Telangana360

Gandhari Khilla, also known as Gandhari Fort, is a remarkable hill fort located near Bokkalagutta in Mandamarri Mandal, Mancherial district, Telangana, India. A geological and architectural marvel, the fort is perched atop rocky hillocks, offering panoramic views, deep gorges, and narrow valleys that thrill visitors with a sense of adventure. A small stream flows through the hills, feeding the hill-bounded Medi Cheruvu (tank), adding to the fort’s scenic charm. The fort houses ancient temples, rock-cut wells, and sculptures, making it a treasure trove of history, culture, and architecture. With its unique combination of natural beauty and historical significance, Gandhari Khilla stands as a testament to medieval engineering, tribal heritage, and devotional traditions. Gandhari Khilla is a unique convergence of geology, architecture, history, and culture. From prehistoric petroglyphs to medieval temples and tribal traditions, the fort offers a multi-layered experience for historians, ad...

The Sirpur-Chanda Gond Dynasty (c. 1310–1751 AD)was one of the most remarkable tribal kingdoms of central India, flourishing for over four centuries across parts of modern Telangana and Maharashtra. Founded by the legendary Kol Bhill (or Kol Bheel/Kolkhil), a hero who united scattered Gond tribes, the dynasty laid the foundations of a well-organized state with thriving agriculture, fortified cities, and vibrant cultural traditions. The dynasty’s capitals shifted over time—from Sirpur in present-day Komaram Bheem Asifabad (Telangana) to Ballarsha, and finally to Chanda (modern Chandrapur, Maharashtra)—reflecting both strategic and spiritual considerations. The Gonds, one of India’s largest tribal communities, referred to themselves as Koitur or Koya, meaning “people of the green mountains,” and spoke Gondi (Koyator) in several regional variants. Over centuries, the Sirpur-Chanda Gond kings successfully navigated relations with powerful neighbors—the Kakatiyas, Musunuri Nayaks, Recherla ...

Chennur silk sarees shine brightly with their elegance and rich history. Hailing from Chennur, a small village in Nirmal District, Telangana State, India. These sarees are a representation of a beautiful and ancient craft. Let’s explore the story of Chennur silk sarees, their unique features, and why they continue to attract fashion lovers, especially the younger generation. The Kalamkari Hand Painted Chennur Silk Saree is a masterpiece of Indian textile artistry. Crafted from exquisite Chennur silk, this saree features intricate hand-painted Kalamkari motifs that tell captivating stories of tradition and culture. The vibrant colors and detailed designs make it a visual delight, showcasing the skill of skilled artisans. Chennur is famous for its silk weaving tradition. This craft has been passed down through generations, with families perfecting the art of making stunning silk sarees. The village is close to Tussar and Mulberry silk fields, which provide the high-quality silk threads u...

Yamanapalli Dinosaur Fossil of Kotasaurus Yamanpalliensis, 16-foot-high (over 5 metres in height) and 14 metres in length from Jurassic age, dating back to about 160 million years was found during an excavation by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in Yamanapalli region of Mancherial District, Telangana State, India. Fossils of dinosaur bone fragments, tortoise and animal foot prints also found at this site in Yamanapalli, also known as Vemanapalli, is located in Godavari Pranhita valley of Mancherial district in Telangana.  The fossils have been found in an eight-km radius of Pranhita river valley. A composite skeleton of a dinosaur – Kotasaurus yamanpalliensis Yadagiri (named after Yamanapalli village and scientist Yadagiri) – was installed at the Birla Science Centre, Hyderabad. An articulated skeleton of a Rhynchosaur with the skull and other bone elements that was discovered in the Triassic rocks of the P-G Valley was also put up at the museum Negligent Telan...

Chennur Shivalyam or Agastheswara Alayam is located in chennur village, Mancherial district, Telangana State, India on the banks of Godavari river around 30 kms from Mancherial town. This temple is dedicated to lord Shiva. Chennur Sri Agastheeswara Swamy Temple is the ancient shivalayam in this area with very old inscriptions in Dravida language. it is said that Agasthya Mahamuni himself performed puja in this temple, was visited by Srikrishna Devaraya. Maha Shivaratri is the major annual festival, celebrated with religious gaiety and pomp in Agastheeswara Swamy Temple. Sage Agasthya Maharshi installed this lingam and did poojas to the Shivalinga’s on his journey from Kasi to Dakshina yatra and named it Agasteshwaram. Hence it was named as Agastheeswara Temple. Public from different communities come from far places to immerse the remnant of the dead bodies in the form of ashes, in holy river Godavari which is called Ash Visarjan and have darshan of lord shiva. Akhanda Jyothi is continu...

Mancherial district was created out of Adilabad district in 2016 during the general reorganization of districts in Telangana. The district headquarters is located at Mancherial town. It is surrounded by Komaram Bheem, Nirmal, Jagtial, Peddapalli and Bhupalpally districts of Telangana and with Maharashtra state. Mancherial is said to get its name from the term ‘Manchi Revu’ as the place is on the banks of river Godavari. It is believed that later Manchi Revu was westernized as Mancherial. Mancherial is previously called as "GARMILLA".  Jurassic Period Yamanapalli or Vemanpalli Dinosaur Fossil Yamanapalli Dinosaur Fossil of Kotasaurus Yamanpalliensis, 16-foot-high (over 5 metres in height) and 14 metres in length from Jurassic age, dating back to about 160 million years was found during an excavation by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in Yamanapalli region of Mancherial District, Telangana State, India. Negligent Telangana government has no plans for a fossil park While a ...

