e d e s t i n a t i o n .

O n s t o r i e s
.
C o u n t l e s s
Int roduction
elangana may be a relatively new state, but it boasts a long and storied history. A true legacy of the many
dynasties that ruled this region over the years - Satavahanas, Rashtrakutas, Kakatiyas, Qutub Shahis and Asaf
Jahis. This is further enriched by immigrant cultures from different parts of India. Consequently, Telangana is a
treasure trove of architecture, monuments, fortresses, heritage buildings and museums.

Nature lovers will find numerous waterfalls and lakes lending a touch of gorgeousness to the lush greens. Numerous
wildlife sanctuaries too are spread across the region. And if that wasn’t enough, there is the paradox that is Hyderabad.
A city caught between old world charm and new age tech, yet embracing both as only this city can.

With these pages we hope to take you through a tiny discovery of the unique destinations of Telangana which we
are certain will whet your appetite for more. And when you visit, we truly recommend bringing your appetite, as the
culinary delights that await you here are a trip unto itself.
 Hyderabad
A city where the old
and the new co-exist.
H
yderabad is where the classic meets the contemporary. In the
heart of the city lives the memory of the glorious Qutub Shahi
dynasty that adorned it with Masjids and Minars, while being
surrounded by reflections of the prestigious Kakatiya and Rashtrakuta
dynasties. But today, the city is better known as a hub of commerce,
trade, and information technology.
Golconda B Qutub
uilt atop the Golconda hills during 1143, this one-time mud
fort was later fortified by the Bahmani Sultanate and
subsequently by the Qutub Shahi Dynasty between the 14th

Fort
and 17th centuries. The fort comprises ruins of palaces, a mosque
and a hilltop pavillion. The ancient battlements include mounted
Shahi
Tombs
cannons, four drawbridges, eight gateways, majestic halls and
stables. One of the more stunning features is the acoustics of the
palace. A handclap at the entrance can be heard on the hilltop,
almost a kilometre away. The sound and light show every evening
retells its history and transports you back in time. A must-see for
all visitors.

L
ocated in the popular Ibrahim Bagh, the
Qutub Shahi Tombs are the Deccan’s
largest necropolis. These tombs were built
for the kings of the Qutub Shahi Dynasty and
are a short walk from the iconic Golconda Fort.
Among the earliest monuments in Hyderabad,
the Qutub Shahi Tombs have aged rather well.
They house 7 tombs and mosques that pay
homage to the erstwhile rulers of Golconda.
These are domed structures built on a square
base surrounded by pointed arches, a distinctive
style that blends both Persian and Indian forms.
The tombs display intricately carved stonework
and are surrounded by landscaped gardens, a
true ‘feast for the senses.’
Charminar
Salar L
ocated on the banks of the Musi River, the Salar Jung
Museum is one of the three national museums of India and is

Jung
considered to be the largest one man collection. Nawab Mir
Yusuf Ali Khan Salar Jung Ill (1889-1949), former Prime Minister of
the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, spent a substantial amount of

Museum
his income and took over 35 years to build this priceless collection
which includes sculptures, carpets, clocks and furniture from
Japan, China, Burma, Nepal, India, Persia, Egypt, Europe and
North America. The museum’s collection was sourced from the
property of the Salar Jung family. It is one of the largest museums
in the world. The most famous pieces among the sculptures
are ‘Veiled Rebecca’ and ‘Mephistopheles’. There also exists a
collection of jade swords, armoury items, ivory artefacts and many
others. A must see for every art enthusiast and history buff.

