Architecture and History

 

 

• Telangana is a young state in the union of Independent India. Telangana came into existence on 2June, 2014.

 

• Telangana has seen rise of mighty empires and kingdoms like the Satavahanas, Vakatakas, Ikshvakus, Vishnukundins, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Qutb Shahis and Asif Jahis.

 

• The Nizam used the word "Telangana" for a unique identity for Telugu-speaking population and region they lived from the Hyderabad State where Marathi-speaking people lived.

 

• Telangana saw Golden Age, between 1083-1203, under the reign of the Kakatiyas who established Warangal as their capital.

 

• Warangal fell to brutal attack by Delhi Sultanate Allaudin Khilji's able general Malik Kafur in 1309 AD. The region fell to Delhi Sultanate fell to Aurangzeb with annexation of Golconda near Hyderabad in 1687.

 

• With British empire entering a n agreement with Nizam Asif Jah. The Nizam went on to hand over to coastal Andhra and Rayalseema regions to the British.

 

• 1946 will be remembered as the year of Telangana rebellion steered by the Nizam's Razakars.

 

• The last Nizam of Hyderabad, Osman Ali Khan, resisted to join the Indian Union. The Indian army soon annexed Hyderabad and Nizam surrendered to Sardar Patel on 17th September, 1948. With this event Hyderabad State ceded to the Indian Union.

 

• The houses are deigned to protect them from cyclonic storms that rise from the sea near the coastal region. Traditional houses located near the coast are round circular shaped houses found in clusters with thatched roofs. These houses are called Chuttilllu or Middillu.

 

• The structures in te state are made in Hindu Temple Architecture and Indo-Islamic Architecture style.

 

• Houses have a joint plan of three individual linear houses. There are separate kitchens, bathrooms and toilet areas. Almost all houses have common verandah and courtyard for the three houses.

 

• The house had sandy finish with little vegetation in the area between compound wall and the house. This absorbs heat and minimizes radiation.

 

• The walls of the houses are thick that helps slow down the conduction of heat in to the house. High ceiling increase the time lag between heat conduction.

 

• Presence of common courtyard and verandah, helps make the movement of air ensuring fresh air inside the three houses.

 

• The linear aligned doors and windows and partition walls  provides good and healthy ventilation. The central house between other two remains aloof from availability of enough air circulation and daylight.

 

• Most of the common houses have a place to sit on either side of the front of the main door to the house.

 

 

 

Demographic Location

 

 

• Telangana is located in the Deccan Plateau extending from the central zone to the eastern coast line of Indian Peninsula.

 

• Godavari and Krishna are two major rive system of Telangana creating the watering basin of the land. Large and dense Teak Forest cover are found along side of the Godavari river.

 

• There are over 10 large forest cover on the land of Telangana state.

 

• Gurramguda Reserve Forest
• Narapally Reserve Forest
• Turkayamjal Reserve Forest
• Ananthagiri Hills Forest
• Nizamabad-Mallaram Forest
• Mangalpalli Reserve Forest
• Ibrahimpatnam Reserve Forest
• Patelgiri Reserve Forest

 

 

• The state shares border with the states of Maharashtra in the north, Chattisgarh and Odisha in the northeast, Andhra Pradesh in the southeast and south, and Karnataka in the west.

 

• Telangana is an upland region in the Deccan Plateau. The landscape of the state can be divided into two major landforms. They are :

 

• The Telangana Plateau in the north side
• The Golconda Plateau in the south side

 

• Land is composed of gneissic rock which is  a foliated rock created within Earth’s interior under enormous heat and pressure.

 

• The average elevation of the plateau is higher in the west and southwest and sloping downward toward the east and northeast,

 

• The Plateau meets the coast line of the Eastern Ghat ranges.  Highly eroded top layer of soil on the plateau land consists of graded valleys with red sandy soil and isolated hills.

 

• Black soil is also found in certain parts of the area. The land of the state can be divided into :

 

• Dolli Gutta
• Nallamala Hills
• South India
• Ananthagiri Hills
• Maula Ali Hills

 

 

 

Season and Climate

 

 

 

• Due to location in the Tropical Belt the climatic conditions of the Telangana state is semi-arid. This region is located in southern part of Tropic of Cancer with hot and dry climate.

 

• There are 3 basic seasons in Telangana, namely, winters, summers and monsoon season.

 

• The state receives its major rainfall from the rainy southwest monsoon winds. The region is prone to windy and cyclonic storms.

 

• Strong breeze from the sea brings in lot of humid air to the land thereby making the climate cool and pleasant.

 

• Winters can be cool at night and summers are hot and humid.

