Warangal Fort

Warangal was the Kakatiya capital from the twelfth century, defended by three concentric walls with an earthen outer rampart, a stone middle wall and a moat, and at its centre stood a great Shiva temple. The Delhi Sultanate took the city in 1323 and it was destroyed; what remains of the temple are four monumental stone gateways, the kirti toranas, standing free in the open with nothing between them, carved with lotus, makara and geometric work. They became the emblem of Telangana state. Around them lie scattered carved blocks, broken lingams and pillar bases across the field where the temple stood.

What you actually see

• The four toranas - carved stone gateways standing alone in the field.
• The scattered carving - broken pillars, lingams and blocks across the ground.
• The wall circuits - traces of the concentric fortifications around the city.
• The Khush Mahal - a later sultanate hall within the fort area.

When to go

October to March; Telangana summers are severe and the site is open ground with no shade. Mornings and late afternoon give the best light on the gateways.

Honest expectations

The site is a field of ruins rather than a fort with buildings, which surprises visitors. There is no shade and minimal interpretation. The city has grown around and into the fort area.

Nearby

The Thousand Pillar Temple lies at Hanamkonda; Ramappa is northeast.