Telangana360

Samakka Sarakka Temple – Medaram, Mulugu District Samakka Sarakka Jathara, also called Medaram Jathara, is a biannual tribal festival in Telangana that has grown into one of India’s largest pilgrimages. Held every two years at Medaram village in Tadvai Mandal, deep in the forests of Mulugu district, it draws millions of devotees from across Telangana and neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. During the festival, Medaram’s population skyrockets from fewer than 300 villagers to over 3.5 million pilgrims. The festival honors the heroic Koya tribal queen Samakka and her daughter Sarakka, who resisted the Kakatiya rulers from Warangal (1000–1380 A.D.). Today, devotees from diverse backgrounds come to pay homage, inspired by their courage and sacrifice. Historical Significance The Telangana region has long celebrated the legacy of Sammakka and Sarakka as symbols of defiance and resilience. Their heroism inspired people’s movements against ...

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...

Vontimamidi Lodhi, also called Ontimamidi Lodhi, is a stunning waterfall located in Mangavaigudem village, Venkatapuram Mandal, Mulugu district, Telangana. Hidden within dense forests, this waterfall has recently become popular among adventure and nature enthusiasts due to its pristine beauty and secluded location. Vontimamidi / Ontimamidi Waterfall – hidden gem of Mulugu forests About the Waterfall The waterfall is nestled deep in forest terrain and is accessible only via forest trails. Visitors need to trek carefully through slippery boulders, knee-deep slush, and natural streams. The local tribal guides are highly recommended as they are familiar with the safest and most scenic paths leading to the waterfall. The secluded setting provides a peaceful environment, perfect for photography, nature walks, and bird watching. Distance & Location Located in Mangavaigudem village, Venkatapuram Mandal Accessible from Venkatapuram and nearby villages via local forest trails Part...

Kongala Waterfalls, locally known as Puli Madugu Jalapatham , is located near Kongala village, Wazeedu Mandal, Mulugu district, Telangana, India. Locals also call it the 'V-fall' due to its distinct shape. The waterfall is formed by the Loddimadugu Vagu (stream) which cascades into the Kongala tank, providing a serene and picturesque environment. Height and Surroundings The waterfall stands at approximately 30 meters (around 70 feet) high and spans an area of nearly 100 meters. The water forms a large natural pool at the base, ideal for swimming and enjoying the cool waters during the warm months. The falls are located amidst the dense Kongala or Dulapalli forest range, making the area excellent for bird watching and wildlife spotting. Visitors can experience the raw tranquility of nature due to the relatively secluded location. How to Reach The waterfall is about 3 km from Kongala village. Visitors need to trek around 2 km (approximately 45 minutes) through forest trails t...

Mashenuloddi Waterfall is located near Dulapuram village, Wajedu Mandal, Mulugu district, Telangana, India. Nestled in the dense forests of Mulugu, this pristine waterfall is part of a scenic cluster of waterfalls in the region, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and trekkers. Mashenuloddi Waterfall – hidden gem in Mulugu forests Nearby Waterfalls The area is rich in natural cascades, with around 12 major waterfalls within a 50 km radius. Some notable ones include: Bogatha Waterfalls Venkatapuram Waterfalls Muthyamdhara Waterfalls How to Reach Mashenuloddi Waterfall The waterfall is accessible via Dulapuram village. From Bogatha Waterfalls X-road: Right turn leads to Venkatapuram, Muthyamdhara waterfalls, and Bhadrachalam. Straight and left takes you to Jaganathapuram village. From there, around 3 km to Dulapuram, then a right turn and 3 km drive into the forest to reach the waterfall. From Dulapuram village, you can drive around 2 km, but the final 1 k...

Explore Telangana's Oldest Sanctuary Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Eturnagaram village in Mulugu district, Telangana, India. Established on 30th January 1952 by the erstwhile Hyderabad Government, it is one of the oldest sanctuaries in the state. The sanctuary is primarily plain with about one-fourth hilly terrain, and the Godavari River flows through it, enhancing the scenic beauty and supporting rich biodiversity. The sanctuary spans an area of about 812 km². It is home to endangered species such as Tigers, Panthers, and Gaur, as well as Sambar, Cheetal, Nilgiri, and Blackbuck. Its diverse ecosystems include dry deciduous forests, riverine areas, and scrublands, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers alike. Flora and Fauna Flora Eturnagaram Sanctuary is rich in plant diversity, with teak as the dominant species. Other important trees include thiruman, maddi, bamboo, mdhuca, terminalia, and pterocarpus. The forest also contains medicinal pla...

