Telangana Tour Packages

Telangana is India’s 29th state, carved from Andhra Pradesh in 2014. It is also India’s youngest state and the first to be formed for economic and political reasons rather than for cultural or linguistic reasons. Telangana has always been distinct from Andhra Pradesh due to its political history and cultural influence. Telangana’s language and customs were influenced by the Nizams and absorbed influences from North India, while Andhra was influenced by its rule under the Madras Presidency. In fact, Telangana was under the Nizams’ rule until India annexed it during Operation Polo. The Gentleman’s Agreement, which helped merge Telangana with Andhra Pradesh, temporarily ensured the rights and interests of present-day Telangana were protected. Over time, this was ignored, leading to agitation demanding the formation of Telangana.

However, Telangana’s history dates back to antiquity and has even been mentioned in the Aitareya Brahmana, a Vedic text from the Rigvedic period. Several empires, including the Mauryas, Satvahanas, Chalukyas, Cholas, Rashtrakutas, the Delhi Sultanate, the Bahamani Sultanate, the Golconda Sultanate, and the Kakatiyas ruled it. The latter were among the most prominent rulers, shaping Telangana’s culture, agriculture, and architecture.

Telangana is a landlocked state surrounded by Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. The entire state lies within the Deccan Plateau and comprises hilly regions and large, flat, rolling plains. The state is drained by two major river systems, the Godavari and the Krishna, which provide essential water for drinking, irrigation, and hydroelectric power stations.

Telangana is one of India’s fastest-growing economies, powered by multiple drivers like agriculture, ITES, pharmaceuticals, mining, chemical exports, and medical devices. It is currently the largest producer of paddy, turmeric, and castor oil. It is also a significant producer of vegetables, cotton, maize, and groundnut.

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• Hyderabad is one of the only two cities in India to be awarded the City of Gastronomy title for its culinary heritage.
• Formed in 2014, Telangana is the youngest state in India.
• The Telangana region (before it became a state) was called Cyberabad as it was a major IT and technology hub.
• Telangana is often considered a pharma hub and dubbed the Bulk Drug Capital as it accounts for 40% of India’s bulk drug production. It is also considered the world’s vaccine hub.
• Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad is the world’s largest film studio complex.
• The Gautama Buddha statue on Hussain Sagar Lake is the largest monolithic Buddha statue in India.
• The world-famous Kohinoor was mined at the Kollur mine on the banks of the Krishna River.
• For centuries, the Golconda region was the only place in the world where diamonds were found. Even today, Golconda is the benchmark for a diamond’s purity.
• Telangana is the Seed Capital of India as it produces around 60% of the country’s seeds.
• The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project is the world’s largest lift irrigation project.
• Telangana is the heartland of the Dakhni language, an Indo-Aryan language that mixes Hindi, Telugu, Marathi, and Kannada.

• November to February is the best time to visit Telangana, with temperatures in places like Adilabad dropping to single digits.
• In summers temperatures could go to 43°C and even surge to 48°C in some districts.
• While pre-booking isn’t a must for popular attractions like Ramoji Studios, it saves time and money, especially on a busy day.
• Carry enough warm clothes if you are visiting Telangana in winter, as it can be surprisingly cold.
• While tap water can be safe in most places, we suggest you stick to bottled water for safety
• Hyderabad is famous for its culinary heritage, but remember that eating street food comes with significant food safety risks.
• Summer isn’t a good time to visit Telangana – even locals don’t venture out in the afternoon.
• A lot of historical and heritage places are closed on Fridays. Factor this when planning your Telangana tour packages itinerary.

Telangana is an underrated tourist destination, but one that offers plenty of opportunities to explore, including lush green landscapes, heritage sites and world-class cuisine. If you’re planning a vacation and haven’t chosen a destination, here are some reasons to help you book Telangana tour packages.

Telangana is home to several heritage and historic places, including monuments built by the Nawabs and grand ancient temples constructed by the Kakatiyas and other ruling dynasties. Hyderabad is undoubtedly the most popular tourist city in Telangana, famous for its timeless monuments, including the Charminar, Golkonda Fort, Chowmahalla Palace, and Qutb Shahi Tombs. The Nawabs and their ministers also built palatial guest houses where they entertained their European guests. For instance, the Asman Garh Palace was built by Sir Asman Jah, who later gifted it to the Nawab. The Taramati Baradari is an open-air pavilion built during the Qutb Shahi rule and famous for its grand architecture.

The Golconda Fort, spread across three square kilometres, was built in the 12th century and once housed the Kohinoor diamond. The surrounding mines produced some of the world’s legendary diamonds, including the Hope and Darya-i-Noor.

The Warangal Fort in Warangal district is a 13th-century fort built by the Kakatiyas and famous for its ornamental pillars—the sprawling complex features stone carvings and ruined temples, one of which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The Khammam Fort is another architectural marvel that must be included in your Telangana tour packages. This 1000-year-old historic fort, which stands atop the Stambhadri Hill, was initially built by the Kakatiyas and later developed by the Musunuri Nayaks and Qutb Shahi rulers.

