The 29th State

The existence of this youngest Indian state came to effect on June 2, 2014. It might have received a new geographical identity but its culture is 5000 years old, having been passed down generations after generations through the hands of Rajputs & Nizams. During the reign of the Nizams of Hyderabad, the region was called ‘Telegu Angana’, hence the present name. The unique location of the state in the northern skirts of Deccan Plateau makes it settled between the Northern & Southern states.

People at a Glance

Telangana is populated predominantly by Hindus, with sporadic Muslim & Christian masses, Telegu & Urdu being primary languages used state-wide. They incorporate sour ingredients like tomatoes & tamarind to their lentil soups & gravies, atypical to their southern neighbors but the element of coconut based products is absent. Some famous Telangan-dishes include Dum Biryani, Sarva Pindi, Dosa, Ooragaya Pickle, and more. You can also spot cozy Irish cafes in Hyderabad that serve milky cups of tea & osmania biscuits.

How to Arrive

Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana is accessible by all the three means of transportation. The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport receives flights from India as well as locations around the globe. Hyderabad is also the headquarter for South Central Railway and is seamlessly connected to all the metropolitan cities. The capital is accessible by a large network of roads & national highways as well.

PLACES TO VISIT

The Thousand Pillars Temple :

This star-shaped shrine dedicated to the three Hindu deities is an architectural marvel that is standing against the test of time since 1163 AD. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu & Lord Surya, the temple reflects the Chalukyan fashion of architectural adoptions through the hands of Kakatiyan artisans.

The Charminar :

This classic Indian monument was erected by the fifth Sultan of the Qutub Shahi Dynasty to commemorate the passing of a dangerous plague that had gripped the city during his reign. The four-towered mammoth stands to overlook the waters of Musi & exhibits the Indo-Islamic style of architecture, complete with arches, domes & minarets. The structure houses one of the oldest mosques thriving in Hyderabad.

Hussain Sagar Lake :

This man-made water body was excavated during 1562 AD by Hussain Shah Wali during the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah. Now, the lake retains tranquil waters year-round & offers motor boating, speed boating facilities to the incoming tourists. Its main attraction is the 16m tall white granite statue of Buddha that stands in the middle of the lake and looks ethereal during sunsets.

Tiger Forest :

The Nagarjunasagar Tiger Reserve is the largest in India and lies in the catchment area of Krishna. If you’re a nature enthusiast, take a safari round a reserve so vast, it will be impossible to tour through the entire place in on go. It houses the tiger, leopard, Bengal fox, smooth-coated otter, giant flying squirrel, bonnet macaque and much more.

Bhongir Hill :

48 km away from Hyderabad rests the Bhuvanagiri or the Bhongir rock formation that is a stone sprawled over 40 acres of land and is 700ft high. A picturesque fort sits atop the formation but the main attraction is the rock climbing facilities the location offers, initiated by the Telangana Government.

Jagannath Temple :

The replica of the original Jagannath Temple situated in Puri, this sprawling temple is located in the Banjara Hills & dedicated to the Lord of the Universe. Constructed from sandstones imported from Orissa, the temple stands in a beautiful hue of sunset & is a major attraction for the tourists.

Birla Mandir :

Dedicated to the deity Lord Vishnu in the form of Shri Venkateshwara, this temple was erected by the Birlas & was consecrated by Swami Ranganathananda of Ramakrishna Mission. Enthusiasts flock in the temple each morning & pay their respects to the 11ft tall structure of Swami Venkateshwara. The temple houses multiple shrines for an array of Indian deities, including one for Lord Buddha, complete with frescoes surrounding his shrine, narrating his life-events & his journey towards enlightenment.

TELANGANA (TSTDC)(AC & Non AC Rooms) :