Telangana is a state inSouthern India. It is a mainly agricultural state, but a cosmopolitan atmosphere can be found in the major city and capital,Hyderabad.
| North Telangana (Adilabad,Kumaram Bheem Asifabad,Nirmal,Mancherial,Nizamabad,Jagtial and Peddapalli) |
| East Telangana (Jayashankar Bhupalpally,Mulugu,Warangal,Mahabubabad,Bhadradri Kothagudem,Suryapet and Khammam) |
| Central Telangana (Rajanna Sircilla,Karimnagar,Siddipet,Hanamkonda,Medchal–Malkajgiri,Hyderabad,Ranga Reddy,Yadadri Bhuvanagiri and Jangaon) |
| South Telangana (Jogulamba Gadwal,Wanaparthy,Nagarkurnool and Nalgonda) |
| West Telangana (Kamareddy,Medak,Sangareddy,Vikarabad,Narayanpet and Mahabubnagar) |
Telangana is a state in southern India. It is bordered by the states ofMaharashtra to the north and north-west,Karnataka to the west,Chhattisgarh to the north-east, andAndhra Pradesh to the south and east.
Telangana sits at the heart of the Deccan Plateau, shaped by rugged hills, rocky landscapes, and ancient boulders scattered across its terrain. The land is mostly dry, with patches of forests and fertile plains along the river basins. The Godavari and Krishna rivers are the state’s lifelines, supporting agriculture and providing water in an otherwise arid region. Summers here can be intense, with high temperatures and dry winds, while the monsoon between June and September brings much-needed rain, transforming the landscape into a lush green expanse. Winters are mild, making it the best time to explore the state’s natural beauty, from its serene lakes to its rolling hills.
Telangana's history is marked by a succession of dynasties and cultural influences. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the Kakatiya dynasty, with its capital at Warangal, played a pivotal role in shaping the region's identity. Following the Kakatiyas, the area came under the rule of the Bahmani Sultanate and later the Qutb Shahi dynasty, which established Hyderabad as a prominent center of culture and commerce. In the 18th century, the Nizams of Hyderabad rose to power, maintaining autonomy during British colonial rule through a subsidiary alliance. After India's independence in 1947, this region's statehood status has seen multiple changes. Originally called the state of Hyderabad, it was annexed in 1950. In 1956, it was merged with Andhra State to form Andhra Pradesh. On 2 June 2014 this region was promoted to statehood, with the city ofHyderabad as its capital, and called Telangana following a popular movement for separation. Telangana Formation day is celebrated annually on 2nd June. Don't let the newness of the state deceive you; Telangana is rich in cultural heritage and historical sites.
Telangana has a vibrant cultural heritage, deeply rooted in classical arts, folk traditions, and festivals. The state has a rich tradition in classical music, with Carnatic and Hindustani influences shaping its musical landscape. The Perini Shivatandavam, an ancient warrior dance performed in honor of Lord Shiva, is one of Telangana's most revered classical dance forms.
Folk arts hold a special place in Telangana’s cultural identity. Burra Katha, a storytelling tradition using music and dialogue, is a staple of rural entertainment. Shadow puppet shows (Tholu Bommalata) bring mythological tales to life through intricate leather puppetry. Gusadi Dance, performed by the Gond tribal community, is a visually striking ritual dance featuring elaborate costumes and vibrant movements. Kolatam, a rhythmic stick dance, and Bathukamma, a floral festival celebrated with group singing and dancing, add to the state's colorful traditions.
Telangana is also known for its artistic heritage, particularly in painting and handicrafts. Cheriyal scroll paintings, a unique form of narrative art, depict scenes from epics and folklore in bright, bold colors. Nirmal paintings, known for their intricate gold detailing, and Bidriware, an elegant metal handicraft, are prized artistic traditions passed down through generations.
Festivals are integral to the cultural fabric of Telangana. In addition toBathukamma, which celebrates the spirit of womanhood, other major festivals include Bonalu, dedicated to Goddess Mahakali, and Sammakka Saralamma Jatara (Medaram Jatara), which is one of the largest tribal festivals in the world, drawing millions of devotees.
Telugu is the official language and is spoken by virtually all of the state's inhabitants.Urdu (the largest minority language),Hindi, andEnglish are also spoken as well.
As in the rest of South India, Hindi is neither widely spoken nor understood, except in a few urban areas. People will respond more readily to English than Hindi.
Minimal knowledge ofTelugu is extremely useful, though not essential.
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport inHyderabad is the only international airport in Telangana. It has direct flights from many countries. International carriers are Air India, Emirates, Kuwait Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Scoot, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan Airlines and Thai Airways. Domestic connections are operated by Air India, Deccan, GoAir, IndiGo and SpiceJet.
TheTelangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) runs all types of buses including air-conditioned, non air-conditioned and Volvo, Garuda-Plus, Garuda-Sleeper, Indra, Super Luxury and express buses to all major cities in South India
There are several state-owned bus operators like KSRTC[dead link]APSRTC, also there are several private operators likeredBus,abhiBus, andTicketgoose[dead link] operating bus services to Telangana
Like rest of India, buses and railways are the two major forms of transportation within Telangana. Hyderabad also boasts metro rail connectivity, and also MMTS trains for local travel.
Hyderabad is the heart of Telangana and features a wide assortment of historical sites, bazaars, restaurants and bars.
