Ramadugu is a small village about 19 km from Karimnagar in Telangana (formerly Andhra Pradesh), known for two things: its ancient fort and its stone-carving tradition. It is not a place many tourists visit, but if you have an interest in traditional Indian craftsmanship, it is worth a detour.
The Ramadugu Fort dates back several centuries and features imposing walls standing around 30 metres high. Though partially in ruins, the fort retains a commanding presence over the surrounding landscape, and you can still climb sections of the walls for views across the village and the Deccan countryside. The site is unrestored and largely unvisited, which gives it a pleasantly atmospheric quality.
The village is renowned across the region for its stone sculptures. Artisans here work in granite and other local stone, producing religious figures, decorative pieces, and architectural elements that are sold throughout India. You can watch the carvers at work in open-air workshops along the village lanes. Regular buses connect Ramadugu to Karimnagar, Jagtial, Gangadhara, and Choppadandi, making it an easy half-day trip from Karimnagar.
The surrounding area adds a few worthwhile stops for those with their own transport. Bommalagutta, a Jain hill site about 6 km away, carries rock-cut carvings dating to the 10th century. The Trilinga Sanghameshwara Temple at Vilasagar village, 7 km south, is a rare triple-sanctum Kakatiya temple built around 1115–1157 AD.