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Telangana

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Introduction
Telangana is a state in India's south that is known for its natural wonders, temples, palaces, forts, and other heritage sites. The state's rich cultural heritage makes it one of South India's most popular tourist destinations. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh share Hyderabad as their capital city. 
 
The state's landscape is dotted with mountain ranges, hills, and thick forests, and it is located on the Deccan Plateau. The two main rivers that pass through the state are the Krishna and the Godavari. Telangana has a hot and dry climate. The summers are extremely hot, while the winters are cool and dry. Between September and March is the best time to visit Telangana. The vibrancy of art and architecture is amplified even more during the cold winters, making it an ideal time to visit Telangana. Even on windy days, travellers can find a plethora of cultural activities to prevent their trips from being daunting.
 
Telangana describes the term "Trilinga Desa" with the inclusion of three ancient Shiva temples: Draksharaman, Srisailam, and Kaleshwaram. Despite the fact that Telangana is India's newest territory, its breath-taking ancient architecture entices tourists. The Kuntala waterfalls, which are one of the largest in India, are the product of a love tale between a prince and a sage's daughter. Apart from that, there are several well-known historical and religious sites in the region, including the Bhadrachalam and Ekasila Nagaram.
 
Traditions and Culture
Telangana is India's newest state is the melting pot of two cultures, one from the south and the other from the north. The religions of Hinduism and Islam are practised by the majority of the population. Telangana's culture is a mixture of Persian, Nizam, Mughal, and Qutub Shahi traditions. With a diverse cultural heritage, the state pays homage to classical music, folk dances, and a variety of paintings.
 
Buddhism was the dominant religion in the area until the 6th century. Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity are the three main religions practised in Telangana today, with Hinduism being the most common. It has a great majority of Hindu religion while a small number of the population follows Islam, there are about 85.1% Hindu, 12.7% Muslim, and 1.3% Christian, and 0.9% others. One-fourth of the state’s people are members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
 
Urdu was the official language of Telangana prior to 1948. As a result, the state's educated elite were all Urdu speakers at the time. Telugu is spoken by about 76 percent of Telangana residents today. Around 12% of the population speaks Urdu, while the remaining 12% speak other languages. An eclectic blend of Hindi and Urdu is also spoken here, known as Hyderabadi Hindi.
 
Because of its world-renowned cotton producing units, Telangana is known for its weaving and dying techniques. The saree, langa voni, salwar kameez, and churidar are the most traditional garments worn by women. Pochampally Saree and Gadwal Saree are two of Telangana's most popular sarees. Ikkat, or tie and dye weave, is another name for Pochampally weave. The traditional Dhoti, also known as Pancha, is a form of male clothing. The Nizam of Hyderabad and Hyderabadi nobles used to wear the Hyderabadi Sherwani as their traditional attire. Nowadays, during wedding ceremonies, the groom wears a sherwani.
 
Telangana culture and tradition have a wide range of music and dance styles. Perini Thandavam is the name of a popular Telangana dance style that is mostly performed by men. The performance, which translates to "Warrior Dance," portrays warriors performing a dance in front of a Shiva idol before going into combat. Telangana's music is a natural fusion of folk and Carnatic. Kancherla Gopanna, also known as Bhakta Ramadasu, was a prominent Carnatic music composer and a devoted Rama devotee in the 17th century.
 
Golla Suddulu, Oggu Kathalu, and Gotralu are other dance forms that arose from a tradition of story-telling about different difficulties that ordinary people face in life and how they overcame them. Dhoom Dham is a hybrid of old and modern art forms. Chindu Bhagavatham is a Yakshagana version that is commonly practised in Telangana.
 
Under the patronage of Qutub Shahi and the Asaf Jahi rulers in and around Hyderabad, Qawali, Ghazals, and Mushairas flourished.
 
Telangana is a wellspring of imagination, as evidenced by its diverse range of art and craft. The Golconda type, which dates back to the 16th century, is an old way of combining foreign techniques. The Golconda design incorporates a splash of bright gold and white. Dhokra or Dokra, also known as Bell Metalcraft, is a well-known craft.
 
