Explore the newest state of India – Telangana! It’s a state of the South with incredible jewels waiting to be explored. Find out the Telangana’s best places to visit, experience the unexplored and taste the local delicacies!
Located in the southern part of India, Telangana is a state of history, culture, natural beauty, and architectural marvels that excite tourists. Just in 2014, as a newly formed state, Telangana became India’s youngest state, though it has been in existence for thousands of years but now it is an independent state. Telangana is one of the most beautiful states, hosting an amicable proportion of olden traditions with modern ways of life. From historical landmarks and serene temples to vibrant bazaars and delectable cuisines, there’s something for everyone. This is our detailed Telangana tourism guide inclusive of the best places to visit, savoury food to savour, must-buy souvenirs, and holiday tips uncovering the best time to visit and how to reach Telangana and more.
Telangana’s Most Amazing Places to Visit
1. Hyderabad: The City of Pearls
Hyderabad: Emerging echoes of the old and new, the capital city of Telangana portrays centuries of history spelt into modern vibrancy. Known as the ‘City of Pearls’, it wakes up a new reaction in you. You must visit the Charminar, a monument dating back to the 16th century with Hyderabad’s most iconic landmark and Laad Bazaar buzzing around it. Considered a shopper’s paradise for traditional bangles and handicrafts, Hyderabad’s other attractions include Golconda Fort which has interesting acoustics and ancient engineering feats; Chowmahalla Palace admired for its splendorous halls and collections from the Nizam era that can’t be missed; a 32-foot-high Buddha statue that stands tall on the Hussain Sagar Lake, giving you some breathtaking views, especially at the sunset.
Finally, last but not least, take your Hyderabad tour to the world’s largest film studio complex in Ramoji Film City, where you can have a glimpse of movie-making, with its thematic parks, entertainment zones, and picture-perfect sets.
2. Warangal: The Historical Jewel
The place where the Kakatiya dynasty first established itself is at Warangal, which is a place of high architectural and historical value. The fort of Warangal is enormous with great big stone gateways called Kirti Toranas and intricate sculptures to narrate stories of its glorious past. Moreover, there is the attraction of the Thousand Pillar Temple, which exemplifies Kakatiya architecture beautifully with intricately carved pillars and a star-shaped sanctum. In addition, next to this stands the Bhadrakali Temple on the top of the hill, which offers spiritual solace and panoramic views of the landscape.
3. Nagarjuna Sagar
The Nagarjuna Sagar is between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Here, you will see the tallest masonry dam in the world, and this place is quite majestic in its own way. The Dam is huge, and the surrounding beauty attracts visitors. You should not miss the Ethipothala Waterfalls, one great cascade created by the backwaters of the dam.
Likewise, Nagarjuna Konda Museum is an island destination showing Buddhist relics and artefacts. From a historical point of view, it is an important place. Additionally, for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure lovers, the best place to visit is the Nagarjuna Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.
4. Adilabad: Land of Waterfalls
This district is known for its greenery and waterfalls. Kuntala Waterfalls is the highest waterfall in Telangana and when it flows during monsoons it’s a wonder to see. Pochera Waterfalls is another beautiful spot that’s secluded and pristine and can be called a place for retreat in the arms of nature.
5. Bhadrachalam: Spiritual Centre
Bhadrachalam is also a sacred town by the side of the river Godavari. Thousands of pilgrims throng here every year with the objective of a holy Shiva linga lying in Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple. Also, this is said to be the river crossing of Lord Rama.
6. Khammam: Scenic Beauty
Khammam is characterized by landscapes, rolling hills, and ancient temples. Outstanding structures of the Khammam Fort on a hill overlooking the city were built during the Kakatiya reign, and Parnasala is said to be the place where Lord Rama spent part of his exile.
