The present state of Telangana was an important trading centre especially for spice. With plenty of trading regions along the coast, foreign clientele was huge resulting in battles for ownership. Consequently many forts were built to mark territories and claim power. Today these forts serve as an important tourist attraction with their historic significance and beauty. Some of the forts of Telangana are:

9 Forts of Telangana that are not to be missed

Khammam Fort, Khammam:

Started by the Kakatiya rulers in 950 AD, the Khammam Fort was completed by Velama Kings and MasunuriNayaks. Additions to the fort were made in 1951 by the QutubShahis. Displaying a mix of both Hindu and Muslim style of architecture, this 1000 year fort is a wonderful place to explore today.

Medak Fort, Medak:

Built by the Kakatiya rulers to protect their city from invasion, it was the command post for them and later for the QutubShahis. Housing a cannon, mosque and granaries the fort also provides a view of the entire town from the top.

Kondaveedu Fort, Guntur:

Containing 21 structures, the construction of this fort began in the 14th century. Most places of the fort are in ruins but tourists visiting it get an insight to the marvellous architectural style. The fort is in a picturesque terrain and offers opportunities for treks. Temples of Kathulabave and Gopinatha are also close by.

Warangal Fort, Warangal:

Regarded as the finest example of South Indian architecture, the Warangal Fort has four large gateways; the front one being the largest of its kind in India. Though the fort is in ruins, the intricate designs of animals and birds on stone continue to attract a steady stream of visitors.

Gandikota Fort, Kadapa:

Referred to as the ‘Grand Canyon of India’ Gandikota Fort got its name from ‘gandi’ meaning gorge and ‘kota’ meaning fort. The fort is built on a gorge between the Erramala range of hills and the River Pennar flowing at the foot. The breath-taking setting of the gorge with the backdrop of the fort with its temples and mosque is a treat a level higher than Arizona’s Grand Canyon.

Rachakonda Fort, Nalgonda:

With an interesting history that speaks of treachery and curses, the Rachakonda Fort is vastly in ruins today but continues to attract tourists and local explorers. Another fort in this area is the Bhongir Fort built on an isolated monolithic rock by a Chalukya ruler.

Eldangal Fort, Karimnagar:

Ruled by five dynasties, the Eldangal Fort stands on the banks of the Manair River which is a tributary of Godavari. The fort contains tombs of many Muslim saints. A unique feature of the fort is the minarets which oscillate when shaken.

Nagnoor Fort, Karimnagar:

One of the prominent forts of the Kakatiya dynasty, the fort astounds with its excellent pieces of sculpted art. The Lord Shiva temple in the fort complex is the main attraction.

Golconda Fort, Hyderabad:

Built by the QutubShahis to defend Mughal attacks, the Golconda Fort has many attractions for tourists. The acoustics feature that makes your voice echo and heard from a distance is as fascinating as the belief that a secret tunnel connects the fort with Charminar around ten kilometres away.