Raja Narsa Goud (1866-1948) was a philanthropist known for his significant contributions to charities, especially those caring for people with leprosy. Raja Narsa Goud paid for the construction of the first water tank in Nizamabad and for further plumbing works with Cheelam Janakibai, head of Sirnapalli.  Goud accepted the title of Raja, bestowed by Mir Osman Ali Khan.  King George V gave a medal to Goud during a 1930 visit, in recognition of his service to his community.  The legendary fame of the late Raja Narsagoud of Nizamabad as a friend of the poor was such that people inneed would land up in front of his house seeking him out even 30 years after his death. Narsagoud became alegend in his lifetime and itinerant bards who had composed and sang songs in his praise, citing his innumerable good deeds and sang them in village after village, had spread far and wide, even beyond Hyderabad State, his name. Narsagoud was one of the richest men of the then princely state of H...

Mesolithic cave paintings found in Thaatimattayya hills of Buggagattu forest in Mancherial district of Telangana State. Historian Dr Dyavanapalli Satyanarayana has claimed that he explored the site in the Buggagattu forest area with the help of the local Naikpod tribes. He said cave paintings at Thaatimattayya are dated to be 13,000 years B.P. According to Satyanarayana, he came across the ten types of paintings drawn in five colours. Dr Satyanarayana said ‘even today families of Naikpod worship the ‘Thaatimatayyah’ or Thaadu which means palm tree. One of the most striking features of the cave paintings is the drawings of perfect circles.  It seems that the prehistoric artist had used geometric measurements to draw the circles. The circles represented human heads, womb/vagina, flying saucers, dumbbells/tool kits, sun and moon discs. The Mesolithic Age people inserted the small chips of chert stone (one-inch long and centimeter width) in the full cleavage of fis...

Gandhari Fort / Gandhari Khilla (Gandhari Kota) is a hill fort located near Bokkalagutta, in Mandamarri Mandal in Mancherial district, Telangana, India. The Gandhari Fort is believed to have been built by tribal kings who ruled over this region, by taking assistance from Kakatiya rulers, some 1,000 years ago. It houses the ancient temple of Maisamma. Similarly, it contains idols of Kala Bhairava Swamy, Lord Siva, Lord Ganesh and Hanuman, idols carved out of rocks. Archaeological work suggests that construction of the fort was begun early as the Rastrakuta era (prior to 1200 A.D.) and continued until 16th century.

Revenue divisions : 2 (Mancherial and Bellampally) Mandals           : 18  Population        :  807,037 Area (km2)        :  4,056.36 Literacy          : 64% Highways          : NH 63, SH1 Rivers            : Godavari, Pranhita Collector         :  Sri R.V.Karnan, IAS (2012) M.L.A             :  Diwakar Rao Nadipelli, Durgam Chinnaiah, Ajmeera Rekha Mancherial is previously called as "GARMILLA".  Mancherial is known for its commercial activity and coal belt, the newly-carved district situated in the north bank of the Godavari. The Godavari separates Mancherial and Jagityal district The Godavari separates Mancherial and Jagityal districters are described as the lifelines of the district. The Yellampalli reservoir quenches the thirst of Mancher...

Origin : Thumbidihatti, Kouthala Mandal, Asifabad Intersection of Wardha and the Wainganga Rivers near the border of Maharashtra and Telangana. Elevation : 146 m ( 479 ft) Length : 113 km (70 mi) Catchment : 1,09,078 km2 Outflow : Godavari River near Kaleshwaram States : Maharashtra, Telangana Entire Pranahita River acts as border between Telangana and Maharashtra. Districts : Komoram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Jayshankar Bhupalpally. The Pranhita begins at the confluence of 2 extensive rivers - the Wardha and the Wainganga. This junction lies on the border between the states of Maharashtra and Telangana near Kouthala(near Sirpur kagaznagar). Right at the onset, the river enjoys a wide river bed. Pranhita is the largest tributary of Godavari River covering about 34% of its drainage basin conveying the combined waters of the Penganga River, Wardha River and Wainganga River. By virtue of its extensive network of tributaries, the river drains all of Vidharba region as w...

Sivaram Wildlife Sanctuary was set up in 1987, exclusively for the protection of marsh crocodiles. Located along the holy River Godavari which is the lifeline to the Sivaram wildlife Sanctuary in Mancherial and Peddapalli districts of Telangana, the total area of this beautiful wildlife Sanctuary is approx. 36.29 sq kms. Shivaram Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife preserve located nearly 10 km from Manthani and 50 km from Mancherial town in Telangana and is well accessible by road. Mancherial is the nearest railway station. The deciduous vegetation of this sanctuary consisting of Timan, Terminalias, Teak, Gumpena, Kodsha. It also has some Thorny Shrubs. The wildlife sanctuary attracts a lot of tourists with its wide collection of fauna which includes Sloth bear, Nilgai, Panther, Langaur, Rhesus Monkey, Cheetal, etc. Situated on the banks of River Godavari, this place is their natural habitat. This wild life sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers and nature photographers. The eco system i...

Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary in the Jannaram forests of Mancherial district in Telangana has been declared as the 42nd tiger reserve in the country in 2012. According to the department sources, the Kawal wildlife sanctuary has about 20 tigers as per an unofficial count. "By notifying it as a tiger reserve, we expect an increase in the number of tigers," a forest department official said. Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the important wildlife sanctuaries in Telangana. The Kawal sanctuary houses various animals and several varieties of flora and fauna are seen here. If you want to get a glimpse of wild animals in their natural habitat, then, the Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary is a must see place.  This Wildlife Sanctuary gives you a picturesque view of retreat. Every corner of this sanctuary is filled with adventure and thrill. Thousands of tourists visit this secluded animal kingdom to experience the thrills amidst wild beasts of the region. This sanctuary is located in the Mancheria...