Nagunur Fort
Nagnoor Fort (also spelled Nagunur) was a fort built by the people of the Kakatiya dynasty in the village of Nagunur, around 8 km north of Karimnagar. The fort is testimony to the imperial powers of the Kakatiyas. It was one of the most important forts of the emerging Kakatiya dynasty and contains ruins of a cluster of Kalyana and Kakathiya temples.
The pillars and galleries around the Shiva temple here are worth seeing. The most important temple in the complex is the Shiva temple which has three shrines. The main entrance to the temple is on the northern side and the three shrines face the other three directions.
The beams of the temple have sculptured images of musicians playing on Mridangam and other instruments. Panels are carved with visuals of dancers in graceful poses.
Located in the historic town of Nagunur, around 8 km northeast of Karimnagar, a group of ruined temples has attracted tourists attention time and again. The origin and style of these temples can be traced back to the era of the Kalyani, Chalukyas and Kakatiyas. However, it is strongly believed to have been built during 1200- 1300AD under the patronage of the Kakatiyas. At one point of time the place was believed to house around 400 temples. Hence it came to be known as Nalugunovalu (400). This was later changed to Nagunur.
The biggest and the most prominent among these is the triple-shrine temple of Lord Shiva.The temple is made of red stone and comprises three shrines of Lord Shiva. The shrines are placed on a raised pedestal or Upapitha. The most enchanting part of the temple decor is the intricate and detailed sculptures gracing the frames of the doors and the beams resting on the central pillar. The detailing of these sculptures is exquisite. It tends to defy its age. There is one sculpture in particular which finds mention in several places which displays musicians surrounding Gods and Goddesses playing various musical instruments. One is also shown playing the Mrigandam ( an Indian drum).
The main entrance of the temple faces North. The three shrines face the other three directions. The temple lies within the precincts of the Nagunur Fort. The fort was once the seat of power of the Kakatiyas. Its interiors which would once echo the sounds of a lively and bustling city today chants the silent agony of ruins and debris. Several other temples in decrepit state lie strewn on the Telangana State highway from Karimnagar to Rayapatnam. Buried under administrative delay, the temples, which were once the source of great activity, have today turned into a mute audience waiting for the healing touch.
Special Attractions:
– The ruined temples bearing the splendid motifs are architectural marvels which attract tourists from near and far.
– The Nagunur Fort and the temples don the place with a unique character which is difficult for any tourist to resist.
Distance to Nagunur Fort, Karimnagar:
– Distance from Hyderabad to Karimnagar is 162 km
– Distance from Warangal to Karimnagar is 68 km
– Distance from Nizamabad to Karimnagar is 147 km
Nearby by Tourist Attractions:
– Lower Manair Dam, Karimnagar
– Ujwala Park, Karimnagar
– Elgandal Fort, Karimnagar
Nagunur Fort Timings:8:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Where to stay:
Karimnagar provides a range of hotels, guest houses, lodges and tourist rest houses which provide comfortable accommodations for tourists. The accommodation facilities fit into every budget and are strategically located in order to provide tourists access to their preferred place of visit in Karimnagar.
Some of the Good Hotels in Karimnagar are:
– Swetha Inn – Ph 9676100333
– Hotel Manair – Ph 0878 2245879
– Srinivasa Hotel – Ph: 0878 2243201
– Hotel Kalpana – Ph 0878 650 3985
– Hotel Prathima Residency – Ph 0878 2233666
How to reach:
– Karimnagar can be easily accessed by road. It is well connected to Warangal, Nizamabad, Medak and other parts of the state.
– There are many State Transport buses from Jubilee Bus Stop to Karimnagar
– The nearest international airport is located at Hyderabad which is around 165 km from Karimnagar town.
– Nagunur Fort is located at a distance of 8 km from Karimnagar Bus Stand and can be easily accessed by public transport.
Nearest Railway Station:
Karimnagar has its own railway station which connects Karimanagar to major cities of Telangana.