District Overview
Jayashankar Bhupalpally district, also known as Acharya Jayashankar district, was formed on October 11, 2016, carved out of the erstwhile Warangal district with the annexation of parts of Karimnagar. The district is named after the revered Telangana ideologue Prof. K. Jayashankar, a passionate advocate for the separate statehood of Telangana.
Often described as the "Land of Prehistoric Rock Art", the district is home to the famous Pandavula Gutta – a paleolithic cave art site discovered in 1990. In a landmark recognition, the Government of India’s Ministry of Mines has officially designated Pandavula Gutta as the sole Geo‑heritage site in Telangana (PIB Release ID: 2014354). The hill range’s geological formations are estimated to be older than the Himalayan hills, adding a new dimension of scientific and historical significance to the site.
The district also boasts the world's largest lift irrigation project – the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project – which harnesses the Godavari river to irrigate vast tracts of land. With the highest forest cover in Telangana (4.70 lakh hectares), it is a haven for biodiversity. The district is rich in minerals and hosts the Singareni Collieries coal mines and the Kakatiya Thermal Power Plant. The sacred Kaleshwaram Temple, known as Dakshina Triveni Sangamam, adds a spiritual dimension to this land of contrasts.
Formation: 11 October 2016 | Population: 4,16,763 (2011 census) | Headquarters: Bhupalpally
Where Prehistory Meets Modern Engineering
Jayashankar Bhupalpally is a district of incredible contrasts – from 30,000‑year‑old rock paintings at Pandavula Gutta (now recognised as India's sole Geo‑heritage site in Telangana, with formations older than the Himalayas) to the world's largest lift irrigation project at Kaleshwaram. It is a land of ancient dynasties, Kakatiya‑era temples, dense teak forests, and the sacred confluence of three rivers. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or an engineering enthusiast, this district offers an unforgettable journey through time and technology.
Top Attractions in Bhupalpally
Prehistoric Sites and Caves
Pandavula Gutta
Regonda mandal – Paleolithic cave paintings (discovered 1990) depicting bison, antelope, tiger, leopard, swastika, and weapons. Rock climbing, rappelling, and hiking available.
Vencharanigutta Cave
Discover rare Neolithic petroglyphs in the dense forests near Neredupally village. Featuring a man with a large sword, a bull, overlapping human figures, white deer with hunters, and unidentified animals rare in stone art. A hidden archaeological treasure brought to light by K Ravipatel of KTCB.
Mylaram Caves (Nallaguttalu)
Uncover the mysteries of prehistoric rock art, ancient cave dwellings, and megalithic burial sites at Mylaram Caves (also known as Nallaguttalu). This hidden archaeological treasure, nestled deep in the forests of Mulugu, offers a fascinating glimpse into early human civilization and is a must-visit for history buffs and nature explorers.
Adavisomanapally Caves (Nainag Gullu)
Explore the 5th–6th century rock-cut cave temples of Adavi Somanapalli, originally Jain shrines later converted into Shiva temples. Featuring Ajanta-style murals, intricate carvings, and a 4 km jungle trek. A hidden gem for heritage enthusiasts and adventure seekers in Telangana.
Koyyur Jain Caves (Nayanagulllu)
Discover the monolithic sandstone Jain caves on the banks of the Manair River. Featuring six chambers, a Jataka mural, Tirthankara carving, and an ancient inscription. Being developed as an eco-tourism destination with trekking trails and nature walks.
Temples & Heritage
Ghanpur Temples (Kota Gullu)
Established by King Ganapati Deva of the Kakatiya dynasty (late 12th – early 13th century). Intricate stone carvings and architectural brilliance.
Kaleshwaram Temple
Mahadevpur Mandal – Revered Shiva temple with two Shiva Lingams on a single pedestal. Known as Dakshina Triveni Sangamam (confluence of Godavari, Pranhita, and Antharvahini).
Nainpaka Temple (Napaka Temple)
A unique 15th–16th century Sarvatobhadra rock-cut temple in Bhupalpally district. Features four entrances on the cardinal directions, with four deities – Yoga Narasimha Swamy, Kaleeya Venugopala Swamy, Sri Rama, and Balarama – carved on a single pink stone boulder. Described as the "only one of its kind in southern India".
Travel Guide
How to Reach
By Road: NH 363 passes through the district, connecting Bhupalpally to Warangal (≈60 km), Karimnagar, and Hyderabad (≈180 km). Regular RTC buses and private vehicles are available.
By Rail: Bhupalpally Railway Station serves the district, with connections to major cities like Hyderabad, Warangal, and Karimnagar.
By Air: The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (≈180 km). Taxis and buses are available from Hyderabad to Bhupalpally.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is October to March, when the weather is pleasant for exploring rock art, temples, and forests. The monsoon (July–September) brings lush greenery and makes the irrigation projects and waterfalls (if any) more spectacular.
Safety Tips
- Carry water, snacks, and a first‑aid kit, especially when visiting remote sites like Pandavula Gutta.
- Wear sturdy walking shoes for rock art sites and temple ruins.
- Be cautious of wildlife in forested areas; avoid venturing alone into dense forests.
