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| mysterious tree at Nalgonda |
Nalgonda is a town and a municipality in Nalgonda district in the Indian state ofAndhra Pradesh. Its name is derived from two Telugu words Nalla (Black) and Konda (hill). Nalgonda in the past is referred to as Nilagiri. It is a town about a hundred kilometers away from Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh.Well-known from here, are the renowned Pochampalli sarees, Bhongir cloth, Chendur brass artifacts and plaster of Paris articles.
PLACES WORTH A VISIT:-
Nagarjunasagar:-
Nagarjunasagar, located 150 km from Hyderabad, is the world's tallest masonry dam, which irrigates over 10 lakh acres of land. It has also created one of the largest man-made lakes in the middle of which stands the picturesque island of Nagarjunakonda where a museum houses invaluable Buddhist relics and structures unearthed when the dam was being constructed.
On the banks of the reservoir are the ruins of an ancient Buddhist settlement that have been reconstructed. Sacred Stupas, Viharas, monasteries, a university and a sacrificial altar, can be seen here.
Gajulabanda:-
Extensive Buddhist structures have been revealed here which include a Stupa, Vihara complex and a Chaitya. The noteworthy aspect of Stupa here is the absence of ayaka pillars unlike those at Amarvati & Nagarjunkonda. Two sculptured lions carved in limestone have also been found here apart from the rich collection of antiquities comprising of stucco figurines.
Bhongir Fort:-
This fort rests upon a single rock formation perched on a hilltop. More than 500 feet high and spread over an area of 40 acres, the fort was considered practically impregnable by invading armies. Located 51 km from Hyderabad and built in the 12th century by the western Chalukya ruler Tribhuvanamalla -Vikramaditya, it has a unique egg-shaped construction with two entry points protected by huge rocks. A moat that encircles the fort, a vast underground chamber, trap doors, an armoury, stables, ponds, wells etc., offer a fascinating viewing. The view from top of the surrounding countryside is simply breathtaking.
Nandikonda:-
this is a small village on the banks of the river Krishna, gained prominence when several Buddhist structures such as monasteries and pillared halls were excavated here. These fascinating items are on display in a museum of the central Archaeological Department.
Phanigiri:-
Excavations have unearthed extensive Buddhist relics of the 1st & 2nd century A.D. Over 25 Chaitya halls, Stupas, Viharas with thick brick walls can be seen here. Sculptured limestone speaks of a vividly expressive art. A temple of Sri Rama is also situated here.
Panagal:-
The Pachchala Someswara and Chaya Someswara temples, built in the 11th-12th centuries are situated here. The former has excellent inscriptions on the pillars and walls, depicting stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Erotic images on the walls are similar to the ones found in Khajuraho. Beautiful architecture is also the hallmark of Chaya Someswara temple besides an unexplained phenomenon of the shadow of a pillar visible behind the Shivalinga, origin of which is a mystery. This shadow can be seen during the day, throughout the year. Panagal is located 3 km from Nalgonda.
Kolanpaka:-
Situated here is the renowned Jain Mandir with a 1.5 metre high idol of Lord Mahavira. The shrine is believed to be over 2000 years old and provides clear indication that Jainism flourished in Andhra Pradesh before the 4th century. Other attractions here include the Sri Veeranarayana Swami temple built around 1104 A.D. Someshwara Swami temple which is a splendid example of the western Chalukya architecture: Kolanpaka Museum where artifacts from the Chalukyan and Kakatiyan period are on display. Kolanpaka is located 95 km from Nalgonda.
Rural Tourism Project at Pochampally:-
Located 15 km from Bhongir, 60 km from Hyderabad & 85 km from Nalgonda , this small village is famous on account of its exquisitely designed silk & cotton sarees. The designs are simple geometrical patterns based on Ikat process of weaving.
EXACT LOCATION:-
http://maps.google.co.in/maps?q=nalgonda&hl=en&ll=17.051861,79.268246&spn=0.099946,0.154324&hnear=Nalgonda,+Andhra+Pradesh&gl=in&t=m&z=13&vpsrc=6
HOW TO REACH:-
Taxi and other transport facilities are available from Hyderabad.There is even a Railway station at Nalgonda.A few tourism agents have arrangement's to visit Nalgonda but I suggest to contact tourism department of Andhra Pradesh state for a better help.
