NALGONDA

Location: 103-km From Hyderabad
Previously Known As: Nilagiri
Ruled By: Kakatiya, Satavahana And Moguls
Nearby Attractions: Nandikonda, Nagarjuna Sagar, Bhongir, and Yadagirigutta

Nalagonda located between two hills, is the headquarters of the district. On the northern hill stands Shah Latif's tomb and on the southern hill their does the Kakatiya Kings build a strong fort. This place has much historical importance. It has many monuments, forts and temples, which have survived the ravages of time and human vandalism, proclaiming the glorious past of the place. Kakatiya, Satavahana, and Mughals ruled it.
It was formerly known as Nilagiri (blue hill) but subsequently came to be known as Nalgonda after its conquest by Ala-du-Din Bahman Shah. Tourists having a quest to know about the architecture can visit this place as the Kakatiyas constructed many temples here, which are renowned for their architectural beauty. Of these few, the shrines of 'Pachchala Someswaraswami', 'Chhaya Someswaraswami' and 'Chennakesavaswami' are the most important.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS

Panugal: At a distance of 2.41-km from Nalgonda, there is a place called Panugal, which is historically important. It is said that a branch of the Kadamba dynasty ruled Panugal as their capital till the Chalukyas King Kirttivarma conquered them. Panugal is also famous for its brass vessel industry.

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam: Nagarjuna Sagar dam is the tallest masonry dam in the World, located on the border of Guntur - Nalgonda districts. The dam was completed in 1966 and it is 124m high and 1-km long. It is built across the river Krishna and has one of the largest networks of canal systems irrigating over 2,000,000 acres of land in Guntur, Prakasam, Nalgonda, Khammam and Krishna districts.

Nandikonda : Nandikonda is a small village on the bank of River Krishna. It is about 64.37-km from Miryalaguda. The most important structure discovered was the Ikshvaku citadel with its great fortification wall, ditch, gates and army barracks inside and a great rectangular stadium.

Bhongir: Bhongir fort is located in Bhongir Taluk of Nalgonda district and is 51-km away from Hyderabad. It was constructed in the shape of an egg on a humongous single rock formation on the hill of Bhongir, 609.6m above sea level, spreading over 40 acres of area.

Kolanupaka: It is located 6-km from Aler and 80-km from Hyderabad, and is a place of much historical importance. It was once a prosperous city covering an area of 93.24-kms and the ruins of old fortifications can still be seen. It gained prominence when it was made the alternate capital of the Kalyani Chalukyas in the 11th century AD.

Pochampalli: It is at a distance of 9.66-km from Bibinagar and 14.48-km from Bhongir. Acharya Vinoba Bhave started Bhodan Movement here in 1950.

Pillalamarri: Beautiful paintings, exquisitely carved pillars and several ancient inscriptions may be seen in the Kakatiyas temples here. This historic was the birthplace of the famous Telugu poet Pillalamarri Pina Veerabhadrudu.

Rachakonda: Situated 64-km from Nalgonda it is a place of tourist importance. The 'Dasavatara' sculptures in a cave near Pattabhigutta and the five temples in the town are excellent specimens of Kakatiya art and architecture. Situated among hill ranges, Rachakonda is a place of considerable archaeological interest.

Yadagiri: The famous Shrine of Sri Lakshmi Narasimhaswami stands on the Yadagirigutta hill, in Nalgonda district, about 64-km from Hyderabad. The temple is situated at the top of the hill, which is about 300ft in height. At the foot of the hill, there is a gateway with Gopuram, which is called popularly as "Vaikunta Dwaram".

Mella Cheruvu: It is 9.66-km from Huzuranagar and 67.50-km from Khammam. Muktyala is at 19.31-km from here. The Swayam Sambhulingeswara Swami Temple is well known here and it is built by Kakatiyas. The Linga is white and 1.83m height. Its radius is 0.34m. Local people believe that the Linga grows here. For every 0.305m growth, one line is drawn and six lines are marked with vermilion.

Vadapalli: It is 24.14-kms from Miryalalguda. It is at the confluence of Musi and Krishna. Boatmen trying across the Krishna lived here and so it is called "Vadapalli".

Lake Mela: This place is at a distance of 10-km from Huzurnagar, which is famous for Shri Shambulingeshwara temple built by Kakatiya Kings.


HOW TO GET THERE

Air: The nearest airport is at Hyderabad, which is 103-km away.

Rail: It has a railway station, which connects Nalagonda with all the important places in the state.

Road: Being the district headquarters it is enjoys good communication facilities with almost all the important places in the state. APSRTC provides good transport facilities. Regular buses are available to Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Guntur etc. For local transportation tourists can take autos, rickshaws and taxis.

FESTIVALS: The most important religious festivals celebrated at Nalgonda Rae Shivaratri during February-March and Sri Ramanavami during March-April and the 'Urs' of Lateef Shah Vali Alla Khadri during August-September.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Climate: Tropical
Temperature Range
Summer: Max 44°C and Min 31°C
Winter: Max 30°C and Min 20°C
Rainfall: Seasonal
Clothing: Light Cottons

NEARBY CITIES: