Fantastico Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad
Fantastico Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad

The Forts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

The South is a fascinating melting pot of multiple histories and cultures. The rich past of the places have a tale of their own. With many religious sites, the southern India is flocked by many pilgrims each year. The rich bio diversity is a great tourist attraction. And amongst these are Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Both the states have a lot to offer, be it a pilgrimage, adventure trip or a foodie trip. But for all the history buffs, a trip themed around history is the good way to explore Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Keeping Hyderabad as a base, here are some top historical sites that are worth a road trip.

Elgandal Fort, Karimnagar

Located on the banks of the Manair, Karimnagar is a place of history. It was the throne for many centuries but today it is large urban settlement. It is a major educational & health hub for northern Telangana. The mosque’s minarets at the Elgandal Fort are a distinctive sight from a distance. The fort itself is situated at a height and offers wide views of the surrounding plains.  It is believed to be around a millennia old and has witnessed many great battles. Speculations are there that the moat of the fort was filled with crocodiles. Today, it is a tranquil spot defined by its stone ruins and old architecture, giving Karimnagar its most precious historical identity.

Beautiful Elgandal Fort in Karimnagar. Courtesy: Wikimedia
Beautiful Elgandal Fort in Karimnagar. Courtesy: Wikimedia

Warangal Fort

The Warangal Fort was built during the Kakatiya dynasty. It has been around for more than eight hundred years. The carved pillars and old temples are some of the structures that still stand amidst the ruins. One can spend many hours here studying the intricacies of the old mandapas and sculptures, getting a glimpse at what life would have been like when this was the central hub. Other highlights at the Warangal Fort include the detailed stone gateways standing naked in the open landscape and the Kush Mahal.

Warangal Fort. Courtesy: Wikimedia
Warangal Fort. Courtesy: Wikimedia

Golconda Fort

Golconda is one of the most iconic fortifications of India. It was at one point of time, the home of the Kohinoor diamond. Today many come here to explore its paths that cut across the fortifications. Visitors get breathtaking views of Hyderabad from the summit of the Golconda Fort. The Baradari building and the Ibrahim Mosque are great examples of the Islamic architecture that was prevalent at those times. Grand arches and geometric motifs are just some of the distinctive features of the designs here. Located just outside Hyderabad, Golconda would be ideal for a day trip.

The mighty Golconda Fort. Courtesy: Wikimedia
The mighty Golconda Fort. Courtesy: Wikimedia

These were some of the worth visiting forts in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. One of the best ways to explore these places is by driving – be it your own car or a rented one. Choosing a self drive car rental is the best way to explore the various historic centres of Telangana. The main advantage is total freedom and flexibility of self drive. Self Drive cars not only give extra space but also provide privacy.

Finding a car rental in Hyderabad is very simple. Online platforms like Zoomcar allow registered customers to book a vehicle in a matter of seconds. One can choose from a wide range of the latest cars – hatchbacks, sedans and SUVs – they are all available. Other perks of choosing a rental car are 24/7 on-road support, affordable plans and all-India permits.

On the grasslands and plateaus of the Deccan, relics of a royal past loom silently watching over the ever-changing landscape. A visit to the old forts reminds the visitor of the legacy that birthed the vibrant cultures of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Such a poignant itinerary can be successful only behind the wheel. What do you say ? Wouldn’t it be fun to drive to these amazing places ? Let me know in the comments below 🙂

About Atulmaharaj

A seasoned blogger and a content marketer for close to a decade now. I write about Food, Technology, Lifestyle, Travel, and Finance related posts. Blogging brings me joy and the best part is I get to read and e-meet so many amazing bloggers! PS: I'm also the founder for Socialmaharaj.com :) Favorite Quote: "Traveling is like reading a book, one who hasn't traveled, hasn't turned a page.

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