Hyderabad lights up for Miss World, Telangana’s rural tourism set for global spotlight
Hyderabad: As the Miss World competition takes center stage in Hyderabad, the city is fully prepared to host the global event. As of 8:30 p.m. on May 7, 2025, a total of 65 Miss World contestants had arrived. Another 12 contestants are scheduled to arrive on May 8, 2025, this morning at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), bringing the total number of contestants to 77.
In a bid to promote Telangana’s rural tourism, the state government has organized field tours for the contestants to various rural landmarks. The Miss World event, which involves participants from over 120 countries and is broadcast in more than 150 nations, is being used as a platform to showcase the state’s rural attractions.
The contestants will visit several historical and cultural sites in Telangana as part of their itinerary. On May 12, they will tour Buddhavanam and the Buddhist Theme Park at Nagarjuna Sagar, a key spiritual tourism site.
On May 14, the group will explore the Thousand Pillar Temple and Warangal Fort, followed by a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ramappa Temple, where they will also watch a traditional Perini Shivatandavam dance performance.
The following day, May 15, they will visit the Yadagirigutta Temple in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district and experience Pochampally Ikat handloom weaving. On May 16, they will visit the Pillalamarri Banyan Tree in Mahbubnagar. The tour will conclude on May 21 with a visit to Shilparamam, where the contestants will interact with local artisans and learn about traditional crafts.
The field tours are part of efforts by the Telangana government to attract international tourists and boost exposure for rural tourism in the state. The sites selected for the contestants’ visits are meant to highlight Telangana’s historical landmarks, cultural heritage, and natural beauty.
Among the notable destinations featured are the Buddhavanam and Buddhist Theme Park at Nagarjuna Sagar, which offers insight into Buddhist culture through statues, stupas, and meditation halls. The Thousand Pillar Temple in Hanamkonda, built in the 12th century, is known for its intricately carved pillars and massive Nandi statue. The Warangal Fort, a 13th-century structure, showcases the grandeur of the Kakatiya dynasty with its ramparts and Kakatiya Kala Toranam arch.
The Ramappa Temple, located in Palampet, Mulugu district, is famous for its earthquake-resistant architecture and stunning sculptures. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021, it remains an important tourist destination.
The Pochampally region, known for its Ikkat weaving, has gained global recognition for its eco-friendly and intricately designed sarees, earning a UNESCO “City of Craft” designation.
The Pillalamarri Banyan Tree in Mahbubnagar, more than 700 years old, is a significant natural landmark, with its aerial roots forming natural pillars. The Yadagirigutta Temple in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, a major pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, attracts thousands of devotees each year.
