Nomad Saikat
The historical state of Telangana holds a lot of prominence when it comes to being a historical land. What makes it even more rich historically is the fact that various dynasties had ruled the state in the past. Ranging from Mauryan Empire to Satavahana, Chalukya, Kakatiya, Rashtrakuta, Vijaynaagara as well as Mauryan Empire and more had ruled the area for a distinct time period. Therefore all these result in the variety of historical monuments that we can find in the vicinity of the state. With Hyderabad as the capital city of Telangana, there are a lot of famous historical places in Telangana. These famous historical places in Telangana state are like a treasure trove of history. Keep on reading this article to know more about historical places in Telangana. This is going to be a useful read for you in planning a trip to the state.
Historical Places in Telangana
Golconda Fort
Address: Khair Complex, Ibrahim Bagh, Hyderabad, Telangana
Timings: 8 am to 5:30pm on all days
Entry fee: Rs. 15 for Indians and Rs. 200 for foreigners
An architectural marvel, the Golconda Fort is one of the famous historical places in Telangana. The Kakatiya dynasty built this beautiful fort and later the Qutb Shahi Dynasty renovated the fort and made it their centre of governance. One of the most promising features of this fort is the architecture. Also this location has a reputation as an area where the Kohinoor diamond was found. Other than the Koo-i-noor diamond the mines nearby also produced the most popular gem Darya-i-noor.
The structure of this fort is grand located at a height of 400 feet. It has 8 gates and a total of 87 bastions. Out of all the gates at present only the eastern gate is open to tourists. One of the special features that attract tourists here is that if you clap your hands at the ground level of the fort, the sound travels to the upper level. It is one of the most intriguing historical places in Telangana that you surely need to visit.
Charminar
Address: Char Kaman, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad, Telangana
Timings: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Entry fee: Rs. 5 for Indians and Rs. 100 for foreigners
Literally translating to 4 Minarets, Charminar is again one of the most famous historical places in Telangana. Like many other monuments the credit of building this one also goes to the Qutb Shahi dynasty. Furthermore Chraminar is the location where Qutb Shahi got the very first glimpse of the future queen, Rani Bhagmati. The minars here are 56 meters tall. In total there are 149 steps to reach the upper level. Moreover in the upper level there is a mosque as well. According to historians there is an underground tunnel here as well. The kings and queens used this tunnel back then to save themselves from the attacks of enemies. Additionally this tunnel also connects the Charminar with the Golconda Fort. It is one of the breathtaking architecture from the past that is still standing tall. Definitely make a visit to this location.
Chowmahalla Palace
Address: Khilwat, Motigalli, Hyderabad, Telangana
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Entry fee: Rs. 80 for Indians and Rs. 200 for foreigners
Dating back to the 18th century this is one of the top 5 historical places in Telangana. At first this palace served as the centre of governance for the Asaf Jahi dynasty. Later in time the palace was the residence of the Nizams. With two courtyards the area is vast spreading across 12 acres. Moreover there are smaller palaces inside the palace as well. These are Aftab Mahal, Afzal Mahal, Mahtab Mahal, Rahniyat Mahal. The structure and architecture of this palace looks majestic. With intricate stucco work it oozes a lot of charm. Further this charming palace also has a Darbar Hall. This is one of the main attractions here with a marble throne which was once the royal seat.
Falaknuma Palace
Address: Engine Bowli, Faluknama, Hyderabad, Telangana
Timings: 4 pm to 5:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday
Entry fee: The entry to this palace is only possible through the Telangana Tourism of Nizam Palace Tour. There are 2 options for a full tour. First one costs Rs. 3100 for adults and Rs. 2480 for children. This includes AC transport, entry tickets, tour guide and tea along with snacks. However there is another option for a tour as well. It is Rs. 2000 for adults and Rs. 1600 for children, this includes AC transport and tour guide only.
