Located 157 kms from Hyderabad is Warangal, a city noted for its beautiful lakes, splendid temples and wildlife. Known earlier as Ekasilanagramor Orugallu or Omtikonda on account of huge boulder like hillock situated near the Swayambhu Siva Temple, Warangal was the erstwhile capital of the Kakatiya rulers under whom the Chalukyan style of temple architecture reached its pinnacle. Being a great patrons of art , the Kakatiyas build many monuments, massive stone gateways, temples and forts which have been attracting tourists in large number. The Warangal Fort build by King Ganapathi in 1199 A.D. and completed by his daughter Rudrama in 1261 A.D., is a great masterpiece of the Kakatiye rulers. Situated 12-km from Hanamakonda, the fort had three layers of protection, the remnants of which can still be seen even today. The fort outer wall, which is made of mud, has a circumference of 49 kms, the largest of its kind in India. The famous stone gateways standing about 50 feet from the ground are a masterpiece and are carved out of a single rock. Known as Kirti Toranas (great gateways) they are similar to those of Sanchi, signifying the Buddhist influence.

The Thousand Pillar Temple is yet another fine specimen of Chalukyan style of architecture and sculpture. Built in 1163 by Rudra Deva on the slopes of the Hanamakonda hills, the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya is renowned for its intricate carved pillars, screens and detailed sculpture. The black basalt Nandi, which measures 1.8 metres in height, has a lovely polished finish.

Other attractions at Warangal include the Bhadrakali Temple noted for its stone image of Kali. Situated on a hilltop between Hanamkonda and Warangal, the goddess is depicted with eight arms and carries a weapon in each hand; The Ramappa temple at Palampet located 64 kms from Warangal dates back to 1234 A.D. The temple's pillars, brackets and ceiling have ornately carved sculpture depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata; the 2,000-year-old Jain temple famous for its 5ft high image of Mahavira carved entirely out of jade; the Kolanupaka Museum and the temples of Sri Veeranarayana and Sri Someswara. Also worth visiting are the Laknavaram Lake and the Pakhal Lake and Wildlife Sanctuary.