Telangana has many tourist attractions that draw visitors from all over the world. As evidenced by the large number of temples and monuments, the state has a rich historical and cultural heritage. The Vakatas, Chalukyas, Satvahanas, and later the Delhi Sultanate and the Nizams ruled the region, and each left a charming heritage and history that draws visitors from all over.
Telangana is an Indian state which shares borders with Andhra Pradesh to the east, Maharashtra to the west, Karnataka to the northwest and north. It has a rich cultural heritage and a variety of geographical features. The history of Telangana is intricately linked with that of other states in this region from time immemorial. The region was ruled by the Satavahans, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, and others.
The state is named after king Telinga/Telugu. Telangana has nine districts, viz. Karimnagar, Khammam, Mahbubnagar, Nalgonda, Ranga Reddy, Srikakulam and Warangal. Telangana has many architectural wonders like forts, temples, palaces, waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, lakes, dams etc.
The following are some of the best tourist attractions in Telangana.
1. Medak Fort
Medak Fort, Medak Church, Edupayala Durga Temple, Vargal Saraswathi Temple, Kotilingeswara Temple, Kodakanchi, Gummadidala Temple, Pocharam Dam, Singuru Dam are worth visiting.
Medak Fort, with its various sculptures and Hindu and Islamic architectural styles, is the city's main attraction, but the Cathedral Church is not far behind in terms of popularity. Did you know you don’t have to plan a trip to Europe to see the magnificence of authentic stained-glass windows?
Consecrated in 1924, the Gothic style church at Medak has 3 immaculate stained-glass windows depicting different events in the life of Jesus Christ, namely his birth, crucifixion and ascension. The tower of the church stands 175 ft tall and the cathedral itself accommodated at least 5000 people at a time. Its gothic appearance and grey colour may give the impression of being eerie, but its architectural splendour is simply unparalleled.
Another worthwhile place to leave your mark is the Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna. If you're patient and enjoy bird watching, you might see a bar-headed goose, a painted stork, and a brahminy duck, as well as Nilgai, a forest cat, a sloth bear, and even a leopard.
Spread over an area of 130 kilometres, the Pocharam Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary are named after a dam on the Alair river. Play in the water, watch the animals and birds or revel in the beauty of the greenery surrounding you. The reservoir has nine islands, which form a great breeding ground for a variety of birds. Go around on boats to watch the birds using binoculars.
2. Nizamabad
Nizamabad is another popular tourist destination in Telangana. Visiting Nizamabad, known for its wonderful stone-engraved sanctuaries and recorded landmarks, can be a difficult issue for pioneers. Explore the impact of North Indian engineering within an ancient sanctuary, Kanteshwar.
Attractions like Nizamabad Fort, which is delicately perched on a slope around 300 metres above the fields, demonstrate a blend of simplicity and polish. Aside from the aforementioned stronghold, Alisagar Reservoir is well worth a visit. Nature lovers can visit the Nizam Sagar and Pochampad dams, as well as the Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary and Mallaram Forest.
Constructed in 1923 by Mir Osman Ali, the Nizamabad dam stretches 3 kilometres across the river and has a 14 feet wide motorable road over it. There is excellent accommodation for tourists here which makes it a great place to visit over a weekend. Kaulasa Fort, Nizamabad Fort, Dichpally Ramalayam, 100 Pillar Temple, Domakonda Fort, Neelakanteswara Temple, Ashok Sagar lake, Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary, Nizam Sagar dam, Shriram Sagar dam are awesome places.
3. Sangareddy
Sangareddy, a newly constructed region near Hyderabad, is another popular tourist destination in Telangana. It is well known for a 1796 A.D manufactured Jail Museum. The historical centre, which spans more than three sections of land, provides information about the jail's history and daily operations.
This is an old region prison with male and female visiting wings. The historical center's male section has nine massive structures, while the female section has one. It has distribution rooms, a gas room, storage areas, a kitchen, a break room, and a washing area for the porcelain and cutlery. It is one of the best simply because of its historical significance.
4. Chaya Someshwara Temple
The Chaya Someswara Temple in Nalgonda, Telangana, is a lovely temple. From Nalgonda, this is an interesting pilgrimage and historical site to visit. The Cholas built Sri temple between the 11th and 12th centuries. The temple was named after the belief that throughout the day, a pillar's constant shadow falls on the main deity of Shivalingam.
