This week, The Musafir Stories speaks to Neeharika Satyavada who is a digital strategist turned blogger from Hyderabad! Sit back and enjoy as Neeharika takes us on a roadtrip through Karimnagar!
Today's destination: Karimnagar, TS
Nearest Airport: Rajiv Gandhi Intl airport, Hyderabad
Nearest Railway Station: Karimnagar railway station
Prerequisities - n/a
Packing - comfortable clothes and shoes as there might be some climbing to do at the forts!
Time of the year - Monsoons is the best season to go see the forts and ruins surrounded by shades of green.
Length of the itinerary: 2 days
Itinerary Highlights:
Day 1
Molangur Fort
Built during the reign of Kakatiya dynasty/ Prathapa Rudra: 1163 - 1195 (12th centry)
This is also a transit point between Warangal and Elgandal
The fort is located on a granite hill and has unfortunately been a victim of incessant quarrying. Still no concrete efforts to stop the degradation
The fort also houses the Molang Shah dargah, named after a famous saint who visited the region
Additionally, two temples dedicated to lord Shiva are also present so is a well famously called as Doodh bawli
Elgandal Fort
This is a magnificent fort on the banks of Manair river
It is famous for 3 minars that gives us some insight into the architecture of the kakatiya dynasty. The minars are a part of a mosque situated right on top of the fort.
There is also a small Hanuman temple while scaling up the fort steps which is functional.
The fort was eventually occupied by Qutub Shahi dynasty, the Moghuls and Nizams after a period of rule under the Kakatiyas and Bahamanis.
The fort was rebuilt in 1754 AD by Zafaruddhaula during the reign of Sikendar Jha. - Karimuddin was a khilledar and Karimnagar was named after him, gives us an idea of the significance of the fort and the rulers.
After spending the second half of the day at Elgandal, you can head back to Karimnagar town for lodging. The town also boasts of some silver filigry work and miniatures of charminar and other monuments. After spending the night at Karimnagar, you can head off to visit more temples on Day 2
Day 2
Manthani ruins
This historical place is also known as Mantrapuri or village of hymns, center for vedic learning
It is famous for the Gautameshwar temple with Shiva as the residing deity.
The ruins have an eerie look about them, specially during the monsoons when the area is covered by lush green grass and moss. Situated on the banks of river godavari adds to the great views at the temple
This place has been famous as the home to 1000 brahmin families, often refered to as house of mantras (hymns)
The ruins are reminiscent of the scens from the Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book (Indian version) where Mowgli ends up a the ruins of the ancient temple.
Nagnur ruins
These ruins are of Kakatiya and Kalyana temples, some built by the Chalukyas
The mainstay of the area is the Trikuta temple (3 idols of Shiva)
Lord Shiva is the residing god of the Trikuta temple. The temple is currently being restored and conserved.
Other places of interest:
Dhulikatta (buddhist shrine) which has relics and stupas attributed to Buddhism.
Links:
Neeharika's Blog : Map in My Pocket
In Sarmistha's words : Road Tripping through Karimnagar
In Sarmistha's words : Town of Hymns Manthani
In Sarmistha's words : Lost in time - Nagunur Ruins
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email: neeharika.satyawada@gmail.com