Medak (మెదక్) - 2 | Telangana State PSC (TSPSC): Preparation Course - TSPSC (Telangana) PDF Download

Places of Interest

• Medak Cathedral Church
• Medak Fort
• Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary
• Pocharam Reservoir Lake
• Edupayala Temple
• Kuchadri Venkateshwara Swamy Temple
• Sri Chamundeshwari Devi Temple

Tourist Places

Medak Cathedral Church

• The Medak Cathedral, constructed by Charles Walker Fasnet of the British Wesleyan Methodists, stands as one of the most frequented churches in Southern India. Consecrated on December 25, 1924, it serves as the largest diocese in Asia and the second-largest globally after the Vatican. Situated in Medak town, the cathedral acts as the headquarters for the Bishop of the Church of South India, which combines Wesleyan Methodist, Congregational, and Anglican missionary societies. 
• Spanning over 300 acres, the cathedral complex is an architectural wonder. The structure itself, following the Gothic Revival style, boasts dimensions of 100 feet in width and 200 feet in length, with a capacity to accommodate approximately 5,000 individuals simultaneously.
• The mosaic tiles for the Cathedral were imported from Britain, and Italian artisans were employed to lay the ornate flooring. Sturdy pillars crafted from finely cut grey stone provide support to the gallery and the entire structure. The church's roof, featuring impressive vaulting, is made soundproof using hollow sponge material. Standing at a towering height of 175 feet (53 meters), the bell tower is visible from several miles away.
• A major highlight of the Cathedral is its stunning stained glass windows, portraying various scenes from the life of Christ. These include the Ascension behind the altar, the Nativity in the west transept, and the Crucifixion in the east transept. With its exceptional craftsmanship, this magnificent Cathedral draws over three million visitors annually from all corners of the country.

Timings

• Sunday General Service: 9:30 am
• Sunday Morning Service: 7 am
• The cathedral is open daily from 7 am to 6 pm for public viewing and silent prayer.

How to Reach

• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad (146 km away from Medak) is the nearest airport.
• The distance from Medak to Medak Cathedral Church is 1.5 km. Taxis are readily available for transportation.
• Medak lacks a railway station. The nearest railheads are Akkannapet (19.1 km away) and Kamareddy (60 km away).
• These railheads connect to major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Nizamabad, Mahbubnagar, Nanded, Vizag, and Hyderabad.
• Taxis, cabs, and buses are accessible from the railway stations to reach Medak conveniently.
• Buses operated by Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) offer regular services to Medak, linking it with Hyderabad, Warangal, Siddipet, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, and Sangareddy.
• Buses are available from various towns and cities, providing easy access to Medak. One can also opt for a scenic drive to experience the village environment.

Medak Fort

• Medak Fort stands as a symbol of historical significance and architectural brilliance in Medak town, Telangana. This grand structure, situated atop a hill, was constructed around 800 years ago when Medak served as the district's headquarters. The fort's construction style is distinctive and captivating, reflecting the craftsmanship of its builders.
• Originally known as 'MethukuDurgam' in Telugu, the fort was commissioned during the 12th century under the rule of Kakatiya monarch, Pratapa Rudra. Initially a strategic outpost for the Kakatiyas, it later played a pivotal role for the Qutub Shahis. Noteworthy features within the fort complex include a 17th-century Mosque erected by the Qutub Shahis and various granaries.
• To reach the pinnacle of Medak Fort, visitors must prepare for a challenging ascent up more than 500 steps. Positioned at an elevation of approximately 90 meters above ground level, the fort sprawls across 100 acres of hilly terrain. 
• Its entrances, namely 'Prathama Dwaram', 'SimhaDwaram' adorned with fierce lion sculptures, and 'GajaDwaram' featuring majestic interlocked elephant sculptures, add to the fort's allure.

Main Entrance Features

• The main entrance of the Medak Fort showcases the double-headed "Gandabherundam," an emblem representing the Vijayanagara Empire established by the renowned ruler Srikrishna Devaraya.
• An ancient 17th-century cannon, measuring 3.2 meters in length, is prominently displayed at the entrance, adorned with a skillfully etched trident.
• The fort strategically utilizes the natural topography, leveraging the rocky terrain as a built-in defense mechanism.
• Within the fort premises, one can find a small lake, a barrack for soldiers, and a warehouse for storing provisions.

How to Reach Medak Fort

• Medak Fort is situated in Medak town, approximately 96 km away from Hyderabad, and can be conveniently accessed by road.
• It takes about an hour and a half to drive from Hyderabad city to reach the fort.

Where to Stay

• For accommodation near Medak Fort, Haritha Accommodation offers rooms constructed in close proximity to the fort walls, providing a unique and historic setting.
• The well-maintained Haritha Heritage Hotel at Medak ensures a comfortable stay, with its suites designed to maximize comfort for all guests.