The Bhuvanagiri Fort in Nalgonda district is a 10th-century fortress built on a monolithic rock, originally constructed by the Chalukyas and later renovated by the Kakatiyas. It is famous for its steep trek and panoramic views from the top.

Nalgonda is also home to several other historic sites, such as the villages of Nandikonda and Panagal.

The Ramappa Temple in Palampet, Mulugu District, is an archaeological masterpiece built in the 13th century by the Kakatiyas and designed by Ramappa, after whom the temple is named. The temple is famous for its intricate architecture and unique sculptures. The Ramappa Temple was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021because of its carved pillars, stone sculptures, and fine workmanship.

Phanigiri is an ancient Buddhist site, dating from the 1st century BCE to the 4th century CE. The site includes a large, dome-shaped stupa. Archaeologists have discovered Roman coins, lead coins, and Brahmi inscriptions.

Kotilingala is another archaeological site in Jagtial District. Archaeologists believe it was once the capital of the Satavahanas and have even recovered over 100 coins dating to the reign of Simuka, the founder of the Satavahanas. They have also recovered watchtowers, a Buddhist stupa, and a mud fort that probably belongs to the 3rd or 2nd century BCE.

The ancient archaeological sites of Peddabankur, Polakonda and Kadambapur are associated with the Satavahanas and post-Satavahana periods. Archaeologists have found brick structures, coins, pottery, and inscriptions that highlight early life in the Deccan region.

Kondapur is home to an archaeological museum with a vast collection of artefacts, including pottery, sculptures, terracotta figurines, bone and shell objects, and storage jars. Some of these artefacts are prehistoric, while others date back to the 2nd century BCE and belong to the Satavahana period.

Thanks to the several dynasties that ruled the Deccan, Telangana is home to a culturally rich heritage. Dynasties like the Satavahanas, Rashtrakutas, Kakatiyas, and the Qutb Shahis built beautiful, intricately decorated monuments, some of which are well preserved and others, sadly, in ruins. For instance, the Elganda Fort in Karimnagar was built in the 10th century by the Kakatiyas and served as a stronghold for many rulers, including the Qutb Shahis in the 16th century.

The Nirmal Fort in Adilabad is now in ruins, but it is definitely worth adding to your Telangana tour packages itinerary because of its sheer size and magnificence. The Keesaragutta Fort is another monument in ruins. Still, it is loved for its size and artefacts such as Vishnukundin coins, stucco figures, pottery, and Brahmi inscriptions dating to the 4th to 5th centuries CE.

But Telangana’s heritage isn’t limited to its monuments alone. You can experience it through Telangana’s unique festivals, such as Bathukamma, which is celebrated exclusively by women. The state’s handlooms, such as Pochampally, Gadwal, and Narayanpet, are loved across the country. And if you are a fan of metalcraft, check their Bidriware and Dokra art.

Telangana is blessed with natural beauty and abounds with picturesque landscapes, scenic waterfalls, serene rivers, and quaint hill stations. The state offers a blend of wildlife sanctuaries, valleys, and hills, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. For instance, Kuntala Falls in Adilabad is a scenic destination surrounded by dense forests. It is also Telangana’s tallest waterfall, where water cascades from a height of over 200 feet.

Ananthagiri, near Hyderabad, is a beautiful hill station surrounded by dense forests and majestic waterfalls. The hills are a major water source for neighbouring places, allowing tourists to enjoy the fresh forest streams that occasionally form into majestic waterfalls. You can also enjoy trekking, boating, and other adventure activities.

The Nagarjuna Sagar Srisailam Sanctuary hosts a variety of animals, including leopards, antelopes, and crocodiles.

The popular Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is built across the Krishna River and is a popular tourist destination, especially in the monsoon.

The Bogatha Waterfall in Khammam is Telangana’s second biggest waterfall and the perfect place to visit if you have chosen Telangana tour packages in the monsoon.

Other waterfalls in the state include Kanakai, Kinnerasani, Gayatri, Pochera, and the Manjeera Reservoir.

Nallamala Hills is known for its streams and rivulets that cut across the region’s hills, feeding the Krishna and Pennar rivers. The region’s highlight is the Cumbum Lake, a large man-made waterbody dating back to the 15th century.

Telangana’s rich agrarian and tribal society ensures that the state’s cultural calendar is full of vibrant festivals. These festivals are deep-rooted in the state’s unique identity and feature traditional folk dances, communal worship, and delicious food.

Bathukamma, Telangana’s most popular festival, is celebrated for nine days by women. It coincides with Navratri and honours Goddess Gauri. Women arrange a conical stack, called Bathukamma, with seasonal flowers. This is placed in the centre with women singing and dancing around it. On the final day, called Saddula Bathukamma, the Bathukamma is immersed in local ponds and water bodies.