The incredible temple of Kunduru demonstrates the architects' incredible creative thinking and scientific knowledge. The complex is home to three deities: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, who face different directions and are linked by a mahamandapa. It is not, however, the shadow of a pillar. The shadow is formed by light reflection through multiple pillars in front of the garbhagriha, and the dark area is formed by light reflection through those four pillars.
5. Vemulawada
Vemulawada's most popular tourist attraction, the Rajanna Temple, is almost synonymous with the ancient pilgrim town nestled away in the quaint little district of Rajanna Sircilla on India's southern coast. The temple is also the most popular attraction in Vemulawada, also known as Dakshin Kashi and Southern Banaras.
Vemulawada also has a slew of other temples tucked away in its bylanes, providing a sense of calm and solace away from the hustle and bustle of cities. The temple is also the most popular attraction in Vemulawada, also known as Dakshin Kashi and Southern Banaras making it perfect for a Pilgrimage Tour.
Vemulawada also has a slew of other temples tucked away in its bylanes, all of which are only a short walk away. Rajanna temple has managed to retain its old world charm and is an ideal weekend getaway for you to reconnect with your spirituality.
6. Kunthala Waterfalls
Kunthala Waterfalls, located in the stunning Sahyadri Mountain Range, is one of Telangana's most beautiful waterfalls. The Kuntala waterfall is the highest in the state, dropping 150 feet. The waterfall is fed by the Kadam River, which is known for its beautiful forests. The waterfall is named after Shakuntala, who is said to have met King Dushyanta at the same location.
Shakuntala is said to have taken a bath in Kuntala Falls. Because the waterfall is mostly inhabited by Gond tribes, its name comes from the Gondi and Tamil word 'Kunta,' which means pond. The word 'Kuntalu' means "many ponds," and this waterfall is formed by the confluence of several ponds draining from the river.
7. Nelakondapalli
If you enjoy cultural, religious, or historical exploration, as well as architecture, the grand temples of this location are sure to captivate you. This Deccan marvel not only recently unearthed ancient Buddhist stupas, but it also has ties to the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The town of Nelakondapalli, located on the Deccan crest about 22 kilometres from Khammam, can offer you a unique and enriching experience.
If you want to satisfy your desire for archaeological exploration or learn more about another ancient religious site in the Deccan region, Nelakondapalli is the place to go. Nelakondapalli is an important site of Buddhist excavations which unearthed the evidence of many constructions which include brick built Viharas, wells, cisterns, a Maha Stupa or Pillar, a bronze idol of Buddha, a miniature Stupa carved in limestone from the third and fourth centuries.
This place is also associated with the Mahabharata as the location of the Virata rajya where the Pandavas chose to spend one year, in exile.
8. Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary
Kinnersani Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Telangana's Khammam district and covers an area of nearly 635 square kilometres. The sanctuary is located in the Dandakaranya Forest and is bounded on one side by the Godavari River. It is home to numerous species of Chousinghas, Sambar, Wild Boars, Gaurs, Chinkara, Cheetals, Hyenas, Sloth Bears, and other endangered flora.
Several species live in harmony with nature here, thanks to the appropriate temperature and climate. Aside from nature lovers, the area is also popular among birdwatchers and photographers. Lord Rama spent his exile days here, according to legend. Places with special significance in Hindu mythology, such as Parnshala, Rekapalli, and Dummugudem, are evidence of this. It is 635 square kilometres in size and is located on the right bank of the Godavari River.
9. Warangal
With its beautiful historical sites and impressive natural beauty, particularly Parkhal Lake, Warangal transports you to the era of kings and queens. Warangal is the fifth most populous city in the state. It was known as Oruguallu, Omtikonda, or Ekasilanagaram due to the presence of a massive hillock that appeared to be carved entirely out of one stone, according to legend.
Warangal's beautiful historical sites transport you to the era of kings and queens. The natural beauty of Warangal is equally impressive, and the Parkhal Lake and wildlife sanctuaries are also well worth seeing. Warangal's historical sites are what make it one of the best places to visit in Telangana.
It is the second largest city in Telangana after Hyderabad and is a popular tourist destination in the state. From the 12th to the 14th centuries, it served as the capital of the Kakatiya dynasty. As a result, there are a number of historical sites in this area. It's also thought that the entire city was carved out of a single rock.
