Alampur: Hidden temple town in Telangana

Hyderabad: The quaint village of Alampur, located in the heart of Telangana, is a tranquil place that not many people know about. Only 220 km from the bustling city of Hyderabad via the Hyderabad-Bangalore Highway, Alampur exudes its charm as a temple town that holds an ancient and sacred heritage. This historical village, often referred to as Southern Kashi, is located in the Jogulamba Gadwal district and offers an interesting holiday, especially during the winter months when the natural beauty along the way is at its peak. Alampur is full of rich cultural heritage, with many temples that display the Early Chalukya architectural style. Among these architectural wonders, the group of Navabrahma temples stands tall, reflecting regional Chalukya influence along with the early art of the Tungabhadra region. Built in the mid-seventh century, these temples dedicated to Lord Shiva display intricate craftsmanship and spiritual significance. The Jogulamba Temple, honoring the main goddess of the region, is revered as one of the 18-powers of India. The temple complex, which dates back to the 16th century CE. An interesting Sthal Purana presents the legend of Rassiddha blessed by Jogulamba. Alampur, a fortified temple town similar to Pattadakal, invites visitors with its west-facing gates, adorned with terraced ghats along the banks of the Tungabhadra River. The architecture of these temples echoes design elements seen in the rock-cut chaitya caves of western India, including the sanctum at the end of a rectangular pillared hall, pillars forming the central nave and side aisles, and a pradakshina arrangement around the sanctum. The Padma-Brahma temple, despite being partly ruined, is the largest in the Alampur group, displaying the distinctive northern spire elevation reminiscent of Aihole. Each temple tells a story through its intricately designed exteriors, which depict various forms of Lord Shiva, scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and unique iconographic motifs. The Papanasi group of temples, located 2 km south of Alampur, adds another layer of historical significance, dating back to the 10th-11th century CE. It displays temples with plain walls and distinctive tiered pyramidal roofs dating back to the 1st century BC. Another architectural gem, the Kudavelly Sangameshwara Temple, stands as a sandstone wonder, relocated from Kudavelly village due to the Srisailam Hydroelectric Project. how to reach? By Road: Alampur can be easily reached via the Hyderabad-Bangalore Highway, which is located about 220 km from Hyderabad. This route offers a straightforward journey for those traveling by car or bus. By Train: Nearest railway station is Alampur Road. Travelers can plan their journey by train to this station, which provides convenient access to the temple town. where to stay? Alampur is a small town with limited accommodation options, mainly Telangana Tourism’s Haritha Hotel offers accommodation. The hotel restaurant serves vegetarian South Indian cuisine. Additionally, there are some small eateries nearby. Most of the temples in Alampur are located within a radius of 2 km, which can be easily reached on foot.