District Overview
Hanumakonda district is a district in the Indian state of Telangana. It was initially formed as Warangal Urban district on October 11, 2016, when the erstwhile Warangal district was bifurcated into Warangal Urban and Warangal Rural districts. In August 2021, the Warangal Urban district was officially renamed Hanumakonda district, while Warangal Rural district reverted to its original name, Warangal district. The district is named after its headquarters, Hanamkonda, a historic city known for its rich cultural and architectural heritage.
Often described as the "Cultural Heart of Telangana", Hanamkonda is home to iconic landmarks like the Thousand Pillar Temple, Warangal Fort, and the Bhadrakali Temple. It is a district where ancient history blends seamlessly with modern urban life, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs, spiritual seekers, and tourists.
The district is also an important educational and commercial hub in the region, with numerous institutions and industries. Its strategic location, rich heritage, and vibrant culture make it a key player in Telangana's growth story.
Formation: 11 October 2016 | Population: 10,08,761 (2011 census) | Headquarters: Hanamkonda
A Tapestry of Temples, Forts & Traditions
Hanamkonda is a district of immense historical and cultural significance – from the star-shaped Thousand Pillar Temple to the revered Bhadrakali Temple. It stands as a testament to the glorious Kakatiya dynasty and is a vibrant center of Telangana's heritage, spirituality, and modern progress.
Top Attractions in Hanamkonda
Temples & Heritage Sites
Thousand Pillar Temple
A 12th-century Kakatiya masterpiece with a unique star-shaped platform, intricately carved pillars, and three shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya.
Bhadrakali Temple
One of the oldest temples in the region, dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, featuring a unique seated posture and a powerful spiritual aura.
Padmakshi Temple
A unique temple with a blend of Jain and Hindu traditions, featuring intricate carvings and a serene atmosphere on a hilltop.
More to Explore
Aggalayya Gutta Jain Temple
Aggalayya Gutta – a hillock of immense historical and religious significance, located on Padmakshi Temple Road in Hanamakonda, Hanumakonda district, Telangana. It is a major Jain heritage site that also flourished as an Ayurvedic medicine center during the 11th century CE
Bhadrakali Lake
A picturesque lake adjacent to the Bhadrakali Temple, offering boating and a serene escape from the city hustle.
Kakatiya Musical Garden
Kakatiya Musical Garden, also known as Kakatiya Rock Garden, is a charming recreational space located on the banks of Bhadrakali Lake in Tadkamalla Village, Hanamakonda, district, Telangana.
Travel Guide
How to Reach
By Road: Hanamkonda is well-connected by road. NH 163 passes through the city, linking it to Hyderabad (≈145 km), Warangal (≈6 km), and other major cities. Regular TSRTC buses and private taxis are available.
By Rail: Warangal Railway Station (≈7 km) is the nearest major railhead, with connections to Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and other parts of India. Hanamkonda also has its own small station.
By Air: The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (≈160 km). Taxis and buses are available from Hyderabad to Hanamkonda.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is October to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. The monsoon (July–September) brings lush greenery, making the lakes and parks more picturesque.
Safety Tips
- Carry water, sunscreen, and a hat, especially during summer months.
- Wear comfortable footwear for exploring the fort and temples.
- Respect local customs and traditions at religious sites.
- Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
- Keep emergency numbers handy.
Where to Stay
- Hanamkonda: A variety of budget and mid-range hotels, lodges, and guest houses.
- Warangal: More options, including luxury hotels and resorts (≈6 km away).
- Government Accommodation: Guest houses run by the tourism department.
Suggested Itineraries
One‑Day Itinerary (Heritage Trail)
- Morning: Start with the Thousand Pillar Temple to admire its architecture. Then visit Warangal Fort and explore its gateways and ruins.
- Afternoon: Proceed to Bhadrakali Temple and take a peaceful stroll around Bhadrakali Lake.
- Evening: Visit Padmakshi Temple on the hilltop for a sunset view. Return to the city for dinner.
Two‑Day Itinerary (Deep Exploration)
- Day 1: Explore the Thousand Pillar Temple and Warangal Fort in depth. Visit the Kakatiya Museum in the afternoon. Overnight in Hanamkonda.
- Day 2: Visit Bhadrakali Temple and Padmakshi Temple. Explore the local markets for handloom products and souvenirs. Return to Hyderabad or continue to nearby districts.
History & Heritage
Kakatiya Dynasty: Hanamkonda was the heart of the Kakatiya dynasty, which ruled from the 12th to the 14th centuries. The Thousand Pillar Temple and Warangal Fort are outstanding examples of their architectural and military prowess.
Ancient Origins: The region has a history dating back to the Satavahanas and the Rashtrakutas. It later became a prominent center under the Kakatiyas, who made Warangal their capital.
Modern History: Hanamkonda was part of the Warangal district until its formation as a separate district on October 11, 2016. It continues to be a major cultural and educational hub.
Culture & Festivals
Kakatiya Festival: A major cultural event celebrated with great enthusiasm, featuring traditional dances, music, and processions to honor the Kakatiya legacy.
Bonalu & Bathukamma: These are celebrated with immense fervor, showcasing the vibrant folk traditions of Telangana.
Other Festivals: Dasara, Ugadi, Sankranthi, and Diwali are celebrated with traditional rituals and community gatherings.
Cuisine: The district is known for its spicy Telangana cuisine, including dishes like *Gongura pachadi*, *Sajja roti*, and *Ooru kodi pulusu*.
Mandals of Hanamkonda
The district has 2 revenue divisions (Hanamkonda & Parkal) and 23 mandals.