Scenic Lake and Adventure Destination in Mulugu, Telangana Laknavaram Lake is situated in Mulugu district about 90 km from Warangal, 30 km from Ramappa Temple, 7 km from Govindaraopet, and 5 km from Chalvai. Tourists from Warangal take NH 163 towards Mulugu, then turn right into the forest near Chalvai to reach the lake. Surrounded by green hills forming a bowl-like structure, this pristine lake is also known as ‘Laknavaram Cheruvu’. The lake covers 10,000 acres, holds 2.135 TMCFT of water, and irrigates over 3,500 acres of land. Built by the Kakatiya kings, it features 13 islands and a 160-meter-long hanging bridge connecting three islands. A lake-view resort with amenities makes it a popular weekend and monsoon destination. Activities Boating to explore islands and lake corners Kayaking for adventure enthusiasts Bird watching for migratory flocks Trekking trails around the lake and nearby waterfalls Photography and wildlife spotting, including monkeys and migratory birds ...

Mallur Hemachala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple (photo credit: provided image) Location: Mallur Gutta and Fort are located near Mallur village, Mangapet Mandal, Mulugu district in Telangana, India. It is said to be bigger than Warangal and Golconda forts. About the Fort A sprawling ancient fort in the region is the massive 8 km-radius fort wall with seven entry points dating back to the Satavahana period. Locally known as Mallur Fort, located 4 km inside the forests near Mallur village of Mangapet mandal, Mulugu district, the fort is on the banks of the river Godavari adjacent to the Eturunagaram–Bhadrachalam highway. “Normally, forts are two to four km in radius. But this fort wall has a radius of about 8 km, much bigger than Warangal and Golconda forts.” Hemachala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Mallur Hemachala Lakshmi Narsimha Swamy Temple is the most ancient architectural divine ensemble which is located on the Mallur Ghat in the Mangapet mandal of Mulugu...

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...

Travel Guide Location: Veerabhadravaram Village, Venkatapuram Mandal, Mulugu District, Telangana, India Muthyam Dhara Waterfalls, also known as Mutyala Jalapatham, is a breathtaking cascade set amid dense forests along the Kadam River, a tributary of the Godavari. The falls feature a milky white gush producing a soothing, roaring sound, creating a serene and refreshing atmosphere. Nature lovers and adventure seekers will enjoy the drizzling water shower that adds to the magic of the location. Trekking & Access Approx. 10 km walk from Veerabhadravaram Village . Base village: Veerabhadravaram , 5 km past Venkatapuram. Local guides are available for hire. Limited parking space at the trail start. Moderate trekking through lush forests and stream crossings. Bathing in the waterfall is believed to be therapeutic due to medicinal herbs. Nearby Waterfalls Gaddalasari Waterfalls (Jin Thogu) – Second highest in Telangana (~700 ft) Kothikuntla Alapaka Crescent Waterfalls ...

Palvancha Samsthanam (1324 CE - 1948 CE), also known as Palwancha or Paloncha, is located in present-day Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Telangana, India. During the Nizam’s reign, it was part of Warangal district. Covering an area of roughly 800 square miles, Palvancha neighbored the Gadwal Samsthan and included the Hasanabad-Sankaragiri zamindari, which comprised the present-day Bhadrachalam and Rekapalle estates. The capitals of the Samsthan were Polancha, Bhadrachalam, and Ashwaraopet, all ruled by descendants of Annappa (or Appanna) Aswarao, the founder. The town of Palvancha was situated in a rich, luxuriant valley about four miles wide, surrounded by lofty mountain ranges. The mountain passes were the only access routes, making the region naturally strong but isolated. 1. Origins and Rise The Palvancha Samsthan was established by Annappa Aswarao (also called Anapa Aswa Rao) in 1324 A.D., who received Bhadrachalam as a free jagir from the Emperor of Delhi. He was required to maint...

Jampanna Vagu, also called Sampangi Vagu or Laknavaram River, is a sacred river in Mulugu, Telangana, tied to Sammakka-Sarakka legends. Origin / Start: Bhupalpally Forest Range End / Confluence: Godavari River near Eturnagaram, Mulugu District Length: Around 80 km Historical and Cultural Significance Jampanna Vagu is named after Jampanna , son of tribal goddess Sammakka , who died fighting the Kakatiya army. Tribals believe a holy dip in the river honors their gods’ sacrifices and instills courage. The Jampanna Vagu Bridge spans the stream. Tribal Legend Legend says tribal leaders found Sammakka, a newborn girl surrounded by light, and raised her. She married Pagididda Raju, Koya chief, and had three children: Sarakka, Nagulamma, and Jampanna. When King Prataprudra imposed taxes, war broke out. Jampanna died in battle, turning Sampangi Vagu red, renamed Jampanna Vagu . Sammakka retired to Chilakala Gutta as a vermilion jar (Kumkum Bharani). Devotees believe Sammakka and S...

