Things To Do
in Warangal
Warangal is a historic city in the Indian state of Telangana known for its Kakatiya-era monuments, including the iconic stone arch Kakatiya Kala Thoranam and the Thousand Pillar Temple. The city blends ancient architecture, lively local markets and a campus-town energy around Kakatiya University. Warangal is also a gateway to nearby lakes, forests and rural villages that reward day trips and nature excursions.
Visitors find a compact city with strong Telugu culture, approachable locals and affordable food and lodging options.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Warangal Fort, where the towering stone walls and beautiful gateways will transport you back in time. Enjoy a guided tour through the ruins, learning about the Kakatiya dynasty and their architectural prowess. As you stroll through the fort, take in the morning sun and the lush greenery that surrounds this historical site.
After a morning steeped in history, head to the nearby Thousand Pillar Temple, a stunning example of Kakatiya architecture known for its intricately carved pillars and serene atmosphere. Spend your afternoon exploring the temple complex and its surrounding gardens, where you can meditate or simply enjoy the peaceful environment. As you wander, don't miss the chance to interact with local artisans who often showcase their crafts nearby.
As dusk falls, make your way to the Bhadrakali Temple, beautifully situated on the banks of a serene lake. The evening aarti, a Hindu ritual of worship, creates a mesmerizing atmosphere filled with the sound of bells and chanting. Finish your day with a leisurely walk around the lake, enjoying the reflections of the temple lights on the water.
Begin your day with a visit to the Warangal Museum, where you can delve into the rich cultural heritage of the region through its impressive collection of artifacts. Marvel at sculptures, pottery, and historical relics that tell the story of Warangal’s past. After the museum, stroll through the nearby public gardens, where you can enjoy the vibrant flowers and fresh air.
In the afternoon, engage with local culture by participating in a traditional cooking class, where you will learn to prepare popular Hyderabadi dishes. Under the guidance of a skilled local chef, you’ll discover the secrets of spices and flavors that define the region's cuisine. After cooking, enjoy a hearty lunch featuring the dishes you've created.
Spend a relaxing evening at a local café, enjoying the ambiance and sampling regional snacks like 'mirchi ka salan' and 'bagara rice'. This is a great opportunity to mingle with locals and perhaps enjoy some live music or dance performances that are sometimes hosted in the area. End your day with a leisurely walk through the city, taking in the vibrant street life and colorful markets.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea (café) | $1.5-3 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.20-0.50 |
| 🚕Auto-rickshaw / short taxi ride | $1-3 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $15-35 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich Kakatiya-era historical sites and UNESCO-listed architecture.
- Affordable food, transport and lodging with authentic regional cuisine.
- Access to nearby lakes, wildlife areas and rural experiences for day trips.
- Friendly locals and a compact city that’s easy to explore.
- Limited nightlife and fewer high-end tourist amenities compared with big cities.
- Hot summers can be intense for outdoor sightseeing.
- Public transport is adequate but not as frequent for some rural excursions.
- Some heritage sites may have limited visitor facilities or signage in English.
- "నమస్కారం (Namaskaram)" - Hello / Respectful greeting
- "ధన్యవాదాలు (Dhanyavadhamulu)" - Thank you
- "దయచేసి (Dayachesi)" - Please
- "ఇది ఎన్ని రూపాయలు? / ఇది ఎంత? (Idi enta? / Idi enni rúpāyalu?)" - How much is this?
- "శౌచాలయం ఎక్కడ ఉంది? (Shauchalayam ekkada undi?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "బాగుంది (Bagundi)" - It's good / delicious
Places to Visit in Warangal
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic stone arch and fort ruins offer dramatic architectural frames, especially in the soft morning or late afternoon light.
Intricately carved pillars and close-up sculptures are excellent for architectural and detail photography; the play of shadow in the pillared halls is photogenic.
UNESCO-listed brick-and-stone temple with distinctive carvings and raised platform—great for expansive shots and texture details.
Boats, lake reflections, green islands and the bridge create idyllic landscape shots, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Offers panoramic views over the city and good sunset opportunities; local devotees and rituals add cultural context to photos.
Food in Warangal
Warangal Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Hyderabadi/Telangana-style biryani—fragrant, spiced rice with tender meat; widely available at local restaurants and popular biryani centers.
Must-Try!
Millet (sajja) rotis or plain rice served with tangy tamarind-based pulusu (stew) or pappu (dal); common in local eateries and home-style restaurants.
