Karimnagar Tourism and Travel Guide
Vemulawada Karimnagar: Rajarajeshawara Temple Vemulawada is situated at about 11 kms to the NorthEast of Sirsilla and 36kms from the Karimnagar on the Karimnagar, KamaReddy bus route. Buses ply regularly from Karimnagar, KamaReddy and Hyderabad. This place owes its importance ti the sacred and famous temple of Sri Rajarajeswara, an incarnation of Lord Siva. There is a Koneru known as Dharmagundam, the waters of which have some curative properties thousands of piligrims from all parts of the state congrgate here especially during Mahasivaratri and Kalyanotsavam of the deity. The income of the temple is said to exceed 3 to 4 lakhs of rupees every year. A great part of it is derived during the course of these festivals. The other shrines of importance are that of Anantha Padmanabha Swamy, Bhimeshwara Swamy, Kodanda Ramaswamy, Kasi Visweswara and Rajaswari. Apart from these there is a tomb of Muslim saint. Sri Rajarajeswara Swamy temple and the Mosque inside the premises Vemulawada, located 150 km from Hyderabad is known for Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple. It is one of the very few temples devoted to Lord Siva. Popularly known as Dakshana Kashi (Benaras of South India) the temple attracts lakhs of devotees from all over the country. The Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple is a fine example of communal harmony where both Hindus and Muslims offer obeisance to Lord Siva and Allah. The temple at Vemulawada is next only to Tirupati in terms of its
revenues. The temple contributes Rs. 8 lakhs anually to the gram Panchayat for developmental activities in the pilgrim town. Special arrangements are made for the pilgrims during the festival. Several cultural and social activities are also organised by the authorities. Free boarding and lodging is provided to the students. Besides, the temple also offers donations for other small temples. On the Sivaratri day, a record three to four lakh pilgrims through the sacred temple at Vemulawada. Special poojas and darshans are held to mark the festivity. Mahalingarchana is performed by about hundred archakas. At midnight Ekadasa Rudrabhishekham is performed to the deity. The temple is brightly illuminated in the night, presenting an aesthetic look. The puranic version has it that Lord Siva after having stayed at Kashi, Chidambaram, Srisailam and Kedareswaram chose to reside at Vemulawada. History records that Vemulawada was ruled by successive dynasties – the Ikshwakus, the Satavahanas and later by the Chalukyas who made it their state capital. The presiding deity is Sri Raja Rajeswara Swamy, also called Rajanna. To the right of the presiding deity is the idol of Sri Raja Rajeswari Devi and to the left is the idol of Sri Laxmi Sahitha Siddi Vinayaka. In the temple premises there is a holy tank called the Dharma Gundam. Three mandapas were constructed on it and the statue of Lord Eshwara resides in the middle. The Lord is seen in a meditation posture with five lingas surrounding the holy tank. The lighting of the holy lamp or Ganda Deepam is also considered auspicious by the devotees visiting the shrine. Although devotees make offerings to the presiding diety in different ways, the most important one is Kode Mokku (offering of bull to God). The devotees who bring the bull take them round the temple and tie it somewhere in the temple complex. The significance of this ritual is that devotees will be cleansed of their sins and they can beget children. This temple attracts followers of both Vaishnavism (worshippers of Vishnu), and Saivism (worshippers of Siva), and is also being frequented by Jains and Buddists. The sculptures on the temples also depict the cultures of Jainism and Buddhism. A unique feature of the temple at Vemulawada is that it also houses a 400 year old mosque inside its premises. It is believed that the mosque was built as a tribute to a muslim devot.
Karimnagar Kaleshwaram: Kaleshwaram Travel Information This pictureque spot, surrounded by thick forests is located 130 Kms from Karimnagar, 32 Kms from Manthani and lies on the confluence of the River Pranahitha and the River Godavari. The ancient temple dedicated to Mukteshwara swamy is of special significance as two Shivalinga’s are found on a single pedestal. Besides several temples situated here the one dedicated to Brahma is rather uncommon Dharmapuri Travel Information On the banks of River Godavari, 78 Kms from Karimnagar, is the 15th century temple town of Dharmapuri. According to the legend king Bali Verma performed the Dharma Devta Yagna. He wanted all his people to follow and live according to Dharma. Hence this village got its name as Dharmapuri. It was an ancient seat of learning languages, literature, dance and
music. Among the prominent temples in the town are the 13th century Sri Lakshmi Narsimha Swamy temple, Sri Venkateshwara Swamy temple, Sri Ramallingeshwara Swamy temple where Shiva & Vishnu temples exist side by side. River Godavari adds to the scenic splendour.
