Thousand Pillar Temple

The Thousand Pillar Temple lies 4-km from Hanumakonda crossroad in Warangal district in Andhra Pradesh in South India. One of the finest specimens of 'Kakatiya' architecture and sculpture it was built by King Rudra Deva in 1163 AD.

One of the main attractions of Hanamkonda, the temple is in shape of a star with perforated screens, exquisite icons and rock cut elephants. It has three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. The temple is built on a one meter high platform on the slopes of the Hanumakonda hill. The pillars in black stone are three-quarter reliefs carved in intricate fashion. Geometric intricate designs are carved on the stone pillars and only the finest hairbreadth can be inserted into the holes of the delicate stone bangle carvings. A splendidly carved granite statue of Nandi the bull rises six feet in height outside the temple

There are many small lingam shrines surrounding the gardens. The temple is famous for its richly carved pillars, screens and detailed sculpture.

  When to go: October to April is the best time to go

How to get there:

Air - The nearest airport is157-km away at Hyderabad.

Rail - Warangal has a railway station and is well connected by rail to important cities of India. Warangal lies 157 kms from Hyderabad on the Secunderabad - Vijayawada Railway line. All trains travelling on this route stop here. 

Road - APSTRC and Private buses connect Warangal with Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Karimnagar, Khammam and some other districts.