Gone are the days when the tourism graph of Telangana was just a staid flat line. Not anymore. With hidden scenic spots and picturesque waterfalls being developed with adequate facilities, tourism in the State is witnessing a boom.
Be it serene lakes, historic temples, lush green hills and heritage monuments, all are getting a fresh lease of life. The choices are many and so are the wonders that await everyone visiting Telangana.
The State is promising tourists a ‘magical tryst with nature’ through its various lakes and waterfalls. The Laknavaram lake and Bogatha waterfalls in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district are the best examples of the recent boom, with both becoming hot destinations for visitors.
The data with Department of Tourism shows that the erstwhile Warangal district is registering a huge turnout of tourists, with a host of prominent tourist spots such as the Thousand Pillar Temple, the Warangal Fort, the Ramappa Temple apart from a number of waterfalls and even facilities to spend a night in the forest.
The Laknavaram Lake has about 13 islands and boasts of a 160 metre hanging rope bridge which connects three islands. It is surrounded by a thick forest and has been steadily gaining popularity as an ideal tourist spot.
Called the ‘Telangana Niagara’ or ‘Telangana Niagara Jalapatham’, the Bogatha waterfalls continue to witness a steady rise in tourist footfall. Located in the midst of forests and hills, the waterfall is now a major destination in the State.
According to Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC) Ltd, tourism got a major boost after the formation of the new State. Important places are being converted into attractive destinations.
“Laknavaram Lake, Ramappa Temple, Kuntala waterfalls, Bogatha waterfalls, Nagarjuna Sagar, Yadagirigutta, Basar, Jogulamba temple, Anantagiri Hills, Bhadrachalam Papikondalu and Farahabad have become the most visited places in the State,” a senior TSTDC official said.
- New destinations
Gaddalasari waterfall: Of late, waterfalls hidden in the deep forest are the most sought after. One such destination is the Gaddalasari waterfall, the third highest fall in the country, with water falling from an estimated 700 feet high from a hillock. Till recently, only locals know about this place in Venkatapuram of Jayashankar Bhupalpally and if proper measures are taken, this can become the next major tourist attraction like Bogatha waterfalls. - V-fall: Another waterfall, ‘V-fall’ near the Bogatha Waterfall, has also turned into a tourist spot. Slowly, tourists from other places have started to coming to the V-fall where height of the fall is about 70 feet.
- Pandavula Gutta: For those who are enthusiastic about rock climbing, the Pandavula Gutta is an ideal spot. Located about 50 km away from Warangal city near Kothapally village, the place is becoming a preferred destination for adventurers, particularly rock climbers and trekkers.
Newly introduced special packages for tourists
Hyderabad-Kaleshwaram Irrigation Project package: Not just temples or lakes or waterfalls, even government projects have turned to be tourist destinations. The prestigious Kaleshwaram Irrigation Project has become a favourite destination for visitors from across the State as well as from neighbouring States.
Accordingly, TSTDC has introduced the Hyderabad-Kaleshwaram Irrigation Project package. The tour will cover Ranganayakula Sagar Project (near Siddipet), Sundilla Barrage (near Manthani) and Annaram pump-house and other places related to the project.
Tourists can visit the mega irrigation project in AC multi-axle Volvo buses. It will cost Rs 950 for adults and Rs 750 for children, including transportation. The bus will depart at 7.30 am from the city and return at 9 pm.
Road cum River Cruise package between Nagarjuna Sagar and Srisailsam:
The cruise boat services from Nagarjuna Sagar to Srisailam, covering 110 km of Krishna river have recently resumed to bring back the enthralling experience ride of six hours.
The tariff for the Hyderabad-Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam-Hyderabad Road cum River Cruise package is Rs 3,000 for adults and Rs 2,400 for children. The second package is a one-way trip – Hyderabad-Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam, with the ticket priced at Rs 2,200 for adults and Rs 1,800 for children.
The third package, Nagarjuna Sagar to Srisailam, will cost Rs 1,000 for adults and Rs 800 for children. The packages include food, accommodation and darshan at the Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy temple in Srisailam.
Telangana Temples Tour: For devotees, TSTDC has introduced the ‘Telangana Temple Tour’ this year covering major temples across the State.
The tour will cover Yadagirigutta temple, the Thousand Pillar Temple and Bhadrakali Temple, Ramappa Temple, Laknavaram lake, Kaleshwaram Lake, Kotilingala Temple, Dharampuri Temple, Kondagattu Temple, Vemulavada Temple and Vidya Saraswathi Devi Temple. #KhabarLive
