Are you looking for a unique and offbeat travel destination in Telangana? Do you want to explore the rich history, culture, and biodiversity of this state? If yes, then you should visit Mancherial, a district that offers a variety of tourist attractions and places to visit. Mancherial is a hidden gem of Telangana tourism that will surprise you with its beauty and diversity.
Mancherial is a district in the northern part of Telangana state, spread across an area of 4,056.36 square kilometers. It is surrounded by other districts such as Adilabad, Karimnagar, Nizamabad, and Asifabad, as well as Maharashtra state. It has a population of 807,037, according to the 2011 Census of India. Mancherial has a rich history, dating back to the Kakatiya dynasty, the Nizam rule, and the British era. It also has a vibrant culture, influenced by the Telugu, Marathi, Urdu, and Gondi languages and traditions. Mancherial is blessed with a diverse biodiversity, as it is home to many forests, rivers, wildlife sanctuaries, and irrigation projects.
In this article, we will explore the tourist attractions and places to visit in Mancherial, which offer a variety of experiences for the visitors. We will also provide some tips and recommendations for the visitors, such as the best time to visit, the things to carry, the safety precautions, and the nearby attractions. So, let’s get started and discover the hidden gem of Telangana tourism: Mancherial.
Gandhari Khilla: A Historic Hill Fort
One of the most prominent tourist places in Mancherial is Gandhari Khilla, which is a hill fort located near Bokkalagutta, in Mandamarri Mandal. Gandhari Khilla was built by the Kakatiya kings in the 13th century and named after the local goddess Gandhari Maisamma, who is worshipped by the people of this region. Gandhari Khilla is situated within a thickly forested area that has many medicinal herbs and plants. It is also a catchment area for the Peddavagu river, which flows through the fort.
Gandhari Khilla has many features and attractions that will interest the visitors, such as:
The Gandhari Maisamma temple, which is the main attraction of the fort. It is a small temple that houses the idol of the goddess, who is believed to protect the people and the crops from diseases and disasters. The temple is decorated with colorful flags and flowers and has a small pond in front of it.
The fort walls, which are made of huge stones and bricks and have many bastions and gateways. The fort walls are about 5 kilometers long and have a height of about 10 meters. The fort walls offer a panoramic view of the surrounding forest and hills.
The watchtowers, which are located at strategic points on the fort walls and have openings for firing cannons and guns. The watchtowers were used to monitor the enemy movements and to defend the fort from attacks. The watchtowers also have a view of the Peddavagu river and the Gandhari Maisamma temple.
The forest, which is a dense and green area that has many varieties of trees, plants, flowers, and herbs. The forest is a habitat for many animals, birds, insects, and reptiles. The forest also has many natural springs and waterfalls that add to its beauty and freshness.
Gandhari Khilla is also famous for hosting the annual Mahankali Jatara, which is a festival that attracts thousands of devotees and tourists every year. Mahankali Jatara is celebrated in the month of Ashada (July-August), which is considered auspicious for the goddess. During this festival, the devotees offer prayers, sacrifices, and offerings to the goddess and seek her blessings. The festival also involves cultural programs, such as folk dances, songs, and dramas, that showcase the local traditions and talents.
Gandhari Khilla is a must-visit place for anyone who loves history, culture, and nature. It is a place that will transport you to the past and make you feel the presence of the goddess. To reach Gandhari Khilla from Mancherial, you can take a bus or a taxi to Bokkalagutta, which is about 25 kilometers away. From there, you can hire a jeep or a bike to reach the fort, which is about 5 kilometers away. You can also trek to the fort, which will take about an hour. The best time to visit Gandhari Khilla is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the forest is lush.
Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Temple: A Spiritual Abode
Another popular tourist place in Mancherial is Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Temple, which is a temple dedicated to Lord Satyanarayana, who is a form of Lord Vishnu. Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Temple is located on a hilltop near Gudem village, in Chennur Mandal. Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Temple is one of the most revered and visited temples in Telangana, as it is believed to fulfill the wishes and desires of the devotees.
Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Temple has many features and attractions that will interest the visitors, such as:
The architecture, which is a blend of traditional and modern styles. The temple has a gopuram (tower) at the entrance, which is adorned with sculptures and paintings of various gods and goddesses. The temple also has a mandapam (hall), which is spacious and airy and has a marble flooring. The temple also has a prakaram (circumambulatory path), which is paved with tiles and has a railing for the safety of the devotees.