Nagunur Fort: This fort ramparts were once alive with the sounds of a bustling town and people of the Kakatiya Empire. The fort is testimony to the imperial powers of the Kakatiyas. It was one of the most important forts of the emerging Kakatiya empire and contains ruins of a cluster of Kalyana & Kakathiya temples. The pillars and galleries around the Shiva temple here are worth seeing. The most important temple in the complex is the Shiva temple which has three shrines. The main entrance to the temple is on the northern side and the three shrines face the other three directions. The beams of the temple have sculptured images of musicians playing on Mridangam and other instruments. Panels are carved with visuals of dancers in graceful poses. The village of Nagunur is just about 8 kms from Karimnagar Town. Manthani Travel Information Manthani, 70 Kms from Karimnagar is situated on the banks of river Godavari. This is a very ancient center of Vedic learning and even today there are many scholars well versed in Vedas & Sastras. Among several temples situated here the important ones are of Lord Saileshwara, Laxminarayana Swamy, Omkeshwara Swamy & Mahalaxmi. It is also a main centre for Jainism & Buddhism. Dhulikatta Travel Information 20 Kms from Karimnagar is Dhulikatta an important Buddhist spot visited by monks from all over the world. Many Buddhist stupas of the Satavahana period are found here. The 3 day Satavahana festival in conducted in the month of January every year.
Kondagattu: Kondagattu Travel Information About 35Kms from Karimnagar is this breathtaking temple of Lord Anjaneya Swamy. Situated amidst hills, valleys & water springs Kondagattu is blessed by nature and very scenic. According to the folklore, the temple was constructed by a cowherd some 300 years ago. The present day temple has been built 160 years ago by Krishna Rao Deshmukh. It is believed that if a women offers puja for 40 days at this temple then she will be blessed with a child. Apart from the temple, the fort of Kondalaraya & Bojjapotana caves are worth seeing at Kondagattu. Raikal Travel Information Located 75Kms from Karimnagar the ancient temple of Kesavanatha Swamy is situated here. Built in the 11th century A. D. by the Kakatiyas the temple has beautiful sculptures. Another interesting temple is that of Panchamukhalingeshwara Swamy (Lord Shiva wit five faces) which is believed to be one of the only two existing, the other being at Kasi. Besides there is a temple of Bhimanna in whose honour an annual Jatra is held for 3 days during January – February. Molangoor Quilla 30 Kms from Karimnagar, strategically located on summit of a big isolated granite hill, this for was built by the Kakathiyas. The ruins of palaces, garrions, stables and other structures stand as mute witnesses to the valour and pride of the fort.
Shivaram Wildlife Sanctuary: Shivaram Wildlife Sanctuary Located 10 Kms Manthani, 80 Kms from Karimnagar & 50 Kms from Mancherial is the Shivaram wildlife sanctuary. This 37 sq.Kms riverine forest mixed with teak & terminalia is home to Marsh Crocodiles of river Godavari. It also harbours Panthers, Sloth Bears, Nilgari, Black Buck, Cheetal, Python & Langoor. The undulating natural terrain adds to the beauty of the sanctuary.
Kothakonda (Bheemadevarpalle): This village is situated at a distance of 35kms from Huzurabad. As it surrounded on all sides by hills,the only means of convayance to the village is by bullock-cart.On a hillrock at the place,there are ruins of big fort with huge gateways bearing beatiful architecture resembling that of the Kakatiyas. There are five ponds on the top of the spacious hill.Of these, two are reported to contain water even under severe drought conditions.The temple of Veerabadraswamy at the foot of the Kalyanotsavam celebrated in honour of the deity for 10 days from Pushya Bahula Panchami attaccts about 50,000 pilgrims.