Bonalu is another Hindu festival celebrated in honour of the Goddess Kali, also called Yellamma. Women prepare a dessert using rice, jaggery, and milk in new earthenware or brass pots and offer them to the Goddess. This offering is followed by gifts of bangles and sarees to Yellamma.

Telangana’s strong tribal culture ensures that the locals celebrate their ancient traditions with fanfare. The Lambadi or Banjara women celebrate Teej, a pre-harvest festival where seeds are placed in woven baskets and worshipped for nine days. The Lambadis also celebrate the Sheetla Bhavani festival to honour Goddess Bhavani. And there’s also the unique Dhund Utsav in Khammam district, celebrated by the Banjara community and other Adivasi groups. This community, Holi-like festival where husbands playfully steal food from their wives and are reprimanded by them in return.

Tribal groups, called the Gonds, in and around Adilabad celebrate the Nagoba Jaatara in honour of Nagoba. The festival attracts millions of tribals from nearby states like Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Karnataka, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh.

Ramzan is an important festival in and around Hyderabad. We suggest you book Telangana tour packages around this time to enjoy the sumptuous street food for Iftar during Ramadan.

Popular festivals like Diwali, Dussehra, and Ugadi are celebrated with great joy and fervour.

You cannot visit Telangana without enjoying the state’s delectable cuisine. In fact, Hyderabad is one of the only two cities in India designated a City of Gastronomy by UNESCO. The city’s Nawabi culture has led to a rich and decadent cuisine that’s flavoured with nuts, saffron, ghee, and unique spices, adding fragrant depth to the dishes. Most dishes are slow-cooked in Dum, allowing meat and vegetables to cook in their own steam and juices.

Hyderabad is famous for its Biryani, Haleem, Luqmi, Bagara Baigan, Marag Soup, and desserts like Qubani ka Meetha and Double ka Meetha. If you are visiting the city with our Hyderabad tour packages (insert page link), don’t forget the Jauzi Halwa and the Shahtoot Malai, a dessert made using seasonal mulberries.

But there’s so much more to Telangana cuisine than Hyderabadi food. For instance, Sarva Pindi, a spicy rice flour pancake, is very popular in the state. Telangana is famous for its fiery chutneys, called Pachadis, made from just about any ingredients that you can lay your hands on. Gongura Pachadi is the most famous and made from red sorrel leaves, while Allam Pachadi, made from ginger, comes a close second. Other popular chutneys include Ambade Pachadi, Dosakaya (yellow cucumber) Pachadi, Tomato Pachadi, Pudina Pachadi, and the festive special Ugadi Pachadi, which blends six different tastes into one chutney.

Unlike in Hyderabad, the rest of Telangana has rustic, spicy food that uses local produce like millets. Pachi Pulusu is a favourite and made from tamarind – unlike Rasam, the tamarind pulp is not heated. Mutton and chicken are the primary meat sources, as Telangana is landlocked and fresh seafood is hard to find. Some of the famous Telangana mutton and chicken dishes include Kodi Kura, Talakaya Kura, Golichina Mamsam, Kodi Veppudu, and Gongura Mamsam.

Telangana is also known for its unique dessert, Pootharakelu, an ultra-thin rice sheet filled with nuts, dry fruits, and jaggery. Although the sweet is especially famous in Atreyapuram, Andhra Pradesh, it is also popular in Telangana.

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Telangana has a tropical, semi-arid climate characterised by hot, dry summers, a robust monsoon, and mild winters. Its tropical climate and landlocked geography make it extremely hot, especially in summer, when temperatures can soar past 48°C in districts such as Nalgonda, Bellampalli, and Suryapet. The state is also highly prone to floods, especially in districts along the Godavari river and its tributaries. Read on to learn more about its climate and the best time to choose Telangana tour packages.

The summer season is extremely hot and dry, with average temperatures around 42°C, sometimes reaching 50°C in districts like Ramagundam and Nizamabad. Heat waves are common in places like Adilabad, Jagtial, Karimnagar, Khammam, Nalgonda, and Suryapet. Hyderabad is comparably cooler at 38°C, making it a good time to book Hyderabad tour packages in summer. But if you are planning to visit Telangana in summer, we suggest booking Telangana tour packages in March or mid-April. You can also customise your itinerary to focus on indoor experiences like museums, palace tours, or visit hill stations like Araku Valley and Ananthagiri.

Ugadi is a major spring festival and marks the start of the new year for Hindus. It is a great cultural experience for people looking to understand Telangana. Hyderabad hosts the famous Summer Exhibition during this time.

While southwest monsoon clouds are the primary rain-bearers (about 80% of the state’s annual rainfall), Telangana also receives a fair amount of northeast monsoon rainfall, especially in southern Telangana districts Adilabad, Hyderabad, Nalgonda, and Narayanpet. Also, while June to September experiences heavy showers and even floods, rains between October and December occur in brief spells of 3 to 4 days.

