Undrugonda Fort & Temple

Undrukonda Fort is located 10 km from Suryapet town. It is located on a hill, surrounded by think forest in 1,372 acres. 

The ruins of the Undrugonda fort are of archaeological significance and they represent the various methods used in construction during that era. The central pillars are carved in typical Kakatiya style. The historic fort offers a lot of scope to understand the rich legacy of the region.

The fort is believed to have been built during Kakatiya times and later it fell under the control of Muslim invaders after the fall of Kakatiyas. The fortifications are spread across an area of 1 to 3 km’s along the hillock along with a famous Narasimha Swamy temple here.

Ugranarasimhaswamy temple is located on Undrugondadurgam (fort). The image of Narasimhaswamy on Garuda peetam is under a natural cave which was converted as a temple by constructing a garbhalaya and pillared mandapa.

Remnants of fortification walls are seen on the Undrugonda fort. At the foot of the fort an open mandapa is located. The ruins of this temple as well as fort are of archaeological significance and they represent the various methods used in construction during that era. 

The historic fort offers a lot of scope to understand the rich legacy of the region. This is an important fort of historical importance in Vemchimla mandal of Suryapet district and the Ugranarasimhaswamy temple here represents the historical significance of this region.

Locals throng the temple during festival occasions. The famous temple and the ruins here attract tourists and history lovers from all over, especially the picturesque hillock with a historic backdrop is a wonderful destination to visit.

https://tsdamblog.com/fortifications-undrugonda/

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Neelakanteshwara Temple

Sri Neelakanteshwara Temple is located on a beautiful Highway to Nagpur in the centre of Nizamabad Town is famous for its architecture.

Apart from architecture, there is another unique factor to this temple. It is the presence of the Big Three here: Lord Shiva in Linga form, who is Swayambhu; Lord Vishnu lying supine like Lord Padmanabhaswamy and Lord Brahma sitting on his lotus. Devotees throng this temple because of the presence of the Holy Triumvirate.

Kanteshwar is popular for an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is said to be about 500 years old and stands as an example of the architecture of the time during which it was built. This ancient temple was built by Satakarni II for Jains, who was a popular Satavahana King.

During Kakatiya period, the Jain mandiram was converted to a Shiva temple when many Jains also converted to Hinduism. The structure resembles the Nagara style or Hindu architecture with influences from north.

While some legends say that the temple could be close to 1,400 years old, it is older than 500 years and represents a mixture of great architectural history, with artwork on walls and pillars of the temple.

While the Nagara influence dominates, one can see Chalukyan influence on the temple gopuram and the outside of the temple and Kakatiya influence is there all over, including the outer region of the temple, with its small floral contributions. There is a protective wall, almost like a fortress, around the temple.

While the sanctum sanctorum has the three Lords and you can worship all of them together, the outside is replete with pillars, some on a raised platform on either side of the idol of Nandi, the guardian deity of Kailasa.

The Rathasapthami festival celebrated here every year, is very popular among devotees.

There is also a legend which says that the Sun rays fall on the Shiva Linga only on the Rathasaptami Day (Chariot ceremony).

Kanteshwar Jatara is organised on the premises of the temple. A large number of devotees throng to the temple for the darshan of chariot (Ratham).

The temple’s ‘gali gopuram’ (a monumental tower) stands tall and people can worship it from far away even before approaching the temple.

Many come to fulfill their wishes and pray to Lord Shiva to whom this temple is dedicated.

It is believed that the Lord here grants one’s wishes if you pray with fervour. This temple and many other ancient temples in this region came under Sirnepalli Samasthanam.

While the name of the temple suggests that you will see an icon of Lord Shiva with a blue throat, it is not the fact as the idol is in ‘Linga’ form.

The temple gains its name according to a legend that in a war between Gods and demons, there was a churning of an ocean and this brought forth gems and poison ‘halaahala’ which would have destroyed the entire creation. So both the Gods and the demons approached Lord Vishnu for help who in turn sent them to Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva is believed to have drunk the entire poison and it is said that his consort Parvati Devi caught hold of his throat so that the poison does not move down his body which gave a blue colour to the Lord’s throat. Thus, Lord Shiva also gains the name ‘Neelakanteshwara’ due to the presence of the blue throat.

All pillars are made of stones but the variety of stone used is also different within this small space, speaking of the various influences. Local people point out the fact that there are three flowers on one pillar whereas other pillars have only one flower. Some eccentricity or lack of time of the sculptor, probably.

There is also a Dakshinamukhi Aanjaneya Swamy outside the temple. Normally, Lord Aanjaneya faces east but he is supposed to be facing south here because Sita Devi was in Lanka then, says chief priest Suhas Shakai.