Karimnagar Elagandal Fort (Karimnagar): It is situated on the banks of the Manair river amidst palm groves at a distance of 10kms from Karimnagar on the KamaReddy road. This place is historically important because 5 important dynamic sites ruled over this place. The antiquities of the place worth mentioning are 1.A fort on a hill.2.Brindavan tank on the outside of the eastern gateway of the fort by Zafar-ud-Doula in 1754 A.D. with minarets that oscillate when shaken and toms of the Muslim saints like syed Shah
Munawar Quadri saheb, Doola Shah saheb, syed Maroof Saheb, Shah Talib Bismilla Saheb and Vali Hyder saheb. On the 11th and 12th days of Moharram, and annual Urs of these saint’s is celebrated by the Muslims and Hindus alike with great reverence and people from far off places participate in it. Besides, there are temples of Nelakantha Swamy and Narasimha Swamy.
Ujjwala Park (Karimnagar): It is situated on the banks of the Manair river amidst palm groves at a distance of 10kms from Karimnagar on the KamaReddy road. This place is historically important because 5 important dynamic sites ruled over this place. The antiquities of the place worth mentioning are 1.A fort on a hill.2.Brindavan tank on the outside of the eastern gateway of the fort by Zafar-ud-Doula in 1754 A.D. with minarets that oscillate when shaken and toms of the Muslim saints like syed Shah Munawar Quadri saheb, Doola Shah saheb, syed Maroof Saheb, Shah Talib Bismilla Saheb and Vali Hyder saheb. On the 11th and 12th days of Moharram, and annual Urs of these saint’s is celebrated by the Muslims and Hindus alike with great reverence and people from far off places participate in it. Besides, there are temples of Nelakantha Swamy and Narasimha Swamy.
Dharmapuri: Dharmapuri is situated at a distance of about 48kms. from Jagityal town and 51 Kms. from Peddapalle railway station on the Kazipet_Balharsha Section of the south Central Railway. Dharmapuri attained religious importance owing to the existence of the shrine dedicated to Narasimhaswamy, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Siva With Dakshinamurthy, Vinayaka and Sapitha Mathrukas carved on a single slab of stone and Mahishasuramardhani, the sixty pillared temple, Mahalakshmi temple and Akkapalle Rajanna temple are the other temples of importance that heighten the sancity of the places of tourist interest in the State and the kalyanotsavam of Lakshminarasimhaswamy celebrated during February-March attracts nearly a lakh of piligrims.
National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd(NTPC) (Ramagundam)
Ramagundam is situated at a distance of about 75 Kms. Godavari and is the highly populated village in the madal. The power-house at the place is the biggest thermalpower producing station in the state and supplies power to Hyderbad, Karimnagar, Warangal and also to the Mancherial Cement Factory. A Navaratna Public sector undertaking completed 25 glorious years in service to the Nation. The Corporation during this period has gown to be a front runner in the Indian Power Sector and ranked as the 6th largest Power Generator in the world with an installed capacity of 19,435 MW.The endeavor of NTPC is to make availbale reliable and quality power in increasingly large quantities. Thus making India self sufficient in Power Generation and emergence as one of the world ‘leading economies. This Super Thermal Power StaTION with an installed capacity of 2100 mega watt has earned the distinction of being the beacon light of the Southern States, promoting economic growth and prosperity. NTPc Ramagundam has excelled in all spheres of operations since inception namely generation, safety, environment, human resource development etc.The quest to excelleence is never ending.The Station is fully generated to face the challenges ahead and commits to illumine the Nation with everlasting pride.
KarimnagarGodavarikhani(Peddapalli)
Singareni Colleries Company Limited (SCCL), incorporated as a public limited company in 1920, became a Government Company in 1956 when Government of Andhra Pradesh acquired major share holding. The share capital of the company is held by Government of Andhra Pradesh and Government of India in the ratio of 51: 49 respectively. The loan capital is provided entirely by the Government of India. The assistance is governed by a Tripartite Agreement between Government of India, Government of Andhra Pradesh and Singareni Collieries Company Limited. The last such agreement for the period 1990 – 1997 was signed in October, 1994 covering the period from 01.04.1990 to 31.03.1997. A tripartite agreement for 9th Five Year Plan period is to be signed. The Company manages the coal mining operations in Andhra Pradesh. The reserves stretch
over 350 sq. kms of Pranahita – Godavari Valley of Andhra Pradesh with proven deposits of 7095 million tonnes as on 01 .01 .1999 . The mining activities are concentrated in four districts of Andhra Pradesh viz. Khammam, Adilabad, Karimnagar and Warangal. The company also has a Coal Chemical Complex producing smokeless domestic fuel.
