Telangana Tourism
Telangana Tourism is the tourism arm of the Government of Telangana. Its corporation, the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation (TGTDC, earlier TSTDC), runs city tours, pilgrim packages, boating and the Haritha chain of hotels. Telangana became India's newest state on 2 June 2014, but its history goes back more than 2,000 years. This guide gives a short history, the best places to visit and the contact details you need.
A short history of Telangana
One common explanation of the name is Trilinga Desa, the land of three Shiva shrines at Kaleshwaram, Srisailam and Draksharamam. Another view links it to Telugu Angana, meaning the land of Telugu speakers.
- Satavahanas: ruled the region for about four centuries from around the 2nd century BCE.
- Kakatiyas: built the Warangal Fort, the Thousand Pillar Temple and the Ramappa Temple. Prataparudra was the last major Kakatiya ruler, until 1323.
- Qutb Shahis: from 1518 they ruled from Golconda, expanding a fort first raised by the Kakatiyas. Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah founded Hyderabad on the Musi river and built the Charminar in 1591.
- Asaf Jahis (Nizams): ruled the princely state of Hyderabad from the 18th century. The last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, was once called the richest man in the world.
- 1948: Hyderabad State joined India after Operation Polo.
- 1956: Telugu-speaking Telangana was merged with Andhra State to form Andhra Pradesh, with Hyderabad as capital.
- 1969 and 2001: major phases of the separate state movement.
- 2 June 2014: Telangana became a separate state, with Hyderabad as its capital.
Most visitors start in Hyderabad and then take short trips into the districts. The places below are grouped by type so you can match them to your interests and the time you have.
Top places to visit in Telangana
Hyderabad and around
- Charminar, Golconda Fort, Chowmahalla Palace, Salar Jung Museum and Qutb Shahi Tombs.
- Hussain Sagar, Birla Mandir and the Statue of Equality at Muchintal.
- Ramoji Film City and Wonderla on the city outskirts.
Heritage beyond the capital
- Warangal: the Kakatiya fort gateways, Thousand Pillar Temple and Bhadrakali Temple.
- Ramappa Temple, Palampet: a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021.
- Pochampally: the ikat weaving village.
Pilgrim centres
- Yadagirigutta: the rebuilt Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple.
- Bhadrachalam: the Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple on the Godavari.
- Basara: the Gnana Saraswati Temple.
- Vemulawada, Kaleshwaram and Alampur: old Shiva and Shakti shrines.
Nature and getaways
- Nagarjuna Sagar: the dam, Buddhavanam and a boat ride to Nagarjunakonda.
- Ananthagiri Hills, Vikarabad: forest trails close to Hyderabad.
- Bogatha and Kuntala waterfalls: best after the monsoon.
- Laknavaram Lake: a hanging bridge and island stays.
- Somasila: river views and boating on the Krishna backwaters.
TGTDC services
- Hyderabad city tours: daily sightseeing tours by coach from Tourism Plaza and other points.
- Pilgrim and weekend tours: Yadagirigutta, Srisailam, Tirupati, Shirdi and more.
- Haritha hotels: budget and mid-range stays at most tourist spots.
- Boating: on Hussain Sagar and other lakes.
- Caravan tours: self-contained vehicles for small groups.
Read our guide to Telangana tourism packages from Hyderabad and the list of Telangana tourism hotels for details.
How to reach and get around
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad connects Hyderabad with major Indian and international cities. Secunderabad, Hyderabad (Nampally), Kacheguda and the newer Cherlapally terminal are the main railway stations. TGSRTC buses reach every district, and within Hyderabad you can use the metro, MMTS trains, buses, autos and cabs.
Short trips from Hyderabad
| Trip | Distance (approx.) | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Yadagirigutta | 60 to 70 km | Temple visit in half a day |
| Ananthagiri Hills | 75 to 80 km | Nature and short treks |
| Nagarjuna Sagar | 150 to 165 km | Dam, Buddhavanam and boating |
| Warangal and Ramappa | 150 to 210 km | Kakatiya heritage in one or two days |
| Bhadrachalam | about 310 km | Pilgrimage, with a Papikondalu cruise |
Distances are by road and vary with the route.
Festivals and food
Bathukamma, the flower festival of Telangana women, and Bonalu, offered to the goddess in Hyderabad, are the two signature festivals. The Sammakka Saralamma Jatara at Medaram is one of the largest tribal gatherings in India and is held every two years. For food, try Hyderabadi biryani and haleem, and village dishes like sarva pindi, jonna rotte and natu kodi curry.
Best time to visit
October to February is the most pleasant season. Waterfalls are at their best from August to October. April and May are very hot across the state.
Tips for visitors
- Start day trips from Hyderabad early to avoid city traffic on the way out.
- Many heritage sites close by sunset; check timings before driving out.
- Haritha hotels at popular spots fill up on long weekends, so book ahead.
- Carry water and caps; most sites have little shade.
- Dress modestly at temples and shrines.
Telangana Tourism contact details
- Office: Tourism Plaza, 6-3-870, Greenlands, Begumpet, Hyderabad
- Toll-free: 1800-425-46464 (6 AM to 10 PM)
- Phone: 040-23262327
- Websites: tourism.telangana.gov.in and tgtdc.in
Plan your Telangana trip
GoldBox Holidays offers Hyderabad tour packages, Warangal tour packages and Yadagirigutta tour packages. You can also book the Hyderabad city tour by Telangana Tourism through us.
Frequently asked questions
When was Telangana formed?
Telangana became a separate state on 2 June 2014, which is celebrated every year as Telangana Formation Day.
What is TGTDC?
TGTDC is the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation. It runs tours, Haritha hotels, boating and tourist facilities in the state.
Which UNESCO site is in Telangana?
The Ramappa Temple (Rudreswara Temple) at Palampet, listed in 2021.
What are the best weekend trips from Hyderabad?
Warangal and Ramappa, Nagarjuna Sagar, Ananthagiri Hills, Yadagirigutta and Bhadrachalam are the most popular.
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