One must not forget to mention the beautiful Nandi, sitting in front of his favourite Lord.

Previously made of one single stone, the idol looks handsome, with all kinds of paint on him, spoiling his looks, but some are happy that the paint is peeling off.

The whole ancient feel of the temple comes from the pillars, the Nandi and the beautiful work done on the walls, pillars and the roof in the inner part of the temple.

The temple stands on three acres of land and stone tiles have been laid for the walkway and an awning covering half the temple as protection against weather, while a small herbal garden is there amidst the walls of this ancient temple. There are other gates, with monkeys as gatekeepers. On the other side of this temple is a very beautiful and huge temple well, where only Utsava Murtis of the Lord are dipped, though one wonders about the plastic bags lying in the water.

There is a walking space. There are several Nandis and Shiva Lingas here too for people to do pooja. Just to give the old feel, there is a ‘ratham’ (chariot) made of wood. While the entire ratham is delicate and colourful, the bottom part of it has ‘nakashi’ art paintings of the Lords.

There is a small Tulasi plant amidst a host of huge trees of neem, peepul, palms etc. around the temple . Embedded on the wall of the temple is a beautiful Narasimhaswamy made of granite and looks wonderfully worshipped.

Next to the Tulasi is another stone statue, apparently known as Veergal or hero stone. These are found in a few places and in memory of those who lost their lives in war. Of course, there is a Lord Ganesha, in whose presence all poojas begin and he stands in granite glory and Sri Parvathi Devi has a small temple to Herself, in glorious turmeric, with a red bindi adorning her forehead.

The office room though is the best and has been kept in its original form. “We do not want to change this,” insists Temple Chairman Kovvuri Jagan Gupta. “Even in Summer, it is cooler here inside,” he said. The office room is small and has a domed roof. There is coolness about the place during the monsoon. It probably leaks but the old feel is definitely there, including an old wooden door.

The temple is very peaceful with the music of the breeze flowing through the trees and during nights, the lights come on and women walk in colourfully and chant Sloka in groups, adding to the fervour of the temple.

Temple Timings

Monday - Friday:

6:00 AM -7:30 PM

Saturday:

6:00 AM -7:30 PM

Sunday:

6:00 AM -7:30 PM

Public Holidays:

6:00 AM -7:30 PM

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/060818/an-alluring-temple-of-trimurtis-of-the-trimurthis.html

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Sarangpur Hanuman Temple

Sarangpur Hanuman Temple is located at Sarangpur, 8 km from town of Nizamabad. 

A popular temple dedicated to one of the foremost devotees of Lord Shri Ram. The murti of Hanuman is carved out of a large rock atop the hill. The shrine is built around the murti of Hanuman.
Folk traditions say, the temple was founded by famous Saint Samarth Ramdas of 17th century.

Samarth Ramdas was the mentor of Maratha ruler Shivaji. Samarth Ramdas preached Advaita. Ramdas was a devotee of Lord Hanuman and Lord Sriram.

The temple premises of Lord Hanuman are spread over 1400 acres and is located on a picturesque and tranquil hillock.

Sarangpur temple is at distance of nearly 8 km and is easily accessible by road. Once you reach Nizamabad town, you need to hire private transport to reach Sarangpur.

https://www.telanganatourism.gov.in/blog/Sarangpur-Hanuman-Temple.html

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Ali Sagar Deer Park

The famous Ali Sagar Deer Park is located in the Nizamabad district of Telangana. 

The landscape of the park has several hillocks and verdant gardens with flowers blooming in every colour. This is a perfect place for deers to take refuge offering them a haven.

Ali Sagar in simple words is a very colorful and beautiful garden developed to attract picnickers from Nizamabad. If you wish to go on a short and rejuvenating trip, Ali Sagar is a right place. It offers a refreshing environment. 

The Ali Sagarreservoir dates back to 1931, which was constructed by the Nizams who ruled the region then. The area is spread amid natural hillocks and lovely colourful flower gardens. The soothing lake and its awe inspiring surroundings are rich in scenic beauty and an eternal bliss to your eyes. 

The Ali Sagar Deer park is situated near the reservoir. The park was established in 1985, and hosts many species of deer. This park serves a good picnic spot especially for kids.

To add to its breathtaking beauty is the enormous forest spread along with a beautiful summer house, well nurtured gardens, a secluded island and a hilltop guest house, what else can you ask for? This is more than a royal treat. 