History, Geography, Administration & Tourism Guide Mulugu is one of the newest districts of Telangana, formed on 17 February 2019 by bifurcating Jayashankar Bhupalpally district. The district headquarters is Mulugu town, located on NH 163. Quick Facts Formation date: 17 February 2019 Headquarters: Mulugu Area: 3,031 sq. km Population: ≈ 3 lakh (administrative estimate) Villages & habitations: ~335 habitations, 174 village panchayats Mandals: 9 Assembly seats: 1 (Mulugu) Geography of Mulugu District Mulugu district is located in the northern region of Telangana State and forms part of the forested and hilly belt of the state. It was carved out from the Jayashankar Bhupalpally district in 2019 and is bordered by several districts of Telangana as well as the state of Chhattisgarh to the northeast. Location & Boundaries Coordinates: Approximately 18.35°N latitude and 80.58°E longitude. Neighboring Districts: Jayashankar Bhupalpally...

Kakatiya Canal is a major canal in the Telangana State in India. Its full name is SRSP Kakatiya Canalas the canal originates from the Sriram Sagar dam to  to the Lower Manair Dam (LMD) Reservoir to Khammam Reservoir It feeds North Telangana by passing through the region for irrigation and as well as drinking water for major cities. Kakatiya Canal is about 284 km long with 9,700 cusecs flow capacity and passing through Nizamabad,  Jagtia, Karimnagar, Warangal, Hanumakonda, Mahabubabad. Suryapeta and Bhadradri Kothagudem Districts will benefited by inflow of Kakatiya Canal to Musi River. This canal is an inter river basin transfer link by feeding Godavari River water to Krishna river basin in Warangal and Khammam districts. 4 Units of 9 MW each to generate 36 MW have also been set up to harness the water head before feeding water in to the canal. Located at Km.146.00 of Kakatiya Canal on Manair River near Karimnagar is a balancing reservoir. Nizamab...

Ramappa Lake is situated near NH 163  in Palampet village of Venkatapur Mandal, Mulugu district,  Telangana, India.   237 k.m. from Hyderabad 70 k.m. from Warangal 1 k.m from Ramappa Temple Ramappa Lake is a magnificient example of irrigation work of Kakatiya Rulers constructed in 13- Century A.D. during Ganapathi Deva’s time. Its water is spread over an area of more than 82 Sq.Kms with lush greenery all around. The lake is over looked by beautiful hill ranges in the background providing a spectacular view especially at Sunset time. It is an excellent place for van bojanalu (picnic) and one can simply come here and relax under the shade of sprawling trees or walk around appreciating the beauty of nature or have a fascinating boat ride. There are excellent huts, eight in number and a good restaurant cum dining hall around Ramappa Lake but these are lying unused because of lack of proper maintenance. A tourism Rest House is also there near the Lake, wh...

The Floating Marvel of Telangana - UNESCO World Heritage Site (2021) Location: Palampet Village, Venkatapur Mandal, Mulugu District, Telangana, India Coordinates: 18° N, 79° E | Elevation: 612 ft above sea level Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Nestled in the tranquil village of Palampet, surrounded by lush paddy and cotton fields with forested hills on one side and the serene Ramappa Lake on the other, the Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple stands as an enduring symbol of the artistic, cultural, and engineering genius of the Kakatiya Dynasty. Built in 1213 AD, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and locally known as Ramappa Gudi. Historians describe it as “the brightest gem of Kakatiya architecture” — an epitome of medieval Deccan artistry, devotion, and craftsmanship. The Ramappa Temple is not merely a monument — it is a symphony in stone, where art, devotion, and engineering converge. Its sculpted dancers still echo with rhythm, its floating bricks defy time, and its sett...

1080 - 1160 A.D : Polavasa Dynasty / Polasa chiefs / Lengonda Dynasty Capital : Polavasa (Current Polas, Jagitial District, Telangana State, India) Founder : Madhava Varma Language: Telugu Religion: Hinduism (Saivism and Vaishnavism), Jainism The Polavasa chiefs seem to have patronized Jainism besides Saivism The Polavasa chiefs were subordinates of the Western Chalukyas, but revolted against their overlords during the early 12th century. Descendants of Rashtrakutas and were based immediately north of the Kakatiya territories. The Polavasa Kingdom bordered river godavari and extended from Polavasa to Narsampet. Madhava varman upto 1080AD : Durgaraja 1080 - 1110 A.D : Medaraja - I Feudatory of  Vikramaditya VI (1076 - 1126 AD ) of Western Chalukyas of Kalyani Medaraja is referred to as Maninagapuradhiraja The 1082 CE Banajipet inscription states that Beta II gifted land and a house site to a Jaina temple established by Medarasa. Polavasa was a capital under the rule of Medaraja (108...