MEDAK

MEDAK
Medak, a historic town originally called Siddapuram, later it known as Gulshanabad also, reached its pinnacle during the Kakatiya dynasty reign. Medak has a citadel dating back to the Kakatiyas. It was built during the reign of Kakatiya emperor Pratapa Rudra. Strategically built on a hillock, it was called the Methukudurgam (and Methukuseema), from the Telugu word Methuku - meaning cooked rice grain. The main entrance proudly displays the double-headed bird "Gandabherundam" of the Kakatiyas. The Medak fort stands as an epitome of architectural excellence of the Kakatiya dynasty. The water to the fort was served through a pipeline from a well inside the fort. It has three main entrances, the "Prathama Dwaram", the "Simha Dwaram" or Lions Entrance that has two snarling lions at the top of the entrance and the "Gaja Dwaram" or Elephant's Entrance that has a sculpture of two elephants interlocked on both sides of the entrance. At the fort one can see a 17th century cannon that is 3.2 meters long. The cannon has a trident etched on it. This fortress uses the natural topography to the maximum advantage with the rocky face offering it natural defenses.

TOURISM PLACES IN MEDAK
MEDAK FORT
This wonderful fort is situated about 75 km from Hyderabad. It has with five sturdy cascading walls on a scenic hillock. The Kakatiyas are said to have built this fort. The two of the five massive walls surrounds this hill. At the entrance of each gateway, the bastions can be seen. A flight of steps has been cut on the rocks for access in and out of the fort. A beautiful mosque of the 17thcentury can be seen inside the fort. There is also a gorgeous palace known as the `Mubark Mahal` inside the fort. The beautiful stone houses contain the granaries, which were earlier the residences of the olden military commanders. The fort walls are adorned with Hindu-temple carvings. The carving of Kakatiyan emblem `Gandabherunda`, a double headed eagle can also be seen.

PAPIKONDALU
In the 'Bison Range' here, the wonderful waters of the magnificent river Godavari join the two districts, Medak and Godavari. This hill rises to a height of 2,280 meter above sea level at some places and thus forms gorgeous gorges in between. The vast plantations of teak and bamboo can be seen here.
Papikondalu known as Papi Hills is a Heaven on the earth. Papikondalu or Papi Hills or Papidi Kondalu is part of Eastern Ghats through which Godavari pierces and flows in twists and turns towards east. Entire area of Papikondalu is covered by tropical rain forests and deciduous rain forests. Some of the most interesting places in the world like Papikondalu; this place is interesting by virtue of inherent popularity and growing tourism. Coming from a rich historical country like India, there is also no dearth of interesting tourist sites. Papikondalu is an adventures trip.

MORE INFORMATION:
Head Quarters:Sangareddy
Area:9,699 sq.km
The Boundaries:Warangal, Nalgonda, Hyderabad, Nizambad districts, Karnataka state.
Major Places:Siddipeta, Medak, Ramachandra puram and Sangareddy
Industries:BHEL, ICRISAT, Sugar, Vishaka Asbestos at Patanchervu, Sanitary wares at Kollur, Novapan India Ltd.
Tourist Places:Manjira wildlife Sanctuary, Kondapur Archeological Museum, Medak fort and Pocharam Sanctuary.
Pilgrimage Centers:Medak Church, Edupayalu Kanakadurga temple, Nacharam temple, Zarasangam and Alladurg temples.
Handicrafts:Siddipet Bathic Paintings, Ramayampet brass, Silver and Woodenwares.
STD code: 8452