Jagitial: Jagtial is a Mandal or Taluka in Karimnagar District of Andhra Pradesh, which is approx. 5 hours away (drive) from the State Capital Hyderabad. In Karimnagar Dist., Jagtial is a commercial hub for about thirty villages in span of about a radius of 50 kilometers. This town provides a very good scope of education for the people in the villages around and the nearby towns. There are about 6 Ciniplexes with modern technology, good number of private and govenrment hospitals. The place has got a good transportation links with all the neighbouring districts and states. No Rail, Air and Water Transportation. The town has got a very good stand in the state assembly. It’s one of the prominent constituncies fighting for Telangana (a seperate state from andhra pradesh). As known, the telangana region of A.P., was ruled by Nizams and so as Jagtial. Hence it still carries the grace of Nizam constructions, in the form of some ruined monuments. The holy places of Kondagattu gutta (Hanuman’s Temple) and Dharmapuri (temples and the sacred river) in driving distance make jagtial a good place to settle in all aspects. Jagtial is a hub in the Telangana Region because of it’s location and transportation facilities.It is loated between Nizamabad,karimnagar and maharastra borders. People in Jagtial are friendly and good hearted.
Fertilizer Corporation of India Ltd (Ramagundam)
Karimnagar Ramagundam Fertilizer Unit is located about 240 kms away from Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh State and in the district of Karimnagar. The Unit was established at Ramagundam due to abundance of coal that is used as feedstock This unit was approved by Govt. of India and established with a project cost of Rs.217.00 crores. Industrial license for setting up a coal based Fertilizer factory to manufacture Urea was obtained in November 1971. Planning and Development Division of FCI Ltd. (presently M/s PDIL, Sindri, India) supplied the detailed engineering for the plant. Commercial Production of Ammonia and Urea commenced on 01-11-1980. The Urea and Ammonia plants have been designed with a capacity to produce 4, 95, 000 MT and 2, 97, 000 MT per annum respectively. From the commencement of commercial production on 01.11.1980 till the year 1998-99, 25, 15, 594 MT of Urea and 15, 48, 971 MT of Ammonia have been produced. However production of Urea and Ammonia has been suspended from 01.04.1999 due to non-availability of sufficient budgetary support from Govt. of India.
Sarvavaidika Samsthanam and Sri Yagnavaraha Kshetram (Karimnagar)
India is a Vedic country and a land of karma. Vedic karmanustanam is our duty but these vedic karmas have lost their prominences, temporarily, during the period of foreign rulers. After independence these karmas split into different sampradayas like shyva, vyshnava and shakteya. the path of gnana undermined the significance of vedic karmas and made karma vada vulnerable. At this juncture, elder people felt the necessity of a plot form to bring up unity of the different sampradayas, fostered with nationalism. To fulfill this aim,
Sreebhashyam Vijayasarathi formed platform called Sarvavaidika Samsthanam. The samsthanam is founded in Karimnagar district of Andhra Pradesh, on the way to Bommakal, at Bommakistanna nagar, in an area of about one acre twenty-two guntas where Sri Yagnavaraha Kshetram was established. different temples of Sri Rama Sathyanarayana Swamy, Ratnagharbhaganapathi, Ananthanagendra swamy and Navagrahas were installed at the Kshetram. Other temples belonging to the goddess Sri Vasudhalakshmi, the goddess Sri Varadurga, and the goddess Sri Vagvadini Mahasaraswathi were also established. subsequently, the samsthanam at different places installed 108 temples. Professors, lecturers, teachers, advocates, doctors, engineers, technicians, social reformes, social workers, and scholars are participating with enthusiasm in this samsthanam as members especially the participation of ladies is praise-worthy in this regard. The samsthanam carried out various programmes and utsavams in a rare manner. Srimad Ramayana mahakrathuvu was organised, for the first time, along with chaturveda swahakara, in the most memorable fashion, after a gap of thousands of years. Mahasnapanam [holy bath] was conducted to swamyvaru magnificently with waters of holy rivers and seven holy seas, collected in one thousand pots. Sri Rama pattabhishekam was also performed in a grand style. The samsthanam is proud of having carried out successfully ‘Rakshoghnesti’ for the first time, after millions