Telangana360

Strategic Significance & Historical Events Pratapgiri (Pedda Gutta) was not merely a frontier outpost; it was the "Northern Gate" of the Telugu land. Its history is defined by its role as a high-stakes military command center during the transition from the Kakatiya sovereignty to the Musunuri resistance. The Royal Refuge (c. 1310 – 1323 CE): During the Delhi Sultanate invasions, Prataparudra II frequently utilized this fort as a strategic retreat. Because the capital, Orugallu , was often under siege, Pratapgiri served as a hidden supply hub and granary. The "Eye" of the Godavari: Actual sources describe the fort's Thana (watch-post) successfully signaling the approach of northern armies crossing the Godavari river, providing the capital with days of advance warning via fire-signals. The Musunuri Guerrilla Base: Following the fall of the Kakatiyas, Musunuri Kapaneedu used the "impenetrable" fore...

The Monolithic Sentinel of Telangana Bhuvanagiri Fort (historically recorded as Tribhuvanagiri ) is located in the Yadadri Bhuvanagiri District of Telangana. Crowning a massive, seamless egg-shaped monolith at an elevation of 609 meters, it dominates the landscape 48 km east of Hyderabad along the ancient highway to the eastern coast. Rising abruptly from the plains, this Giri-Durga (Hill Fort) served as the supreme military anchor for the Kollipaka-7000 province. While the princely and spiritual capital remained at Kollipaka (modern Kolanupaka), Bhuvanagiri functioned as its defensive shield, strategically fixed by the Western Chalukya sovereigns to guard the eastern frontiers of the empire. Inscriptional Governance: Formalized in the 11th century by Emperor Vikramaditya VI , the fort was sustained by the specialized Kuruva-70 village cluster. It stood as a sentinel for the Kandur-Nadu , drawi...

Kapuram Fort (Kapuram Khilla) Modern Location: Kapuram Village, Malhar Rao Mandal, Jayashankar Bhupalpally District , Telangana. Geographic Context: Situated in the northern forest tracts of the Telangana plateau. Located in the dense deciduous forests of the Godavari basin, Kapuram Guttalu (hillocks) comprise three distinct monolithic formations rising up to 250 feet. Historically a hybrid Giri-Vana Durga (Hill-Forest Fort), the terrain offers a strategic vantage point that once monitored the northern trade routes. The ancient Guttalu of Kapuram rising from the scrub forest. Photo: Telangana Today Inscriptional Classification of Kapuram Fort According to actual sources from the medieval period, the status of Kapuram was categorized based on its strategic utility and natural terrain: 1. Giri-Durga (Hill Fort) Due to its elevation on three monolithic hillocks ...

Location: Koyaveerapuram G, Wazeed Mandal, Mulugu district, Telangana, India. Bogatha Waterfall is the second highest waterfall in Telangana. Situated in a dense forest between Kaleswaram and Bhadrachalam, it is formed by the Chikupally Vagu stream which merges with the Godavari River. The waterfall drops over 30 feet in multiple parallel streams into a large natural pool, making it ideal for safe swimming and picnics. Nearby, there is a temple dedicated to Bogateswara Swamy, and the upper part of the falls can be accessed from here. Since motorable roads are limited, visitors must trek part of the distance, offering opportunities for adventure and forest exploration. Bogatha Waterfall – second highest waterfall in Telangana, surrounded by dense forests Travel Distances 30 km from Eturnagaram 120 km from Bhadrachalam 140 km from Warangal 329 km from Hyderabad (reduced from 440 km due to the new Eturnagaram bridge on NH163) 133 km via NH163 from Warangal – approx. 3...

Devuni Gutta temple, Kothur (Photo: Deccan Chronicle) Location: Devuni Gutta temple is located about 2.5 km from Kothur village, near Jangalapalli of Mulugu mandal in Mulugu district, Telangana. This hidden hill temple is known only to locals and lies deep inside a dense forest. The trail to reach it is as fascinating as the monument itself. About the Temple The temple stands on a hill locally called Devuni Gutta . One has to trek through a forest path that turns into a small stream halfway, creating a unique water trail for nearly a kilometer. The journey reveals small waterfalls and lush greenery along the way. Atop the hill sits a beautiful structure adorned with carvings on all four sides. The temple appears brick-built but is actually composed of sand–stone blocks plastered with lime mortar. Carvings depict sages, monks, dancers, and animals — though many have eroded over time. Historians estimate the temple to be over 2,000 years old . Locals recall th...

Mallela Theertham is a stunning natural waterfall nestled deep within the Nallamala Forests of Telangana. Surrounded by high mountains, dense deciduous forests, and rocky hills, this pristine location is a perfect mix of nature, adventure, and spirituality. The waterfall cascades from a height of 150 feet, creating a serene atmosphere for picnics, bathing, and trekking. Mallela Theertham is a hidden gem in Telangana, combining nature, spirituality, and adventure. With its cascading waterfalls, dense forest cover, and scenic trekking paths, it makes for a perfect day trip from Hyderabad. Ideal for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to escape the city buzz. Location: Near Vatuvarlapalli village, 8 km off Hyderabad–Srisailam highway, Mahabubnagar district, Telangana Distance from Hyderabad: ~140 km Distance from Srisailam: ~40–50 km Best time to visit: October to February Highlights & Attractions Mallela Theertham Waterfall 150-foot high waterfall surrounded by dense ...