In Hyderabad, theBirla Mandir stands as a calm and inviting place of worship with lovely city views. Shortly after,Yadagiri Gutta provides a revered hilltop temple experience that is popular among pilgrims for its scenic vistas and peaceful atmosphere. You can also visitDharmapuri andVemulawada, where traditional temples celebrate lively festivals. Warangal hosts ancient temples that reflect the legacy of the Kakatiya dynasty. Further southeast, the town ofBhadrachalam, located on the banks of the Godavari River, is a major pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Rama, attracting thousands of devotees, especially during Sri Rama Navami.
Hyderabad also features significant Islamic heritage sites. The Mecca Masjid, one of India's largest mosques, was built with bricks made from the soil of Mecca and remains a revered place of worship. The Badshahi Ashurkhana, an important Shia shrine, is known for its intricate Persian tile work. Paigah Tombs, with their stunning Indo-Islamic architecture, offer a glimpse into Hyderabad's royal past.
History comes alive atGolconda Fort, whose sprawling ramparts and ingenious acoustics tell tales of a royal past.Bhongir Fort, perched on a rocky outcrop, offers commanding views and a hands-on look at medieval architecture. In Warangal, the remnants of theKakatiya Forts, including the grand stone gateways (Kakatiya Kala Thoranam), evoke a bygone era, making them ideal for those eager to explore the region's storied history.
For a taste of royal opulence,Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad, now a luxury hotel, offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the Nizams. Chowmahalla Palace, once the official residence of the Nizams, showcases exquisite Persian and Mughal influences with its intricately designed courtyards and halls.
For a deeper understanding of Telangana’s heritage, theSalar Jung Museum in Hyderabad showcases an impressive collection of art, artifacts, and historical treasures. Additional local museums, including the Telangana State Archaeology Museum, provide further insights into the evolution of this culturally diverse state.A delightful fusion of Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture can be seen throughout the state.
Telangana has several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. It contains India's largest tiger sanctuary: the Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve. Please note that unrest and extremist activities in the area of and inside the sanctuary can make visiting undesirable at this current time. Apart from wildlife reserves, Telangana also boasts scenic lakes: like Lakhnavaram and Pakhal.
Telangana offers a mix of adventure, festivals, and cultural experiences.
Participate in theSammakka Saralamma Jatara – Held biennially in Medaram, this tribal festival is one of the largest gatherings in the world, attracting around 10 million devotees. The vibrant atmosphere and deep-rooted traditions make it a must-experience event.
Bathukamma Festival – A floral festival celebrated by women across Telangana, showcasing colorful flower arrangements and traditional folk dances.
Shop for Pochampally Sarees – Known for their intricate Ikkat designs, these handwoven sarees from Pochampally are famous worldwide.
Nirmal Toys and Paintings – Exquisitely handcrafted wooden toys and paintings that make for great souvenirs.
Laad Bazaar – Located near Charminar, this bustling market is a paradise for bangle lovers, offering traditional lacquer bangles, pearls, and intricate jewelry.
There are several scenic locations in Telangana perfect for nature camping. Ananthagiri Hills offers a refreshing escape with lush forests and trekking trails. For a lakeside retreat, camping near Ramappa Lake and Laknavaram Lake provides a serene experience, with stunning sunrise views, boating, and cozy resorts nestled amidst nature.
Explore Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary – A scenic getaway near Warangal, home to diverse flora and fauna.
Boating at Laknavaram Lake – Enjoy the serene beauty of this lake with its picturesque suspension bridge.
Perhaps unique from its surrounding states, millet-based breads are more common in Telangana. Common dishes, known and popular in other Indian states, can be found here but may be called by a different name. Check with the locals if you are craving a particular dish and are unsure if it is offered. Curries here are often more tamarind-based and may be calledkoora orpulusu. In general you will find that tamarind, red chilies (koraivikaram) and asafetida are frequently used to flavor dishes.
For variety and ease of access, Hyderabad is the place to eat. Don't forget to tasteHyderabadi biryani when you go to Hyderabad, as the city is considered to be the dish's birthplace. It is spicy but worth the taste. Eat at renowned biryani restaurants like Paradise, Bawarchi, and Cafe Bahar for the best experience.
It is important not to dismiss food establishments found in the smaller villages. Many times the best and most authentic experiences can be found off the main streets.
A traditional alcoholic drink widely available across Telangana is kallu (toddy), a naturally fermented sap extracted from two types of palm trees: eetha chettu (silver date palm) and thaati chettu (palmyra palm). Thaati kallu has a mild, sweet flavor, while eetha kallu is slightly stronger with a more distinct taste. Freshly tapped toddy is refreshing, but it ferments quickly and becomes more potent over time. It is commonly consumed in rural areas and sold at licensed toddy shops.
For non-alcoholic beverages, sharbat is a popular summer drink made with fruit syrups, especially during Ramzan in Hyderabad. Irani chai, a thick, sweet tea served with Osmania biscuits, is a must-try at Hyderabad’s famous cafés. Nannari sherbet, made from sarsaparilla roots, is a cooling traditional drink, while panakam, a jaggery and spice-infused drink, is often served during festivals.
Drink plenty of water and avoid going out in the afternoon when the temperature exceeds 40°C in summer (March-June).
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