Tourism in Telangana

Telangana is the youngest state of India - replete with tourist destinations waiting to be explored! There are historical monuments which date back to hundreds of years, museums that give you a subtle glimpse of yester-years of British rule or artifacts of religious significance, sanctuaries that introduce you to the wild world of birds and animals and the lively ecosystem we stay in along with flora and fauna.

Telangana is a state worth visiting as this state has maintained its own culture and traditions, colourful festivals, simple yet enthusiastic people who stay tuned to their lovely dance, music, festivities, craft embracing modernity and technology with equal élan!


Also Read:

Tourism in Hyderabad | Warangal Tourism

Heritage Spots in Telangana

Medak Fort

Built on a hillock, the fort was built in the 12th century, during reign of Kakatiyan ruler - Pratapa Rudra. Another name for this fort was Methuku Durgam.

Forts in Karimnagar District

Ramagiri Khilla, Elgandal fort, Jagtial fort and  Nagunur fort are some forts in Karimnagar. Ramagiri Khilla is famous for precious Ayurveda herbs and medicinal plants and trees.

Dhulikatta

This is a small town in Karimnagar district and a prominent place of the Buddhist Mahastupa (great stupa) and Vihar believed to be more than 2000 years old!

Domakonda Fort

Located in Domakonda village, the Fort was built in the 18th century. The fort is also called 'Gadi Domakonda' or 'Killa Domakonda' as there is a large mahal inside which is known as 'Addhala Meda' or Glass House. Arched pillars, stucco work etc. display the influence of Mughal architecture.

Nizamabad Fort

It is located atop a hill and was constructed in the 10th century AD. Rulers of Rashtraputha dynasty built this magnificent fort.

Charminar

Charminar is a monument as well as a mosque built by Mohammad Quli Qutb Shahi, the fifth Sultan of Qutub Shahi dynasty. He got it built to commemorate the end of  deadly plague menace that had gripped the city at that time.

Salarjung Museum

Salarjung Musuem is the third largest museum in India. It comprises of one-man collections of Nawab Mir Yousuf ali Khan Salar Jung III, Prime Minister of 7th Nizam of Hyderabad. The museum is located in Afzaljung.

Qutub Shahi Tombs

These are seven tombs that have been erected in the memory of Kings of Golconda who were buried at the spot. You will see Persian, Pathan and Hindu architectural styles of architecture here.

Paigah Tombs

Paigah tombs are located in Pisal Banda suburb in Hyderabad and they depict the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. Falaknuma Palace will show you the exquisite beauty of the Mughal, Rajasthani and Japanese gardens along with a rich library!

Surendrapuri

It is famous for the museum which is popular as Mythological Awareness Center in Hyderabad. Here, you will know about Indian mythology, specifically Hindu mythology. Can you imagine that there are hundreds of replicas of Hindu temples of India in this museum! This makes for a sure shot visit!

Devarakonda Fort

Situated in a small village of Devarakonda, the fort attracts a multitude of visitors. There are Rama and Shiva temples built by Maada Naidu. This fort was erected in the 13-14 century.

Bhongir Fort

There is another fort called Bhongir fort which stands on a monolithic rock. The fort is in the shape of an egg-like structure , has a moat around it and also an underground chamber which connects Golkonda fort (50 kms. away)!

Rachakonda Fort

Rachakonda fort shows the power of Vemula rulers till date! This fort is constructed in a manner that it adheres to all the principles of Vaastu Shastra. The entrance of the fort is an example of monolith pillars.

Nagarjuna Konda

Enjoy your trip to tourist places in Nalgonda district but do take some time off for boating too! You must be aware that Nagarjuna Sagar dam is one of the earliest Hydro-electric projects in India. Motor boats operate between Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir and island of Nagarjunakonda. Nagarjuna Sagar boating experience will be a life time experience for you!

Thousand Pillar temple of Warangal

The Thousand Pillar temple of Warangal has three deities namely, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Surya deva. The temple is constructed in the shape of a star! Warangal fort has been declared as a monument of National importance. Do not miss out on Laknavaram lake boating in Warangal!