The Golconda Sultanate's monuments in Hyderabad represent the early Indo-Islamic architectural style. The Charminar, Golconda Fort, and Qutb Shahi tombs are among them. Some of the temples are representative of the architectural styles of Northern and Western India. They don't follow the Dravidian architectural style, which is prevalent in this region's temples. The Thousand Pillar Temple in Warangal and the Ugra Narasimha Swamy Temple in Yadagirigutta are two of Telangana's oldest shrines, attracting crowds from all over India on a regular basis. They are deeply rooted in Telangana culture and tradition. 
 
During the reign of the Nizams of Hyderabad, European-styled palaces and structures proliferated throughout the region. The Chowmahalla Palace, Falaknuma Palace (inspired by Andrea Palladio's style), Purani Haveli, and King Kothi Palace, all built in the 19th century, are among the oldest surviving examples of architecture from this era.
 
Fair and Festivals

Fairs and Festivals of Telangna:

Telangana, formerly part of Andhra Pradesh and now a separate state, has a culture that is distinct from that of the other Telugu-speaking states. The festivals in this state are distinguished by their vibrant colours, authentic traditions, and legends, as well as well-defined rituals steeped in myth and symbolism. Herewith mentioned are the most famous ones:

  • Deccan Festival: The Deccan Festival celebrates the arts, crafts, music, and cuisine of Hyderabad. Cultural events, food stalls, art and craft shops, and other activities are also planned. The Deccan Festival is a five-day event that attracts a large number of visitors. It is held at Qutub Shahi Tombs in Hyderabad. During this festival, the state's arts, crafts, dance, music, and cuisines are showcased. A handicraft fair is also a good idea.
  • Jatara: After the Kumbh Mela, this Jatara (fair) is India's second largest. The fair is a tribal gathering held every two years in a remote village named Medaram in the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary to commemorate a mother and daughter's battle against the reigning rulers.
  • Bathukamma Festival: Bathukamma has been declared a state festival by the state government, acknowledging the beauty of the way Durga, the female goddess, is worshipped as an embodiment of feminine valour and benevolence. The festival is held in the Telugu calendar's Bhadrapada month, which falls between September and October. Batukamma, which takes place about the same time as Durga Navratri, is centred on floral worship, with women describing the many rituals that make up the festival's celebration.
  • Bonalu: Bonalu is a festival that honours Goddess Mahakali and is thought to be a thanksgiving for vows held. In Telugu, Bonam refers to a meal or bhojanam, which is an offering to the Mother Goddess. This festival is said to have begun in 1813, when a plague struck Hyderabad and Secunderabad. A military battalion from Hyderabad stationed in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, prayed for the people's well-being at the Mahankali temple there. After the plague passed, the battalion returned to the city and erected an idol of the goddess, which is still venerated every year to thank the goddess.
  • Ugadi: The celebration of 'holi' precedes this native New Year held in April-May. The first season of Telangana's native New Year is called spring. People put on new clothing, decorate their homes, and make sweets on this auspicious day. Bhakshya or Puran Poli is the special and most popular sweet prepared on this day.
  • Ramzan & Eid-ul Fitr: The festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the most important festivals in Telangana, particularly in the city of Hyderabad, marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. On this day, the state's several mosques are packed with men who are offering special prayers. Muslims practise strict fasting, which is accompanied by a hearty feast. It is also a month of perseverance, control, charity, and goodwill among Muslims, and it is celebrated with equal fervour by people of other faiths.
  • Muharram: Muharram is a famous festival in Hyderabad, close to Dasara in Mysore. Milad-un-Nabi is also commemorated by Muslim congregations at Mecca Masjid and Dar-us-Salaam. 
  • Diwali: Andhra Pradesh, like other parts of the country, celebrates the festival of light. It is a festival dedicated to the goddess of riches, Lakshmi. During the festival, the entire country is turned into a riot of colour and noise.
  • Ganesh Chaturthi: The twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad have long hosted Ganapati Bappa, dedicating a full 13 days to the elephant-headed god in a celebration similar to that of Mumbai's Ganpati festival. A Ganesh pandal can be found on almost every street corner in the area, with strings of tiny lights illuminating every nook and cranny.
 
