Panoramic tour of Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Telangana

Compilation of Panoramic photos from Hyderabad, Rammappa, Ghanpur and Vizag – Araku

Also see: My collection of Panorama Compilation

Panoramic photography is a technique of photography, using specialized equipment or software, that captures images with elongated fields of view. It is sometimes known as wide format photography. Panorama photos are normally shot by stitching  series of photos with sightly overlapping fields to create a panoramic image.

This blog post contains panoramic photos from Hyderabad, Ramappa, Ghanpur and from the Vizag – Araku railway.

Hyderabad

An amazing mix of old and new

Hyderabad the capital of the newly formed state of Telangana and the de jury capital of Andhra Pradesh is an interesting mix of modernity and antiquity. A major contributor to the It industry, The history of Hyderabad dates back to the late 16th century.

The Charminar, built during the Qutb Shahi rule remains the icon of Hyderabad. Charminar, literally meaning four towers (Char = four, Minar = Tower), is synonymous  the Pearl City of Hyderabad. Standing on a traffic island in one of the the most congested part of the old city.

Panoramic View (with Mekka Masjid) from first floor of Charminar, Hyderabad

Today visitors are allowed up to the first floor of the Charminar, which provides a panoramic views of the old town, including the Mekka Masjid.

The Golkonda Fort, is a massive citadel about 11 km west of Hyderabad. Golconda literally meaning the Shepperd’s Hill was original a mud fort built by the Kakatiyas of Warangal. The Qutab Shahi rulers of Hyderabad transform it into a stone citadel. Over several centuries it became a citadel of Qutab Shahi dynasty, Golconda Fort was finally abandoned after the invasion of Decan by Aurangzeb.

Panoramic view of Golkonda Fort, Hyderabad

Golconda boosts an amazing acoustic, sound of clapping hands at the entrance is said to be heard at interior of the fort several miles away. Visitors at the Golconda Fort still claps their hands expecting fellow visitors to hear it, deep inside the fort. Also a light and sound show depicting the history of the Golconda Fort is held in the evening.

Ramappa Temple

Gem of Kakatiya Architecture

The Ramappa Temple, in Palampet, Warangal, Telangana, is the only tmple in India, to be named after its architect. The sandstone built Ramappa Temple is crowned with a sikhara and is approachable through three gateways. The gateways of the Ramappa Temple is flanked by by a statues of dancing girls (know as Mandkinis) made out of black basalt, polished to perfection.

Panoramic view of Ramarappa Temple Complex, Palampet, Warangal

The main structure of the Ramappa Temple complex is know as Ramalingeswara and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is popularly known as the Ramappa Temple. There are several other structure, including a nandi bull, inside the walled complex.

Ghanpur Group of Temples

A hidden gem of Kakitiya Architecture

The scattered ruins of the Ghanpur Temple Complex, locally known as Kotagullu, looks like a huge open air museum, with crumbling structures and scattered sculptures. The Ghanpur group of temples were probably constructed by Ganapati Deva of Kakatiya dynasty in the early 13th century.

 

Panorama of Ghanpur Group of Temples, Ghanpur (Mulug), Warangal, Anadhra Pradesh

Located about 65 km South West of Warangal the Ghanpur Group of Temples consists of 22 structures, of different shape and size, enclosed within a doubled walled complex.

Vizag – Araku Train

An amazing broad gauge mountain railway

In India most of the mountain railway runs on narrow and meter gauge. But the Vizag – Araku train is an exception and was also had the distinction of housing the highest broad guage train station in India.

Kirandul Fast Passenger, with Eastern Ghat in backdrop

Located North West of Vizag the beautiful valley is connected by a 150 km long rail track. An engineering marvel the rail tracks meanders through the Eastern Ghats passing through 58 tunnels and 84 bridges.

Note:

• This is a compilation post and would be updated from time to time
• The photos were shot before the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh split

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