- Respect local customs and traditions, especially at temples and tribal areas.
- Mobile networks may be patchy in interior areas – plan accordingly.
Where to Stay
- Bhupalpally: Government guest houses, lodges, and private hotels.
- Warangal: A wide range of hotels and resorts for all budgets (≈60 km away).
- Kaleshwaram: Basic accommodation near the temple, including pilgrim rest houses.
Suggested Itineraries
One‑Day Itinerary (Warangal → Bhupalpally)
- Morning: Drive from Warangal to Bhupalpally (≈1.5 hrs). Visit Pandavula Gutta to explore the paleolithic rock art.
- Afternoon: Proceed to Ghanpur Temples (Kota Gullu) to admire Kakatiya architecture. Then head to Kaleshwaram Temple for a spiritual visit.
- Evening: Return via the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project viewpoint (if accessible). Drive back to Warangal.
Two‑Day Itinerary (Deep Exploration)
- Day 1: Arrive in Bhupalpally. Visit Pandavula Gutta for rock art and hiking. Afternoon: Ghanpur Temples and nearby Devunigutta. Overnight in Bhupalpally.
- Day 2: Early morning drive to Kaleshwaram – explore the temple, the confluence, and the irrigation project site. Afternoon: visit the Devadula lift irrigation site if time permits. Return to Warangal or Hyderabad in the evening.
History & Heritage
Name Origin: The district is named after Prof. K. Jayashankar (Acharya Jayashankar), a renowned Telangana ideologue and professor of Economics at Osmania University. He was a passionate advocate for the separate statehood of Telangana.
Ancient Period: Jayashankar Bhupalpally is linked with the dynasties of the Vishnukundins and even earlier Buddhist and pre‑Buddhist periods. The region has evidence of prehistoric human activity, most notably the Pandavula Gutta paleolithic cave paintings discovered in 1990, which depict wildlife and geometric symbols.
Kakatiya Era: The district flourished under the Kakatiya dynasty, which left behind architectural marvels like the Ghanpur Temples (Kota Gullu) – a group of temples built by King Ganapati Deva in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. The intricate stone carvings and sculptural details are reminiscent of the Kakatiya style.
Modern History: The district was formed on October 11, 2016, as part of Telangana's district reorganisation, carved from Warangal and Karimnagar. It has since become a hub for major infrastructure projects, including the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, which is the world's largest of its kind.
Culture & Festivals
Kakatiya Festival: Celebrated to honour the Kakatiya legacy, featuring cultural performances, processions, and traditional arts.
Deccan Festival: A celebration of the region's rich heritage, with music, dance, and crafts.
Bonalu, Bathukamma, Dasara, Ugadi, Sankranthi: These are celebrated with great fervour across the district, reflecting the vibrant Telangana culture.
Tribal Festivals: The district has a significant tribal population, and their festivals are marked by traditional dances, rituals, and community gatherings.
Mandals of Jayashankar Bhupalpally
The district has 1 revenue division (Bhupalpally) and 11 mandals.
Bhupalpally Revenue Division – 11 Mandals
Source: Official district website
Administration
Vehicle Registration: TG‑25
Headquarters: Bhupalpally.
Assembly Constituencies: Bhupalpalle and Manthani.
Villages by Mandal – Jayashankar Bhupalpally
Gram Panchayat lists compiled from the official district website. The district has 11 mandals with a total of 223 revenue villages.
Bhupalpally
- Amudalapally
- Azamnagar
- Bavusinghpally
- Deekshakunta
- Dudekulapalle
- Gollabudharam
- Gorlaveedu
- Gudadpalle
- Gurrampet
- Kamalapur
- Kompalli
- Kothapalle
- Lambadi thanda
- Lambadithanda
- Moranchapalle
- Nagaram
- Nandigama
- Neredpalle
- Pambapur
- Peddapur
- Rampur
- Shamnagar
- Subbakkapally
- Vajnapally
Source: District website (24 Gram Panchayats)
Mahadevpur
- Ambatipalli
- Annaram
- Begloor
- Bommapur
- Brahmanapally
- Chandrupally
- Edapally
- Elekeshwaram
- Enkapalli
- Kaleshwaram
- Kudurupalli
- Maddulapalli
- Mahadevpoor
- Metpalli
- Palgula
- Peddampet
- Rapally kota
- Suraram
Source: District website (18 Gram Panchayats)
Ghanpur
- Appaiahpally
- Baswarajpalle
- Budharam
- Burrakayalagudem
- Chelpur
- Dharmaraopet
- Gandhinagar
- Ghanpur
- Gollapally
- Karkapalle
- Kondapur
- Laxmareddypally
- Mylaram
- Nagarampalle
- Parushurampally
- Seetharampur
