District Overview
Warangal district is a historic administrative region in the Indian state of Telangana. With a legacy stretching back over a millennium, Warangal has been a distinct territorial entity since the Kakatiya period (as Warangal Sthala), continuing through the medieval era as Warangal Sarkar and later as Warangal Zilla under the Nizams.
In the modern state of Telangana, the district was reorganized on October 11, 2016, when the erstwhile undivided Warangal district was bifurcated into five districts. Of which, Warangal (Rural) District was formed and came into being. In August 2021, the Warangal Rural district was officially renamed Warangal district.
The district is named after its historic headquarters city, Warangal (formerly known as Orugallu), which served as the capital of the mighty Kakatiya dynasty. The city's name is derived from the Telugu word Orugallu – 'Oru' meaning one and 'gallu' meaning stone, referring to the fort built with a single compact stone.
Warangal is a heritage city and comes under the list of World Heritage places by UNESCO. It is a treasure trove of history and heritage, home to iconic landmarks like the Warangal Fort, the Kakatiya Kala Thoranam, and the scenic Pakhal Lake.
Historical Continuity: Since Kakatiya era | Reorganization: 11 October 2016 | Population: 8,11,844 (2011 census) | Headquarters: Warangal
The Heart of Kakatiya Heritage
Warangal is a district of immense historical and cultural significance – from the majestic Warangal Fort to the iconic Kakatiya Kala Thoranam. Its architecture is mostly influenced by the Kakatiyan Dynasty around the 12th Century. It stands as a testament to the glorious Kakatiya dynasty and is a vibrant center of Telangana's heritage and modern progress.
Top Attractions in Warangal
Heritage Sites & Monuments
Warangal Fort
A 13th-century Kakatiya fortress constructed in the reign of King Ganapati Deva, spread over a radius of 19 kilometers with four large stone gateways.
Pakhal Lake
A serene man-made lake constructed by Kakatiya King Ganapati Deva in the deepest forest area, now a peaceful escape for boating and birdwatching.
Travel Guide
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport is at Hyderabad, 150 km away from Warangal.
By Train: The nearest railway station is located at Warangal at a distance of 3-4 km.
By Road: The nearest bus station is located at Warangal at a distance of 3-4 km. Warangal is well-connected by road, with NH 163 passing through the city.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is October to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. Warangal can be visited even if you are short on days, being close to Hyderabad.
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
- Warangal: A variety of budget, mid-range, and luxury hotels, lodges, and guest houses.
- Hanamkonda: Additional options including budget hotels and serviced apartments (approx. 6 km away).
- Government Accommodation: Guest houses run by the tourism department.
Suggested Itineraries
One‑Day Itinerary (Heritage Trail)
- Morning: Start with the Warangal Fort to explore its gateways and ruins. Visit the Kakatiya Kala Thoranam.
- Afternoon: Proceed to Pakhal Lake for a peaceful nature retreat and boating.
- Evening: Visit the local markets for handloom products and souvenirs. Return to the city for dinner.
Two‑Day Itinerary (Deep Exploration)
- Day 1: Explore the Warangal Fort and Kakatiya Kala Thoranam in depth. Visit the Kakatiya Museum in the afternoon. Overnight in Warangal.
- Day 2: Visit Pakhal Lake for birdwatching and boating. Explore the Kakatiya Rock Garden and the local markets. Return to Hyderabad or continue to nearby districts.
History & Heritage
Kakatiya Dynasty: Warangal was the ancient capital of the Kakatiya dynasty, which was ruled by many kings including Beta Raja-I, Prola Raja-I, Beta Raja-II, Prola Raja-II, Rudra Deva, Mahadeva, Ganapathi Deva, Pratapa Rudra, and Rani Rudrama Devi, the only woman ruler in Andhra. The Kakatiyas left many monuments including the impressive Fortress, four massive stone gateways, big Shivate temple, and big lakes.
Later Dynasties: After the Kakatiyas, Warangal came under the Delhi Sultanate, then the Nayaka Chieftains, followed by the Bahmani Sultanate of Golkonda. In 1687, it was annexed to the Mughal Empire, and in 1724 it became part of Hyderabad State.
Modern History: Warangal joined the Government of free India in September 1948. In 1956, it became part of Andhra Pradesh state and later Telangana in 2014. The present district was formed in 2016 after bifurcation.