Must Visit Place

Must Visiting Places in Telangana:

Telangana has a rich historical and cultural heritage, as evidenced by the numerous temples and monuments found throughout the state. The Vakatas, Chalukyas, Satvahanas, and later the Delhi Sultanate and the Nizams ruled the region, and each of them left a charming heritage and history that draws visitors from all over the world. Some of Telangana's tourist attractions are mentioned below:

  1. Bhadrachalam Temple- With a share of Ramayana stories, a majestic palace, a thriving river, and mysterious terrain and surroundings, Bhadrachalam can be a relaxing place to visit. The Sita Ramachandraswamy temple is one of Bhadrachalam's most famous attractions. The Abhaya Anjaneya temple is also worth a visit.
  2. Charminar- Hyderabad's monument, mosque, and landmark are among India's most well-known buildings, and are located on the Musi River's east bank. Charminar and its environs are known for their pearls and Ittar.
  3. Golconda Fort- The fort ruins of today were originally constructed in mud on a 400-foot hill and have seen the reign of many dynasties. It gets its name from a Telugu word that means Shepherd's Hill and is located 11 kilometres from Hyderabad's bustling urbanism. Even now, remnants of a well-planned Golconda city can be seen inside the fortress walls.
  4. Hussain Sagar- Hussain Sagar Lake, which connects the two cities, is Asia's largest artificial lake. It was excavated in 1562 AD during Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah's rule, on a tributary of the Musi River. Hussain Shah Wali is the name given to it. The main attraction is a 16-meter-high white granite statue of Lord Bhudda in the centre of the lake, which weighs 350 tonnes.
  5. Medak Fort- Medak Fort, in Telangana, is 96 kilometres from Hyderabad and is regarded as an architectural masterpiece from a bygone period. The fort is now largely in ruins, but it is still a popular tourist destination in the region.
  6. The Kakatiya Kala Thoranam- The Kakatiya Kala Thoranam, also known as the Warangal Gate, is a historical arch and emblem of the Kakatiya Dynasty in Telangana's Warangal district. One of the great Telugu empires, the Kakatiya dynasty ruled much of Telugu-speaking territories.
  7. Chowmahalla Palace- The magnificent Chowmahalla Palace is the former residence of Nizams of Hyderabad, and it is noted for its distinct style and elegance. Chowmahalla Palace is one of Telangana's most significant ancient heritage structures.
  8. The Thousand Pillar temple- The Thousand Pillar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Surya and is situated in the town of Hanamkonda. The Thousand Pillar Temple is one of South India's oldest temples.
  9. Hyderabad- Hyderabad, the capital and largest city of Telanaga, is home to one of the country's most famous landmarks, the Charminar. Charminar is one of the best places to shop for authentic pearls and enjoy tasty biryanis, skewer kebabs, and haleem in a maze of lanes crowded with stores, markets, stalls, and shoppers. HiTech City or Cyberabad, the other side of Hyderabad, is a stark contrast to the Old City. Grand malls, pulsating clubs, sleek restaurants, and high-rise buildings of ever-growing multinationals abound in the city. Other places of importance worth exploring in Hyderabad are Golconda Fort, Ramoji Film City, Hussain Sagar, Chowmahalla Palace and Falaknuma Palace.
  10. Warangal- From the 12th to the 14th centuries, Warangal was the capital of a Hindu Shaivite kingdom ruled by the Kakatiya dynasty. It was previously known as Orugallu, with Oru denoting one and Kallu denoting stone. A single rock is said to have carved the entire settlement. Marco Polo, the famous traveller, described the Kakatiyas' cultural and administrative distinction. Many historical monuments can be seen on the Warangal map, including an impressive fortress, four huge stone gateways, the Thousand Pillar Temple, the Shiva-dedicated Swayambhu temple, and the Ramappa temple near Ramappa Lake. Other famous attractions in Warangal include the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Musical Garden, Inavolu Temple, Rock Garden, Ramappa Lake, Pakhal Lake, Laknavaram Lake, Bhadrakali Temple, and Sammakka Sarakka Temple. The Sammakka-Sarakka Jatra takes place every two years and draws nearly ten million people, mainly tribals.
  11. Khammam- This city, which is considered one of Telangana's best tourist destinations, is located 198 kilometres from Hyderabad. The Kakatiyas, Musunuri Nayaks and Velama kings, Reddy kings, Qutb Shahi, and the Nizams of Hyderabad once ruled this area, which is known for its forts and sanctuaries. As a result, the area is brimming with architectural marvels. Bhadrachalam, Kinnerasani Dam & Sanctuary, Khammam Fort, Kusumanchi Temples, and Nelakondaalli are some of the tourist attractions in this region.
  12. Nalgonda- Nalgonda is a Telangana city with a long and storied history as well as a fascinating cultural heritage. Nalgonda shows traces of Neolithic culture with the unearthing of sling stones and other such artefacts. Its origins can be traced back to the Paleolithic Age, as shown by enough evidence excavated from Yeleswaram. Places of interest also include Bhongir Fort and Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
  13. Alampur- Alampur, located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River near the confluence of the mighty Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers, is rich in historical and pilgrimage significance. Jogulamba Temple (a Shakti Peetha), Navabrahma temples, and Sangameshwara Temple, all constructed in the 7th century, are all prominent in Alampur. Alampur is known as the western gateway to Srisailam, a famous pilgrimage destination.
  14. Nizamabad- A visit to Nizamabad, renowned for its wonderful stone-engraved sanctuaries and registered landmarks, can be a challenging task for pioneers. Take a look at Kanteshwar, an old sanctuary where you can see the influence of North Indian engineering. Attractions such as Nizamabad Fort exhibit a combination of frankness and polish that delicately sits on a slope about 300 metres above sea level.
  15. Secunderabad- Secunderabad, now in the Indian state of Telangana, has been named the "Twin City of Hyderabad." While Hyderabad's culture and architecture are still influenced by the Nizam's rule, Secunderabad, which was under British rule until 1948, has a more English flavour. Notable places to visit include Secunderabad Clock Tower, Hussain Sagar, Paigah Palace, Peddamma Temple and All Saints Church.
 

