Warangals temples retain their charm

WARANGAL: With numerous ancient monuments, structures and temples making Warangal rich with cultural heritage, it still ranks high on every tourist’s list.  Major attractions in this district are the Kakatiya Fort, 1000 Pillar temple and the Ramappa temple. These historic structures and temples reflect the Kakatiyan style of architecture.  Every year nearly 600 foreign tourists visit these monuments and know the story behind the monuments and temples. The Kaktiya port, which has been in ruins, was recently repaired after its dilapidated state was brought to the notice of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Another major tourist attraction is the 1000 Pillar temple. According to temple priest, Gangu Upendra Sharma, tourists cannot miss the temple. To make sure that foreign tourists are accompanied by a guide who can take them around, the district tourism department has appointed six guides who are fluent in English, said tourism officer K Mahesh. Meanwhile, Ramappa temple in Venkatapuram mandal is rich in cultural heritage. The sculptures on the temple walls reflect a great sense of architectural taste. According to temple guide, Vijay Kumar, European tourists mostly visit the temple. “Tourists from America, England, Canada and France also come here often,” he added. Everyday about 100 to 200 tourists visit the place and on Sundays, the number goes up to 1,000.