Located at an impressive height of 2000 feet the literal meaning of the palace translates to Mirror of the Sky. And that is exactly what this palace looks like. One of the most popular historical places in Hyderabad, Nawab Sir Vicar-ul-Umra built this palace. Starting in 1884 the palace took 9 years to completely spread across a huge area of 32 acres. The palace has 200 rooms in total along with 22 halls. With Venetian chandeliers, magnificent sculptures, stained glass windows everything gives a glimpse of the opulent lifestyle of the Nizams back in the days. It is undoubtedly one of the historical places in Telangana that you cannot afford to miss out on.
Warangal Fort
Address: Mathawada, Warangal, Telangana
Timings: 10 am to 7 pm
Entry fee: Rs. 15 for Indians and Rs. 200 for foreigners. There is an additional charge for a Video cameras that is Rs. 25.
Warangal fort is yet another example of architectural brilliance in Telangana. Located in Warangal, the Warangal Fort is one of the famous historical places in Telangana. It is a 12th century fort that attracts a lot of visitors. One of the major attractions of this fort are the 4 ornate gates. These are also the official emblems of the state of Telangana at present. Even though much of the fort is in ruins today, it reflects rich historical evidence. Another major attraction here is the light and sound show here. Moreover the show attracts a lot of visitors and happens in Telugu as well as English languages. Timings for the Show are 6:30 pm to 7:20 pm in Telugu and 7:30 pm to 8:20 pm in English. Furthermore there is a nominal charge of Rs. 40 for adults and Rs. 20 for kids.
Qutub Shahi Tombs
Address: Fort Road, Toli Chowk, Hyderabad
Timings: 9:30 pm to 4:30 pm on all days except Fridays. Fridays are closed
Entry fee: Rs. 10 for adults and Rs. 5 for children
One of the oldest monuments in the city, this is one of the famous historical places in Telangana. Built by Sultan Quli, the structures of tombs reflect Persian, Deccan, Pathan as well as Hindu styles of architecture. All these tombs are either single storied or two story structures. Moreover, the location is picturesque and looks really gorgeous. So in case you are visiting Telangana make sure you are definitely visiting this location.
Purani Haveli
Address: Pathar Gatti, Hyderabad, Telangana
Timings: 10:30 am to 5 pm on all days except Fridays
Entry fee: Rs. 80 for adults and Rs. 15 for children
This was the official residence for the Nizams. The other name of the Haveli is Haveli Khadeem. One of the most interesting attractions for tourists here is the largest wardrobe. It has 150 walk-in closets along with a 240 foot long wooden chamber. At present there is a museum in this Haveli with exhibits like miniatures and souvenirs. Moreover the palace is interesting to delve into the luxurious lifestyle of the Nizams. Tiffin boxes with diamonds, silver coffee cups with diamonds, diamond studded daggers are some of the notable items here. Make sure you are surely visiting this palace and you will be totally speechless seeing everything here.
Chilkur Balaji Temple
Address: Chilkur Balaji Temple Road, Chilkur Village, Hyderabad, Telangana
Timings: 5 am to 8 pm
Entry fee: No entry fee
Located in Chilkur 30 km away from Hyderabad this is a temple that records a huge number of footfalls. What is unique about this temple is that it is also popular as the VISA Temple. Devotees believe that here Lord Balaji Venkateshwara will make sure your US Visa gets approved. Yes. Every time someone applies for a US Visa they come and pay their visit here so that God grants their wishes. Also this is one of the oldest temples in Telangana as well as one of the famous historical places in Telangana as well. Every week the temple records a footfall of 75,000 to 1, 00,000 devotees. So if you have any such VISA applications in mind then don’t forget to try your luck here and seek the blessing of God here.
Wrapping Up!
So now when you visit Telangana I am sure you will find it helpful to navigate through the state. I have mentioned historical places in Telangana with names in this article for your convenience. All the places mentioned here hold within itself rich history. Furthermore these monuments have passed the test of time and still stand tall as popular sightseeing spots as well. Moreover for a history buff it can be very enriching to explore all these famous historical places in Telangana. So let me know if this article is helpful for you in planning a trip there. And also don’t forget to tell me when you are planning to visit Telangana.
