Warangal : Our recent visit to Warangal led to some interesting discoveries and wonderful memories, despite choosing to visit it during the worst time of the year. Summer in Warangal is maddening, sun-burns and heat strokes are very common and so is dehydration. My advice to anyone planning a trip to this wonderful city would be to avoid the summer months completely.

Upon reaching there, we took time out and began early in the morning, driving to Ramappa temple. Driving from Warangal takes thirty to forty minutes and it’s a  pleasant drive overall. There are lush green fields with a lake close to the temple and hardly any population around. The  lake makes for a serene spot to relax before continuing further towards the temple.

Historically, Warangal was  ruled by Kakatiya  dynasty and so there are a few interesting sites such as,  Ramappa temple and one thousand pillars that one must visit.  Ramappa temple has a big Shiva linga along with a big Nandi. It is also known as Ramalingeswara. As per Legend, the temple is named after a sculptor – Ramappa who built this temple. Sculptures inside the temple are intricately designed with wonderful craftsmanship visibly at work. Other noted features visible in this temple are sandstone based structures, black basalt idols,  delicately carved pillars and attractive postures of artists and dancers along with elongated bodies and heads(rarely seen in other monuments). While the  place needs more  facilities and maintenance, such a quiet ,  peaceful environment  is heavenly for those visiting from the city.

On the way back, we had a feast of  rare fruit namely Tateen Nungu. It looks like  a tender coconut,  small fruit, comes only during summer. we enjoyed the fruits to our satisfaction. At the end, we felt this half day journey will remain in our minds for days to come. .