While June to September is a good time to choose Telangana tour packages as temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C, you may want to check the weather before booking your tickets. Rain does transform the landscape, making it refreshingly green and beautiful.

Some of the major festivals celebrated during the monsoon include Bonalu, a festival in honour of Goddess Kali and Bathukamma, a floral festival. If you’re visiting the state during the rainy season, don’t forget to include Adilabad in your itinerary as it is often dubbed the Land of Waterfalls.

This is undoubtedly one of the best seasons to choose Telangana tour packages as the climate is dry and temperatures range from 26°C to 16°C, with some places like Adilabad and Vikarabad experiencing temperatures in the single digits. The temperature in major tourist destinations like Hyderabad and Warangal is equally pleasant. It is also the time when major festivals like Dussehra and Diwali are celebrated along with events like Deccan Festival and exhibitions like Numaish. It is also the time for Sankranti, a winter harvest festival.

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In Hyderabad, life revolves around the Charminar. The 16th-century mosque, built by Quli Qutb Shah, is Telangana’s official emblem and its most iconic symbol. The monument is a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture and even displays Persian influences. The Charminar is a four-storey building, and guests are allowed up to the first floor. But what makes the Charminar special is the ocean of people surrounding the building, going about with their daily lives. The Laad Bazaar, which surrounds the monument, is famous for its lacquer bangles, pearls, perfume, and bridal wear.
You can observe the famous Char Kamaan, the arched gateways leading to the Charminar. It is believed that the design of the Charminar and its surroundings is inspired by the Quran, particularly the Quranic Heaven.

The Golconda Fort was once surrounded by diamond mines that once produced the world’s best diamonds, including the Kohinoor and the Hope Diamond. Today, while the mines were abandoned in the 19th century, the fort remains, albeit in ruins. Originally built by the Kakatiyas in the 12th century, the fort changed hands multiple times before falling under Aurangzeb’s control in the 17th century. The massive fort has 8 gates and 87 bastions and is known for its excellent acoustics. It is believed that the sound of someone clapping their hands within the fort can be heard a kilometre away. Another highlight of the fort is the Nagina Bagh, a geometric garden that may have been beautiful in its heyday but now looks decrepit.

The world’s largest masonry dam is built across the Krishna River and spans two states. It can irrigate over 2 million acres. Built in 1967, it not only helped transform agricultural land but also provided hydroelectric power to the two states. The best time to include Nagarjuna Sagar Dam in your Telangana tour packages is from August to September, when the reservoir is full and the dam gates are open, creating a spectacular sight. Tourists can enjoy a boat ride across the reservoir and visit the Nagarjunakonda Island. The island houses a museum with 2nd-century Buddhist artefacts and monuments. They can also explore Buddhavanam, a heritage park showcasing the region’s Buddhist legacy. The Ethipothala Waterfall is only a 30-minute drive from the dam and worth visiting.

The world’s largest integrated film studio complex, Ramoji, was built in 1996 by Ramoji Rao, an ambitious film producer who wanted to build a world-class, Hollywood-scale film studio in India. Today, it is not only a hub for movie shoots but also a theme park, attracting thousands of visitors every day. You can enjoy a tour of the grand sets that replicate world monuments, themed gardens, and even entire cities and villages. Don’t miss the amusement rides, adventure activities, and other cultural performances at the 2000-acre film studio. As part of your Telangana tour packages, you can also take a studio tour on the Ramoji Bus for a behind-the-scenes experience of filmmaking.

The Rudreshwara Temple, popularly called the Ramappa Temple, is located in Warangal, approximately 200 km from Hyderabad. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built by the Kakatiyas and dedicated to Lord Ramlingeshwara. Locals believe that it is the only temple known by the name of its chief sculptor, Ramappa. The temple is known for its intricate workmanship, including exquisitely carved pillars and ceilings. The latter depicts, in detail, stories from the Ramayana, the Shiva Purana, and other ancient texts. The temple, built on a raised platform, combines both the Dravidian and Kakatiya styles.

This is one of the most popular tourist spots in Warangal and was built in the 12th century by the Kakatiya King Rudra Deva. The temple, built in the Chalukyan style, boasts 1000 exquisitely carved pillars arranged symmetrically throughout the complex. It also includes a massive rock-cut Nandi and elephant sculptures. As with most Chalukya temples, this too has a star-shaped design and features three deities, i.e., Trikutalayam. The three deities include Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya Dev. Another feature of this temple is that it faces south, allowing the sun’s rays to fall directly onto the Shiva Lingam. When exploring the Thousand Pillar Temple as part of your Telangana tour packages, we suggest you try the local speciality, Laskora Undalu with mango pickle.

This ancient fort was built in the 13th century by King Ganapati Deva of the Kakatiya Dynasty. The massive fort spans 19 sq km across three layers and is surrounded by a moat. The innermost layer is the living quarters with royal palaces, temples, and gardens; the middle layer consists of watchtowers and bastions, and the outermost layer is a mud wall. The most striking feature of the fort is the four ornamental gates called Kakatiya Kala Thoranam, located in the four directions of the fort. These huge ornamental gates are carved with intricate geometric patterns along with floral and animal motifs. This arch was adopted as part of the official state emblem in 2014. A Swayambhu Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, built on a massive rock, is another popular attraction in the fort.

