette

• Visit during daylight hours and avoid remaining in the forest after dark.
• Carry sufficient drinking water, food and basic first-aid supplies.
• Wear sturdy footwear suitable for rocky and forest terrain.
• Use a local guide where appropriate for navigation and local access information.
• Mobile connectivity may be unreliable in forested areas; carry a charged phone and plan accordingly.
• Do not climb, sit on, move, damage or remove stones from the megalithic structures.
• Do not leave plastic or other waste at the archaeological site.
• Follow all instructions from forest, heritage and local authorities.

2-Day "Mulugu Megalithic" Circuit

• Day 1: Start from Hyderabad. Visit Kappalayi Gutta megalithic landscape, subject to local access. Overnight at Mulugu or Warangal.
• Day 2: Morning visit to Mallur Gutta and Bandlapahad Forest Rock Art Zone, subject to access conditions. Afternoon explore Warangal Fort and the Thousand Pillar Temple. Return via Hyderabad.

Pro tip: The Kappalayi Gutta site is a recently documented archaeological landscape spread across a forested area. A local guide can be valuable for locating the dolmen structures across the nearly 100-acre area. Do not touch, climb on, move, or disturb the megalithic structures — they are fragile archaeological remains. Early morning can provide favorable conditions for photography, subject to access and weather.

Conservation note: The megalithic structures at Kappalayi Gutta are fragile archaeological remains. Reports indicate that some structures have deteriorated, while others have been disturbed through the removal or reuse of stone slabs for construction. Stone troughs found within some burials have reportedly been removed for use as water containers for livestock.

The discovery of this site highlights the need for documentation, conservation, and protection. Archaeological documentation and appropriate government protection measures will be important for safeguarding these remains.

Suggested measures: Fencing, signage, controlled access, and systematic documentation of the megalithic structures. Visitors are requested not to touch or disturb the structures, not to remove any stones, and to report visible damage to the relevant local archaeological or heritage authorities.