Hanamkonda Revenue Division – 14 Mandals
Parkal Revenue Division – 9 Mandals
Source: Official district website
Villages by Mandal – Hanumakonda
Village lists compiled from the official district website. Hanumakonda district has 14 mandals.
Hanamkonda
- Hanamkonda
- Kumarpalle
- Palivelpula
- Lashkarsingaram
- Gopalpur
- Waddepally
Source: District website
Khazipet
- Khazipet
- Somidi
- Madikonda
- Tharalapalli
- Kadipikonda
- Kothapalli
- Battupalli
- Ammavaripet
- Shaympet
- Rampur
Source: District website
Inavolu
- Inavole
- Singaram
- Punnole
- Nandanam
- Kakkiralapalli
- Panthini
- Kondaparthy
- Vanamala
- Kanapatrthy
- Venkatapuram Zaffargadh
- Garmillapalle
Source: District website
Hasanparthy
- Ananthasagar
- Madipalle
- Yellapur
- Laknavaram (D)
- Jaigiri
- Devannapet
- Pembarthy
- Mutcherla
- Nagaram
- Sudanpalle
- Mallareddipalle
- Arvapalle
- Siddhapoor
- Vangapahad
- Hasanparthy
- Pegadapalle
- Chinthagattu
- Bhimaram
Source: District website
Velair
- Velair
- Shalapally (H/o Velair)
- Kammaripet (H/o Velair)
- Peechara
- Maddelagudem (H/o Peechara)
- Sodashapalli
- Mallikudurla
- Gundla Sagar
- Kannaram Bheemdevrapalli
- Errabelli
Source: District website
Dharmasagar
- Dharmsagar
- Narayanagiri
- Mupparam
- Devnoor
- Somadevrapalli
- Elkurthy
- Jhanakipur
- Kyathampalli
- Thatikayala
- Peddapendyal
- Dharmapur
- Mallakpalli
- Unikicherla
Source: District website
Elkathurthi
- Penchikalapeta
- Jeelgul
- Gopalpur
- Damera
- Elkathurthi
- Suraram
- Vallabhapur
- Kothulnaduma
- Veeranarayanapur
- Dandepalli
- Baopet
- Thimmapur
- Keshawapur
Source: District website
Bheemadevarapalli
- Vangara
- Bheemadevarapalli
- Ratnagiri
- Manikyapur
- Koppur
- Kothapalle
- Mulkanoor
- Mutharam (P.K)
- Gatlanarsingapur
- Kothakonda
- Mallaram
- Musthafpur
Source: District website
Kamalapur
- Bhimpalle
- Kannur
- Gunded
- Marripalligudem
- Jujnoor
- Sanigaram
- Vangapalle
- Kamalapur
- Uppal
- Desharajpalle
- Kaniparthi
- Gudur
- Ambala
- Nerella
- Madannapeta
- Guniparthi
- Venkateswarlapally (H/o Narlapur)
Source: District website
Parkal
- Kamareddipelle
- Laxmipuram
- Madharam
- Mallakpet
- Nagaram
- Paidipalle
- Parkal
- Pocharam
- Rajipet
- Vallampalle
- Venkatapur
Source: District website
Nadikuda
- Varikole
- Raiparthy
- Puligilla
- Narlapur
- Nadikuda
- Musthyalpalle
- Dharmaram
- Choutparthi
- Cherlapalle
- Sarvapur
- Kowkonda
- Kantathmakur
Source: District website
Atmakur
- Penchikalpet
- Peddapur
- Neerukulla
- Malakpet
- Kothagattu
- Katakshapur
- Kamaram
- House Buzurg
- Choudlapalle
- Brahamanapalle
- Atmakur
- Agrampahad
Source: District website
Damera
- Venkatapur
- Singarajpally
- Pulukurthy
- Pasaragonda
- Oorugonda
- Oblapur
- Mustyalapally
- Lyadella
- Kogilvai
- Damera
Source: District website
Shayampet
- Vasanthapur
- Taharapur
- Singaram (Kothagutta)
- Singaram (Dongala)
- Shayampet
- Pedda Kodepaka
- Pattipaka
- Neredpalle
- Mylaram
- Koppula
- Katrapalle
- Hussainpalle
- Gatlakaniparthy
Source: District website
Note: Village lists are based on the official Hanumakonda district website. Some villages may have multiple habitations or recent changes not reflected here.
Administration
Vehicle Registration: TG‑01 (Warangal Urban)
Headquarters: Hanamkonda.
Assembly Constituencies: Hanamkonda, Wardhannapet, Parkal, and some parts of Warangal East/West.
Lok Sabha Constituency: Warangal.
FAQs
When was Hanamkonda district formed?
It was formed on October 11, 2016, carved out of Warangal district.
What is Hanamkonda famous for?
It is famous for the Thousand Pillar Temple, Warangal Fort, Bhadrakali Temple, and its rich Kakatiya heritage.
How many mandals are there in Hanamkonda district?
There are 23 mandals under two revenue divisions.
What is the best time to visit?
The best time is October to March for pleasant weather.
What is the population of Hanamkonda district?
As per the 2011 census, the population is 10,08,761.
Explore Hanamkonda
Discover more articles, guides, and stories from this culturally rich district.
Explore Telangana
Discover more districts, temples, forts, and cultural treasures across Telangana.
References
- Official Website: hanamkonda.telangana.gov.in
- Census of India 2011: Population and demographic data
- Wikipedia: Hanamkonda district
- Telangana Tourism: Thousand Pillar Temple, Warangal Fort, Bhadrakali Temple
- District Administration: Collector's office, Hanamkonda
All content is compiled from official government sources, census reports, and field research.