- Venkateshwarlaplly
Source: District website (17 Gram Panchayats)
Kataram
- Adivarampet
- Ankusapur
- Bayyaram
- Chidnepalli
- Chintakani
- Damerakunta
- Dhanwada
- Dharmasagar
- Gangaram
- Gummalapalli
- Gundurathpalli
- Ibrahimpalli
- Jadaraopet
- Kataram
- Kothapalli
- Maddulapally
- Medipally
- Nasturpalli
- Odipilavancha
- Prathapagiri
- Regulagudem
- Shankarpalli
- Veerapur
- Vilasagar
Source: District website (24 Gram Panchayats)
Palimela
- Dammur
- Lenkalagadda
- Modedu
- Muknur
- Neelampally
- Palimela
- Pankena
- Sarvaipet
Source: District website (8 Gram Panchayats)
Mahamutharam
- Ayyagaripally
- Bommanapally
- Chinthaguda
- Choutapally
- Dharmaram
- Gundam
- Gundrathpally
- Kadambapur
- Kistapuram
- Kondapur
- Lingapur
- Mahamutharam
- Mallampally
- Mutyampeta
- Narsingapur
- Peddampally
- Potharam
- Ravulapally
- Regadimalla
- Rudraram
- Thippapur
- Venkatraopally
Source: District website (22 Gram Panchayats)
Malharrao
- Advalapally
- Ansanpalli
- Chinathundla
- Dubbapeta
- Edlapalli
- Ippalapalli
- Kondampet
- Koyyur
- Mallampally
- Mallaram
- Nacharam
- Peddathundla
- Rudraram
- Thadicherla
- Vallamkunta
Source: District website (15 Gram Panchayats)
Chityal
- Andukuthanda
- Bhavusinghpalle
- Chainpaka
- Challagarige
- Chinthakuntaramaiahpally
- Chityal
- Doothpalle
- Giddemutharam
- Gopalapur
- Gunturpally
- Jadalpet
- Jookal
- Kailapur
- Kalvapally
- Kothapeta
- Laximipurthanda
- Muchiniparthy
- Nawabpeta
- Ninepaka
- Pashigaddathanda
- Thirumalapur
- Varikolpally
- Vencharami
- Vodithal
- Yelletiramaiahpally
Source: District website (25 Gram Panchayats)
Tekumatla
- Ankushapur
- Arepally
- Ashireddipalle
- Bandapally
- Bornapalle
- Dubyala
- Dwarakapet
- Empaid
- Garmillapalle
- Gummadavelli
- Kundanpalle
- Mandaloripally
- Pangidipalle
- Peddampally
- Raghavapur
- Raghavareddipet
- Ramakishthapur(t)
- Ramakistapur (v)
- Somanapelli
- Subbakkapalle
- Tekumatla
- Velchal
- Vellampalle
- Venkatraopalle
Source: District website (24 Gram Panchayats)
Mogullapally
- Akinepalle
- Ankushapur
- Banglapally
- Chinthalapalle
- Ellareddypally
- Geneshpalle
- Gudipahad
- Gundlakarthi
- Ippalapally
- Issipet
- Kasulapahad
- Korikishala
- Medarametla
- Mettupalle
- Mogullapalle
- Motlapalle
- Mulkalapalle
- Narsingapur
- Parlapalle
- Patha issipeta
- Peddakomatipalle
- Pidisilla
- Pothugul
- Rangapuram
- Vemulapalle
Source: District website (25 Gram Panchayats)
Regonda
- Bhagirthipeta
- Chenchupally
- Chennapoor
- Chinnakodepaka
- Damaranchapally
- Dammannapet
- Dumpillapally
- Gandhinagar
- Gudepalle
- Ijjaiahpally
- Jaggaiahpet
- Kanaparthy
- Kodavatancha
- Konaraopet
- Kothapalligori
- Kothapally(b)
- Lingala
- Madathapalli
- Nagurlapally
- Narayanapur
- Nizampalli
- Peddamapally
- Pochampalli
- Ponugondla
- R.g thanda
- Rajakkapally
- Ramagundalapally
- Ramannagudem
- Ranagaiahpalli
- Regonda
- Repaka
- Repaka palli
- Roopireddi palli
- Royapalli
- Sulthanpur
- Tirumalagiri
- Venkateshwarlapally
Source: District website (37 Gram Panchayats)
Note: Gram Panchayat lists are based on the official district website and may include multiple habitations per Gram Panchayat. Revenue village counts may differ from Gram Panchayat counts.
FAQs
When was Jayashankar Bhupalpally district formed?
It was formed on October 11, 2016, carved out of Warangal and Karimnagar.
What is the district famous for?
It is famous for Pandavula Gutta (prehistoric rock art), the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (world's largest), Ghanpur Temples (Kakatiya heritage), and the sacred Kaleshwaram Temple.
How many mandals are there in the district?
There are 11 mandals under one revenue division.
What is the best time to visit?
The best time is October to March for pleasant weather. Monsoon (July–September) also offers lush greenery.
What is the population of the district?
As per the 2011 census, the population is 4,16,763.
Explore Jayashankar Bhupalpally
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References
- Official Website: jayashankar.telangana.gov.in
- Census of India 2011: Population and demographic data
- Wikipedia: Jayashankar Bhupalpally district
- Telangana Tourism: Pandavula Gutta, Kaleshwaram Temple, Ghanpur Temples
- District Administration: Collector's office, Bhupalpally
- Irrigation Department: Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project details
All content is compiled from official government sources, census reports, and field research.