The idols, which are the main attraction of the temple. The temple has a sanctum sanctorum, which houses the idol of Lord Satyanarayana, who is depicted as a four-armed figure holding a conch, a discus, a lotus, and a mace. The idol is made of black stone and has a gold-plated crown and ornaments. The temple also has idols of other deities, such as Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Hanuman.
The rituals, which are the main activity of the temple. The temple performs daily poojas (worship) and aartis (prayers) for the deity and the devotees. The temple also performs special poojas and aartis on festivals and auspicious days, such as Ekadashi, Purnima, and Sankranti. The temple also performs Satyanarayana Vratam, which is a ritual that involves the recitation of the story of Lord Satyanarayana and the distribution of prasadam (sacred food) to the devotees.
The views, which are the main attraction of the temple. The temple offers a spectacular view of the surrounding hills, valleys, and forests. The temple also offers a view of the Godavari river, which flows near the temple. The temple also offers a view of the sunrise and the sunset, which are considered divine and auspicious.
Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Temple is a must-visit place for anyone who loves spirituality, peace, and serenity. It is a place that will fill you with devotion and gratitude. To reach Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Temple from Mancherial, you can take a bus or a taxi to Gudem village, which is about 40 kilometers away. From there, you can hire a jeep or a bike to reach the temple, which is about 3 kilometers away. You can also trek to the temple, which will take about 30 minutes. The best time to visit Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Temple is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the temple is decorated with flowers and lights.
Kawal Tiger Reserve: A Wildlife Wonderland
One of the most exciting tourist places in Mancherial is Kawal Tiger Reserve, which is a wildlife sanctuary declared as a Tiger Reserve in 2012. Kawal Tiger Reserve is located at Jannaram mandal, covering an area of 893 square kilometers. Kawal Tiger Reserve is well known for its abundant flora and fauna, especially tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and wild dogs. Kawal Tiger Reserve is also a catchment area for the Godavari and Kadam rivers, which provide water and life to the region.
Kawal Tiger Reserve has many features and attractions that will interest the visitors, such as:
The flora, which is a diverse and dense vegetation that covers the sanctuary. The flora consists of dry deciduous forests, moist deciduous forests, bamboo forests, and grasslands. The flora has many varieties of trees, plants, flowers, and herbs, such as teak, bamboo, rosewood, sandalwood, neem, banyan, mango, tamarind, and jasmine.
The fauna, which is a diverse and rich wildlife that inhabits the sanctuary. The fauna consists of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects. The fauna has many endangered and endemic species, such as tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, nilgais, sambar deer, chital deer, barking deer, four-horned antelopes, langurs, macaques, civets, mongooses, porcupines, pangolins, otters, bats, peacocks, partridges, quails, eagles, vultures, owls, kites, kingfishers, woodpeckers, crocodiles, monitor lizards, pythons, cobras, frogs, toads, turtles, catfish, carp, and butterflies.
The tigers, which are the main attraction and pride of the sanctuary. The tigers are the apex predators and the keystone species of the ecosystem. The tigers are majestic and powerful animals that have a distinctive striped coat and a muscular body. The tigers are elusive and nocturnal creatures that hunt mostly at night and rest during the day. The tigers are also territorial and social animals that mark their territories and live in groups called prides. The tigers are also endangered and threatened animals that face many challenges, such as poaching, habitat loss, and human-animal conflict.
The safari, which is the main activity and adventure of the sanctuary. The safari is a guided and safe tour that allows the visitors to explore the wildlife and nature of the sanctuary in a vehicle or on foot. The safari is conducted by trained and experienced staff, who provide information and assistance to the visitors. The safari is also a thrilling and rewarding experience, as it gives the visitors a chance to spot and observe the animals, especially the tigers, in their natural habitat.
Kawal Tiger Reserve is a must-visit place for anyone who loves wildlife, nature, and adventure. It is a place that will amaze you with its flora and fauna, especially its tigers. To reach Kawal Tiger Reserve from Mancherial, you can take a bus or a taxi to Jannaram, which is about 50 kilometers away. From there, you can hire a jeep or a bike to reach the sanctuary, which is about 10 kilometers away. You can also book a safari online or at the entrance of the sanctuary, which will cost you around Rs. 500 per person. The best time to visit Kawal Tiger Reserve is from November to May, when the weather is cool and dry and the chances of spotting the animals are high.
