Do you know that there is a seasonal lake in Nalgonda? Situated in the centre of the state of Telangana, Nalgonda is a historical, natural, and culturally rich destination. Among the top things to do in Nalgonda are visiting the historical forts, enjoying the calm and beautiful lakes, discovering the mysterious temples and more. The town has a long history and beautiful views of the surrounding area, which makes it an ideal destination for tourists who want to have a quiet time as well as engage in sightseeing. Welcome to this beautiful town filled with lots of activities; let’s explore the most popular activities in this magical town.
13 Best Things To Do In Nalgonda
Nalgonda is a brilliant place for an all-round trip. This area has many fun things to do for all kinds of travellers. So, if you plan to visit Nalgonda, consider adding some of the following activities to your itinerary.
Visit The Panagal Temple Complex
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Begin your tour with the Panagal Temple Complex, an architectural wonder of the Kakatiya dynasty. This complex has several old temples, one of which is the most famous one, Chaya Someswara Swamy Temple, famous for its strange shadows. The structure of the temple, with the carvings and sculptures on the walls and pillars, depicts the history of the area. The calmness of the place and the garden that is around the complex make it a perfect place for both historians and those who are in search of tranquillity. Also, do not leave without visiting the nearby Udaya Samudram – an ancient stepwell that complements this historic place and is a must-see in Nalgonda.
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Trek To Bhongir Fort
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For adventure lovers, it is a must to trek to Bhongir Fort. This fort is located on a single rock with a vantage view of the surrounding area. The fort was constructed in the 10th century and represents the architectural genius of the Western Chalukya dynasty. The trek is relatively strenuous but not very difficult, meaning that anyone, including first-time trekkers, can do it. When climbing, you are likely to encounter different structures and writings from the olden days. Just the view from the top is a reward in itself, especially when you are at the top during the sunrise or when the sun is setting. This is one of the most famous tourist places to visit in Nalgonda.
Explore The Ethipothala Waterfalls
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The Ethipothala Waterfalls will be of great interest to the lovers of nature. This waterfall is about 11 km away from Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and is a perfect place for a day outing as it is a cascading waterfall. The falls are accompanied by vegetation, making the environment cool and natural. The waterfalls are a prime spot for a nice picnic, photography, and just chilling in the midst of nature. You also have a nearby crocodile breeding centre that will add more spice to your trip. The peak visiting time is during the monsoons when the fall is water laden. Visiting the waterfalls is one of the best things to do in Nalgonda for couples.
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Discover The History At Nandikonda
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Nandikonda is an old archaeological site located on the banks of the Krishna. This site is an archaeologist’s paradise, as it contains many relics and structures from the Ikshvaku dynasty. The main tourist attractions are the Buddhist stupas, viharas, and inscriptions. The Nandikonda Archaeological Museum contains pottery, sculptures, coins, and other artefacts that give an idea about the region’s past. This place is like a living museum; therefore, it is a perfect place for history lovers to visit.
Marvel At The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
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Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is one of the largest masonry dams in the world and a must-visit place in Nalgonda. This is one of the engineering wonders constructed across the Krishna River and is quite impressive. The dam is not only used for irrigation and water supply purposes but also for scenic views of the reservoir and the area. One can avail a boat to reach the Nagarjunakonda Island where there is a museum showing Buddhist remains. It is a place that is very beautiful, and the environment is very quiet, making it the best place for a day trip.
Visit YadagiriGutta
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Yadagiri Gutta, or the residence of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, is a famous shrine. The temple, located on a hill, has thousands of visitors and tourists come to visit the temple. The environment is very peaceful and the view from the top of the hill is very beautiful and makes one feel spiritually high. The temple complex is well taken care of, and the carvings and sculptures are very artistic and pleasing to the eyes. The annual festival of Brahmotsavam is a grand festival that is performed with much enthusiasm and is a major draw. The visit to YadagiriGutta, one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Nalgonda, is a perfect combination of religious, historical, and scenic experience.
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Explore The Pillalamarri Banyan Tree
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Nature lovers will find the Pillalamarri Banyan Tree, one of the oldest and largest banyan trees in India, quite interesting. This is a giant tree that is over 800 years old and covers an area of 3 acres, making it have a large canopy. The tree is quite large and it is quite a privilege to be able to walk under its canopy which provides shade and a form of serenity. There is also a small zoo and a museum with exhibits found in the region, making the place ideal for a family picnic. The size and age of the tree are something to marvel at and hence, Pillalamarri is one of the natural wonders that one should not miss.
