Telangana, a newly constituted state of India consists of the ten north-western districts of Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad is now a shared capital city between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Telangana is famous for its temple towns such as Bhadrachalam, Somasila, Yadagiri Gutta, Basara, and Mahabalipuram. The cities of Hyderabad, Warangal, Nagarjuna Sagar, Medak, and Alampur are among the best places to visit in Telangana.
The state has charming architecture, breathtaking natural scenery accompanied by a generous load of tourist attractions. The majestic Charminar at Hyderabad, the refreshing Pakhal Lake at Warangal, and the magnificent Nagarjuna Sagar Dam are popular tourist attractions of Telangana. Here is a list of the best places to visit in Telangana for a rejuvenating holiday with family and friends.
Nagarjuna Sagar
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Places to visit: Ethipothala Waterfall, Nagarjuna Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagarjunakonda Museum
- Ideal trip duration: 1 day
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is a spectacular man-made marvel situated amidst lush green surroundings in the Nalgonda District. It is the world’s tallest masonry dam. The dam is built over Krishna River and is one of the best places to visit in Telangana. Popular among nature lovers, the dam offers splendid panoramic views of the surroundings.
The architectural grandeur of this modern irrigation system is a sight to behold. The Nagarjunakonda island located near the dam is renowned for the traces of Buddhist Civilization around it. Many artifacts that date back thousands of years have been discovered during an excavation in the area and have been preserved at a museum.
You can enjoy motor boating at the Nagarjuna Sagar. Cruise services are also available at the dam. You can take an exotic tour of the Nallamala Forest while cruising in the backwaters of Nagarjuna Sagar. Trekking and camping amidst nature are popular adventure activities you can enjoy in the region.
Warangal
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Places to visit: Pakhal Lake, Thousand Pillar Temple, Ramappa Temple, Warangal Fort, Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhadrakali Temple
- Ideal trip duration: 1 day
Warangal is a heritage city with immense cultural importance and magnificent historical sites. Being the fifth-largest city in the state, it is among the best places to visit in Telangana for history buffs. The magnificent monuments and historical sites of Warangal attract tourists from across the country.
The Thousand Pillar Temple is an ancient monument popular for its star-shaped architecture. You can also marvel at the architectural excellence of other tourist attractions of Warangal like the Ramappa Temple, Warangal Fort, Bhadrakali Temple, and Padmakshi Temple. Nature lovers can spend a day relaxing in the lap of nature at Pakhal Lake, Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, and Laknavaram Lake.
You can enjoy trekking and hiking at Govindarajalu Gutta. The Mini Zoo at Warangal is a great place to visit with family and kids as it houses varied species of animals and birds. You can also spend some fun time at the butterfly garden near the zoo.
Bhadrachalam
- Best time to visit: September to April
- Places to visit: Papikondalu Hills, Sri Sitaramachandra Swamy Temple, Parnasala, Sabri, Abhaya Anjaneya Swamy Temple
- Ideal trip duration: 2-3 days
Bhadrachalam is a temple city with numerous temples that tell stories from Hindu scriptures like The Ramayana. The mystical terrain of Bhadrachalam makes it one of the best places to visit in Telangana. It is a land where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and ancient Hindu culture.
This small town holds many attractions, including Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple that honors Lord Rama’s wife. You must also visit Abhaya Anjaneya Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The beauty of this temple made in wood is worth witnessing.
The majestic River Godavari winds through this area with its vast stretches full of sand making it a perfect spot to laze by the waterside or enjoy water sports. You can indulge in activities such as boating and rafting along the river. For an offbeat experience, you can enjoy a steamboat ride to the Papikondalu Hills. Paranasal is another prominent tourist attraction where you can explore the heritage of the region.
Somasila
- Best time to visit: September to March
- Places to visit: Lalitha Someswara Swamy Temple, Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Veerabrahmendra Swamy Temple, Sangameswara Temple, Somasila Reservoir
- Ideal trip duration: 1-2 days
Another temple town of the state Somasila, is an eco-tourist destination in Telangana. Home to around 15 Shiva temples, it is well known for its 7th Century Lalitha Someswara Swamy Temple. Located on the banks of River Krishna the town is visited by pilgrims for Pushkar Snanams. The Somasila Dam on the River Pennar is a popular picnic spot from Hyderabad.
You can enjoy riverside camping by the Krishna River and go hiking around the town. It is the perfect place for vacationers looking for a quiet spot to spend time in the lap of nature. Kayaking and boat riding are prominent recreational activities offered in Somasila.
Kuntala Waterfalls
- Best time to visit: October to November
- Places to visit: Pochera Falls, Kanakai Waterfalls, Gayathri Falls, Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary
- Ideal trip duration: 1 day
Telangana is home to some of the most gorgeous scenery in India, and Kuntala Waterfalls is the best place to explore it. It is a 150-feet tall waterfall that originates from the Kadam River. The place is well-known for its picturesque forests of the Sahyadri range.
According to legend, the waterfall is named after Shakuntala, a princess from the region who is believed to have taken bath in the waterfall. The area is inhabited by Gond tribes and another story says it derives its name from the word ‘Kuntalu’ that stands for multiple ponds. The waterfall is created by the confluence of several ponds created by the river.
Kuntala waterfall is a hot spot for naturalists and outdoor enthusiasts. You can also visit the nearby Pochera Falls, Kanakai Waterfalls, and Gayathri Falls for a truly refreshing experience.