Telangana360

🏰 Medak Fort (Methukudurgam) Kakatiya & Qutb Shahi citadel | 500+ steps | 3 grand gates | Panoramic views | Medak, Telangana ⛰️ Medak Fort (originally Methukudurgam) – a majestic hill fort located in Medak town, Medak district, Telangana , approximately 95 km from Hyderabad . Built between 1139–1157 AD by Prolaraju II of the Kakatiya dynasty , the fort served as a strategic second capital and military command post. Spread over 100 acres atop a granite hill, it features three grand entrances – Prathama Dwaram, Simha Dwaram (with snarling lions), and Gaja Dwaram (with interlocked elephants). The fort showcases a blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture, with a 17th‑century mosque on the summit and the Gandabherundam (double‑headed eagle) emblem of the Kakatiyas. A 3.2‑metre cannon , a stepped well ( Raju‑Rani cheruvu ), and the Gulshan Mahal (now a Haritha Resort) are among its highlights. The fort is in a ruinous state but offers s...

🏰 Rachakonda Fort 14th‑century hill fortress | Cyclopean masonry | Recherla Padmanayaka capital | Trekking & rock climbing | Nalgonda, Telangana 🏔️ Rachakonda Fort – a 14th‑century hill fort located in Rachakonda village, Narayanapoor Mandal, Nalgonda district, Telangana . The fort served as the capital of the Rachakonda region, first ruled by the Kakatiyas and later by the Recherla Padmanayaka (Padma Nayaka) dynasty . It was conquered by the Bahmani Sultanate in 1433 AD and subsequently ruled by the Qutb Shahis and Nizams. The fort is built using cyclopean masonry – massive irregular stones fitted together without mortar. A 15‑feet high entrance wall greets visitors, followed by two ancient Sri Rama temples, naturally carved water tanks, and ruins of palaces and shrines. The site is a popular trekking and rock‑climbing destination near Hyderabad ( ≈60 km from LB Nagar ). No facilities, no entry fee – pure adventure and history. ...

🏞️ Shamirpet Lake (Pedda Cheruvu) & Jawahar Deer Park 19th‑century Nizam‑era lake | Boating, birdwatching & rock climbing | Hyderabad’s weekend getaway, Telangana 🌅 Shamirpet Lake (also known as Pedda Cheruvu) – an artificial lake built during the Nizam reign in the 19th century , located in Shamirpet, near Hyderabad, Telangana . The serene, calm environs of the lake make it a popular weekend getaway. Adjacent to the lake is the Jawahar Deer Park , an 80‑acre protected area where deer, peacocks, and birds roam freely. The combination of lake and deer park creates a natural habitat, and visitors can often see deer quenching their thirst on the lake’s banks. The area is known for its beautiful rocky terrain, making it a perfect spot for rock climbing, photography, and birdwatching . Boating is available. Several resorts and private dhabas have come up around the lake. The Katta Maisamma temple near the highway attracts devotees, especia...

🕉️ Navanatha Siddeshwara Alayam (Siddulagutta) Cave temple on black rock hill | Shiva Linga in narrow cave | Bending path to humility | Armoor, Nizamabad, Telangana ⛰️ Navanatha Siddeshwara Alayam, also known as Siddulagutta – an ancient cave temple located on a striking black rock hillock in Armoor, Nizamabad district, Telangana . Lord Shiva is the presiding deity here in the divine form of Siddeshwara Swamy . The hill resembles a massive pile of black boulders. The temple’s most unique feature is a deep, narrow cave where a Shiva Linga is situated. The cave is so low that one cannot stand erect – you must bend down or crawl to approach the Lord, symbolising the shedding of ego. The hill got its name Siddulagutta because sages (Siddhas) meditated here. The temple has been renovated, but the cave experience remains raw and spiritual. Open 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM . Free entry. 🕉️ Cave Shiva L...