Telangana showcases rural heritage through Miss World 2025 Pageant

The journey continues on May 16 with a visit to the ancient Pillalamarri Banyan Tree in Mahbubnagar district. Read further on Dynamite News

Hyderabad: While Hyderabad has long been the face of Telangana’s tourism, the state government—under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy—is now turning the spotlight toward promoting rural tourism on a global stage.

As the proud host of the prestigious Miss World 2025 pageant, Telangana is leveraging this international event to highlight the state’s rich rural heritage, spiritual landmarks, historical monuments, and artisan traditions.

With contestants from over 120 countries and live broadcast coverage reaching more than 150 nations, the Miss World event offers a unique opportunity to showcase Telangana’s cultural and scenic diversity.

In conjunction with the event, a special rural tour itinerary has been curated for the Miss World contestants, featuring visits to key rural and heritage destinations across the state, including Warangal, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Mahbubnagar, and others.

The rural tourism itinerary commences on May 12 with a visit to Buddhavanam and the Buddhist Theme Park at Nagarjuna Sagar, highlighting Telangana’s contributions to spiritual tourism.

On May 14, the contestants will explore the Thousand Pillar Temple and Warangal Fort, followed by a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site—Ramappa Temple—where they will witness a traditional Perini Shivatandavam dance performance.

On May 15, the group will visit the Yadagirigutta Temple, a major spiritual site, before heading to Pochampally for an immersive experience in Ikat handloom weaving.

The journey continues on May 16 with a visit to the ancient Pillalamarri Banyan Tree in Mahbubnagar district. Finally, on May 21, the contestants will participate in an arts and crafts workshop at Shilparamam, engaging directly with traditional artisans.

These destinations emphasize the cultural richness and historical depth of Telangana’s rural regions. Buddhavanam, near Nagarjuna Sagar, is a peaceful spiritual complex featuring Buddha statues, stupas, and meditation halls that foster cultural understanding. The 12th-century Thousand Pillar Temple in Hanamkonda, constructed by the Kakatiya dynasty, is famous for its ornate pillars and star-shaped design. Warangal Fort, another Kakatiya marvel, is renowned for its grand ramparts and the iconic Kakatiya Kala Toranam.

Ramappa Temple, located in Mulugu district, exemplifies the architectural brilliance of the Kakatiya Empire. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021, the temple is notable for its lightweight bricks and earthquake-resistant structure. The iconic Pochampally Ikat sarees—handwoven with pre-dyed threads into intricate patterns—earned a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2005, reflecting a vibrant and eco-friendly textile tradition.

The 700-year-old Pillalamarri Banyan Tree, sprawling over three acres, is both an ecological wonder and a cultural landmark. The Yadagirigutta Temple, dedicated to Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, showcases a blend of Chalukyan and Dravidian architectural styles and has recently undergone extensive renovations, including marble inlay work and gold plating.

This initiative is expected to significantly boost Telangana’s rural tourism sector by drawing global attention and stimulating economic growth in rural communities. It also highlights the state government’s commitment to sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and inclusive development, according to an official statement here on Wednesday.