The place consists of big tank which, is the main source for water in Nizamabad. The tank was constructed by Raghunath Das who had also constructed the popular Nizamabad Fort. The fort was originally developed on a temple of Lord Ram. It houses a huge variety of flowers, has a Deer Park, a Tree House in the Garden spread across 33 acres. It attracts people with fountains. 

Inside the Ali Sagar lake is an island. The authorities have introduced boating facility in the tank recently. During holidays, the park is visited by around 1000 to 2000 people. The deer park also facilities trekking and some water sports.

Ali Sagar Deer park is located at a distance of nearly 13 km from Nizamabad town and is well accessible by road.

https://www.telanganatourism.gov.in/partials/destinations/wildlife/nizamabad/ali-sagar-deer-park.html

https://medium.com/@travelportal/alisagar-deer-park-nizamabad-telangana-6c9d6ba716af

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Ashok Sagar Lake

Ashok Sagar Lake in Nizamabad can be a good destination for not just bird enthusiasts but also those who love nature and water bodies

Locally referred to as Jankampet tank, the lake is named after the Collector of Nizamabad district Ashok Kumar for the great work he did for people here. As it is located on the way to the highway that leads to Basar, the lake has become quite a popular place.

As you enter the lake, you see the 18-feet statue of Saraswati erected in the centre. Right next to the lake is the Ashoka Rock Garden where you’ll feel it’s worth spending some time walking around taking in the beauty of the surroundings before you continue your onward journey.

Boating facility is also available here. You can either take a speed boat and cruise across the lake or take a pedal boat and move around at your own pace. The boat ride is really enjoyable during the mornings and evenings.

Located opposite the lake is the Jankampet Dargah wherein locals come to pray. It is believed that anyone who prays here can get their wishes fulfilled. We walk a bit around the nearby village. Some of the houses were quite old and built in the traditional way.

There is particularly one two-storeyed house that attracted my attention. Like most of the houses in the villages, it had blue doors with the lower portion of the door frame in yellow. Right on top of the door was an Om symbol. There was a tulsi plant in front of the house like in most Hindu houses.

How to Go: Ashok Sagar is located at a distance of 8 kms from Nizamabad on the way to Basar on NH63. It is 176 kms from Hyderabad, via the Nagpur Highway and then a small detour. It generally takes about three-and-a-half hours to reach there by car. There are buses to Nizamabad from Hyderabad, and further to Ashok Sagar.

When to go: The best time of the year to go is September to March. After that, it gets really hot.

You can enjoy the beauty of the place during the evening when the boat rides happen.

Where to stay: You will get hotels of all budgets in Nizamabad.

Other places to visit: There are some places nearby which can be visited in the same trip.

Basar Saraswati temple is a very famous temple just 25 kms from the lake. Saraswati is the Hindu Goddess of learning. The only Saraswati temple apart from this one is in Jammu and Kashmir State.

Bodhan is a nearby town famous for the Deval Masjid which was originally a Jain temple with beautiful architecture.

Nizamabad Fort and Neelkanteshwar Temple in Nizamabad town are some must-visit places and worth spending some time.

Siddulagutta is a very interesting cave temple on top of small hills quite close by.

https://telanganatoday.com/boating-pristine-waters

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Jankampet Temple

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is located at Jankampet in Nizamabad District of Telangana.
is dedicated to Lord Narasimha an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This Temple consists of a pillared hall and garbhagriha. This temple is famous for Astahmuki Puskharini on top of the hill, constructed in octagonal shape. 

The temple was built during the Rastrakuta times and renovated during the period of Western Chalukyas, Kakatiyas and later rulers.

The annual festival and full moon day attract lot of pilgrims.

Whenever Amavasya falls on a Saturday ‘Shaniwar Amavasya’, people from Nizamabad and surrounding areas take a dip in the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple Ashtamukhi ‘Koneru’ here and offer prayers. Devotees believe that by performing this ritual, they can keep away ‘Shani Dosham’.

In addition, a large number of people from Hyderabad, Maharashtra, and Karnataka were among those who took a dip in the ancient temple’s koneru.

2.5 km from Jankampet Bus Stand, 12 km from Nizamabad Bus Station, 27 km from Basara Bus Station and 186 km from Hyderabad,

Timings: 6:30 am to 1:30 am and 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm.



https://www.trawell.in/telangana/nizamabad/sri-laxmi-narshima-swamy-temple-jankampet
https://telanganatoday.com/large-number-of-people-visit-jankampet-temple-in-nizamabad

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Saleshwaram jatara and waterfalls

Saleshwaram is located 25 km away from Farahabad gate in Amarabad Tiger Reserve in Nallamala Forest, Amarabad Mandal, Nagarkurnool district, Telangana State, India.