C
harminar was constructed in 1591 as a token
of respect to Allah for stopping the spread of
a deadly plague. The iconic edifice is both a
monument and mosque with people from all over the
world coming to lay eyes on this magnificent marvel,
each year. As much as it is a historic wonder, it is also
a global icon of Hyderabad. ‘Char’ in Urdu means
Four and ‘Minar’ means Pillar or Tower and true to its
name, the structure boasts 4 ornate towers supported
by four grand arches. Built with granite, limestone,
mortar and pulverized marble, the structure has
stucco decorations with balustrades and balconies.
Chowmahalla Palace Falaknuma Palace
C F
howmahalla Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces of the Nizams. Located in alaknuma is a beautiful palace in Hyderabad that passed from the Paigah family to the
the heart of the old city, it was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty and was the official Nizam of Hyderabad. Spread over 32-acres, the name ‘Falaknuma’ means Mirror of the
residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad while they ruled the state. Built in the neoclassical Sky in Urdu. Designed by an English architect, the palace is completely made of Italian
style, there actually exists four palaces within Chowmahalla. It boasts of Mughal domes and marble and stained glass, representing both Italian and Tudor influences. The reception room’s
arches and numerous Persian elements like the ornate stucco work. Recently, 19 spectacular ceiling is decorated with frescoes and gilded reliefs while the library is topped with a carved
chandeliers of Belgian crystal were reinstalled to recreate some of its lost splendour. This walnut roof that’s a replica of the library in Windsor Castle. With 60 rooms and 22 halls, the
splendid palace was awarded the prestigious UNESCO Asia Pacific Merit Award for cultural palace holds an impressive trove of the Nizam’s treasures including paintings, statues, furniture,
heritage conservation. manuscripts, books, an exquisite jade collection and a huge selection of Qurans. Not to mention,
it houses the world’s longest dining table that seats 101 guests. The Falaknuma dining room is
also another marvel in acoustic engineering that allows the faintest whisper to be heard from
one corner of the room to another.
Nizam O Ramoji
nce home to the Nizams, this ‘old palace’ is
today a museum that houses a rare and wide

Museum Film City

array of gifts that the last Nizam Mir Osman
Ali Khan Asaf Jahi VII received from dignitaries of
various states and countries on his silver jubilee
celebrations in 1936. A golden wooden throne, gold
box inlaid with diamonds, miniature replica of Jubilee
Hall, a glass inlay painting of the Nizam, a wooden
writing box studded with mother-of-pearl, and
diamond and gold-studded daggers are just some
of what’s on display here. But there is one other thing
that makes this museum stand out. It houses the
world’s largest walk-in wardrobe.

O
ne of the most popular destinations in
Hyderabad, Ramoji offers much more than
full-fledged film studios with just about every
facility and service for film-makers, it is also the
world’s largest integrated film city and India’s only
thematic holiday destination that captures the magic
of cinema. Here visitors can take a ride to space, walk
the sets of Bahubali, explore dark and mysterious
caves, even the Wild West, or take in one or more of
the daily live shows where hundreds of artists put
up dance performances and action-packed stunt
shows. Ramoji also offers a number of hotels to stay
and a choice of restaurants for every palate. This is
one holiday destination that is sure to capture the
imagination.
 Buddhavanam O
ne of the most fascinating tourism projects Nagarjunakonda was named after the famous
i n Te l a n g a n a i s B u d d h a v a n a m a t Buddhist scholar and Madhyamika Philosopher,
Nagarjuna Sagar, approximately 145 kms from Acharya Nagarjuna. At Buddhavanam, major events

Big on spirituality.
Hyderabad. This project is an integrated development from the life of Lord Buddha are depicted. There
of Nagarjuna Sagar as part of the Krishna Valley are interesting sculptures, relics, stupas and others
Buddhist circuit. Spread over 274 acres, making it that would spike interest and enhance awareness.

Some may even say

the largest of its kind in Asia, Buddhavanam is being Telangana Tourism operates ferry services, covering
designed as a spiritual centre and theme park to the picturesque dam and exotic locations of
attract a good number of domestic and foreign Nallamala forests. The trips are ideal for corporate
tourists especially from South-East Asian countries. outings and family getaways.

