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Cheriyal Rural Tourism

Cheriyal (or Cherial) is a town and a municipality in Siddipet district in the state of Telangana in India  an hour’s drive from Hyderabad and about 85 kms from Warangal city is known for its unique scroll paintings and masks created by artists called Nakashis. This art form is unique to the state of Telangana.  The name that the art form is known by today, i.e., Cheriyal, is derived from the town it is currently practised in.The practice of the art form is much more limited than it was previously. Initially, these paintings were known as nakash or naqash, which translates to a drawing or a sketch. Art and tourism often go hand in hand, with art being a popular tourist attraction. The people involved in the creation of these traditional nakash or Cheriyal paintings, are a community known as the Nakashis. Other than this community, there is another important group of individuals associated with this tradition. It is important to note that the actual purpose of these scroll...

Telangana Tourism

Tourism in Telangana has very rich potential with its ancient history, art and culture, evidence of human habitation dating back to the Neolithic era.  Telangana’s rich cultural heritage, history and topography have endowed the state with a variety of tourist destinations, from waterfalls and hills to temples and forts. With affordable travel and stay, a unique albeit delicious blend of South-indian and Nizami cuisines, amusement and adventure parks, hospitality, lakes, historical attractions and medical tourism, Telangana has a little something for every visitor. The State also won four National Tourism Awards in the four categories of Best State (Comprehensive Development of Tourism), Best Golf Course (Hyderabad Gold Club), Best Railway Station (Secunderabad Railway Station) and Best Medical Tourism Facility (Apollo Hospitals) in 2022. Heritage Tourism From its ancient archaeological sites to its magnificent monuments, Telangana offers a fascinating journey through time.Telangan...

Khajaguda Hills

Khajaguda Hills located in Khajaguda also known as Khojaguda is a Village in Serlingampally Mandal, Rangareddy district, Telangana State, India. It is part of the old city of Hyderabad. The site is a popular spot for outdoor activities, such as hiking and bouldering. Khajaguda hills is one of the most popular weekend spots near Hyderabad. It is known for its magnificent viewpoint of Golconda and Durgam Cheruvu, peacocks, and naturally formed rocks and boulders that facilitate thrilling activities like rappelling. The hilltop offers a breathtaking view of the city below with its lush green surroundings. It is a perfect place to spend some quality time with your friends or family away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. The area also has several other attractions such as temples and caves that make it an ideal spot for nature lovers. With its pristine beauty and adventure activities, Khajaguda hills has become one of the most sought-after weekend spots in Hyderabad. Hidden away...

Chandlapur Rural Tourism

Chandlapur is a village in Chinna Koduru mandal, Siddipet district, Telangana State, India. Located at a latitude of 17.72692 and a longitude of 78.00892, is renowned for its rich heritage of producing intricate handlooms, particularly Gollabama Sarees . Weaving has become the primary occupation of many villagers, with these exquisite sarees finding recognition both nationally and internationally. The village boasts a cultural legacy rooted in the traditional art of handloom weaving, preserving ancient techniques and utilizing traditional materials. The primary theme of tourism in Chandlapur is centered around promoting and showcasing its exceptional Handloom Craftsmanship, with a particular focus on Gollabama Sarees. Chandlapur has been recognized as Best Tourism Village 2023 in Bronze category. Chandlapur stands as a living testament to the timeless art of handloom weaving and this enchanting village is a treasure trove of intricate craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Chandlapur...

Chennur Agastheeswara Swamy Temple

Chennur Shivalyam or Agastheswara Alayam is located in chennur village, Mancherial district, Telangana State, India on the banks of Godavari river around 30 kms from Mancherial town. This temple is dedicated to lord Shiva. Chennur Sri Agastheeswara Swamy Temple is the ancient shivalayam in this area with very old inscriptions in Dravida language. it is said that Agasthya Mahamuni himself performed puja in this temple, was visited by Srikrishna Devaraya. Maha Shivaratri is the major annual festival, celebrated with religious gaiety and pomp in Agastheeswara Swamy Temple. Sage Agasthya Maharshi installed this lingam and did poojas to the Shivalinga’s on his journey from Kasi to Dakshina yatra and named it Agasteshwaram. Hence it was named as Agastheeswara Temple. Public from different communities come from far places to immerse the remnant of the dead bodies in the form of ashes, in holy river Godavari which is called Ash Visarjan and have darshan of lord shiva. Akhanda Jyothi is continu...

Zaffergadh Fort and Velpugonda Narasimha Swamy Temple

Zaffergadh Fort is located in Zaffergadh village and a mandal in Jangaon district of Telangana state in India. The original name of Zaffargadh was Velpugonda.  Zaffergadh got its name from a Muslim ruler Zaffarudhaula who made this place capital of his dynasty. The village of Zaffargadh is situated in the valley between the hills on eastern and western sides. The hills are known as Chinnagutta and Peddagutta. There is a self manifested Lakshminarasimha Swamy Temple on Peddagutta.  The village and the hills are surrounded by a rampart, 5 km in circumference. Around the rampart there is a deep moat. Three darwazas (inlets) were constructed to regularize the incoming and outgoing traffic. The darwazas are namely the Khammam darwaza Patnam darwaza and Hanamkonda darwaza. The doors of the darwazas are 10 feet wide and 20 feet in height. The bastions and gates are mounted with huge iron cannons. According to a Rashtrakuta inscription carved on the rock wall of the tank of the Lakshm...