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 & Villages of Warangal
Source: Official District Website
Chennaraopet
- Akkalcheda
- Ameenabad
- Chennaraopet
- Gurijala
- Jhalli
- Konapuram
- Lingagiri
- Lingapuram
- Makdumpuram
- Papaiahpeta
- Suripalle
- Thimmarainipahad
- Upparapalle
- Yellaigudem
14 Villages
Duggondi
- Adavi Rangapur
- Chalparthi
- Duggondi
- Keshwapur
- Laxmipur
- Madhira Mandapalle
- Mahammadapur
- Mallampalle
- Mandapalle
- Muddunoor
- Nachinapalle
- Polaram
- Ponakal
- Reballe
- Rekampalle
- Timmampet
- Togarrai
- Venkatapur
18 Villages
Geesugonda
- Anantharam
- Bodduchintalapalle
- Dharmaram
- Elkurthy
- Geesugonda
- Gorrekunta
- Kommala
- Machapur
- Manugonda
- Mogilicherla
- Ookal
- Potharajpalle
- Ramachandrapur
- Shayampet
- Stambampalle
- Vanchangiri
- Vasanthapur
- Viswanathpur
18 Villages
Khanapur
- Ainepalle
- Budharaopet
- Dabeerpet
- Dharmaraopet
- Jalubanda
- Khanapur
- Kothur
- Mangalavaripet
- Matuveeraram
- Pakhalashoknagar
- Pocharam
- Ragampet
- Rangapur
- Thungabandam
14 Villages
Khila Warangal
- Allipur
- Bollikunta
- Gadepalli
- Mamnoor
- Nakkalapalle
- Rangashaipet
- Stambampalli
- Thimmapur (Haveli)
- Urus
- Vasanthapur
- Warangal Fort
11 Villages
Nallabelly
- Arshanpalle
- Asaravelli
- Govindapur
- Gundlapahad
- Kannaraopet
- Kondapur
- Lenkalpalle
- Medapalle
- Muchimpula
- Nagrajpalle
- Nallabelly
- Nandigama
- Narakkapet
- Rampur
- Ramteertham
- Rangapuram
- Relakunta
- Rudragudem
- Shanigaram
19 Villages
Narsampet
- Bhanjipet
- Itikalpalle
- Kammepalle
- Laknepalle
- Madannapet
- Madhira
- Maheshwaram
- Muthojipet
- Narsampet
- Paspunur
- Rajupet
- Ramavaram
- Sarwapur
13 Villages
Nekkonda
- Alamkhanipet
- Appalaraopet
- Bollikonda
- Chandrugonda
- Chinnakorpole
- Deekshakunta
- Gotlakonda
- Gundrepalle
- Mudigonda
- Nagaram
- Nekkonda
- Panikera
- Pathipaka
- Peddakorpole
- Redlawada
- Topanpalle
- Venkatapur
17 Villages
Parvathagiri
- Annaram Sharif
- Burugamadla
- Chinta Nekkonda
- Choutapalle
- Enugal
- Gopanapalle
- Kalleda
- Konkapaka
- Parvathagiri
- Ravoor
- Rollakal
- Somaram
- Vadlakonda
13 Villages
Raiparthy
- Burahanpalle
- Gannaram
- Gattikal
- Jagannadhapalle
- Katrapalle
- Keshavapur
- Kolanpalle
- Kondapur
- Konduru
- Kothur
- Muripirala
- Mylaram
- Ookal
- Perikaid
- Pothureddipalle
- Raiparthy
- Sannur
- Thirmalapalle
18 Villages
Sangem
- Bollikunta
- Chintalapalle
- Elugur
- Gadepalle
- Gavicherla
- Kapulakanaparthy
- Katrepale
- Lohitha
- Mondrai
- Mummadivaram
- Nallabelle
- Narlavai
- Pallaruguda
- Ramachandrapur
- Sangam
- Shapur
- Theegarajupalle
- Thimmapur
- Venkatapur
19 Villages
Warangal
- Desaipet
- Enumamula
- Girmajipet
- Kothapet
- Laxmipur
- Mattewada
- Paidipalle
- Ramannapet
8 Villages
Wardhannapet
- Bandauthapur
- Chennaram
- Dammannapet
- Divitipalle
- Inole
- Kakkiralapalle
- Katrial
- Kothapalle
- Liabarthy
- Nallabelle
- Nandanam
- Panthini
- Punnole
- Ramavaram
- Singaram
- Upprapalle
- Wardhannapet
- Yellanda
18 Villages
Note: Village lists are based on the official Warangal district website. Some villages may have multiple habitations or recent changes not reflected here.
Administration
Vehicle Registration: TG-24
Headquarters: Warangal
District Collector: (Current officer - refer to official site)
Sub Divisions: Warangal, Narsampet
Assembly Constituencies: Warangal East, Warangal West, Wardhannapet, Narsampet, and parts of Parkal (as per recent delimitation).
Lok Sabha Constituency: Warangal.
FAQs
When was the current Warangal district formed?
Warangal has been a distinct administrative region since the Kakatiya era. The present district was reorganized on October 11, 2016 as Warangal (Rural) and renamed Warangal district in August 2021.
What are the main attractions in Warangal district?
The key attractions are Warangal Fort, Kakatiya Kala Thoranam, and Pakhal Lake.
How many mandals are there in Warangal district?
There are 15 mandals under two sub-divisions.
What is the best time to visit?
The best time is October to March for pleasant weather.
What is the population of Warangal district?
As per the 2011 census, the population is 8,11,844.
Explore Warangal
Discover more articles, guides, and stories from this culturally rich district.
Explore Telangana
Discover more districts, temples, forts, and cultural treasures across Telangana.