The Chowmahalla Palace was commissioned by Nizam Salabat Jung of the Asaf Jahi dynasty in the 18th century. Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, the palace was modelled after the Shah’s Palace in Tehran. Chowmahalla means four palaces, as the core of the complex consisted of four palaces: Afzal Mahal, Mahtab Mahal, Tahniyat Mahal, and Aftab Mahal. The most striking feature of the palace is the Khilwat Mubarak, the Durbar Hall, which is ornately decorated with Belgian chandeliers and a mechanical clock that has been running for over 250 years. The Durbar Hall also hosts the Takht-e-Nishan, a marble platform.

The Salar Jung Museum is one of India’s premier museums and was originally intended to display the art collection of the Salar Jung family, especially that of Nawab Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, the third Salar Jung. Among the museum’s prized collection are a 19th-century Benzoni statue (Veiled Rebecca), rare manuscripts bearing the seals of Aurangzeb and Akbar, and several jade and ivory items. The museum is one of the world’s largest Bidriware. As part of their Telangana tour packages, tourists can take a guided tour of the museum, enjoy the interactive activities, and even sign up for informative seminars conducted by experts.

Along with Golconda Fort and Charminar, the Qutb Shahi Tomb is an important landmark of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. Located inside Ibrahim Bagh, there are a total of 100 tombs belonging to the rulers of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty, their families, and the nobles who served them faithfully. The complex also includes mosques, stepwells, over 165 graves, an Idgah, and a mortuary bath.

This is Telangana’s highest waterfall, with water dropping from over 47 metres. Located in Adilabad, amidst dense forests, the cascades are formed by the Kadam River as they gush down through two steps and are often seen as separate falls during the monsoon. What makes Kuntala especially beautiful is the surrounding greenery and natural beauty. The best time to include Kuntala in your Telangana tour packages is post-monsoon, when rain ensures a copious inflow. Kuntala has always been known to the locals, with evidence of human inhabitation dating back several centuries, and is even mentioned in several historical texts.

The Ethipothala waterfalls are a group of cascades formed by the Chandravanka River, a tributary of the Krishna River. It is often visited by tourists to the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, as it is located close to the dam. Water falls from three separate streams: Chandravanka Vagu, Nakkala Vagu, and Tummala Vagu. The cascades get their name from the Sanskrit word Etitaposthal, meaning a place for penance. As the name suggests, sages and mystics are believed to have performed penance in and around this place. The government also maintains a crocodile park in the pond that’s formed by the waterfall.

The Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary in Medak was once a private hunting ground of the Nizam, but was later converted into a wildlife sanctuary. It is home to a wide range of animals, including wild dogs, leopards, wolves, jackals, sloth bears, chinkaras, chitals, and antelopes. The large reservoir attracts plenty of waterbirds like painted storks, bar-headed geese, and cormorants. You can join a guide for a nature trail, watch the flora and fauna from a watchtower, or enjoy a boat ride on the reservoir.

This heart-shaped lake in Hyderabad was built by Quli Qutb Shah in the 16th century and covers 5.7 square kilometres. The highlight of the lake is the large monolith of Gautama Buddha standing in the middle of the lake. It is one of the largest manmade lakes in Asia. Another attraction of the lake is the 3-km-long dam wall that links Secunderabad and Hyderabad. On the three sides of the lake are three lakes: Indira Park, Sanjeevaiah Park, and Lumbini Park. Tourists can enjoy a boat ride on the lake, choosing from mechanised boats, speed boats, and even ferries.

This dense, forested hill station in Vikarabad is being developed as a tourist attraction and is even called the Poor Man’s Ooty. Located at an elevation of over 1168 metres above sea level, Ananthagiri is the birthplace of the Musi River, which supplies water to the nearby Osmansagar and Himayathsagar. The hill station is home to the famous Ananthapadmanabha Swamy temple and other medieval fort-like structures. The best time to include Ananthagiri in your Telangana tour packages is the post-monsoon season, when rain transforms the landscape.

Located in Medak District, this massive 12th-century fort was built by the Kakatiya ruler Pratapa Rudra. It was later under the control of the Qutb Shahis, who also built a mosque within its premises. Tourists can walk to the top of the fort for a panoramic view of the city by taking the 500-step stretch from the ground floor. The fort has three main gates: Prathamadwaram, Simhadwaram, and Gajadwaram, the latter featuring two interlocked elephants at the entrance. The fort also has a 17th-century cannon, over 3 metres long, with a trident etched on it.

