The town of Medak, situated about 100km north-west from the city of Hyderabad, is steeped in history and old-world charm. Medak happens to be the name of the district as well as the capital. Originally know as Siddapuram and later called Gulshanabad, Medak attained a position of strategic importance under the Kakatiya reign between the years 1083 and 1323. Today it is well-known for the structural marvels in the form of an ancient fort and a relatively modern cathedral.

The Medak Fort, known as Kila among the locals, is a bastion built on a small hillock that served as a vantage point for the Kakatiyan kings. Built in the 12th century during the regime of the Kakatiyan monarch, Prataparudra II, it was called the Methukudurgam (or Methukuseema) from the Telugu word methuku which means “a grain of cooked rice”.

Climbing a few steps, one would pass through the three prominent fort entrances - the 'Prathama Dwaaram' or first entrance, 'Simha Dwaaram' or the lion's entrance that has two sculpted lions placed on a plaque on either side on the top of the arch and the 'Gaja Dwaaram' or the elephant's entrance, showing two elephants sculpted on both sides.

This fort boasts an impressive historical and architectural legacy. Originally built in typical Hindu style, later additions and modifications were executed by the Qutub Shahis in their trademark Muslim architecture. At a higher level is a mosque, which was built during the Qutub Shahi rule. From this elevation the view of the town and the landscapes around are breathtaking. The roofs of most houses are tiled and there are many lakes and water bodies around. During the harvest season, one can see the farmers winnowing their yield. The green patches are dotted with grazing herds of goats.

To make it even more striking is the absence of visitors. In ruins for most part, with stone walls and wild weeds growing all around, it has a strong sense of mystery.

The town of Medak is also home to the largest Catholic diocese in Asia and the second largest in the world. The Medak Cathedral, whose towers were meant to be taller than even the Charminar, is a striking landmark and a more popular tourist attraction.

Built in white granite, with a floors made of Italian tiles and stained glassed windows, the imposing structure in Gothic style can accommodate five thousand people at a time.

The scenic ride through the country-side towards Medak abounds in green and golden hues of the harvest season and makes for a welcome contrast to the stark urban-scapes. There are some tiny hamlets with extraordinarily colourful doors, and the forest areas midway have many scattered groups of monkeys.

A road trip to Medak will certainly charm you with the beauty of landscapes and cultures that transform gradually, underscoring the pleasure of the journey as well as the destination.