Enjoy A Boat Ride At Nagarjuna Sagar
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Next up, you can take a boat ride on the calm waters of Nagarjuna Sagar. The boat ride takes you across the reservoir and the boat passes by the hills and the magnificent dam. Another interesting place that is included in the route of the ride is Nagarjunakonda Island with the archeological museum of Buddhists. The calm nature of the water and the boat rocking makes the activity enjoyable and thus can be considered suitable for families and lovers of nature. This is one of the best things to do in Nalgonda for couples.
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Visit The Kolanupaka Jain Temple
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Kolanupaka Jain Temple is an elegant and calm temple where the Jains can pray and worship Lord Mahavira. The temple is said to be more than 2000 years old, and the structure and carvings on the walls depict the Jain style of architecture and the calm and serene environment. The temple houses three main deities: Lord Rishabhanatha, Lord Neminatha, and Lord Mahavira are some of the prominent Jain Tirthankaras. One of the major attractions is the idol of Lord Mahavira, which is of jade material. The atmosphere is very calm and religious which makes it ideal for praying and contemplating. Kolanupaka Jain Temple is a place that can be described as rather calming and informative.
Wander Around Bhuvanagiri Fort
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Bhuvanagiri Fort also called Bhongir Fort is a historical place which gives an idea about the history of the region. This fort was constructed in the 10th century on a monolithic rock which is located in isolation and is a classic example of the architectural marvel of the Western Chalukya dynasty. The fort is well situated and provides a vantage view of the surrounding terrain. Visiting the fort requires one to walk through some moderate terrains and cross some archaic gates and buildings. The hike is worth it because at the top there are great views and it is a great place for history lovers and for those who like to hike.
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Discover The Secrets Of Devarakonda Fort
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Devarakonda Fort is one of the unknown historical places in Nalgonda which gives a glimpse of the history of the area. Constructed in the 13th century by the Recherla Nayakas, this fort is located in the middle of seven hills and green fields. Due to its location the fort was a strategic defence post during the time of its construction. Now, it is in ruins but the evidence of what it once was can still be seen. Inside the fort, one can see gateways, walls and a secret tunnel. Due to its isolated location and surrounding nature, the fort is ideal for history lovers and nature fans.
Enjoy The Tranquillity Of Mattapalli
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The village of Mattapalli, situated on the banks of the river Krishna, is known for the temple of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. This is an ancient temple which is partly constructed in a cave and is visited by devotees and tourists. The environment in the temple is calm, and the natural view of the surroundings makes it an ideal place for a quiet time. The Brahmotsavam festival is the main festival of the locals here. The fact that the village is so calm and the temple has a spiritual feel to it makes it a perfect getaway from the busy city life and one of the best things to do in Nalgonda.
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Experience Rural Life At Rachakonda
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Rachakonda is a small village in Nalgonda district and it gives a feel of how rural Telangana looks like. The village is famous for its history and beautiful views. The Rachakonda Fort which was constructed by the Recherla Nayakas is a must visit. The fort is located on the hills and surrounded by the forest and it has a beautiful view of nature. When you wander around the village, you can see the native houses, markets, and people. The village also has cultural activities and festivals that give a true picture of the culture and way of life of the people. A visit to Rachakonda is one of the finest things to do in Nalgonda and explore the historical and cultural essence of the region.
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The combination of historical sites and stunning landscapes makes Nalgonda a unique destination for travellers. If you are hiking forts, visiting temples, or simply admiring the beauty of nature, this town will not disappoint you. This is a place you should not miss at all. Start planning your trip to Hyderabad and let Nalgonda surprise you!
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Frequently Asked Questions Things To Do In Nalgonda
Is there any local handicraft or souvenir to buy in Nalgonda?
Yes, Nalgonda is known for its unique pottery and handwoven textiles, which make excellent souvenirs.
Are there any wildlife sanctuaries near Nalgonda?
Among all the things to do in Nalgonda, visiting the Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna, is undoubtedly the best.
What are some lesser-known historical sites in Nalgonda?
Apart from the well-known forts, visit the Rachakonda Fort and the Undrugonda Fort for a glimpse of lesser-explored historical sites.
Can I find guided tours in Nalgonda?
Yes, there are several local tour operators that offer guided tours of Nalgonda's historical and natural attractions.
What are some good places for bird watching in Nalgonda?
The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam area and the surrounding reservoirs are excellent spots for bird watching, especially during the migratory season.
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