Historical Sites &Famous Temples: Must-Visit Places in Karimnagar

May 20, 2024

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The united Karimnagar district is a treasure trove of historical sites and tourist attractions. This article explores the notable places in the region.

1. Elgandal Fort – A Hundred-Year-Old Marvel:

Situated 15 kilometers from Karimnagar, Elgandal has served as the capital for the Kakatiyas, Bahmanis, Qutb Shahis, Mughals, and Asaf Jahis. The fort features a mosque on the hill, with a minaret known for its unique feature – it is said to move if one of its pillars is pushed. The golden-colored paintings inside are particularly captivating.

2. Ramuni Gundalu – The Hills of Rama:

Located 2 kilometers from Ramagundam, this historical site is nestled among hills. From the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Godavari River, the Singareni coal mines, and the luminous Ramagundam NTPC power plant.

3. Nagunur Temples – The Four Hundred Temples:

Eight kilometers from Karimnagar lies Nagunur, a place once home to 400 temples, built by the Chalukya and Kakatiya vassals. It features inscriptions, statues, and memorials from the Buddhist era. The Trikootalayam, built by Gangadhara, stands as a testament to the artistic excellence of the period. A remarkable large Naga sculpture can be found outside the village. Restoration work, costing around 3 crore INR, is currently being undertaken by the Kasuganti Narayan Rao Trust from Hyderabad.

4. Vemulawada – The Southern Kashi:

About 35 kilometers from the Karimnagar district center is the Vemulawada Rajarajeshwara Swamy Temple. Known for its revenue, second only to Tirupati, and revered as the Southern Kashi, this temple was built by the Kalyani Chalukya ruler Arikesari in the 10th century, according to inscriptions. The unique custom of offering a ‘koda mokku’ (vow with a bull) is practiced here and nowhere else in the state. The temple complex also includes a dargah and Jain temples, symbolizing religious harmony.

5. Kotilingala – The Capital of the Satavahanas:

Kotilingala, located 5 kilometers from Velgatoor mandal, was the capital of the Satavahanas. This village is scattered with Shiva lingams and remnants of sculptures. Excavations by the Archaeological Department have unearthed Satavahana-era coins and other relics. The Sri Koteswara Swamy Temple is situated on the banks of the Godavari River here.

6. Kaleshwaram – The Triveni Sangam Site:

Kaleshwaram, located 130 kilometers from Karimnagar, is as significant as Srisailam and Draksharamam. This site marks the confluence of the Godavari, Pranahita, and Saraswati rivers. The main temple features the unique Kaleswara and Mukteswara lingams on a single pedestal. It’s believed that any liquid poured on the linga flows into the Triveni Sangam. A kilometer away from the main temple is the Mukteswara temple, where vibhuti (sacred ash) is said to fall from the surrounding stones. Medigadda Lakshmi Barrage, part of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, is located 26 kilometers from Kaleshwaram.

7. Dharmapuri – The Abode of Narasimha:

Dharmapuri, 70 kilometers north of Karimnagar, is home to the Narasimha Swamy Temple. The legend says that King Balivarma performed a sacrificial ritual here for his son, leading to the place being named Dharmapuri, where people lived righteously. The temple, with Narasimha Swamy in Padmasana alongside Lakshmi, and the nearby Ramalingeswara temple represent the union of Shaivism and Vaishnavism.

8. Kondagattu – Anjaneya Swamy’s Abode:

Located in Malyala Mandal, Kondagattu is a famous pilgrimage site 35 kilometers from Karimnagar. Historical records suggest the temple was built 300 years ago, with the current structure constructed by Krishna Rao Deshmukh 160 years ago. Anjaneya Swamy, known for fulfilling devotees’ wishes, is the presiding deity. Other attractions include Konda Rayuni fort, caves, and ponds like Bojja Pothana and Seethamma Vari Kanniti. The temple hosts two annual Hanuman Jayanti celebrations.

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9. Manthani – The Ancient Vedic Town:

Manthani, historically known as Mantrapuri, is located 70 kilometers from Karimnagar on the banks of the Godavari River. The town has preserved its Vedic culture, and the Gautameswara Temple is a significant site where scholars have excelled in Vedic studies. The town, originally surrounded by four Shiva lingams in each direction, has now expanded beyond them.

10. Ramagiri Fort – The Royal Residences:

Ramagiri Fort, 20 kilometers from Peddapalli, stands on the banks of the Godavari River. Local lore suggests that Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana stayed here during their exile and performed the Dattatreya Vrata. The fort’s royal residences are now in ruins. Aurangzeb, captivated by the fort’s beauty, named it Aramgiri.

11. Jagityal Fort – A Military Base:

Jagityal Fort, 50 kilometers from Karimnagar, was built during the reign of Jafar ud Daula by French engineers. Spanning 20 acres and constructed entirely of stone, the fort served as a military base and stands intact as a historical monument.

12. Dhulikatta – The Buddhist Stupa:

Dhulikatta, located 28 kilometers from Karimnagar in Eligedu mandal, revealed a fort and a Buddhist stupa during excavations from 1975 to 1977. Copper coins and clay figurines were found near the fort’s entrance.

13. Archaeological Museum:

Established in 1964 and modernized in 1984, the Archaeological Museum opposite the Karimnagar bus stand displays Satavahana, Kakatiya, and Asaf Jahi artifacts, coins, stamps, weapons, and relics from sacred sites excavated across the district.

14. Nagulapet Syphon:

Located 7 kilometers from Korutla, the Nagulapet Syphon is renowned for its unique construction in Asia, where canal water flows underground, and reappears after crossing a stream. The siphon’s distinction lies in having a canal below and a stream above.

15. Veerabhadra Swamy Temple – Kothakonda:

The ancient Veerabhadra Swamy Temple in Kothakonda, Bheemdevarapalli mandal, was constructed by Kedari, the grandson of Mallikarjuna Pandit during the reign of Kakatiya Rudreshwara in 1410 AD. The temple attracts numerous devotees during the annual Sankranti festival.

Other Temples and Special Sites:

Other notable sites include Dubbala Rajeshwara Swamy Temple in Pembatla, Odela Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple in Jangampalli, Nandagiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Gangadhara, Keshavanath Panchamukha Lingeshwara Trikuta Temple in Rayikal, and Molangur Fort. Near Karimnagar is the suspension bridge over the Manair River, Lower Manair Dam, Ujwala Park, and Deer Park. The upcoming Manair River Front promises to enhance Karimnagar’s tourist appeal.