 

Cuisine
Telangana cuisine is known for being spicy, with ingredients like tamarind, sesame seeds, red chilies, and asafoetida appearing in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Roselle is a popular ingredient in curries and pickles. According to sources, while millet bread/roti is a staple diet in Telangana, rice is preferred in Andhra Pradesh.
 
Below mentioned are worth trying:
  • Nalli bokka kura: Nalli bokka kura, or spicy gravy with mutton bones, is a traditional Telangana dish. The tender mutton bits are so well cooked that they quickly fall off the bones. The key ingredient in this gravy is mutton nalli, or bone marrow. Spices such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, coriander seeds, black peppercorn, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and dry red chillies are used in this hearty dish.
  • Sarva Pindi: Sarva Pindi is a circular-shaped pancake made of rice flour, chana dal, peanuts, and chilli that is also known as Ganju Pindi in some Telangana regions. The dish is known as "tapala chekka" in the Nalgonda district. It's a balanced breakfast snack that's made with butter and cooked in a copper utensil.
  • Golichina Mamsam: In Telugu, golichina loosely translates to "fry." This dish integrates succulent pieces of mutton into a thick gravy that is loaded with locally grown spices and cooked over low flame for hours so the meat can truly absorb the essence of the curry. Telangana cuisine is renowned for its spices, so this dish incorporates succulent pieces of mutton into a thick gravy that is loaded with locally grown spices and cooked over low flame for hours so the meat can truly absorb the essence of the curry. It goes well with chapatis, rice, or dosa.
  • Malidalu: Malidalu is made from chapati pieces blended with a jaggery, cashew, pista, and ghee mixture. Malidalu is a well-balanced dish.
  • Bagara Rice: In Urdu, bagar means seasoning, and this rice is lightly seasoned to complement the spicy gravies. The rice is filled with an authentic flavour since it is cooked with whole spices rather than powders. In addition, the spices used, such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaf, do not overpower the rich gravies that accompany the rice. A few caramelised onions are added to the mix.
  • Sakinalu: Sakinalu is a popular rice flour dough snack that is fried in oil. It's made particularly for Makar Sankranti or given as a gift during weddings. Murukku, chakli, and other names have been used to identify it.
 
