Telangana
Telangana
Telangana is a relatively young state, but its history goes back many centuries.
Ancient temples, medieval forts, mosques and palaces represent different periods and ruling dynasties. Hyderabad naturally dominates the popular image of Telangana, but the heritage of the state extends far beyond the capital.
My explorations so far have been concentrated mainly around Hyderabad. They have taken me from Golconda, the fortified capital of the Qutb Shahis, to Charminar and Mecca Masjid in the old city. I have also visited temples, palaces, cultural spaces and some of the modern attractions of Hyderabad.
This page brings together my articles on Telangana. At present, Hyderabad forms the largest part of the collection. More destinations will be added as I continue exploring the state.
Destinations
Hyderabad is the natural starting point for my Telangana travels.
Founded in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the city has several layers of history. Golconda takes us to the period before Hyderabad was founded. Charminar represents the new city established by the Qutb Shahis, while Chowmahalla Palace takes us into the later period of the Nizams.
Modern Hyderabad has grown rapidly around all these older landmarks.
Temples
Built largely in white marble, Birla Mandir stands on Naubat Pahad overlooking Hyderabad. The temple is dedicated principally to Venkateswara. Its elevated location also provides broad views of the city and Hussain Sagar.
Jagannath Temple
The Jagannath Temple at Banjara Hills brings the architectural traditions of Odisha into Hyderabad. Built in red sandstone, its tall shikhara immediately attracts attention. Jagannath is worshipped here along with Balabhadra and Subhadra.
Visa Balaji Temple
Popularly known as Visa Balaji, the Chilkur Balaji Temple is located outside Hyderabad city in Rangareddy district.
The temple is dedicated to Venkateswara. Its unusual modern nickname comes from the large number of devotees who visit the shrine seeking blessings before applying for overseas visas.
Mosques
Mecca Masjid stands close to Charminar and is one of the most important mosques of Hyderabad.
Construction began during the Qutb Shahi period and was completed later under Mughal rule. Its enormous courtyard and prayer hall reveal the scale of the monument much better than the view from the busy streets outside.
Charminar, Mecca Masjid and the surrounding markets together form the historic core of the old city.
Monuments and Heritage
Charminar is the monument most closely associated with Hyderabad.
Built in 1591, it has four massive arches opening towards the surrounding streets and four minarets rising from its corners.
But Charminar is not an isolated monument. Laad Bazaar, Mecca Masjid, old shops, traffic and crowds are all part of the experience.
Chowmahalla Palace
Chowmahalla Palace takes us into the period of the Nizams.
Rather than being a single building, it is a complex of palaces and courtyards. Khilwat Mubarak is among its most impressive spaces, while the furniture, photographs, vehicles and objects displayed elsewhere provide glimpses into the life of Hyderabad's former royal family.
Golkonda Fort
Golconda existed before Hyderabad.
It became the fortified capital of the Qutb Shahis before they shifted their capital to the newly founded Hyderabad.
The fort spreads across a rocky hill with massive gateways, walls, royal structures, mosques and ruined buildings at different levels.
The famous acoustic system is interesting, but the sheer size of Golconda impressed me more. The higher we climb, the easier it becomes to understand the scale of the fortified city.
Culture and Experiences
Shilparamam, Hyderabad
Shilparamam presents a completely different side of Hyderabad.
Designed as an arts and crafts village, it brings together handicrafts, cultural performances, recreated traditional spaces and exhibitions. It is a useful place to explore Indian crafts without leaving the modern part of the city.
Nautangi Gali was a themed dining experience that recreated elements of colourful Indian streets and popular culture.
My article records the place as I experienced it during my visit. It may not belong to Telangana's ancient heritage, but travel memories need not always come from monuments and temples.
More to Explore
My Telangana collection is still largely centred around Hyderabad.
There is much more of the state left for me to explore – temples, forts, archaeological sites, pilgrimage centres, lakes and historic towns.
As I visit them, they will find their place here.
Happy travelling.
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