 

 

Culture and Education

 

• Telangana is home to diverse culture and religions. Till 6th century, the region was predominantly ruled by the Buddhist and is the home of Mahayana Buddhism. From the 14th century onwards Islam began to spread. Urdu is the second widely spoken language in the state.

 

• Women generally wear saris, churidars, and langa voni. The most famous saris of Telangana culture and tradition include Gadwal Sari, Pochampally Silk Sari, and Ikat Sari. However, many women wear western clothes as well. Traditional dress for men folk in Telangana includes the Dhoti, otherwise known as pancha.

 

• Telangana state is a blessed land, thriving with vibrant arts and crafts scene. Bidri craft is the pride of the Telangana region. ... This unique art of silver engraved on metal was brought initially by Iran migrants to the region. Bidri art involves using an alloy of Copper and Zinc, called Gunmetal.

 

• Kodi pulusu and vepudu are popular dishes in meat. Vankaya (Brinjal), Aloogadda (potato) koora & fry are some of the many varieties of vegetable dishes. Telangana palakoora is a spinach dish cooked with lentils eaten with steamed rice and rotis.

 

• Lambadi is an ancient folk dance of Telangana (and Andhra Pradesh). It originated in the tribes of Rajasthan, which were semi-nomadic. These are known as Lambadis, Banjaras, or Sengalis. The dance showcases tribal culture, with spotlight on their social ties, lifestyle, and religion.

 

• Although the gorgeous Pochampally saris might be the most famous handicraft emerging from the state, others such as delicate silver filigree work and Pembarti sheet metal work to lesser-known arts such as durrie weaving and Nirmal paintings will leave visitors spoilt for choice.
• Dhokra or Dokra is a famous craft which is also known as Bell Metalcraft. Here artisans produce figurines, peacocks, elephants, horses, tribal gods and other variety of birds and animals which are made of brass. It originated in West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.

 

• Bidri craft is said to have brought in by migrants. It is an art where silver is engraved on metal. The name is derived from a town called Bidar (now in Karnataka). Beautiful jewellery boxes, hukka, buttons and other things are made using this art.

 

• The region was predominantly ruled by the Buddhist and is the home of Mahayana Buddhism.

 

• Urdu is the second widely spoken language in the state. Christianity began to spread from 1701 and later, East India Company and British Raaj encouraged more of Christian culture

 

• Bathukamma is a part of Dasara festivities which is unique to Telangana. Celebrated by Hindu women,

 

• Bonalu is another Hindu Festival, celebrated during  June/ July where Goddess Maa Kali is worshipped. The festival is considered a thanksgiving to the Goddess for fulfilling the desires of devotees.

 

• A great family feast follows after the massive offering. The meal is the meat of a goat or a chicken which is offered ceremonially to the goddess, and it is considered sacred. The offering of alcohol is also seen as a must.

 

• Ramzan is the main festival of Muslims and Moharram too is celebrated on a large scale in Telangana. It is known as 'primarily panduga' where Pir means Master. Many Hindus also actively take part in the festival.

 

• Telegu and Hyderabadi where former is mainly spicy in which millet, jowar, and bajra dominate.

 

• Qutab Shahi dynasty and the Nizams of Hyderabad. It has fused the flavors of Persian, Mughlai, Marathwada, Telugu and Turkish cuisines with a fine mixture of aromatic spices and herbs. It has city specific specialities like Hyderabadi biryani, Aurangabad Naan Qalia, Gulbarga Tahari and Bidar Kalyani Biryani.

 

• Dry coconut,  red chilies and tamarind along with spices form the main ingredients of Hyderabadi cuisine

 

• Garijelu is a dumpling dish cooked with sweet stuffing with mutton or chicken keema. People give a lot of importance to the right temperature for cooking. Slow cooking or dum pukh is the key to turn the dishes lip smacking.

 

• The most common apparel worn by women is saree along with langa voni, salwar kameez and churidar. The famous sarees made in Telangana include Pochampally Saree and Gadwal saree.

 

• Bhoodan Pochampally, a Mandal in Nalgonda District, is known for its Ikat style of sarees and material. Pochampally weave is commonly called ikkat or tie and dye weave.

 

• Male clothing includes the traditional Dhoti which is also known as Pancha. The Hyderabadi Sherwani used to be the dress of choice of the Nizam of Hyderabad and Hyderabadi nobles. Sherwani is usually worn by the groom during the wedding ceremonies.

 

• Perini Thandavam is an ancient dance form performed by males. Legends say that warriors used to carry out this dance before the idol of Lord Siva before going to the battlefield during the reign of Kakatiyas.

 

• This classical dance uses 'Prerana' which means inspiration and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The other widely famous dances in Telangana are Gusadi Dance, Kuchipudi, Tribal Dhimsa Dance, Lambadi Dance, etc.

