Nalgonda - Hyderabad Nalgonda district is located in the heart of the state of Andhra Pradesh. Predominantly an agricultural economy with the fertile land irrigated by numerous rivers including the mighty Krishna. This area offers a glimpse of the traditional lifestyle of people, which hasn't changed much over the years. This is also a place where incredible man-made wonders leave an everlasting impact with their superb construction and unmatched expertise.. Well-known from here, are the renowned Pochampalli sarees, Bhongir cloth, Chendur brass artifacts and plaster of Paris articles. 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. Click here to know about water sports at Nagarjunasagar... Wadapally This town is located 25 km from Miryalguda, at the confluence of the Krishna and Musi rivers. The place is known for the temple of Sri Meenakshi Agasteswara Swami, which was constructed by the Kakatiya rulers in the 12th century. The significance of the temple is that there is a crevice on top of the Shiva lingam, which is always full of water. Even if some water is removed the original level of the water is maintained. There is no logical reason that can explain this phenomenon especially since the Shiva lingam is located about 120 meters above the water level in the river. Mettapalli Mettapalli is located 31 km from Huzurnagar & 60 km from Nalgonda. The temple of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami, a famous pilgrimage is situated here on the banks of river Krishna. Major celebrations take place during the Vykunta Ekadasi in January & Kalyana Mahotsvam in May. Nandikonda Located 64 km from Miryalguda, this 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 Archeological Department. Phanigiri Phanigiri is located 5 km from Suryapet. 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. 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. Gajulabanda is located 4 km from Phanigiri. Pillalamarri Located 5 km from Suryapet, this village is well known for a number of beautiful ancient temples built by the Kakatiyas that are adorned with frescoes, inscriptions & exquisitely carved stone pillars. The shrine of Lord Chennakesva Swami is worshiped here and annual celebrations are held during February-March, which attracts a large number of devotees. 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. Yadagirigutta The Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami temple of Yadagirigutta located 13 km from Bhongir & 64 km from Hyderabad, that is situated majestically atop the Ralgiri hill, is a favourite pilgrim center. According to a legend a prince by the name Yadava, a devout follower of Lord Vishnu craved for his darshan ( divine appearance). To attain this, he did a penance on this hill and the Lord granted him darshan. Yadav pleaded that the Lord live here permanently on the hill, thus the hill got its name Yadgiri. The sanctum sanctorum is nestled inside a cave, formed under a huge rock. It is said that the Lord fulfills all wishes and even incurable diseases get cured if the devotees worship the Lord here for forty days with unflinching faith. Ramgiri Located 15 km from Nagarakal & 30 km from Suryapet, this is the site of the Sri Seeta Ramachandra Swami Devasthanam, which was shifted here about 200 years ago from Malbouli. Over the years, an idol of Andalamma (Godadevi) has been installed in the same premises. Presently, Andalu Kalyanam, is celebrated on a grand scale. 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.