Ramappa Temple

Ramappa temple or Ramappa Gudi (also known as Ramalingeshwara temple) was built during the reign of Kakatiya ruler Ganapati deva.

Nature and Wildlife of Telangana

Alisagar Deer Park

Alisagar Deer Park is a colourful garden located in Nizamabad distruct of Telangana. The park which was established in 1931 has a variety of deer species. This park also serves as a picnic spot for family and children. Boating facilities are available inside the Ali Sagar Lake.

Shamirpet Deer Park

This park covers an area of 54cares and is located about 24kms from Hyderabad in Rangareddy district. Tall trees and lush green deciduous forests helps it to be the home of variety of animals during the scorching summer.

Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary

 Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary in Medak is located at a distance of 50kms from Hyderabad. Some 9 small islands namely Bapangadda, Puttigadda, Sangamadda, and Karnamgadda make this sanctuary.

Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary

Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary which derived its name from Pocharam Lake is at a distance of 15kms from Medak town. Spread across 130 sq kms, this place has a rich flora and fauna and includes wild animals like Wolf, Leopard, Forest Cat, Jackal, and Sloth Bear.October to May is an ideal time to visit this sanctuary.

Ujwala Park

Ujwala Park located in Karimnagar District  is one of the interesting tourist spots of Karimnagar. Also known as the Rajeev Gandhi Deer Park, it is located close to the Lower Manair Dam.

Shivaram Widlife Sanctuary

Sivaram wildlife Sanctuary in Karimnagar is spread across an area of 36.29 sq kms and is popular for the presence of marsh crocodiles also known as Mugger Crocodiles.  The other wildlife animals in the Park include Sloth bear, Nilgai, Langaur, Rhesus Monkey, Panther, and Cheetal.

Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary

Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary in Khamman is known for some exotic wild animals. Spread across a wide area of 635.4 square kilometres, it is named after the river Kinnerasani. Sambar, Panthers, Chinkara, Cheetal, Gaurs, Chousinghas, Hyena, and Jackals among animals and Peafowl, Nuktas, Partridges, and Spoonbills are some of the birds found in Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary.

Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve

Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is the largest tiger reserve in India covering a total area of about 3,568 square kms. The Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Sanctuary which  was declared officially in 1978 was renamed in 1992 as the Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary.  With the Krishna river and the deciduous Nallamala forests, the sanctuary provides an ideal habitat for wild cats and other fauna.

Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary

The Kawal Wildlife sanctuary in Adilabad is situated at a distance of 250kms from Hyderabad. It is one of the best sanctuaries to see wild animals best in its natural habitat. Though monsoon rains add life to the sanctuary, winter is the best time to visit this place. Crocodile, Python, Monitor Lizard, Star Tortoise, Barking Deer, Nilgai, Sloth Bear are spotted here. Jeep safaris are organised in this sanctuary.

Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary

Pranahita Wildlife sanctuary in Adilabad is an extremely beautiful place with the Pranahita, a tributary of River Godavari flowing by its side. Covering an area of 136sq.kms Pranahita has a variety of flora and fauna including dalbergia paniculata, ficus spp, dalbergia latifolia, and dalbergia sissoo.

KBR National Park

Also known as the Kasu Bramhananda Reddy National Park, it is a must visit place on your trip to Hyderabad. Established in 1994, the park covers an area of 156 hectares near Hyderabad’s Jubilee Hills. There arer more than 600 species of trees and plants and about 15 species of butterflies, 20 species of reptiles and a variety of invertebrates.

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park in Hyderabad gets its name from Lord Mahavir, is located at a distance of 15kms from the main city. Krishna jinka which was hunted in the 18th and 19th centuries is found in this park in addition to endangered species black buck.

Mrugavani National Park

Mrugavani National Park is located at a distance of 25kms from Hyderabad in Chilkuru in Moinabad. Declared as a wildlife sanctuary on 1994, it is one of the few parks to have retained its original landscape.

