Warangal district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, A city of stone temples and forts, wildlife and scenic beauty. The legendary city was once the capital of the Kakatiyas in the 12th to 14th centuries.

Its impressive fort was a medieval bastion admired by intrepid travellers of Marco Polo’s vintage. Some of the most striking relics of the south lie scattered here in the midst of grassy hills and forests.

The once glorious Warangal Fort near Hanamkonda, erected by Ganapati Deva and his daughter Rudramma, now lies in ruins. Four huge stone gateways leading to the fort stand here as mute testimony to the Kakatiyas’ architectural prowess.

Perhaps a willing suspension of disbelief is all you need as you wander through the palace portals. Close your eyes and enter the stone gateway, and offer flowers at the crumbling Swayambhu temple, a shrine dedicated to Shiva.