How to Reach

• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad (146 km away from Medak) is the nearest airport. The distance to reach Medak Fort from Medak is 2.4 Kms. Taxis are available to the destination.
• Medak does not have a railway station. Akkannapet (19.1 Km) & Kamareddy (60 km) are the nearest railheads to Medak, with numerous trains to major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Nizamabad, Mahbubnagar, Nanded, Vizag, and Hyderabad. Taxi/cabs and buses are also available from the railway station to reach Medak. The distance to reach Medak Fort from Medak is 2.4 Kms, and taxis are available to the destination.
• There are frequent buses to Medak run by Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) connecting to Hyderabad, Warangal, Siddipet, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, and Sangareddy. Buses can be availed from all important towns and cities up to Medak. The distance to reach Medak Fort from Medak is 2.4 Kms, and taxis are available to the destination.

Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary

• Pocharam Forest & Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 15 km from Medak and approximately 115 km from Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
• Visitors can use private transportation to access the sanctuary from Medak. Historically, the Pocharam Forest served as a favored hunting ground for the Hyderabad Nizam, who officially designated it as a wildlife sanctuary in the early 20th century. The sanctuary derives its name from the creation of Pocharam Lake following the construction of the Pocharam dam on the Allair river between 1916 and 1922. Encompassing an area of 130 square kilometers, the sanctuary is characterized by lush green forests.
• The sanctuary boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, attracting various avian species like Brahminy Bucks, Bar-Headed Goose, and Open Billed Stork. It is a prime location for eco-tourism, enabling visitors to observe five species of Antelopes and Deer. Among the wildlife present are Wild Dog, Leopard, Wolf, Jackal, Forest Cat, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Nilgai, Chinkara, Chital, and the four-horned Antelope. The recommended period for visiting is from October to May.
• For accommodations, tourists have the option to book the inspection bungalow at Pocharam and Medak, as well as the forest rest house at Medak.

How to Reach

• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad (146 km far from Medak) is the nearest airport. The distance to reach Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary from Medak to Wildlife Sanctuary is 13.8 Kms. Buses/Taxi are available from Medak to the destination.
• Medak does not have a railway station. Akkannapet (19.1 Km) & Kamareddy (60 km) are the nearest railheads to Medak having a number of trains to major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Nizamabad, Mahbubnagar, Nanded, Vizag, and Hyderabad, etc. Taxi/cabs and buses are also available from the railway station to reach Medak. The distance to reach Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary from Medak to Wildlife Sanctuary is 13.8 Kms. Buses/Taxi are available from Medak to the destination.
• There are frequent buses to Medak run by Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) connecting to Hyderabad, Warangal, Siddipet, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, and Sangareddy. Buses can be availed from all important towns and cities up to Medak. The distance to reach Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary from Medak to Wildlife Sanctuary is 13.8 Kms. Buses/Taxi are available from Medak to the destination.

Pocharam Reservoir Lake

• Pocharam Reservoir Lake, located approximately 20 kilometers from Medak, features a reservoir and a small wildlife sanctuary. The dam, constructed between 1916-1922 on the Allair tributary of the River Manjeera, stands as a testament to engineering prowess.
• The Nizam's Bungalow, erected in 1918 near the reservoir, offers a glimpse into historical architecture. Nestled at the center of the reservoir, an island flourishes with a diverse range of shrubs, accessible via boats stationed nearby. Serving as a vital storage point along the Allair River, the reservoir doubles up as a favored picnic destination for tourists, with fishing activities adding to its allure.
• Medak, easily reachable from Hyderabad via the NH7 highway in under two hours, serves as the gateway to this scenic marvel, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in its natural beauty and recreational offerings.

How to Reach

• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad (146 km away from Medak): The nearest airport. To reach Pocharam Reservoir Lake from Medak to Pocharam, the distance is 15.3 Kms. Buses/Taxi services are available from Medak to the destination.
• Nearest Railheads to Medak: Medak does not have a railway station. Akkannapet (19.1 Km) & Kamareddy (60 km) are the nearest railheads to Medak with trains connecting to major cities. Taxi/cabs and buses are available from the railway station to reach Medak. The distance to reach Pocharam Reservoir Lake from Medak to Pocharam is 15.3 Kms, and buses/taxi services are available from Medak to the destination.
• Transportation: There are frequent buses run by Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) connecting Medak to cities like Hyderabad, Warangal, Siddipet, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, and Sangareddy. Buses are available from all important towns and cities to Medak. The distance to reach Pocharam Reservoir Lake from Medak to Pocharam is 15.3 Kms, and buses/taxi services are available from Medak to the destination.