The favourite destination of tourists young and old, Warangal was the capital of the valiant Kakatiya rulers, of whom Rani Rudramadevi needs no introduction to many. The Thousand Pillar Temple and Ramappa temple as well as the Warangal Fort date back to the 12th century. Nearby Ghanpur has a set of 22 temples, showcasing the heights architecture reached at the time.
1000 Pillar Temple, Orugallu Fort, Ramappa Temple, Bhadrakali Temple, Samakka Saralamma Jathara, Kakatiya Musical Garden, Laknavaram lake, Pakhal Lake, Bogatha, Bheemuni Paadham, Mutyala Dhaara Waterfalls and Eturnagaram Wildlife sanctuary are the beautiful places.
10. Anantagiri Hills
Of the best places for a summer getaway in South India is Anantagiri, one of the corners of greatest natural beauty 5 km from Vikarabad. The Anantagiri hills, in the Telangana region has magnificent views of the coast. The landscape is completed with wonderful waterfalls, cliffs and an unsurpassed nature. There is a small village near Ananthagiri called Alampally and much smaller village near Alampally called Nalapur.
The river Musi originates in these dense forests and the trekking trails and the amazing weather here are huge draws for visitors here. Ananthagiri Temple is located in this forested area. Don’t miss the ancient temple of Vishnu as Anantha Padmanabha Swamy, built 400 years ago.
11. Bhuvanagiri Fort
Bhongir or Bhuvanagiri is famous for its adventure sports, trekking trails and impressive fort built in the 10th century and for the Narasimha Swamy temple at Yadagirigutta (Yadadri) on your way here. With underground chambers, trap doors and secret storage for arms, the Fort is a big draw. Built on top of a 500-foot egg-shaped domelike hill, the fort was the seat of Chalukya kings first and Kakatiyas later.
Bhongir Fort is located in Bhongir, Bhongiri or Bhuvanagiri. This fortress is based on a unique rock formation perched on a hill. Situated on a monolithic rock, this fort is one of the many forts at Hyderabad. A perfect one if you are in mood for a light trek. More than 500 meters high and extending over an area of 40 acres, the fort was considered practically impregnable by the invading armies.
It is located on National Highway 202 about 48 km from Hyderabad and built in the 12th century by Chalukya Tribhuvanamalla-Vikramaditya. It has a unique egg-shaped construction with two access points protected by huge rocks. A moat that surrounds the fortress, a large underground chamber, trapdoors, an armory, stables, ponds, wells offer a fascinating insight. The view from the top of the surrounding countryside is simply stunning.
There is a cave temple to Vishnu as Narasimha Swamy set at an altitude of 300 feet on the side of a hillock.
12. Mallela Thirtham Waterfall
Mallela Theertham is a serenely scenic 150 feet waterfall, perfect for that weekend hangout with friends and family. The charming waterfalls at Mallela Theertham are located in the midst of the dense Nallamala forests. The waters fall from a height of 150 feet onto the rocks below, and tourists walk down 380 steps to reach the falls from the road.
The scenic views around the falls enthral the visitors and it is said that the summer season brings the tigers in the forest to drink the water here.
13. Chilkur Balaji Temple
On the road to Chevella, you will find the temple of Balaji at Chilkur built by Akkanna and Madanna, uncles of Bhakta Ramadas. Built by the Vengi kings in the 13th century, this temple with a seven-storied tower is a great favourite as a location for film shootings among moviemakers looking to depict a temple in their movies. The temple has a huge pond and is located among coconut groves very near to the International Airport in Shamshabad.
The God here is popular as Visa Balaji, strongly reputed to ensure a successful visa process for foreign travel, after they complete 108 circumambulations (Pradakshinas) of the temple. Expect to find a zealous horde of devotees, hurriedly ticking off a box after each pradakshina, on a small card provided by the temple.
14. Basara
Basra is said to mean "black pebbles" in Arabic. This tranquil city is Iraq's main port and has been dubbed "the Venice of the East" because of its numerous canals and creeks. Basra, which was a prosperous cultural centre until the 9th century, is now known for its numerous petroleum refineries and shipping companies.
The city has evolved over time, particularly since the US-led invasion in 200. It is divided into two sections: Old Basra, which is culturally and historically significant, and New Basra, which serves as the region's economic hub. Saituated on the banks of the Godavari River, is one of Telangana's most beautiful tourist destinations.
What distinguishes it is the Saraswati Temple, where people come to worship the Goddess of Knowledge. The temple is notable for being one of India's oldest Saraswati temples. It is the location of the aksharabhyasam learning ceremony for children.
