The newly made state of Telangana was earlier a part of Andhra Pradesh. Its beautiful traditions, splendid culture and rich food make it stand out on India travel map. Telugu is the main language of the state. Telangana brims with historic and cultural heritage which can be seen in its historic monuments and temples.
Places to Visit
Start your holiday with Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana. The state has beautifully adorned itself with both new and old masterpieces. Charminar is an iconic landmark of Hyderabad reflecting Cazia style of architecture. Also, explore Golconda Fort, Shri Jagannath Temple, Chilkur Balaji Temple, Birla Mandir, Ramoji Film City, Salarjung Museum, Qutb Shahi Tombs and Hussain Sagar Lake here. Warangal is another glorious city of Telangana drenched into spotless natural beauty. Here places like Warangal Fort, Thousand Pillar Temple, Pakhal Lake, Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Kakatiya Rock Garden and Kakatiya Musical Garden are must visit. To experience the diversified cultures of Telangana, Nizamabad is an ideal place. From historic Nizamabad Fort to beautiful Alisagar Reservoir and from exciting Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary to Archaeological and Heritage Museum sharing stories about the lives and styles of ancient people- Nizamabad has everything.
Festivals
Most of the festivals of Telangana showcase culture and traditions of the state. Sammakka Saralamma Jatara hosted here is the second largest in India after the Kumbh Mela. The festival is held every two years and sees huge tribal gathering. Bathukamma festival, marking beginning of Sarad, is another popular festival celebrated by Hindu women folk. During this 9 day long festival women sing folk songs and dance. On the final day, they visit water bodies to immerse themselves there. Also, witness the celebrations of Bonalu in Telangana dedicated to Goddess Mahakali. Devotees gather at Mahankali temples during the festival and organise huge processions and feasts. Yedupayala Yatra is also celebrated with great pomp and show in Medak District. Apart from these, one can also witness festivities of Ayak or Bhimanna, Lambadi and Gonda Dance in Telangana.
Food
Telangana offers you distinctive cuisine including sweet and savoury dishes. Telangana breakfast mostly includes idlis, dosas and upma. Sarva Pindi (a flatbread) is highly popular here. Locals here use generous amount of tamarind, mangoes and peanuts in their dishes. Saut?ed vegetables like koora and pulusu are prepared in every household. Meat preparations like mamsam pulusu (slow cooking mutton) are extremely popular in the state. When it comes to sweets, Telangana treats you with specialities like Kobbari Pappu Payasam and Garijelu.
Shopping
When in Telangana, you can shop for exquisite handicrafts, sarees and textiles. Cherial Folk Paintings in epic themes are extremely popular here. Travellers can also pick Banjara Embroidery with mirror work. Kondapalli Toys portraying rural folks, deities, dolls and animals make great souvenirs.? Do not miss buying Pochampally Sarees which are made exclusively in Nalgonda district. Pearls of Hyderabad are world famous for their beauty and purity.
By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad is the only international airport in Telangana connected to all major international as well as domestic destinations.
By Rail: Secunderabad railway junction is a major rail junction of the state followed by Kazipet and Waranga.
By Road: The state has a large network of roads. Travellers can find many state roadways and privately owned buses.
