Ramappa Temple, Telangana
Been there recently?
Built during the 12th century by the Kakatiya rulers, this temple, also known as Rudreshwar Temple, is a marvel of art and architecture. It has made its way onto the UNESCO World Heritage Site list because of the sheer brilliance of the technology used in its construction. If you are an avid temple traveller, then you may wonder what got the UNESCO tag, as there are larger and better designed temples across India. That is where the catch is. The temple may look like any other temple, but the chief architect Ramappa, after whom the temple is named, made use of an innovative and unique technology called “Sandbox” technology, wherein “floating bricks” are used to reduce the roof weight on the walls, thus making it less likely to collapse during a natural calamity like an earthquake. Apart from this masterclass technology, the temple scores high in sculptural ratings too. The works on the pillars and the ceiling stand out, as do the beautiful Madanikas in the brackets. The temple can be visited throughout the year. Located on the outskirts of Palampet village, the temple is about 14 kilometres away from Mulugu, the district headquarters, and approximately 210 kilometres from Hyderabad. Kazipet, approximately 75 kilometres away, is the nearest railway station, and Hyderabad is the nearest air link.
Nearby Places to See
Ghanpur, about 9 kilometres from Ramappa Temple, contains a group of 22 13th-century temples surrounded by a stone wall. The Kota Gullu monuments are still standing despite being in varying states of disrepair after being attacked by Islamists.
Also known as Pandavalu Guhalu, they are roughly 18 kilometres from the Ramappa Temple. The cave’s wall paintings, depicting gods, are thought to date back to the 10th century. It’s worth the rough path to get to the top of the hill and take in the breathtaking vistas.
Natural and expansive, Laknavaram Lake has been around for a very long time and covers more than 9,500 acres of land. A small irrigation dam was constructed by the Kakatiya kings across it. There are ten or twelve islands in the picturesque lake, and a hanging bridge links three of them together. In order to enjoy the lake’s waterways, you can rent boats.
Things to Buy
Things to buy include Handicrafts.
Foods to Relish
Vegetarian and Non-vegetarian dishes.