Nehru Zoological Park Hyderabad

Nehru Zoological Park located in Rajendranagar region of Hyderabad is home to more than 1,500 species of reptiles, animals and birds. The Lion Safari is one of the major attractions of the zoo. You can visit the a nocturnal zoo, pre-historic dinosaur park, a natural history museum, and take a mini-train ride in the zoo for a whole new experience.

Eturunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary

Eturunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries situated at a distance of 110kms from Warangal. For its rich and varied biodiversity, Eturunagaram was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1953 by the then Hyderabad government. It also has historical importance because of the presence of tree fossils in this Sarvai area and caves. Dayyam Vagu flows through the region adding to the beauty of the place! Best time to visit the sanctuary is from October to April.

Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary

Do not miss the Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary on your trip to Warangal. This is an astonishing manmade lake made by the Kakatiyas in 1213 AD.  Surrounded by low hills, the place has a stunning view with a plethora of fauna like Nilgai, chowsingha, chinkara and black buck to add to its adventure.

Also Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries near Hyderabad

Divine Destinations in Telangana

Telangana is also a popular divine destination among tourists. Some of the must visit religious places in various districts of Telangana include:

Ananthagiri Temple

The Ananthagiri temple is situated amidst the dense forests on Ananthagiri hills in Rangareddy district. It was built by the Nawabs around 400 years ago! Lord Vishnu is the deity of this temple. He is prayed as Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy after whom the city of Ananthagiri has been named.

Keesaragutta

This is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consorts Bhavani and Sivadurga at Keesaragutta in Rangareddy, 40kms from Hyderabad. The temple is located on a small hillock and the history of this place can be traced back to the early Christian era! It stands along the banks of Hussain Sagar lake and is quite near the Cheeryal junction.  

Sanghi Temple

Located in Sanghi Nagar, 35kms from Hyderabad, Sanghi Temple boasts of its presence from several kilometres away! Well, the tall and sacred Raja Gopuram can be seen from far off by devotees and tourists. The temple depicts the Chola-Chalukya style of architecture. On the way to the temple, there is a shrine of Lord Anjaneya who embodies 'death to the demons'. Visit the 'Patra Vanam' (Holy Garden) also and Kalyan Mandapam where marriages and other ceremonies are performed.

Medak Church (Cathedral)

This is the largest church in Telangana state. The Medak diocese is the largest in Asia! The church which can accommodate about 5,000 people is the single largest diocese in Asia and the second in the world after the Vatican.

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple

It is located in Nacharam Gutta and is 600 years old! It is a cave temple situated on a hillock. Nacharam was an ardent devotee after whom this place has been named. Devotees pray to Lord Sri Soorya Narayan in the temple.

Did you know that Kaleshwara Mukteshwara Swamy temple is one of the three temples of Lord Shiva of Trilinga Desham, the other two temples being at Draksharaman and Srisailam? Kondagattu Anjaneya Swamy temple is believed to be 300 years old!

Other Religious Places in Telangana

Divine destinations in Nizamabad

Divine destinations in Nizamabad include ancient temples such as Dichpally Ramalayam, Kanteshwa (dedicated to Lord Shiva) and Quilla temple (Ram temple, also called Quilla Raghunathalayam).

The annual festival of Ratha  Sapthmi is celebrated in Kanteshwa. You will be surprised to learn that the idol of Lord Rama in the Quilla temple is in the shape of kurma (tortoise).

Religious Places in Hyderabad

The tourist places of religious significance in Hyderabad include Birla Mandir, Chilkur Balaji Mandir, Jagannath temple, Balkampet Yellamma temple and Pedamma temple. This capital city of Hyderabad has an influx of tourists throughout the year. There are many more places of interest for tourists! These are St. Mary's Church, Ujjaini Mahakali temple, and Mecca Masjid.

Can you believe that deity of Chilkur Balaji temple is also known as VISA God! It is believed that IT professionals who pray here get an opportunity to go abroad within an year! No monetary donations are accepted in this temple in Hundi.

