Tanjore - The City of Ancient Temples
Established by the Chola dynasty in the 10th century, this ancient city is home to one of the most stunning stone temples, the Brihadishwara Temple. A marvel of engineering, it was designed so that the shadow of the cupola never falls on the ground. The temple is intricately carved and has colonnaded corridors, one of which is supposed to be longest in India. Matching this in size are the Shiva lingam and the image of Nandi, which are one of the largest monoliths in India. Come to Tanjore to appreciate stunning architectural wonders.
Must Visit Places in Tanjore: Brihadishwara Temple, Royal Palace Compound & Saraswathi Mahal Library
Nearby Getaways around Tanjore: Thiruchirapalli. 55 kms. 10th century impregnable citadels and 18th century quaint churches.
Warangal - The Home of Ancient Shrines
More than a millennium old, Warangal is home to numerous ancient shrines. The buildings have Indo-Islamic architectural styles because the city changed hands many times between Dravidian and Isalmic rulers. A thriving city in Southern India, Warangal attracted invaders again and again which accounts for the state some of its monuments are in. But when you start exploring you will discover a treasure trove of stunning marvels in stone.
Must Visit Places in Warangal: Warangal Fort, Shiva Temple (thousand pillared!) & Ramappa Temple
Nearby Getaway around Warangal: Pakhal. 50 kms. Wildlife sanctuary around manmade lake. Tranquil.
Ramoji Film City - Hyderabad
Ramoji Film City is the world's largest film production centres. Spread over a complex of more than 2000 acres, it is home to undulating hills, grasslands, rolling gardens and lakes. There are many entertainment options here such as vintage film city coaches, tours of studios, a prop shop with actors' costumes which can be tailor made for you, a nursery with exotic plants, several restaurants as well as gymnasium. Its biggest attraction, however, lies in its cinema based options such as the prop shop and the studios.
Nagarjuna Sagar - The City of Victory
This ancient city was once called Vijaypuri, the city of victory. Today, it is also known for the Nagarjuna dam, one of the tallest dams in Asia. But Nagarjuna Sagar has the distinction of having had one of the largest Buddhist settlements in India in about 2 AD and is named after Nagarjuna, a venerated Buddhist monk. The city was the centre of Buddhist learning with its four viharas and other monuments. Roam through these or go on a cruise down River Krishna in a luxury liner!
Must Visit Places: Ethipotala Waterfall, Nagarjuna Dam & Nagarjunakonda (island museum, preserving ancient Buddhist relics)
Nearby Getaways from Nagarjuna Sagar: Anupu. Reconstructed 3rd BC Buddhist university. Relive history.
Srisailam - A Holy Place for Hindus
Steeped in mythology, Srisailam remains one of the holiest spots for Hindus. It is said that the lingam at the Srisailam Devastanam was installed by Lord Rama himself and that later the Pandavas performed rituals here too. Srisailam is reputed to be one of the most ancient religious shrines of India too and attracts devotees from all over the country. The origins of the temple are not known but there is a chapter in the Skanda Purana dedicated to this shrine, underlining its antiquity.
Must Visit Places in Srisailam: Srisailam Devastanam (the venerated temple), Srisailam Dam (picturesque views and a crocodile breeding programme!)
Nearby Getaways from Srisailam: Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary. Varied wildlife and green, tranquil surroundings.
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