January 2015 \ Interviews \ Tourism—Telangana
Telangana: A land of rich heritage

Interview with Mr B.P. Acharya, IAS, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Government of Telangana State

Please elaborate on the Heritage spots in your state...

Charminar has become a global icon of Hyderabad, listed among the most recognized structures of India. Golconda Fort, once abandoned by Qutub Shahis, is one of the most magnificent fortress complexes in India. Qutb Shahi Tombs are home to various tombs dedicated to rulers of Qutub Shahi dynasty, located at Shaikpet, near Golconda Fort. These are an example of Deccan architecture with large minarets, huge domes, delicate marble designs and multiple inner passages. Chow Mohalla Palace, Falaknuma Palace are very important heritage spots in Hyderabad. Paigah Tombs are recently discovered series of mausoleums with unique geometrical sculptures which were nowhere found in the world. These are located at Chandrayanagutta. Kakatiya Kala Thoranam is a historical arch and symbol of the Kakatiya Dynasty in Warangal district. Warangal Fort, Ramappa temple also attract heritage enthusiasts.

Bhongir Fort was built in the 10th century on an isolated monolithic rock by the Western Chalukya ruler Tribhuvanamalla Vikramaditya VI and was thus named after him as Tribhuvanagiri.

What is the potential of nature discovery in your state…

Kuntala Water Falls is hidden from the noisy external world and offers you the best of nature at Adilabad. Pochara Water Falls is the deepest of all the waterfalls in Telangana. The location is very secluded and surrounded by picturesque locations and scenic environment. Rivers are the lifelines of human civilization and so are the dams built across them for irrigation and hydel power that serves as places of interest too. One such notable attraction in Adilabad district is Kadam dam. At a distance of about 13 km from Nizamabad town is the Alisagar Reservoir. This is the most famous picnic spot in the region of Nizamabad and people of all walks of life, especially kids would enjoy most in this place.

Lower Manair Dam in Karimnagar is another attraction. In Hyderabad attractions include the Durgam Cheruvu, a secret lake situated close to Shilparamam craft village, at the city’s software hub, Hitech city. Ananthagiri Hills is located 10 km from Vikarabad, Ranga Reddy district, Telangana, India. The hills are the main water source for Osmansagar and Himayathsagar. Ramoji Film City is situated at around 25 Kilometers from Hyderabad. This man-made beauty is spread over 2000 acres and activities available for tourists of all ages. At Khammam, the Kinnerasani River is an important tributary of the river Godavari. The scenic beauty created by the landscape along the Kinnerasani River is a panoramic one abutted by lush green landscape. At Nalgonda, Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is considered one of largest dams built in the recent times in Asia. As the tallest masonry dam, Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is also the pride of India. The Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve also serves as one of the popular wildlife sanctuaries in the country. Mallela Theertham waterfall is a true gift of nature. Located in a valley, this exquisite place takes nestling at the Nallamala forest range.




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