Sivaram Wildlife Sanctuary: A Scenic Sanctuary
One of the most beautiful tourist places in Mancherial is Sivaram Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a wildlife sanctuary located along the Godavari river, known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. Sivaram Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1987 and covers an area of 36.29 square kilometers. Sivaram Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many endangered and endemic species, such as marsh crocodiles, black bucks, chinkaras, and nilgais. Sivaram Wildlife Sanctuary is also a paradise for birdwatchers, as it has more than 200 species of birds, including migratory ones.
Sivaram Wildlife Sanctuary has many features and attractions that will interest the visitors, such as:
The marsh crocodiles, which are the main attraction and pride of the sanctuary. The marsh crocodiles are also known as mugger crocodiles or freshwater crocodiles, and they are the largest of the three crocodile species found in India. The marsh crocodiles are reptiles that have a long and powerful jaw, a scaly skin, and a tail that helps them swim. The marsh crocodiles are carnivorous and feed on fish, birds, and small mammals. The marsh crocodiles are also endangered and threatened animals that face many challenges, such as habitat loss, poaching, and pollution.
The black bucks, which are the main attraction and charm of the sanctuary. The black bucks are also known as Indian antelopes, and they are the only living species of the genus Antilope. The black bucks are mammals that have a slender and graceful body, a brown coat, and a white belly. The male black bucks have long and spiral horns, while the female black bucks have no horns. The black bucks are herbivorous and feed on grasses, herbs, and fruits. The black bucks are also endangered and protected animals that face many challenges, such as hunting, predation, and habitat degradation.
The chinkaras, which are the main attraction and delight of the sanctuary. The chinkaras are also known as Indian gazelles, and they are the smallest of the three gazelle species found in India. The chinkaras are mammals that have a small and agile body, a sandy coat, and a black stripe on the sides. The male chinkaras have short and ringed horns, while the female chinkaras have no horns. The chinkaras are herbivorous and feed on leaves, flowers, and pods. The chinkaras are also vulnerable and rare animals that face many challenges, such as drought, disease, and human interference.
The nilgais, which are the main attraction and surprise of the sanctuary. The nilgais are also known as blue bulls, and they are the largest of the four antelope species found in India. The nilgais are mammals that have a robust and sturdy body, a bluish-gray coat, and a white patch on the throat. The male nilgais have short and conical horns, while the female nilgais have no horns. The nilgais are herbivorous and feed on grasses, shrubs, and fruits. The nilgais are also near threatened and shy animals that face many challenges, such as habitat fragmentation, competition, and poaching.
The river, which is the main attraction and lifeline of the sanctuary. The river is the Godavari river, which is the second longest river in India and the largest in south India. The river flows through the sanctuary, providing water and life to the flora and fauna. The river also offers a serene and picturesque view of the sanctuary, as it reflects the sky, the trees, and the hills. The river also has a Sivaram temple, which is a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the bank of the river. The temple is a sacred and peaceful place, where the devotees offer prayers and perform rituals.
The boating, which is the main activity and fun of the sanctuary. The boating is an activity that allows the visitors to enjoy the river and the wildlife of the sanctuary in a fun and relaxing way. The boating is conducted by trained and experienced staff, who provide boats and safety equipment to the visitors. The boating is also a scenic and memorable experience, as it gives the visitors a chance to see and admire the crocodiles, the birds, and the temple.
Sivaram Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit place for anyone who loves wildlife, nature, and tranquility. It is a place that will enchant you with its flora and fauna, especially its crocodiles. To reach Sivaram Wildlife Sanctuary from Mancherial, you can take a bus or a taxi to Manthani, which is about 60 kilometers away. From there, you can hire a jeep or a bike to reach the sanctuary, which is about 10 kilometers away. You can also book a boating online or at the entrance of the sanctuary, which will cost you around Rs. 300 per person. The best time to visit Sivaram Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant and the chances of spotting the animals are high.
Getting There
The town is well connected by road, rail and air to other major cities of the country.
By road:
One can drive to Mancherial from Hyderabad via the Sh17 and NH63 highways, which takes about 7 hours. There are also regular buses that ply between Hyderabad and Mancherial, operated by both private and state transport services.
By rail:
Mancherial has its own railway station, which is linked to other important stations like Hyderabad, Nagpur, Chennai, Bangalore, etc. by regular trains. The train journey from Hyderabad to Mancherial takes about 4 hours.
By air:
The nearest international airport to Mancherial is the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, which is about 271 km away. From there, one can take a flight to another nearby airport, such as Nagpur or Raipur, and then take a train or a bus to Mancherial. Alternatively, one can also take a cab or a bus from Hyderabad airport to Mancherial directly.