The annual Saleshwaram Jatara in the Nallamala forest area which comes under Amrabad Tiger Reserve is celebrated every year on Chiatra Pournami or the Full Moon Day in April and is open to visitors for only 5 days. 

On every Chaitra pouranmi i.e. the full moon day of March/April believed to attain the super natural powers and the wills of the devotees are fullfiled message spread throughout the State hence devotees come in large numbers chanting “Vastunna Lingamayya” .

“Saleshwaram Jathara” also known popularly as “Dakshina (Telangana) Amarnath Yathra”is being conducted every year for three days in the month of April, for the past 30 years. Nearly 5 lakh people from all over the country visit Saleshwaram during the Jathara every year. 

Saleshwaram waterfalls runs throughout the year from a height of 200ft and the source of water remains unknown. This waterfall reaches a Shivalinga revered as “Lingamayya” by the Chenchu tribes. The presence of a perennial waterfall here resembles a long serpent when splashing on the rocks adds to the beauty of this place. 

Breath-taking views of the layered rock formations, deep valleys with spectacular views only found in the most exotic locations of the world. Saleshwaram is located 16 km away from Farhabad forest checkpost and the temple comes under Appapur Gram Panchayat in Lingal mandal in Nagarkurnool district, Telangana, India.

The ancient Sri Ramalingeshwara Swamy temple of 6th century AD, located deep inside Nallamala forest, is about 1,000 feet deep inside a valley. The scene of the temple in moonlight is a treat to the eyes and a blessing to the soul. The temple lies next to a beautiful waterfall, coming down from a height of over 200 metres. The water flows through the temple and the devotees take a holy dip in it before taking a climb into the Garbhagudi. The linga is located in a cave which resides on a huge rock.

Reaching the temple involves a 16-km journey through the core area of the tiger reserve with another six kilometres of trek through the Nallamala hills.

The drive through the deep forest is sure to remain one of the best memories for visitors since they can see many wild animals like spotted deer, nilgai and wild boar.

The devotees have to walk at least three kilometers to reach the temple located down the valley. It is an arduous walk since there are sharp rocks all along the ground.

The devotees need to walk on narrow gorges of valley to reach down the deep valley where they can see waterfall falling from over 1,000 feet.

The devotes take a holy dip in the water and collect water in the bottles for those who could not make it as it is believed that it contains medicinal value.

Nature’s wonder which has been kept intact for thousands of years has once again started mesmerizing the devotees of Lord Shiva, who is devotedly called ‘Lingamaiah’ in this part of the world. The purest form of the nature located away from the mainstream society’s sight has opened its arms welcoming the devotees.

‘Sarveshwaram teertha kshetra,’ which later came to be known as ‘Saileshwaram’ and ‘Saleshwaram locally,’ which is a primitive religious site, located 30-40 kilo metre deep inside the Nallamala forests inside Amrabad Tiger Reserve where the rare Chenchu Adivasis have been living and serving Lord Shiva for ages.

As per local Chenchu mythology, ages ago, a Chenchu named Ravagadu had gone for hunting along with his wild dogs on the New Year’s Eve. When he couldn’t find water to drink anywhere, his dogs led him to a water body located near a cave, where water drops which looked like pearls were falling through the layers of rock formation. There, Bhole Baba had revealed himself to the Chenchu in bright gold and then vanished. That night, Lord Shiva appeared in his dream and asked him to erect a Shiva Linga and serve him.

The water which flows through layers of rock formed some thousands if not millions of years ago, carries with it all the medicinal values through the roots of nature, making it the purest form of water which has the ability to cure any disease. People have been visiting this nature’s wonder for ages and people believe that their sins can be washed-away here.

According to ‘Parvatha Purana,’ if a sinner enters this water body which is called ‘Shankhu Teertha,’ the water here becomes dirty but when a pure human enters, remains crystal clear. No wonder, while the water which comes from the top is crystal clear, once it touches the ground where devotees take bath, it changes colour due to plastic left over by pilgrims.
According to historic evidence, the Shiva Ling at Sarveshwaram had already become famous by 5th or 6th century. The layered rock formation in front of the sanctum sanctorum itself looks like a mammoth cave.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/devotees-make-a-beeline-to-saleshwaram-jatara/article8515715.ece

https://telanganatoday.com/deep-inside-the-nallamala-forests-saileshwaram-mesmerises-devotees

https://allevents.in/hyderabad/saleshwaram-trek-in-srisailam-forest-opened-only-once-a-year/80001403653972

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