The Jagannath temple is a replica of the original Jagannath temple in Puri. It is dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Celestial marriage ceremony of Goddess Kali is an important event in the Balkampet Yellamma temple. Peddamma temple is not less than 150 years old! Although in Telangana, Bonalu festival is celebrated annually, here Bonalu Utsavam  is celebrated every Sunday! Many politicians, VIPs visit this temple.

Also Read: Religious Places of Warangal

Adventure Tourism in Telangana

Telangana is known not only for religious places and heritage spots but also for some fun-filled adventure.

Bhongir Adventure

Bhongir also known as Bhuvanagiri is enroute the temple town of Yadagirigutta and is well accessible by road and rail. Bhongir is a huge rock formation spread across 40 acres and is at a height of 700 feet. Many young enthusiasts access the hill to get a feel of adventure. A rock climbing school established by the Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation in Bhongir trains people on climbing with professionally designed courses.

Rock Climbing School
For bookings and queries contact Parmesh Kumar @ +91-9666088821

Trekking in Vikarabad

Vikarabad near Hyderabad is an important trekking destination and also good for rock climbing and rappelling. Surrounded by small hills and forests, it is an ideal place for trekkers.

Also Read: Trekking in Hyderabad

Things to Do in Telangana

Admiring the collections at Salarjung Museum

Set aside a day to visit this world famous museum in Hyderabad! It showcases major collections of Salar Jung III who had the zeal of acquiring and collecting objects of art and craft from various places in India, Middle East, Far East and Europe!

Recreating Ramyana in Bhadrachalam

Bhadrachalam is one of the places near Hyderabad which has a legendary connection with Ram and Sita. It is believed that Ram, Sita and Lakshman spent their exile in this forest.

Admiring the ruins of Warangal Fort

This architectural ruins of Warangal Fort draws hundreds of tourists every year.The ASI has listed it as an important monument of India.

Boating in Hussain Sagar Lake

Best visited around sunset, Hussain Sagar Lake is a place giving the busy visitor some time and place for quietude. The gigantic statue of Lord Buddha is a spectacular sight in the evening.

Visiting the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

This is the world’s largest masonary dam between Guntur in Andhra Pradesh and Nalgonda in Telangana. The dam which provides electricity to the national grid is also an important provider for irrigation water to important districts of Telangana.

Visit to Charminar

Hyderabad’s landmark, the Charminar was built by Quli Qutub Shah in 1591. It is one of the most important tourist spots of Hyderabad with Mecca Masjid and Laad Bazar surrounding the area.

Tickling your taste buds with Hyderabadi Biryani

You simply cannot leave the city without having a taste of Hyderabadi biryani. The aroma of the biryani is sure to make you feel hungry any time of the day!!

Giving a vent to your artistic side in Lamakaan



One of the most interesting hotspots especially for culturally oriented people in Hyderabad is an open theatre where artists stage plays and films are screened. Cheap tea and wifi are an added advantage in this place.

Shopping in Telangana

Visting a place and not shopping for curios and handicrafts or accessories is unimaginable! Hyderabad is the hub of Shopping malls and markets! GVK One, Shoppers Stop, Inorbit mall, South India Shopping Mall, Hyderabad Central and Babukhan mall are well known malls in the capital city of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

There are a number of markets too where you can go and buy bangles or famous pearls of Hyderabad. These include Laad bazaar, Balaji Grand Bazar, Nagari Market, Madina market - wholesale cloth market, Market around Charminar is the best place for bidriware shopping. Bronze and silver goods are also of good quality in Hyderabad markets.  Large showrooms in Basheerbagh, Abids and Nampally sell wide range of jewellery, leather, textiles and handicrafts. Shop for pearls from market near the Charminar. Banjara hills and Jubilee hills have many malls to their credit! Sultan Bazaar -  a busy commercial center, covers malls, shops and vendors at one place. So, freak out on whatever you have always wanted to buy as the best of commodities are available in these markets. You do have to hone your haggling skills and the rest is just unsurpassed pleasure!