Food to Taste
Food is associated with the great cultural background of the state of Telangana. Here, the flavour of the food is spicy and rich in taste, just like some unique recipes. So here are a few delicacies that reflect the culture of Telangana’s food:
1. Hyderabadi Biryani
Telangana trip would be incomplete without the Hyderabadi Biryani. Essentially, this slow-cooked rice dish, full of aromatic meat and spices, is made using basmati rice and marinated meat. Out of the two variants of this popular dish, that is Kachchi Gosht Biryani, where the raw marinated meat is cooked within the rice, and the Dum Biryani, in which separate cooking of meat and rice are layered together and served with a choice of either a Mirchi ka Salan (chilli curry) or a Raita.
2. Sarva Pindi
It is a traditional snack, also known as Ginne Appa, a spicy pancake prepared from rice flour, chana dal and peanuts. It usually provides a tangy flavour because of cumin, green chillies and ginger, so it may even be an excellent road food.
3. Pesarattu
One must not forget to try Pesarattu, which is a staple breakfast in many South Indian homes. It is a dosa made from the batter of green gram served with ginger chutney. It’s wholesome and perfect for those in search of a healthy yet flavorful start to the day.
4. Osmania Biscuits
Osmania biscuits are a soft, crumbly pleasure, especially in Hyderabad. Moreover, the Irani chai born in Nizam’s kitchen will do the justice perfectly.
What to Buy in Telangana
Telangana offers a range of interesting souvenirs and handicrafts that point to its rich cultural heritage.
1. Pearls
A very well-known fact for Hyderabadians is that it is the City of Pearls; pearl jewellery shopping in Hyderabad, in that case, cannot be avoided. Some simple pearl strings can be bought alongside imposing designs set in gold and diamonds on nearly every budget.
2. Bidriware
Bidriware is that special metal handicraft of the region of Bidar. It is an alloy blackened and silver inlays. Moreover, you can buy those wonderful vases, boxes or jewellery. And what is more, it makes very nice souvenirs!
3. Pochampally Ikat
Pochampally is in the Nalgonda district. It is known as the “City of Silk Weavers”. Specifically, it is known for its Ikat weaves. Hand-weaved Ikat is very popular because of its striking geometric designs and bright colours, which make lovely saris, dupattas and fabrics.
4. Lac Bangles
Come home to the colourful lac bangles from Hyderabad’s Laad Bazaar, next to the Charminar. Beautifully handcrafted in myriad designs with stones and mirrors, bangles make a perfect souvenir from your visit.
5. Kondapalli Toys
These traditional wooden toys are designed and dipped in bright, rich colours from softwood. Moreover, pretty much an ordinary toy representing rural life, animals, and mythological figures. Indeed, a perfect way to bring home a piece of folk art from Telangana.
Best Time to Visit
October to March is the best time to visit Telangana. The summer season, between April to June, is pretty hot with the temperature many times shooting above 40 degrees Celsius could be uneasy for travel. During monsoons, between June to September, moderate to heavy rain brings lush greenery but limits outdoor excursions.
How to Reach Telangana
1. By Air
The main airport in Telangana is in Hyderabad. It provides excellent connectivity to both domestic and international destinations. There are many flights connected to places such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, and within the state borders to international hubs like Dubai and Singapore.
2. By Rail
Telangana has wide railway networks like Secunderabad Junction, Hyderabad Deccan, and Warangal as prominent railheads. All the major cities of India are connected by most trains, so travelling by rail is convenient and economical as well.
3. By Road
Telangana is also connected via road network. You can easily reach the state’s capital Hyderabad via road transfer from cities like Hampi (377 km), Tirupati (555 km), Bengaluru (570 km), Aurangabad (562 km), Chennai (627 km), and Mumbai (705). There are options for travellers to choose from different types of buses run by state government and private operators (Volvo, sleeper and deluxe).
Thus, Telangana is one of those unmatched destinations for travel. Historic sites, cultures, and mouth-watering food blended with lively shopping bazaars are what tourists experience. Every nook and corner of Telangana has a tale to tell walking through the ancient streets of Hyderabad, marvelling at the majesty of Warangal’s temples, or even relishing a plate of Hyderabadi Biryani. Additionally, warm climatic conditions, welcoming people, and numerous places to visit, Telangana proves to be an attraction and can be well included in the itineraries of travellers.
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