Komaram Bheem Asifabad District History

Kumuram Bheem Asifabad District is carved out of erstwhile Adilabad District. It is surrounded by Adilabad, Mancherial, Nirmal districts and the boarders of Maharashtra state. Kumuram Bheem Asifabad District comprises 15 mandals and has two revenue divisions – Asifabad and Kaghaznagar. Known as Jangam or Jungam in the early years of the last century, Asifabad town was the headquarters of the district by the same name before it became part of Adilabad district with Adilabad town as its headquarters in 1905. Sirpur-Tandur was originally a district in Maratwada region. Later it was merged with Adilabad district of Telangana. In 2016, Komaram Bheem district was carved out of Adilabad district, and consequently, Sirpur now is in Komaram Bheem district. 1199 AD : Kakatiya king Ganapatideva granted land to a certain Brahmin named Manchibhattopadhyaya for establishing Sirpur taluk in Adilabad district by Chennur Allumprola Raja. The Gonds of Chanda originated from Sirpur in what is now northe...

Dandari-Ghusadi Festival

The Dandari-Ghusadi or Gussadi festival of Telangana is celebrated by the tribal communities of the Raj Gond and Kolam tribes. The Dandari-Ghusadi season is all about a robust dance festival that is celebrated for about 10 days during Deepavli.  The festival ends on Diwali day with the Ghusadi tado taking off their attire ritualistically. The celebrations usually begin with the tribals visiting the Padmalpuri Khako shrine at Gudirevu village of Dandepalli mandal in Mancherial district, on the banks of the Godavari river. On the occasion, the Adivasis present offerings to the river. They also end the festival at the Padmalpuri Khako as the shrine is of great importance for the people belonging to ethnic groups It starts on the day we see a crescent moon and end on the dark moon day. We start the festival by performing the Sakshe Akadi and end it on the Devadi day. Once the Sakshe Akadi is performed, the tribals would attain the festive spirits and the entire week would witness the f...

Kingri

The Kingri, also known as Khikri, is a unique string instrument as its three strings and the bowstring are made of horse hair.  The Kingri is mentioned in the Sanskrit epic Mahabharata, in many Ancient Indian Brahmin's tales. and in Punjab's folk music. The kingri is also used in traditional death ceremonies, marriages and religious festivals in Telangana and Maharashtra. The most important possession of a Pardhan is his kingri, and a square wooden sound box covered by a skin membrane. On this fiddle Pardhans play during the Persa Pen rites and accompany themselves while singing hymns or reciting epics. The two instruments they play are the kingri, a three stringed violin and a small harp called a bana. Like Raj gonds, Pardhans principle deity is also Persapen. They worship the same gods as the Gonds and attend most of their religious ceremonies. At Festivals it is usually the most prominent Prardhan who plays the Kingri (a musical instrument like crude for...

Nirmal District History

The Nirmal district is etched out of erstwhile Adilabad District. The district is located in northern Telangana and borders Maharashtra and the Telangana districts of Asifabad (Komuram Bheem) Adilabad Mancherial Jagtial and Nizamabad. The district has two revenue divisions Nirmal and Bhainsa and 19 mandals while the district headquarters is located at Nirmal town. Nirmal District derives its name from the king Nimma Rayudu, who played a pivotal role in the development of the region. 700 BC - 300 BC : Asmaka (One of the 16 Mahajanapadas) Founder : Unknown (Believed to be Asmaka) Capitals : Potana or Potali or Paudanya of Mahabharata or today's Bodhan. Languages : Prakrit Religion : Budhism, Jainism, Hinduism c.300 BC - 232 BC : Mauryan Empire (322 BC –185 BC) Founder : Chandragupta Maurya (320 BC - 298 BC) Capital : Pataliputra Languages : Prakrit Religion : Budhism, Jainism, Brahmanism c. 232 BC - c. 208 AD : Pre-Satavahana and Satavahana Dynasty Excavations in kotilingala found ...

Siege of Golconda 1656 AD and 1687 AD

The siege of Golconda in 1656 AD and again in 1687 AD between the Qutb Shahi dynasty and the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, occurring in January 1687 and ended on September 22, 1687. 1652 AD - 1655 AD : Mir Jumla Governor of Golconda and  Aurangzeb Viceroy of Deccan 1636 AD : In 1636 AD Shah Jahan appointed Aurangzeb as the Viceroy of the Deccan and forced the Qutb Shahis to recognize Mughal suzerainty, which lasted until 1687 when the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb conquered the Golcondan sultanate. Mir Jumla was actually a Persin, the son of an Ispahan oil merchant, 1638 AD : In 1638 rose Mir Jumla to the chief minister of the Golconda Kingdom and received the title of Mir Jumla.  In his handling of the Karnataka invasioin the early 1640s Mir Jumla proved to be talented military strategist and diplomat.  For ten years from 1642 - 1652 his armies were engaged against Nayaks.  1655 AD :  Golconda’s ruler began to worry that Mir Jumla was coming more of a dangerous riv...