Gadwal is the headquarters of Jogulamba Gadwal district in southern Telangana, on the southern bank of the Krishna River and about 188 km from Hyderabad. It is a working town rather than a resort, and it rewards travellers who like history that is still lived in.
The town grew around a fort built in the later 17th century by Somanadri, the ruler of the Gadwal Samsthanam. The Samsthanam was a vassal of the Nizam of Hyderabad until 1948. The fort is now largely ruined, but the Chennakesava Swamy temple and other shrines inside it remain in worship, and the old town still spreads around its walls.
Gadwal is also known for its handloom saris, a cotton body with a silk border and a zari pallu, registered as a geographical indication from Telangana. A visit to a weaver or a handloom shop is the most useful souvenir stop in town.
The real draw for many travellers lies just outside. The Jurala project on the Krishna is about 15 km away, and Alampur, with the Jogulamba Shakti Peetha and the Chalukya-era Navabrahma temples, is a half-day drive. Gadwal works best as a short base for these, with a gentle pace and plenty of rest in the afternoon.
Before you plan
Gadwal at a glance
- Best months
- November to February is comfortableNovember to February is comfortable. March to May is very hot, and the monsoon months June to October are humid with showers.
- Ideal trip length
- 1 to 2 days: the town in a morning,…1 to 2 days: the town in a morning, Alampur or Jurala on a second day
- Airport
- HyderabadHyderabad (HYD) is the main airport, about 190 km away; Kurnool airport in Andhra Pradesh is a closer but limited option
- Railway station
- Gadwal Junction on the…Gadwal Junction on the Secunderabad-Dhone line, with many daily trains
- Getting around
- Auto-rickshaws in townAuto-rickshaws in town; a hired car for Jurala and Alampur
- Daily budget
- ModestModest; small hotels and local meals keep costs low. Rates are not published here, so check current prices.
- Senior comfort
- Town sights are short and mostly flatTown sights are short and mostly flat; Alampur is a longer drive in hot weather
- Language
- TeluguTelugu, with Urdu and Hindi widely understood; limited English
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Gadwal: January, February, November, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Gadwal itinerary
One good day
1 day in Gadwal
Start in the cool morning at Gadwal Fort and walk through the gateway to the Chennakesava Swamy temple. Visit the Jammulamma temple on the west side of town, then rest over lunch. In the afternoon, visit a handloom shop or weaver to see Gadwal saris, and finish with a quiet walk through the old town lanes.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Gadwal
Fort and temples in the morning, handloom shopping after lunch, and a short evening walk in the old town.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Gadwal
Gadwal Fort, Chennakesava Swamy and Jammulamma temples, with a long rest in the afternoon.
Day-by-day plan →