‘Biggest.’
Nagarjunakonda, which is now transformed into
Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir, once served as the
capital city of lkshvaku dynasty.
Kawal Wildlife
Sanctuary
Tiger, tiger
burning bright.

A
bout 270 kms from Hyderabad lies Jannaram
Mandal, in Mancherial District of Telangana,
most famous for the Kawal Tiger Reserve.
Spread over a total area of 2015 square kilometers,
the reserve is home to more than just tigers. Other
wild species that you may encounter here include
nilgai, chinkara, blackbuck, sambar, spotted deer,
wolf, jackal, fox, leopard, and the jungle cat. The
reserve is located in the Sahyadri mountains and
has a rich and diverse ecology that includes dense
forests, grasslands, open areas, rivers, streams, and
water bodies. As of July 2021, the reserve was home
to over 45 tigers.
 Yadagirigutta Temple T
his unique temple is located just 42 kms from
Hyderabad and is the seat of Lord Lakshmi
Narasimha Swamy. Legend has it that the sage

Faith so strong,it called not one,

Yada Maharshi embarked on a great penance which
culminated in Lord Narasimha Swamy appearing in
a ‘darshan’ to the staunch devotee and granting

but 5 forms of Narasimha.

his desire. Following which, it is believed that Lord
Narasimha Swamy came into existence in five
different forms - Jwala Narasimha, Yogananda
Narasimha, Gandaberunda Narasimha, Lakshmi
Narasimha and Ugra Narasimha. This is the only
place these 5 forms are depicted together. Hence,
Yadagirigutta is also known as ‘Pancha (five)
Narasimha Kshetram’.
Bhadrachalam Temple B
hadrachalam Temple is located 320 kms from
Hyderabad and associated with the 17th century
saint and composer Kancharla Gopanna, who
was popularly known as Bhakta Ramadas. The story

The line between lore

goes that Gopanna, who served as the Tahsildar of
Bhadrachalam, misappropriated government funds

and legend is a
for the construction of this temple and was imprisoned
in the dungeons of Golconda Fort by the Sultan for

little blurred here.

his crime. However, he was subsequently released
after Lord Rama himself miraculously reimbursed the
money to the Sultan. After Gopanna was released he
became known as Bhadrachalam Ramadas (servant
of Ram) and began composing innumerable songs in
Telugu in praise of Lord Rama.
 Pochampally
Here art never goes
out of fashion.

A
mere 40 kms from Hyderabad, Pochampally is
quite well known for Vinoba Bhave’s ‘Bhoodan
Movement’ which found its genesis here. The
place was later renamed as Bhoodan Pochampally
after the movement which set the ball rolling for
other events. Pochampally region is well-known for
Ikat weaving. This is a unique process of weaving.
Using a sequence of tying and dyeing sections of
bundled yarn in multi-hued designs. The threads are
woven into a fabric of glimmering silk and soft cotton.
Sometimes, these are woven into single shades or
vibrant combinations. The Ikat process has a wide
array of products like sarees, garments and other
accessories. Tourists or visitors can learn Ikat weaving,
visit the Markandeya temple or watch age old
dance forms - ‘golla suddulu’ and ‘dappulu’ amongst
other things. The traditional craft has obtained a
place on the Geographical Indications (GI) registry.
Pochampally was recognised as the ‘Best Tourism
Village’ by the UNWTO in 2021.
 Ramappa Temple R
amappa Temple, just 70 kms from Warangal, is
unique for many reasons, not the least of which

Temple or
is the fact that it is named after its sculptor
rather than the deity that resides within. Based on

science exhibit ?
the inscriptions discovered, the temple dates back
to the year 1213 AD and is believed to have been
built by General Recherla Rudra during the period

You tell us.

of the Kakatiya ruler, Ganapati Deva. The temple
majestically rises on a 6-foot beautiful star-shaped
platform and the presiding deity here is Rudreshwara.
The temple is a perfect example of Kakatiyan genius
with intricate carvings adorning the walls, pillars and
ceilings. The roof or ‘garbhalayam’ of the temple is
constructed with bricks that are so light they literally
float on water. Moreover, the foundation was laid
using ‘sandbox technique’ which makes the temple
resistant to earthquakes. History narrates that it took
40 years to build this architectural marvel. In 2021,
Ramappa became Telegana’s first UNESCO World
Heritage Site.
 Kaleshwaram
Gods of destruction
and death-not that
different after all.