 

• Burra Katha is a form of dance which has evolved from a dance called Tandana Katha. It is mainly performed by a group of three main artists in the centre.

 

• Bhamakalpam and Gollakalapam are famous traditional dances which emphasize on the moral values initiated by Sidhenra Yogi.

 

• Dandaria is a dance performed by the Gonds of Northern Hyderabad. The Gonds believe that they are the descendants of Pandavas. The male dancers dance with their Dandas and go from village to village to host functions.

 

• Bonalu is the folk festival of Telangana where we see the colourfully dressed female dancers balancing pots (Bonalu), to the beats and tunes in praise of Mahankali. Male dancers called Potharajus to precede the female dancers to the temple adding colour to the festivity.

 

 

 

Famous Spots

 

 

Golconda Fort

 

 

The fort is made of  numerous parade grounds, halls and luxurious apartments. The fort is all illuminated to offer an enthralling experience to tourists.

 

 

Warangal Fort

 

 

Warangal fort. is one the famous tourist places in Telangana with an array of arches and pillars. One can visit the nearby Pakhal lake, Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary and Kakatiya musical garden.

 

 

Nagarjuna Sagar

 

 

• Nagarjuna Sagar is a dam that is one of the famous tourist places in Telangana combining spectacular natural beauty with mind blowing technology. The masonry construction crosses the Krishna River at Nagarjuna Sagar that partitions Andhra Pradesh and Telangana districts of Palnadu and Nalgonda.

 

• The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam was one of the initial structures built as part of the nation’s vision for green revolution. There are 26 gates for the dam. It has hydroelectric projects and it is a multipurpose dam. The dam offers the heritage structure amidst the turquoise waters.

 

 

Charminar

 

 

• It is said that Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah prayed for the end of Cholera and promised to build a mosque at the same site where Charminar stands today. Charminar is considered to be a significant site to encourage the success of the medical history of India.

 

• Charminar is has an excellent composition of Indo-Islamic architecture and detailing. There are open galleries, four arches and a mosque at the top most floor.

 

 

Devarakonda Fort

 

Devarakonda Fort is situated in the Nalgonda district of Telangana. The fort was built by the mighty Velama kings and is surrounded by seven lush hills giving a forestry view. The fort built in the 14th century, had multiple granaries and large walls.

 

 

Nizams – Chowmahalla Palace

 

The grandeur of this place once attracted more than 7000 attendants in a day. The palace was spread across 45 acres however, after restoration, it is spread across 12 acres.

Coffee Plantations at Ananthagiri Hills

 

Spot Coffee plantations is spread across a huge stretch in this area. It’s the aroma of coffee blending with the moisture in the air makes it an interesting place to visit and offers camping options.

International collection of art at the Salarjung Museum

 

• Salarjung Museum is an structure representing the regality and grandeur of India. The museum is a white structure with a magnificent collection of artifacts and manuscripts collected by Salar Jung III.

 

• He spent around 40 years of his life creating a classic collection from eastern and Eastern nations. There are intricate and unparalleled beauty of ancient sculptures, crockery and weapons.

 

 

AquaLife, Flora and Fauna

 

 

 

ALI SAGAR DEER PARK - TELANGANA TOURISM

 

• The famous Ali Sagar Deer Park is located in the Nizamabad district of Telangana surrounded by natural lake The area is spread amid natural hillocks and lovely colourful flower gardens. The Ali Sagar Deer park is situated near the reservoir. The park is the natural habitat for many species of deer.

 

• The fort was originally developed on a temple of Lord Ram. It houses a huge variety of flowers, has a Deer Park, a Tree House in the Garden spread across 33 acres. It attracts people with fountains. Inside the Ali Sagar lake. The deer park also facilities trekking and some water sports.

ETURNAGARAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - TELANGANA TOURISM

 

• The area in this wildlife park is full of steeps and gentle slopes. The natural park is in Warangal district. On the top of it, the wildlife sanctuary area has some historical significance owing to the existence of tree fossils in this Sarvai area and caves.

 

• Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is also counted as those rare eco-regions  that has become the natural habitat for various embryonic species of ephemeral elements. It’s hill have thrilling streams and springs.

 

• The perennial river Dayyam Vagu flows through this beautiful sanctuary. The plethora of water in the sanctuary bears presence of reptiles like the famous Mugger crocodiles and snakes like the Cobra, Python and Krait.

 

• Best season to visit the sanctuary is from October to April.

 

JANNARAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - TELANGANA TOURISM

 

Reptiles such as Crocodile, Monitor Lizard, Python, Star Tortoise and Cobra, are often found in Kawal wildlife sanctuary. People are fond of enjoying trekking here in the forests.