The Kolanupaka Jain Temple was built in the 2nd century by the Chalukyas but flourished during the Rashtrakuta reign. It is well known that Jainism flourished in the Deccan during the 4th century, with several temples constructed in honour of Jain deities such as Lord Rishaba, Lord Neminath, and Lord Mahaveera. Some believe that Lord Adinath had made the Kolanupaka region his abode. Lord Mahaveera’s statue is made of pure jade. The temple also contains statues of Lord Simandar and Mata Padmavati.

The Birla Mandir, located in Hyderabad, is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and situated atop the 280-foot-high Naubat Pahad. It was built by the Birla Foundation in 1976, using white marble from Rajasthan. The temple’s architectural style combines South Indian and Utkal styles; the main shrine is in the Oriyan style, while the Rajagopuram is influenced by the Dravidian style. Besides Lord Venkateswara, the temple also has deities of Padmavati and Andal, the lord’s consorts, Hanuman, Ganesha, Shiva, Saraswati, and Sai Baba. The best time to visit the temple is at night when it is fully illuminated.

This historic market surrounds the Charminar and dates back to the Qutb Shahi and Nizami eras. It is famous for its lacquer bangles, with Laad referring to the lacquer used to make them. Some of the other things sold in the market include colourful dupattas, Soorma (natural Kohl), handmade silk scarves, jewellery, silverware, saris, bridal ware, and pearls. While at their peak, the Bazaar was home to over 1500 shops; today, only about 350 to 400 are left. But they are still enough to make you spend an entire day, exploring the shops, manufacturing workshops (called Karkhanas), and interconnected alleyways.

About 70 km from Warangal is the scenic Laknavaram Lake, famous for its scenic beauty and lush greenery. It was discovered by the Kakatiya rulers and even served as their reservoir. Laknavaram is known for its tiny islands spread across the lake and serving as a habitat for various plants and animals. Tourists visiting the lake can take the suspension bridge that takes you to explore the mini islands or take the boat facility to enjoy the scenery.

The Pochera Falls in Adilabad fall from the Godavari River and are a collection of small cascades dropping from around 20 metres and collecting into a pool below. The waterfall is surrounded by a dense forest that is home to birds, reptiles, and other woodland creatures. As tourists, you can sit by the pool listening to the steady waterfalls or capture the scenery with your camera. Locals also visit the place for a picnic.

The Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary in Khammam is home to several animals, including panthers, tigers, wild boars, and many deer species. The sanctuary is named after the Kinnerasani River, which flows through the forest and ultimately joins the Godavari River. The river hosts beautiful birds like spoonbills and Nutkas, making it a dream place for bird watchers. The forest is inhabited by tribal communities like the Koyas and the Gonds. The dry and deciduous forest is home to a diverse range of trees, including teak, bamboo, and other hardwoods. Tourists can spend the night at the sanctuary to join their experts for nature trails, enjoy boating and birdwatching, or walk along the reservoir.

The Yadagirigutta Lakshminarasimha Swamy Temple, popularly known as the Yadadri Temple, holds spiritual and mythological significance for people from Telangana. According to the Skanda Purana, Lord Narasimha revealed himself to Sage Yadarshi in this place in five different forms. Hence, the place is also known as Pancha Narasimha Kshetram. The original temple was built in the 13th century, but was recently renovated and expanded to cover 14 acres. Locals believe that the sincere wishes of devotees will be fulfilled.

The Sri Sita Ramchandraswamy Temple in Bhadrachalam is one of the most popular temples in Telangana and is often considered Dakshina Ayodhya, i.e., Ayodhya of the South. This 17th-century temple lies in the Dandakaranya Forest, which is mentioned in the Ramayana, where Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita spent a large part of their exile. It was built by Kancharla Gopanna, also called Bhakta Ramadas. The temple blends Dravidian and Maratha architectural styles and houses idols of Lord Hanuman, as well as those of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana.

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Telangana’s cities are home to several architectural marvels, including ancient temples, majestic forts, and natural wonders like prehistoric monolithic rocks. While some cities are famous for their natural landscapes, others are known for their cultural charm and cuisine. Read on to learn more about the different cities included in our Telangana tour packages.

This 500 year old city was founded by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah. However, its history goes back several centuries ago, to the Chalukyas and the Kakatiyas, who built the Golconda Fort. Hyderabad is Telangana’s capital and largest city, situated on the banks of the Musi River. It has been ruled by several dynasties, including the Qutb Shahis and the Nizams, who have created a lasting cultural impact on the city. The city goes by many names, including the City of Pearls, as it was the primary hub of the pearl trade in the 18th and 19th centuries. The city is also known for its diamonds and was the only diamond trading centre in the world. Some of the major attractions in Hyderabad, including Charminar, Golconda Fort, Birla Mandir, Salar Jung Museum, Chowmahalla Palace, Falaknuma Palace, Qutb Shahi Tombs, Ramoji Film Studio, and the Shiparamam Art & Craft Village.

Located only 10 km from Vikarabad, the Ananthagiri Hills are being developed as a hill station, mainly attracting tourists from Hyderabad. It is a popular destination for trekking, hiking, and camping among Hyderabad locals. Some resorts and adventure companies offer activities such as kayaking, boating, and high-octane options like zip-lining, zip-cycling, and ATV rides. The place is home to the Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The best time to include Ananthagiri Hills in your Telangana tour packages is winter, when temperatures are mild and the entire region turns lush and green.

Also called The Land of Waterfalls, Adilabad is home to the Kuntala Falls, Telangana’s tallest waterfall. This beautiful city is a treat to the eyes and the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature. The city gets its name from Ali Adil Shah, the ruler of Bijapur. Besides Kuntala, Adilabad is home to Pochera, Kanakai, Gayatri, and Tandra waterfalls. Other tourist attractions in Adilabad include the Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary, Paranahita Wildlife Sanctuary, Jainath Temple, and the Sivaram Wildlife Sanctuary.

Originally called Orugallu, Warangal is Telangana’s second-largest city and a major tourist destination. The city was founded by the Kakatiya dynasty in the 12th century, notably by Prola Raja II, but was later expanded by Raja Ganapati Deva, who shifted the capital from Hanumankonda to Warangal. The city is famous for its ancient ruins scattered across the landscape, including the impressive Warangal Fort and the intricate Thousand Pillar Temple. The region is also culturally significant for its association with classical dance forms such as Kuchipudi and Perini. Other tourist attractions in Warangal include Laknavaram Lake, Ramalingeshwara Temple, Bhadrakali Temple, Khush Mahal, Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Ramappa Lake, Ghanpur group of temples, and the Pakhal Lake.

Bhadrachalam is a popular spiritual destination, with the Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple being called Dakshina Ayodhya, or the Ayodhya of the South. The hills are part of the Dandakaranya Forest, which is mentioned in the Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana spent a major part of their 14-year exile in the Dandakaranya Forest. And it was in this region that Ravana asked Maricha to transform into a deer, only to be killed later. Every year, during Ram Navami, millions of pilgrims arrive in Bhadrachalam to celebrate Lord Rama’s birth anniversary. Other tourist attractions in Bhadrachalam include Parnasala, Papikondalu Cruise, Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Godavari River Ghats.

This historic city in Telangana is famous for the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and was once ruled by several powerful dynasties, including the Mauryas, Satavahanas, Chalukyas, and the Kakatiyas. Archaeologists have found evidence of settlements belonging to the Neolithic and Palaeolithic Ages. Some of the popular tourist attractions you can visit in Nalgonda with our Telangana tour packages include Deverakonda Fort, Nandikonda, Rachakonda, Pachala Someswara Temple, and the Panagal Museum.

Call us at +91 9940882200 to learn more about our Telangana tour packages

Telangana offers a vibrant shopping experience, allowing you to choose from centuries-old handicrafts to modern megamalls. For instance, Hyderabad has always been at the centre of India’s pearl trade and the best place to buy them in India. You can buy them loose or traditional jewellery made with pearls. The city is also home to centuries-old bazaars selling lacquer bangles, colourful dupattas, and Kalamkari fabrics.

If you love sarees, shop for Pochampally handloom sarees, Narayanpet sarees, Gadwal sarees, and Gollabhama sarees. The best place to buy them is at the many Telangana State Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society stores spread across the state. If you love Durries, don’t forget to shop for them in Warangal.

And if you are looking for budget accessories, check our Koti Sultan Bazaar in Hyderabad. Shilparamam in Hyderabad is another local favourite for aesthetic accessories, clothes, and home décor.

For lovers of home décor and artefacts, check out the Bidriware collection in Warangal and Karimnagar.

For food connoisseurs, don’t forget to shop for the many pickles and spice powders, called Podi. The latter, when mixed with rice and a dollop of ghee, is what makes Telangana cuisine so lip-smacking. Osmania biscuits, Jauzi Halwa, and similar treats are also good souvenirs for foodie friends.

• Carry bottled water as the water quality is questionable in the state.
• When visiting cities like Hyderabad, be mindful of street food.
• Hindi is largely spoken in Hyderabad, but in remote areas, Telugu is the language of choice.
• Certain political and entertainment figures are highly celebrated in Telangana – do not insult NTR, Chiranjeevi, Mahesh Babu, or other celebrities.
• Beef is commonly eaten in some places like Hyderabad – do not look down upon these habits.
• Do not miss the world-famous Hyderabadi Biryani and Nihari.
• Although Hyderabad is safe, even for solo women travellers. But avoid isolated places and do not go out alone late at night.

Telangana cuisine is inspired by its semi-arid geography and is known to be simple and rustic. The flavours are earthy, as millets are commonly used. Of course, rice is widely consumed, but millets like Jowar (Jonna), pearl millets (Sajja), Korra, and Ragi are traditional staples in semi-arid regions. These millets are enjoyed with spicy chutneys, pickles, and rustic curries. The most popular side dishes are chutneys and curries made using Gongurra or sorrel leaves. When in Telangana, don’t miss Gongura Pachadi. Sorrel leaves are also added to mutton and country chicken to create Gongura Mamsam Kodi Kura.