A
r o u n d 1 2 5 k m s f r o m K a r i m n a g a r, i n
Bhupalpally is Kaleshwaram, most notable
for the multi-purpose Kaleshwaram Lift
Irrigation Project. KLIP is currently one of the largest
of its kind in the world. Divided into 7 links and 28
packages spanning a distance of approximately
500 kms through 13 districts and utilizing a canal
network of over 1800 kms, the project aims to
produce a total of 280 thousand million cubic
feet of water and thereby increase the total
cultivable land area in the state by 1,825,000 acres.

Kaleshwaram is also home to Mukteswara Swamy

Temple. Here two Shiva Lingas can be found on a
single pedestal. They are believed to be ‘Lord Shiva’
and ‘Lord Yama’ and are collectively known as
Kaleshwara Mukteswara Swamy.
 Laknavaram
Ever seen a lake L
ess than 25 kms from Ramappa is Laknavaram, one
of the more unique lakes in India. Discovered by the

on fire? Happens
Kakatiya rulers, the sheer vastness of this lake is bound
to mesmerize. The huge lake, which is spread over 10,000

every day.
acres; irrigates 3,500 acres of land. Perfectly nestled in
the midst of mountains, Laknavaram is a splendid sight
especially during sunrise and sunset. This is because the lake
turns scarlet-red and makes the water glisten and dance
in scintillating beauty. Furthermore, the lake has 13 stunning
islands, three of which are connected with rope suspension
bridges. Haritha cottages, close by, offer excellent views of
the lake. Boat rides in these waters are a favourite among
visitors.
 Jogulamba Temple J
ogulamba Temple in Jogulamba Gadwal,
220 kms from Hyderabad, is considered a

The celestial seat of

sacred Shakti Peetham, where Sati Devi’s upper
teeth fell. The story of the Shakti Peethas finds its roots
in the Hindu mythology of Daksha Yaga and Sati’s

the mother goddess.

self-immolation. Shakti Peethas are temples that are
viewed as celestial and divine seats of the Mother
Goddess. These are the places where the body parts
of Sati Devi’s corpse are believed to have fallen,
when Lord Shiva in his sorrow wandered throughout
Aryavartha carrying Sati’s body. As a result of these
mythological beliefs, the shrine is considered to be
hugely powerful.
 Bogatha Waterfalls B
ogatha is a distinctive waterfall located in
the interiors of Mulugu district’s forests. While

As in life,some of the
it may be only the second biggest waterfall
in Telangana, it is no less breathtaking. In fact, the
width of these falls has earned it the sobriquet,

best surprises await you off

‘The Telangana Niagara’ or ‘Telangana Niagara
Jalapatham’. The water flows here all year round,
although it is recommended that you visit between

the beaten path.

June and November as it is at its magnificent best
during and immediately after the monsoons. Bogatha
waterfalls presents a splendid spectacle of white
frothing water amidst a rich landscape of jagged
rocks that takes a 329 km drive from Hyderabad and
a bit of a trek to actually find. This is a great spot for
the itinerary of every nature and adventure lover!
TELANGANA STATE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LTD. IDEAL DESTINATION FOR
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Mahathi Indoor Golconda Fort – Hyderabad
Auditorium - Gajwel Kakatiya Fort – Warangal
Basar Keesaragutta Tadvai
Laknavaram & Ramappa Elagandal Fort – Karimnagar

Bhadrachalam Kondagattu Taramati Baradari - Hyderabad

Dharmapuri Laknavaram Lake Resort The Plaza - Hyderabad

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