Spicy pickles (avakai) and dal-based curries paired with rice are staple tastes—ask for a small serving to sample regional flavors.
Popular street snacks: large green chilies dipped in chickpea batter and fried, often available at evening stalls and markets.
A regional sweet often sold in shops and during festivals; dense, sweet and made from sugar and ghee.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling old city market where you can sample street snacks, find spice shops, pick up sweets and watch local life; try mirchi bajji, samosas and fresh fruit juices.
Small clusters of street vendors selling chaats, dosas and local sweets—good for quick bites between sightseeing spots.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A respectful 'Namaskaram' or 'Namaste' with folded hands is common. Address elders politely and remove shoes when entering temples or some homes.
Dress modestly at religious sites, avoid loud behavior, follow photography rules and queue up for rituals. Some inner sanctums may not allow cameras.
Modest clothing is appreciated—especially in smaller towns and rural areas. Public displays of affection are frowned upon in conservative settings.
Ask before photographing people, especially women and elders, and accept refusals gracefully.
Safety
Tipping in Warangal
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. For restaurants a 5–10% tip is common in mid-range places; round up taxi and auto fares, give small tips to hotel porters (₹20–₹100) and guides (depending on service and group size).
Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used for markets and small vendors. Credit/debit cards are accepted at larger hotels, restaurants and stores. Mobile UPI payments (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm) are widely used and convenient; ATMs are available across the city.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
April–June are hot and dry with daytime highs often above 35°C (95°F). Plan outdoor sightseeing for early mornings or late afternoons, carry water, sunscreen and lightweight clothing, and rest during peak heat hours.
June–September brings moderate to heavy rains at times—landscapes turn lush, lakes fill up and rural dirt tracks can become muddy; travel times may increase, but the scenery is verdant and good for nature photography.
November–February are pleasant and mild, with cool mornings and comfortable days—best time for sightseeing, outdoor activities and festivals. Nights can be cool, so pack a light jacket.
Transitions (February–March and October–November) are comfortable with moderate temperatures and clear skies—good for touring temples, markets and short hikes.
Warangal at Night
Hiking in Warangal
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short climb to the Bhadrakali Temple offers easy hiking, panoramic city views and good sunrise/sunset photography. The path is accessible and frequently used by locals.
Gentle walks around the lake islands and shorelines; combine walking with boating and exploring small forested patches—best in cooler months.
Guided nature walks and simple trails inside the sanctuary are possible when open to visitors; good for experiencing regional flora and birdlife (confirm access with local authorities).
Low-key rural trails and country roads around the Ramappa area give a chance for short walks among paddy fields, old hamlets and temple-linked paths.
Airports
How to reach Warangal by plane.
The main international airport serving the region, approximately a 2.5–3 hour drive from Warangal depending on traffic. Regular trains and buses connect Hyderabad to Warangal; private taxis and car rentals are also common for the trip.
A smaller airstrip near Warangal used mainly for non-commercial flights and some training operations; commercial flight options are limited, so most travelers use Hyderabad for air connections.
Other regional airports within a longer drive; useful in some routing cases but generally less convenient than Hyderabad for international or frequent domestic connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents speak Telugu and follow local customs; Telugu culture and festivals shape everyday life.
Kakatiya University and affiliated colleges bring a sizable student population, creating youthful neighborhoods with cafés and budget services.
Surrounding villages and small towns are primarily agricultural, contributing produce to markets and maintaining traditional lifestyles.
A mix of Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities co-exist, reflected in temples, mosques and churches across the city.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across the region—local grounds, school matches and informal games are common; district-level competitions draw crowds.
Traditional contact sport popular in Telangana with local teams and amateur tournaments, especially in rural areas and during festivals.
Played at school and college levels, especially around Kakatiya University and community grounds.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Warangal.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian food is widely available—many restaurants and messes offer dedicated vegetarian meals and thalis. Ask for 'no onion/garlic' if required (useful for some religious dietary restrictions).
Vegan options exist in the form of rice, dal, vegetable curries and rotis, but clarify dairy usage in gravies and sweets. Simple dishes like rice with sambar are usually safe.
Rice-based dishes and many South Indian preparations (dosas made from rice and lentils) are naturally gluten-free, but confirm batter and cross-contamination in street stalls.
Stick to busy eateries with high turnover for street food, drink bottled or boiled water, and avoid raw salads from unknown vendors if you have a sensitive stomach.