Nimmakaya, or lemon, is another favourite in Nimmakaya Pulihora, a staple for every special occasion. Chintapandu Pulihora is another traditional favourite made using tamarind.

Non-vegetarian food features prominently in Telangana cuisine. While the rest of the state enjoys Chepala Pulusu or fish curry and Golichina Mamsam, Hyderabad enjoys its Keemas and Kebabs along with Biryani. For those who find Biryani too spicy, try Bagara Rice, a delicately spiced Pulao. The best time to sample Hyderabadi cuisine is Ramzan, when the streets are lined up with delicacies during Iftar. Another favourite in Hyderabad is Irani Chai served with Osmania biscuits.

Nawabi cuisine is known for its rich, decadent dishes, including Biryani, Haleem, Nihari, and Hyderabadi Marag. The desserts are equally decadent, as evidenced by Double ka Meetha, Kubani ka Meetha, and Phirni.

And if you are looking for other traditional desserts, try Pootharakelu, Ariselu, Sakinalu, and Gavvalu. You cannot visit Telangana without trying Sarva Pindi, a very popular spicy snack made with a rice-flour pancake, green chilli, ginger, and sesame seeds. Mirchi Bhajji is a favourite, along with Lukhmi, and is sold in street carts called Bandis.

Telangana is a treasure trove of art, music, and crafts. It is one of the very few states with a vibrant tribal culture that coexists beautifully with classical art forms. The state also has a rich textile history, including ancient penwork like Kalamkari. Read on to learn more about the arts and crafts that you will experience during your Telangana tour packages.

Telangana features a rich array of traditional crafts ranging from metalwork to exquisite hand-painted scrolls and vividly painted wooden toys. While Bidriware originated in Bidar, Karnataka, it is equally popular in Telangana. This metal handicraft involves artists carving intricate designs into a matte black zinc-copper alloy base and inlaying them with gold or silver. You can buy decorative items like vases, wall hangings, paperweights, and jewellery boxes.

Cheriyal is a 400-year-old scroll-painting technique that depicts scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The painting is almost done by the Nakashi caste, who treat the cloth with a special paste before filling it with vivid colours and designs.

The state’s tribal communities also make their impact on Telangana through the ancient bell-metal craft, called Dhokra. These statues depict tribal gods and goddesses, as well as local flora and fauna.

Karimnagar is famous for its silver filigree work, a craft that dates back to the Qutb Shahi and Nizam eras and could be over 400 years old.

Other crafts in Telangana include Banjara arts, Kondapalli toys, Nirmal paintings, Lambadi embroidery, and Stonecraft. Lacquerware from Hyderabad is equally famous.

While Kuchipudi originated in Andhra Pradesh, the dance form is closely associated with both Telugu-speaking states. But Telangana has its own rich traditions of ancient dance forms, including Perini Natyam, a vigorous masculine dance form that dates back to the Kakatiyas.

The state is home to several folk dances, including Dappu Natyam, which involves performing synchronised beats with Dappu, a percussion instrument. The performers typically perform in groups, moving to rhythmic beats while wearing anklets.

Gusadi is a famous dance form of the Kolam and Raj Gond tribes in Adilabad, while Lambadi is a dance form performed by the Banjara tribes. Other dance forms include Oggu Katha, Dhemsa, Koya, and Kurru. Chindu Bhagavatham is another art form that blends dance, music, and storytelling, retelling stories from Hindu Puranas and Itihasas.

Telangana’s rich handloom history is deeply rooted in its centuries-old weaving techniques and influences from the Persians and Mughals. Pochampally Ikat is a saree woven using traditional geometric patterns using the Paagadu Bandhu style. The style originated in the Pochampally village and still survives in village in and around the Nalgonda district. Besides sarees, the weaving technique can be used to make shirts, bedspreads, and wall hangings.

Gollabhama is another weaving technique famous in Siddipet. It involves tying and dyeing cotton threads before they are woven. The highlight of the saree is the Gollabhama motif, depicting a woman carrying a pot on her head and another in her hand.

Narayanpet sarees are famous in Mahbubnagar and are made using the interlocked weft method. Weavers create these sarees using two techniques: one in which pure silk threads are wafted and warped, and the other in which cotton threads are locked in silk warps.

Similarly, Gadwal sarees are produced in Gadwal district in Telangana and are usually Silk-cotton sarees. While the body is made of cotton, the border is woven from mulberry or Tussar silk.

But the state’s handicraft isn’t restricted to sarees alone. Telia Rumal, a craft originating in Andhra Pradesh, is also famous in Telangana. As the name suggests, it refers to an oily handkerchief, as the yarn is treated with oil. The weave uses a double Ikat weave and is laborious. Warangal is famous for its Dhurries, which date back to the Mughal period and were primarily used as prayer rugs.