Planning a weekend trip to Nalgonda? Get ready to indulge in a lot of history, Hindu mythology, and Buddhist excavations. A great destination for Indian history enthusiasts and photography lovers, here are the top seven unmissable tourist spots in Nalgonda.
LBB Tip: It's going to be hot, so stock up on water, sunscreen, caps, and hats.
Panagallu is a quaint village roughly 3 kilometres away from the city centre and holds historical importance. It was the capital of the Kakatiya Dynasty in the 11th century, during which they built numerous temples. The pillars are detailed with intricate sculptures showcasing scenes from Mahabharata and Ramayana. While you're here, check out Chaya Someswara Swamy Temple and Pachala Someswara Temple.
Timings: 6 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 8 PM
Enjoy going to historically rich places? An hour's drive away from Nalgonda, Nandikonda is a picturesque village situated along the breezy banks of the Krishna River. It was once home to the Ikshvaku Dynasty and is now an important Buddhist excavation site. Many significant structures, like pillared halls and monasteries, were unearthed here. You'll also find a Devarakonda Fort and many locals near the river banks who will narrate several folklores for a deeper insight into the yesteryear.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Speaking of temples and monasteries, head over to this place to learn more about Indian mythology. This theme park is located near Yadagirigutta, a 40 minute drive from Nalgonda and spans across 3 kilometres with several sculptures and carvings from Bhagavatha, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other puranas. Think of every important mythological event and they have a mini recreation of it here. It's pretty interesting if you ask us.
Timings: 9 AM to 7 PM
50 kilometres from Nalgonda's centre is this 12th century fort made during the Chalukya reign. It's a majestic oval shaped structure that stands a top of a hill and has underground chambers, secret places for weapons, trap doors and what not. Most of the walls and insides of the fort are still intact making for a great photography spot to later study the history behind the fort. To reach here, you will have to trek along the path or take the many stairs that start at the very bottom.
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is the world's largest masonry dam! It's built along the Krishna River and is one of the first irrigation projects started by the Indian government as a part of a green revolution. The dam is huge with a storage capacity of nearly 11,472 million cubic meters, which means it also creates hydroelectricity. You'll spot various tour guides there who will happily explain how this process takes place; it's fascinating to understand the engineering marvel behind this.
Timings: 9 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM to 5 PM
Phanigiri is 52 kilometres from Nalgonda, where you'll find two large footsteps that are believed to belong to Lord Buddha himself. Yes, this is one of the most important Buddhist sites in the country, which was once also an abode to monks. Currently, you find a Buddhist complex with massive Stupas, along with two prayer halls and three viharas on a hilltop called Serpent's Hood Hill; the name is derived from the shape of the hill.
Timings: Open 24 hours
After you are done exploring the forts, templates and Buddhist structures, take back some souvenirs to remember the trip. Nalgonda is famous for its silk and leather products and there are two main markets to shop from - SPT and New Prakashan Bazaar. From bags, wallets, belts, and hats to sarees and scarves, you'll find a range of handmade products for a steal price.
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM
