Telangana Tourism and Travel Guide

Characterised by partially arid weather, summer can be extremely hot in the state. Followed by a moderate monsoon season and a pleasing winter that feels more like a North Indian autumn, Telangana tourism has distinct seasons. The best time to experience Telangana tourism is from October to early March. It is an agreeable time to be outdoors and go sightseeing as the temperature is around 15 degrees Celsius. Telangana tourism is at its peak in this season. Other than that, while rainfall might hamper your plans, monsoon provides relief from the scorching heat in the region and makes the weather favourable for travelling. This season lasts from July till September. Prior to that, heat waves roll through the state, making it a difficult period to explore Telangana travel tourism. Telangana travel guides will tell you that you can travel in the state during summer as well but we recommend skipping the months between March and June as the temperature can rise up to 45 degrees Celsius. Although it is not impossible to explore Telangana tourism in these months, you are likely to have a much better time during winter.

As it is a relatively new state, you will not find many Telangana travel guides online. Although the lack of information might make it seem as though there are not enough places to visit under Telangana tourism, that is not the case. Telangana tourism boasts many historical and religious sites as well as places rich in natural beauty. Most people cannot think of places to visit other than Hyderabad, but this Telangana travel guide lists down a few other places that you would love to visit on your journey of exploring Telangana tourism. 

Hyderabad

Telangana tourism will introduce you to the regal charm of ancient Islamic dynasties that continues to influence the growing metropolitan city of Hyderabad. Architecture enthusiasts can explore many Mughal monuments standing tall in the Old City of Hyderabad such as Charminar, Mecca Masjid, Mahboob Chowk Clock Tower, Chowmahalla Palace, Purani Haveli, Madina, Falaknuma Palace and Toli Masjid. Golconda Fort, an impressive fortified citadel located in Hyderabad, built in the year 1143, is another unmissable destination in Telangana tourism. The primitive style of architecture and the stunning view of the city from the monument will certainly keep you transfixed, hence you should take a couple of hours to explore the site. While the charm of the Old City is what most brings people to Hyderabad initially, the strikingly different area of HiTech City has its own allure. When you are in this area, it will seem as though you have leapt from one era to another. HiTech City is full of high-rise buildings that serve as a workplace for the growing number of multinational corporations settling in Hyderabad. Large malls with branded shops, electrifying clubs and bars, and chic restaurants ensure that you have the time of your life on a night out. Hyderabad packs in a multitude of experiences, giving you a unique taste of Telangana tourism without having to make much of an effort. 

Warangal

Step back in time into the epoch of royalty as you enter Warangal, one of the gems of Telangana tourism. Loaded with heritage sites, this popular destination in Telangana tourism has held significance through multiple periods of history. It was even the capital of the Kakatiya dynasty. Marvels created by the rulers of this dynasty are still present here – their fortresses, lakes, temples, and gateways are important attractions of Telangana tourism. Warangal Fort, the Bhadrakali Temple, Pakhal Lake, the Kakatiya Musical Garden and the Thousand Pillar Temple (also known as the Rudreshwara Swamy Temple) are some of the important places to visit in Telangana tourism. Since this destination is only a three-hour drive from Hyderabad, it is easy for travellers to check off this place on their Telangana tourism itinerary. 

Nagarjuna Sagar 

Nagarjuna Sagar is a beautiful and refreshing region, ideal for a short getaway from the hustle and bustle of urban life in Telangana tourism. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam lies at the border of Nalgonda district of Telangana and Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh. Situated across the River Krishna, it is well known in Telangana tourism for having the second-largest water reservoir in India. Besides that, the region is blessed with a viridescent landscape and diverse wildlife, along with the exceptional Ethipothala Falls. Locals and tourists alike flock to this place all year round. However, it is best experienced between October and March. 

Nalgonda

Entrenched in culture and heritage, Nalgonda proves to be a unique destination in Telangana tourism. As made evident through the archaeological findings from Yeleswaram, Nalgonda’s history goes back to the Paleolithic Age. Over the years, the city was occupied by several dynasties with varying cultures. The fusion of cultures that occurred then has had a long-lasting impact on the city’s identity and is visible even today. Nalgonda had immense political value, especially during the rule of the Mauryas. This is one of the best places offered by Telangana tourism for history buffs. A number of temples can be visited here too, such as Sri Jain Mandir, Chaya Someswara Swamy Temple and Swayambhu Shambulingeshwara Swamy Temple.

Adilabad

Another place dotted with vestiges of glorious dynasties of the past such as the Mauryas, the Chalukyas, the Bahmanis and the Mughals, Adilabad (originally named Edulapuram) is a small town but is among the most visited places in Telangana tourism. The city is not only home to architectural marvels but also hosts a diverse range of indigenous flora and fauna. Adilabad is most famous for Kunatala Waterfalls. What makes the experience of Telangana tourism stand out here is the confluence of Telugu and Maratha culture. 

Yadadri

If you are planning to visit major destinations of Telangana tourism such as Hyderabad, Warangal and Nalgonda, do not miss out on Yadadri, which is not far from any of these locations. This place of pilgrimage, earlier known as Yadagirigutta, is known for its temple that is dedicated to an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Yadagirigutta Temple is a cave temple located at the top of a hillock. This place is a sacred site as this is where Lord Vishnu is believed to have kept all the Vedas. Apart from the temple, Yadadri invites visitors to Surendrapuri, Lotus Temple and Bhongir Fort for Telangana tourism as well. Keep in mind to plan your visit here as due to its popularity, you may get caught up in the large influx of visitors during weekends, holidays and festivals. 

Bhadrachalam

This is a major place to visit in Telangana for people of faith due to its relation with the epic, the Ramayana. It is believed that the hermitage where Sita was abducted by Ravana is situated very close to the city of Bhadrachalam in Parnasala. Settled at the banks of the Godavari River, the city is infectiously serene. There are several temples here, but the main attraction of the city is the Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple built in the 17th century. It is an interesting place to visit not only for its religious significance and remarkable architecture but also due to the legends associated with its construction. The devotee who made this temple was imprisoned but it is believed that Lord Rama appeared before the Sultan to set him free. Kabir Das, the renowned poet, is also considered to be associated with the temple. Throughout the year, many festivals such as Vaikunta Ekadashi, Sri Rama Navami and Kartika Poornima are celebrated at the temples with great enthusiasm. People come to explore Telangana tourism from different parts of the country to witness the celebrations here. 

Alampur

About 200 kilometres away from Hyderabad is the historical town of Alampur. Those who choose Telangana tourism for its rich history are not disappointed when they arrive here. You can find temples here that were constructed as long back as the 7th century whose inscriptions are still clearly visible. Located at the banks of the Tungabhadra River, Alampur is not far from the point of confluence of the Tungabhadra River and the Krishna River. The footprints of the dynasties that ruled over this place are still apparent through the edifices built over time. Alampur is also important as a place of pilgrimage. There are nine temples dedicated to Lord Shiva as it is said he appeared in nine different avatars to bless the penance of Lord Brahma. The religious and historical value coupled with the destination’s natural beauty makes it one of the best places to add to your Telangana tourism itinerary.

Although Telangana is the youngest state of India, the experiences you can indulge in here are plenty. We have put together a list of some fascinating activities offered by Telangana tourism in this Telangana travel guide to help you plan your itinerary. All the things to do mentioned below can be enjoyed by families, groups of friends, couples as well as solo travellers. From delving into the culture and heritage of the state, embarking on a spiritual journey to letting your hair down at serene natural spots, Telangana tourism has a range of activities on offer. Depending on your preferences, choose which of the following things to do would you want to partake in during your Telangana tourism trip.

Visit Ramoji Film City

Holding the Guinness World Record for being the largest film studio complex in the world, this is one of the best places to visit in Telangana tourism for lovers of Bollywood cinema. Situated in the outskirts of Hyderabad, the complex covers about 2,500 acres and has the capacity to simultaneously host 20 film sets. The sets include different kinds of locations from around the world, such as a street in London, the Hollywood Sign, a Japanese garden as well as locales such as airports, hospitals, scenic landscapes and laboratories. Sets of well-known attractions in the country such as Amer Fort and other royal courts are also present here. Besides going on a tour of the film city, you can participate in activities such as going on a toy train ride and some adventure sports. You would have to keep a whole day aside for the activities you can indulge in at Ramoji Film City, a highlight of Telangana tourism.

Go on a spiritual journey

A big chunk of travellers who choose Telangana tourism are devotees interested in visiting the holy destinations in the state. In any Telangana travel guide, you will notice the mention of quite a few temples. Hence, it is no wonder that people of faith from across the country make their way here to experience the pious aura of Telangana tourism. It is not only the religious but also architecture aficionados who enjoy spending time at the temples of Telangana tourism. Some of them have been around for centuries. Some of the most impressive and renowned temples that you will find in most Telangana travel guides are Yadagirigutta Temple, Bhadrachalam Temple, Keesaragutta Temple, Hyderabad Birla Mandir, Thousand Pillar Temple, Ramappa Temple, Bhadrakali Temple, Sangameshwar Temple, Meenakshi Agasteeshwara Swamy Temple, Karmanghat Hanuman Temple, Chaya Someswara Swamy Temple, Narasimha Temple Nampally Gutta and Gnana Saraswati Temple. On your journey of exploring Telangana tourism, you are likely to come across many more temples. 

Relax beside the lakes and reservoirs

If you are looking for a refreshing change on your Telangana tourism trip, head to any of the lakes or reservoirs. There are also a number of dams across the state, situated away from the urban sprawls and proving to be relaxing getaways. Hyderabad itself has some of the most beautiful lakes in the state. If you are a traveller who delights in being around water bodies, you will not be disappointed by Telangana tourism. Many tourists as well as locals enjoy visiting lakes to have a relaxing picnic with family or friends. Some of the best lakes and reservoirs that you can pay a visit to are Hussain Sagar, Osman Sagar, Shamirpet, Nagarjuna Sagar, Laknavaram Lake, Pakhal Lake, Kinnerasani Dam, Kadam Dam, Durgam Cheruvu Lake, Pocharam Dam, Himayat Sagar Lake, Ramappa Lake, Saroornagar Lake, Nizam Sagar Dam, Sriram Sagar Dam, Jurala Dam, Palair Lake and Singur Dam.

Join a heritage walking tour

Telangana tourism is making the most of its historical sites in Hyderabad by regularly organising walks to acquaint tourists as well as locals with the heritage of the region. Hyderabad has a rich history that goes back over five centuries, and its evidence lies in the form of edifices that still stand tall. You can observe the shift of the rulers from the Qutab Shahi, the Mughals, the Asaf Jahi Nizams to the British through the tangible relics that each ruler left behind. A professional guide appointed by Telangana tourism will take you to the various palaces, buildings, monuments, tombs, minarets, and fortresses sprawling across the city. The heritage walk takes place every Sunday and the second Saturday of every month. The walk begins at 07:30 am from Charminar and ends at Chowmahalla Palace around 09:00 am. The ticket costs Rs.50. The fee includes the cost of breakfast during the tour. You should carry your own cameras if you wish to take photographs. Keep in mind to be respectful of the locals’ traditions and privacy while you engage with them or occupy their spaces during the tour.

Explore the wilderness

If you are sick of the cities and want to rejuvenate amidst nature, you will enjoy Telangana tourism. Telangana travel guides usually paint a picture of the state that makes it seem like it is ideal only for those interested in architecture. In reality, nature lovers also immensely enjoy Telangana tourism as the state has an abundance of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks where you can relish the fresh air and the diverse flora and fauna. 25% of the state is covered with forests, hence you do not have to go far to be surrounded by nature. Embark on an offbeat expedition of Telangana tourism and visit the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in the state. Find the most verdant places to explore the wilderness in Telangana tourism listed below in this Telangana travel guide.

• Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park
• Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park
• Mrugavani National Park
• Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary
• Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary
• Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
• Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary
• Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary

Being a metropolitan city, Hyderabad has no dearth of accommodation options. Whether you are looking for budget or luxury options, you can find them here easily. However, as Telangana tourism is still not as popular among travellers, it is not as easy to find a range of options in the remote corners of the state and it is unlikely that you would be able to find luxury accommodation. You can still be assured that you will be comfortable at your stay at most of the budget and mid-range hotels in these locations. Other than private hotels, you can also opt for the hotels recommended by the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation itself. Its Saritha hotels and resorts chain provides the choicest of amenities and pleasing ambience. Listed below are some of the top places to stay in Telangana.

Luxury hotels under Telangana tourism 

• The Taj Falaknuma Palace Hotel, Hyderabad  
• The Taj Krishna, Hyderabad 
• The Golkonda Hyderabad, Hyderabad 
• The Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad
• The Marigold by Green Park, Hyderabad 

Mid-range hotels under Telangana tourism

• Haritha Vijay Vihar, Hotel Nagarjuna Sagar 
• Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Hyderabad
• Hampshire Plaza Hotel, Hyderabad 
• Fortune Park Vallabha, Hyderabad 
• Aditya Park-A Sarovar Portico Hotel, Hyderabad
• The Lemon Tree Premier, HITEC City

Budget hotels and hostels under Telangana tourism

• FabHotel Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
• OYO Premium Himayathnagar, Hyderabad 
• Haritha Lake View Resort, Singur
• OYO Rooms Q City Gachibowli, Hyderabad
• Haritha Kakatiya Hotel, Warangal
• The Central Court Hotel, Hyderabad

Some of the best hostels that are part of Telangana tourism are:

• Beehive Commune Hyderabad
• Slackpackr Hyderabad
• Shepherd Stories, Hyderabad
• Nomad’s Nest, Hyderabad

Known for its spice, Telugu cuisine is a delight for those looking forward to enjoying an explosion of flavours. It shares similarities with the food from surrounding states, namely Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh. South Indian favourites idli, dosa and vada are popular here as well. Considering how the state is semi-arid, the staple here consists of roti made of millet rather than rice, which is a staple of its neighbouring state Andhra Pradesh. Jowar and bajra are common in Telangana’s cuisine. Non-vegetarian items often find their place on the dinner table, notably chicken and mutton dishes. Snacks are a prominent part of the cuisine. Some of the popular snacks that people munch on during their Telangana tourism journey are sarva pindi, karijelu and sakinalu. For the main course, you can try dishes such as pachi pulusu, vankaya pulusu, bachali kura, gongura chana dal, golichhina mamasam, natu kodi pulusu and chapala pulusu. You might observe that the dishes loaded with spices heavily rely on ingredients such as tamarind, spring onions, green chillies and sesame. The capital, Hyderabad, has its own distinct cuisine. The food that was prepared in the royal kitchens under several generations of Nizams is now popular nationwide for its impeccable fusion of Mughal and Telugu influences. Dishes such as biryani, salan, haleem, dalcha, murg ka kurma and baghare baingan are unmissable delicacies. If you have a sweet tooth, relish the desserts of Telangana such as bhakshalu, qubani ka meetha, parda pheni and ariselu. A result of the state’s climate and heritage, the culinary experience is a linchpin of Telangana tourism.

To explore Telangana tourism, you can use basic modes of transportation that are easily available throughout India. Within cities, auto rickshaws are available extensively. They do not have metres so it is recommended to settle on the fare before the ride begins. State buses operated by the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation also connect different locations within the city and the state as well as destinations in neighbouring states. You could also take a taxi for commuting, however, that would be more expensive. There are a number of private agencies that could help arrange a taxi for you. Some places that are popular in Telangana tourism also have app-based cabs such as Ola and Uber. Hyderabad enjoys easy connectivity. Besides the options mentioned above, you could take the Hyderabad Multi-Modal Transport System, a system of railways in the suburbs. The Hyderabad Metro has the longest network in India after Delhi. Taking the train or metro cuts down on your commute time significantly as you skip the traffic. Hence, making your way through Telangana tourism does not require extensive research and planning. It can be managed as you go. It is best to consult the staff at your hotels in case of confusion.

As Hyderabad is a metropolitan city, you might have to shell out more money to enjoy the best of what it has to offer but a budget trip is feasible if you plan well. The amount of money you spend in the capital depends on the kind of accommodation and leisure activities you include in your Telangana tourism itinerary. However, since Telangana tourism is still growing, the best of what you can get in the tier-2 cities of the state is reasonably priced. There are not many luxury options available in cities other than Hyderabad, hence the overall cost of your Telangana tourism trip will be low. A budget trip would cost you about Rs.2,500 to Rs.4,000 per day. Mid-range trips can cost you between Rs.4,000 and Rs.10,000. If you choose luxury accommodations in Hyderabad, your cost can go well beyond Rs.10,000.

Where is Telangana?

Telangana is a state located in South India. It used to be a part of northwestern Andhra Pradesh but was separated from it and became the newest state of the country in 2014. It now shares borders with the states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka.  

Is Telangana tourism safe?

Telangana tourism is safe for a holiday. However, it is advisable to be cautious of your surroundings and be prepared for dangerous situations. 

Where should I begin my Telangana tourism journey?

A trip through Telangana would begin in Hyderabad, the capital of the city. Being a metropolitan city with a lot of cultural and heritage sites, you can fit right in. The city is an incredibly easy place to make your way through and there are plenty of Telangana travel guides to help you decide the places to visit. From there, you can go to other destinations in the state, as mentioned above in this Telangana travel guide. 

What is Telangana famous for?

Telangana is famous for its capital Hyderabad since it is one of the largest and most advanced cities in the country as well as for comprising of some of the most ancient architecture and temples in the country. Telangana is also well known for its wildlife. 

Can I visit hill stations in Telangana tourism?

Telangana, despite being a semi-arid state, has a few cool spots such as Ananthagiri Hills and Nagarjuna Sagar. There are plenty of hill stations nearby in the neighbouring states that you can head to as well. A few of the best hill stations near Hyderabad from other states are Srisailam, Horsley Hills, Lambasingi, Dandeli, Araku Valley, Ooty, Lonavala, Yelagiri Hills, Kodaikanal, Chikmagalur, Coorg, Panchgani and Nallamala Hills. 

Is Telangana tourism meant for solo travellers, groups of friends or couples and families?

Telangana can be enjoyed by all kinds of travellers. Generally, families gravitate towards the destination. Places like Ramoji Film City are of interest to children while the temples cater to the elderly. National parks can be enjoyed by people of all ages. If you are interested in the destinations Telangana offers, you can have an enjoyable time all by yourself or with friends as well.

How many days do I need for Hyderabad?

To be able to enjoy all the places to visit and the experiences offered by Hyderabad, you should have at least four to five days. 

What kind of clothes should I take for a Telangana trip?

The weather here ranges between extremely hot and pleasantly warm. Hence, it is recommended to carry cotton clothes suitable for such weather. If you are planning to go to the cooler regions, you might want to carry a light jacket. Keep in mind that some of the places to visit here are conservative so dress according to what is deemed appropriate by the locals. 

Which places can I go to in Telangana after Hyderabad?

After you have enjoyed the city of Hyderabad in Telangana, you can head to other well-known places in the state such as Warangal, Nalgonda, Adilabad, Yadagirigutta, Bhadrachalam, Vemulawada and Alampur.

Written by Shruti Mishra, an in-house writer at Tripoto. She feels most at home on the road and finding intriguing stories in the mundane is her forte.