Vision 2047: With 4000 temples, Telangana to hard sell spiritual tourism to increase footfall

Hyderabad: Telangana government has drawn up a comprehensive roadmap to transform spiritual tourism into a global attraction under its Vision–2047 framework.

The Endowments Department, which oversees nearly 4,000 temples across the State, is preparing region-specific master plans to upgrade infrastructure, expand pilgrim amenities, and improve connectivity at major pilgrimage centres.

Officials believe the initiative will not only enhance the spiritual experience of devotees but also generate large-scale employment and economic activity across temple towns.

Temple circuits to enable seamless pilgrimages

To facilitate organised pilgrimage tours, the government is developing integrated ‘temple circuits’ by linking major religious destinations within a region. These circuits will allow devotees to visit multiple shrines in a single journey.

The key circuits identified include: Alampur – Somasila, Warangal – Ramappa, Vemulawada – Kondagattu – Dharmapuri, Kaleshwaram – Bhadrachalam – Yadagirigutta.

UNESCO World Heritage Site Ramappa Temple and the globally renowned Yadagirigutta Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple will serve as anchor destinations in these circuits.

Pushkarams on the lines of Kumbh Mela

The government plans to organise the Godavari, Krishna, and Saraswati Pushkarams on the scale of the Kumbh Mela, with large-scale publicity, enhanced security arrangements, and extensive pilgrim facilities. With the inflow of lakhs of devotees expected, these events are projected to significantly strengthen the local economy.

Medaram Jatara to get Global Platform

Held once in two years, the Sammakka–Saralamma Medaram Jatara, regarded as one of the largest tribal congregations in the world, will be promoted as a global tribal cultural festival. Efforts are underway to attract tribal communities and cultural groups from various countries to participate in the event.

Dedicated ‘Medak Circuit’ around Historic Church

In a major boost to Christian pilgrimage tourism, the government is also planning a ‘Medak Circuit’, centred around the iconic Medak Church, one of the largest churches in South India. The circuit will include heritage conservation, improved access roads, and tourist facilities.

Global branding for Telangana festivals

To bolster cultural tourism, Telangana’s iconic festivals Bathukamma and Bonalu will receive international branding and promotion. These festivals will be positioned as unique cultural experiences showcasing the State’s traditions to global audiences.

₹2,302 Cr planned for Temple Infrastructure

Keeping in view the requirements of the next two decades, the Endowments Department has prepared special development master plans for major pilgrimage centres, including: Bhadrachalam, Basar, Vemulawada, Alampur, Kaleshwaram, Keesara, Kodangal, Cheruvugattu (near Narketpally, Nalgonda), Darbapoor, and Medaram.

Excluding Medaram and Dharmapuri, the proposed development works at these temples alone are estimated to cost Rs 2,302 crore, aimed primarily at improving pilgrim amenities, sanitation, accommodation, transport facilities, and crowd management systems.