Adilabad Harithavanam or Mavala Ecological park is located in Mavala village, Adilabad Mandal, Adilabad district, Telangana State, India is a green initiative of Telangana Forest Department developed as part of Urban Lung Spaces in Telangana. It is providing much needed Environmental Education and Recreation to the people around the area besides protection and conservation of the forests. Situated In Mavala Reserved Forest adjoining Adilabad Town along NH-44 spreading in an area of 1000 Acres.The Forest department will soon propose upgradation of Adilabad Harithavanam - 4,000 acres of forest surrounding it - into a National Park. The move will bring in all the support needed not only to protect the forest and its wildlife but to create a facility for people to get familiar with nature. The patch of forest is located near Mavala village, about six km from Adilabad district headquarters. Already 1,000 acres of this patch abutting the NH-44 have been converted into a conservation zone. At...

Zaffergadh Fort is located in Zaffergadh village and a mandal in Jangaon district of Telangana state in India. The original name of Zaffargadh was Velpugonda.  Zaffergadh got its name from a Muslim ruler Zaffarudhaula who made this place capital of his dynasty. The village of Zaffargadh is situated in the valley between the hills on eastern and western sides. The hills are known as Chinnagutta and Peddagutta. There is a self manifested Lakshminarasimha Swamy Temple on Peddagutta.  The village and the hills are surrounded by a rampart, 5 km in circumference. Around the rampart there is a deep moat. Three darwazas (inlets) were constructed to regularize the incoming and outgoing traffic. The darwazas are namely the Khammam darwaza Patnam darwaza and Hanamkonda darwaza. The doors of the darwazas are 10 feet wide and 20 feet in height. The bastions and gates are mounted with huge iron cannons. According to a Rashtrakuta inscription carved on the rock wall of the tank of the Lakshm...

The monolithic caves of Jain pantheon near Koyyur Village, Malharrao Mandal in the Jayashankar Bhupalpally district are set to hog the limelight with theForest Department making efforts to incorporate the structure into its ongoing eco-tourism programme. Situated on a hillock among scenic surroundings on the banks of river Manair, the caves stand out as an example of Indian rock-cut architecture. Hewn in solid sandstone precipice the caves testify the prevalence of Jainism in these parts during ancient times. Though the caves were found long ago, they remained uncared for. With an intention to draw public attention to these caves, Bhupalpally Forest Department officials are planning to lay pathways to ensure better connectivity to the caves called locally as ‘Nayanagulllu’. At a distance of two km there is a Nagulamma Temple which is frequented by devotees on weekends and on auspicious occasions. It is proposed to lay a pathway from the temple and from Mainar bridge near ...

Papikondalu (Papi Hills) takes travellers through a canopy of greens covered by tropical and deciduous rain forests Silence whispers through the Eastern Ghats of Papikondalu (Papi Hills) as the boat wobbles along the riverbed. An oasis of enchanting beauty and tranquillity, Papikondalu takes travellers through a canopy of greens covered by tropical and deciduous rain forests. Here, one can forget all their worries and just sink in the peaceful arms of nature. Running through Bhadradri Kothagudem, East Godavari and West Godavari districts, Papikondalu can be reached via the river way through Bhadrachalam and Rajahmundry. Boats dock every day on the banks of the Godavari to ferry tourists to the Papi Hills. Navigating through the meandering river trails, through which the Godavari penetrates to find its way to the east after several twists and turns, one can spot colonies of migratory birds perched on the banks of the river. For tourists and birders, the best time to visi...

Pochera Waterfalls located near Pochera Village, Boath Mandal, Adilabad District in Telangana State, India.  It is a natural waterfall with picturesque and beautiful scenery. It is a very big, wide and deep waterfall. This beautiful waterfall is the deepest of all the waterfalls in Telangana. This is also a caution to people who wish to take a dip in it. The location is very secluded and surrounded by picturesque locations and scenic environment. The waterfall has great width and height to make it the deepest in Telangana. The fall is 20 meter high and flows down with a great force, and the falls are categorized as plunge waterfalls.  The holy river Godavari flows through the Sahyadri mountain range and on their way, the river breaks into small streams. Some of these streams escape from their path and meet at a point and become the source for the Pochera falls which falls from a 20 meters high point.  The bed is much deeper and has the capacity to hold a ...

Armoor or Armur is a town located in Nizamabad District in Telangana State. Armoor is situated on NH-44 (Hyderabad-Nagpur section) and NH-16 (Nizamabad-Jagdalpur section). Armoor is a natural stopover for the traffic on the highway. This site boasts of hillock of boulders, resultant of natural weathering over 1.45 billion years.  Navanatha Siddeswara Temple is sited on top of the hill. According to the folklores, Navanathas or Siddhas (revered sages) still reside in the natural caves of these hillocks. A gorge nearby is believed to have curative properties in its waters. Hillocks with unusual rock formations known as Armoor Rock Formation, located on the NH-16, are the biggest draw here. The rock formations are a result of natural weathering of the rocks over millions of years. It seems as if nature is revealing its artistic expression with these unique rock formations. Also known as Navanathapuram, Armoor is known as an agricultural town. It is famous for its huge turme...