of years, for peace and well being of the world.Rakshognesti is a rare ‘isti’, which was performed in Threthayayuga by Vishwamithra. koti kumkumarchana was also performed. Fiftythousand married women took part in the programme, regardless of caste, creed and religion. Sreebhashyam Vijayasarathi, founder of the samsthanam, in a very rare manner, collected Vishnu mantras from four vedas and Maha Vishnu yaga was performed in an incredible way. Scholars in four vedas were invited on this occasion. a rare book containing these mantras was composed for the first time and the samsthanam published it. Bramohostovams are being conducted every year through agama methods like smartha, vyshnava vykhanasa, etc., on this occasion, speeches by eminent scholars on Indian culture, religion, vedas and seminars on theism and atheism, based on darshanas are being arrenged. Noted veda pandits are also being felicitated. A veda school, which is one of the aims of the samsthanam, was started and free Sanskrit classes are being conducted. The samsthanam is performing other programmes too for the well being of the masses. Karmaja Vyadhi chikishta through havanas was performed. Various chronic and prolonged diseases, physical and mental, have been cured successfully through this method the samsthanam is organizing samoohika Sathyanarayana vrathams, Lakshmi poojas and kumkumarchanas through traditional veda methods, involving masses regardless of caste, creed, and religion entailing national integration. Thus, the samsthanam is propagating vedic karmas through various pragrammes. The samsthanam published many books. Sri Mahalakshmi Mahathyam, a rare book, was published in 1989. Sreebhashyam Vijayasarathi has composed it having studied in depth, SriLakshmi thanthram, Sri Maha samhitha and other books with publication of this book, Sri MahaLakshmi upasana, was revived after a long period. Sri MahaLakshmi mahathyam was recited along with chathurveda mantras and havana was performed. The other books published by the samsthanam are, pooja darshanam,Sri Yagnavaraha swamy katha, Sri Yagnavaraha sahasra namavali, santhanaprada Sri Ananthanagendra sthuthi,Sri Mangalyadevatha Avahanosthsava, Sri Yagnavaraha suprabhatham, nava graha kavacham, Nava varsha jayavratham, Srimadramayana parayana slokas, Saraswathi-sthothra kadamba, chaturveda deeposthova, shraddatatvam. etc. several important booklets addressing issues such as late marriages, ill health and economic problems were published and circulated free of cost by samsthanam in order to bring about an awareness among the masses.
Kesoram Cement Factory Basanth Nagar (Peddapalli)
Kesiram Cements is a comapany which is one of the Birla group companies a leader by its name. It was incorporated in 1967 with objective of becoming the leading producer of cements in this part of country. The plant here is one of hte biggest in south india and can produce cement with a capacity of 2500 metric tones per day. The technical objectives of the company are to develop Indigenous technology and integrating indigenous and foregn technology wherever necessary this company unlike other Birla group of companies in single parsuing the goal of complete selfReliance in the field of cement production to offer customers Comprehensive cost-effective and best possible products.
How To Reach?
Air – The nearest Airport is Hyderabad (140-km) connected by Indian Airlines flights with Bombay, Bangalore, Bhubaneshwar, Calcutta, Delhi, Madras, Nagpur, and Vishakhapatnam. Continental Aviation also operates flights from Hyderabad to Bombay.
Rail – Warangal is linked to all-important cities in India by rail.
Road – Regular bus services are available (APSRTC) from Hyderabad, Yadagirigutta, Vijayawada, Armur, Kolanupaka, Jangaon, Kodad, Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Adilabad, Suryapet, Palampet, Jagtial, Khammam, Bhadrachalam, Basara, Bangalore , Mysore and Tirupati.
Festival: There is a very special festival that celebrated by Telangana people only is called Bathukamma pandaga, it comes before Dasara. It starts before 10 days of dasara. The Women and Children make bathukamma with lot of flowers and put them around in their varandas and play the songs by rounding those bathukammas. People celebrate this festival 9 days. On the 9th Day they will celebrate pedda Bathukamma . There will be hungama on the 9th day every body will wear pattu saries and they sing folk songs and at last they immerse them in rivers. After that the next day Dasar will come that every body knows as Vijaya Dasami.
