WARANGAL
Most recently in the news for making it to the next round of ‘smart cities’ to be developed in the country, Warangal has been holding its own for several centuries anyway. The city has a lot to offer the visitor. Top of the list is the 12th-century Warangal Fort, capital of the Kakatiya dynasty. Other sites of historical interest include the Thousand Pillar and Padmakshi temples, both in nearby Hanamakonda. The Bhadrakali temple is situated on a hilltop between Warangal and Hanamakonda. If you’re willing to make trips out of the city, there’s the Ramappa Temple and the Laknavaram Lake. Warangal is a major rail junction; the nearest airport is Hyderabad (130km).
HYDERABAD
The new capital of Telangana is an old capital of culture. But like all great cities, it is many things to many people. For the historically minded, a must-see list would include the emblematic Charminar, built in 1591 by the city’s founder Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah; the Golconda Fort; the Taramati Baradari and the Chow Mohalla Palace. The religiously inclined should head to Birla Mandir. Genuflectors to modernity should visit Hitec City and Ramoji Film City. Those with kids should head to Ocean Park or Snow World. Everyone should eat well—nihari at Hotel Shadab; haleem at Shah Ghouse Café… Hyderabad is connected to all major cities by air, road and rail.