FAQ’s

The southern Indian state of Telangana is well-known for its natural treasures, temples, palaces, forts, and other historical landmarks. The state is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India because of its rich cultural legacy.

 

One day is not enough to fully appreciate Hyderabad's rich cultural legacy. Visits to the Charminar, Chowmahalla Palace, Salarjung Museum, Quli Qutub Shah Tombs, and Golkonda Fort are recommended. These attractions should be seen before the Sound & Light Show at dusk. Spend some time also exploring Gachibowli, Inorbit Mall, Hussain Sagar, Snow World, Lumbini Park with Boat Ride, NTR Gardens with Laser Show, and, last but not least, Birla Mandir in Hyderabad City.
 

Travelling in Telangana is generally safe. However, a savvy visitor is constantly aware of his or her surroundings while taking in the sights of the city to prevent minor offences like pickpocketing and bag snatching. Be respectful of the local sentiments, dress modestly and avoid going out late evenings or at night unaccompanied when staying in the suburbs.

Telangana, India's newest state, is home to a wealth of historical, cultural, and natural attractions. The spectacular and beautiful sights to view in Telangana, which was ruled by the Chalukyas, Satvahanas, Vakatas, and the Delhi Sultanate, would make you fall in love with this state. Hyderabad, Alampur, Warangal, Khammam, Medak, Ananthagiri, Mahbubnagar, Sangareddy, Nizamabad and Adilabad are the greatest cities or locations to visit if you actually want to experience this state's cultural spirit.

Telangana, India's newest state, enjoys a semi-arid climate. The Deccan Plateau, where the area is located, has mild winters, warm summers, and moderate rainfall. The ideal months to visit Telangana are September through March.
 

Telangana cuisine must-try dishes include fish curry, mutton curry, and prawn curry. Jauzi Halwa, Mirchi ka Salan, Dabul Khameeta, Shikampuri Kebab are also other specialties to taste, including double ka Meeth.

The most sought-after Telangana products include bidri work, Hyderabadi pearls, lac jewellery, and so forth. Each of these things captures the soul of the city well and is highly particular to it.

 

Telangana has a rich history of diamond mining, with the Golconda region being a global hub in ancient times. Some of the world’s most famous diamonds, like the Koh-i-Noor and the Hope Diamond, were discovered here.

The Charminar, located in Hyderabad, is an iconic symbol of Telangana. Its impressive architecture, vibrant surroundings, and bustling Laad Bazaar nearby make it a captivating blend of history and modern culture.

Telangana’s cuisine is a delightful mix of spicy, tangy, and savoury flavours. Dishes like Hyderabadi biryani, sarva pindi (spiced rice pancake), and haleem are must-try delicacies, reflecting the state’s rich culinary heritage.

Telangana boasts stunning natural spots like the serene Hussain Sagar Lake, the enchanting waterfalls at Bogatha and Kuntala, and the picturesque Pakhal Lake, offering a refreshing escape into nature.

Telangana is home to revered spiritual sites like the Yadagirigutta Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Bhadrachalam Temple, and Mecca Masjid. These places offer profound spiritual experiences and reflect the state’s religious diversity.

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