 

 

KAWAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

 

• This sanctuary is located in the Adilabad district which is 250 kilometers from Hyderabad. The wildlife sanctuary is a dry and dense forest with teak, bamboo and many other varieties of trees.

 

• During summer, the Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary witnesses hot and dry climate. But the monsoon season that commences from June and continues till September adds life to the forest and makes it bliss. Winter is the perfect season to visit the sanctuary.

 

• The sanctuary houses several species animals including Cheetal, Sambar, Barking Deer, Nilgai, Sloth Bear, Indian Bison, Panther and Tiger. Reptiles like Crocodile, Python, Monitor Lizard, Star Tortoise and Cobra, live in this wildlife sanctuary.

 

 

KBR NATIONAL PARK

 

• The park also has the magnificent Chittan Palace of the former Nizam of Hyderabad. There are some 600 species of trees and plants within the park’s vicinity, ranging from herbs, shrubs, to climbers and creepers.

 

• When it comes to the fauna, the park homes approximately 20 species of reptiles, 13 species of birds, 15 species of butterflies, 20 species of mammals, and a wide variety of invertebrates.

 

KINNERASANI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

 

• The Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of 21kilometers away from the Paloncha town in the district of Khammam.

 

• The wildlife sanctuary is a plentiful land that serves as the native land for several endangered species.

 

• This sanctuary got its name after the river Kinnerasani. This river divides the sanctuary and meets Godavari.

 

• The fauna found in this sanctuary are Panthers, Chinkara, Chousinghas, Sambar, Cheetal, Gaurs, Hyena, Jackals, Wild Boars, Tigers, Sloth Bear, and Black Bucks.

 

• Tourists can also spot a number of birds like Jungle Fowl, Quails, Partridges, Peafowl, Nuktas, Spoonbills, Teals, and Doves.

 

 

MAHAVIR HARINA VANASTHALI NATIONAL PARK

 

• The Mahavir Harina wildlife park, named after the holy saint of the Jains, Lord Mahavir, is located in Vanasthalipuram, a residential suburb.

 

• It is known for being a home for endangered animal species like Black Buck deer, cheetahs, wild board, porcupines, monitor lizards, and several varieties of snakes.

 

The Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Sanctuary

 

• The Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Sanctuary  has been recognized by the Project Tiger in the year 1983. This Reserve has been renamed as the Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary in the year 1992.

 

• Situated in the deciduous Nallamala forests, the mystifying landscape of the lofty hills and echoing valleys, exciting winding roads, perennial rivers, is this most charismatic world of the wild cats.

 

• The mighty River Krishna which rising in Sahyadri Hills and makes its way through Maharashtra and Karnataka flows across Nallamala tiger reserve.

 

 

PAKHAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

 

• The wildlife sanctuary and the Pakhal Lake consists of mixed forests of bamboo and teak wood.

 

• The wildlife park’s fauna treasury includes sambar, nilgai, sloth bear, Leopard, chowsingha (four-horned antelope), chital, chinkara (mountain gazelle), wild boar, blackbuck.

 

 

POCHARAM SANCTUARY

 

• The sanctuary is named after the Pocharam Lake post the construction of Pocharam dam on Allair river.

 

• Surrounded by lush green forest, the place has rich flora and fauna attracting winged visitors such as Brahminy Bucks, Bar-Headed Goose, and Open Billed Stork. The place is filled by five species of Antelopes and Deer.

 

• The sanctuary is home to animals like Wild Dog, Leopard, Wolf, Jackal, Forest Cat, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Nilgai, Chinkara, Chital, and four horned Antelope.

 

 

PRANAHITA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

 

• This Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Adilabad in the Deccan plateau. The Pranahita wildlife sanctuary covers an area covered with lush and dark teak forests.

 

• This sanctuary is rich in natural vegetation and different types of plants and trees can be found here including dalbergia paniculata, pterocarpus marsupium, ficus spp, dalbergia latifolia, dalbergia sissoo etc.

 

• The Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary is a natural habitat for various types of wild species especially mammals including leopards, rhesus, tigers, langurs, hyenas, sloth bear, wild dogs, forest cat and many more.

 

 

SHIVARAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

 

• The marsh crocodiles are the fresh water crocodile which are also known as Mugger Crocodile are attraction at Sivaram wildlife Sanctuary in Telangana.

 

• The deciduous vegetation of this sanctuary consisting of Timan, Terminalias, Teak, Gumpena, Kodsha. It also has some Thorny Shrubs. The wildlife sanctuary has fauna which includes Sloth bear, Nilgai, Panther, Langaur, Rhesus Monkey, Cheetal.

 

 

UJWALA AND DEER PARKS

 

Deer Park, also called as Rajeev Gandhi Deer Park is located on the outskirts of Karimnagar town close to the Lower Manair Dam.