But if you thought only Hyderabad gave you such options, think again!


Lee Store, City Centre, Kalyanam Shopping Mall, Green Square Plaza and New Annapurna Shopping Complex are some good malls in Karimnagar while Polawar Complex, PS Ladies and Kids World and Somnath Fashions are sought after shopping destinations in Adilabad. In Medak, Bombay Cloth House Shopping Mall, Channa Basawa Family Mall and Hyderabad Fashion Mall are very famous among shoppers.

Ganagaram Shopping, Kisan Shopping and Rukmini Chambers are shopper's delight in Nizamabad. Well, Warangal has a good list of shopping delights such as Mangalya Mall, Nirmala Mall, Mega Mart, Padmavathi Matching Centre, Gangishetty Complex, A.R Complex and Akshaya Silks. Take some time off from your busy schedule and go out shopping in Warangal!

Do you know that there is a place named 'Mall' which comes under Yacharam Mandal in Rangareddy district! Well, when the entire city is a mall and you have to be there to know more about what to buy!
STP market, Sri Taraka Shopping mall, Sri Naresh Mega Shopping Mall, Balaji Shopping Mall, Supriya Shopping mall, Anjaney Shopping mall, Navrang Shopping mall, Ramdev Shopping centre are some places for shopping in Nalgonda. Seema Shopping mall and Cherukuri Shopping malls are famous malls in Khammam.

Also Read: Shopping in Hyderabad | Shopping in Warangal

Hotels in Telangana

If you have planned to visit any place in the state, you must also know about the well known hotels in the youngest state in India. Top hotels in Telangana include Taj Banjara (Banjara Hills, Hyderabad), Novotel Hotel (NearHitech city, Izzatnagar, Kondapur), Taj Krishna (Banjara Hills, Hyderabad), Leonia Holistic Destination (Shameerpet, Ranga Reddy district),Hyderabad Marriott Hotel (Tank Bund Road, Hyderabad), Vivanta by Taj Begumpet (Begumpet, Hyderabad), Avasa Hotel (Madhapur, Hyderabad) and Taj Deccan (Banjara Hills, Hyderabad).

There are many more state-of-the-art hotels in Hyderabad. These include ITC Hotel Kakatiya Sheraton and Towers (Somajiguda, Hyderabad), Park Hyatt Hyderabad (Banjara Hills, Hyderabad), Radisson Blu Plaza (Banjara Hills), Golkonda Resorts Spa (Gandipet), The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace (Madhapur, Hyderabad), Hyatt (GachiBowli,Hyderabad), Trident Hotel, Taj Falaknuma Palace and Marigold Hotel By Green Park.

Contact Details of Telangana Tourism

Telangana Tourism Department,
“D” Block, 3rd Floor, Secretariat
Hyderabad
Telangana
500022
India

Central Reservation Offices in Telangana

Hyderabad
NSF Shakar Bhavan, Opp. Police Control room, basheerbagh, Hyderabad. Ph: 66746370, 66745986 Cell: 9848540371 Fax: 23298455

Information and Reservation Offices in Telangana

Hyderabad
Tank Bund Road, Ph: 040-65581555, 23450165, cell: 9848125720 Tourism plaza, Ph: 23414334, cell: 9848306435, Airport: 040-24253215 Shilparamam (Night Bazar) Ph. 040-23119557, 65893609, Cell: 9666578880 BHEL, OPP. Hotel Kirthi mahal, Cell: 9848540374 KPHB Main Road, ph.: 040-23052028,65504999 Cell: 9848540374

Secunderabad
Yatri Nivas, S.P.ROAD, PH: 040-27893100, 64577598, Cell: 9848126947

Divisional Offices in Telangana

Hyderabad
Tank Bund Road, Ph: 23450193, 65343086 Fax: 040-23450254

Warangal
Nakkalgutta, Hanamkonda Ph: 0870-2571339 : Fax: 2571229

Nagarjuna Sagar
Ph. 08680-277364 / 277361 : Fax: 276633

Get going, enjoy new places and people. Bon voyage!