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Hyderabad-Somasila-Srisailam Helicopter: Telangana Tourism’s New Aerial Circuit

Telangana introduces helicopter tours on Hyderabad–Somasila–Srisailam route from April 2026.
Floating above the Krishna River will soon be possible thanks to new plans revealed by Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao. Soaring views of the dense Nallamala forests are now within reach. A fresh way to see one of Telangana’s holiest destinations begins to take shape. The journey there shifts, quietly, into something different.
The Route and Itinerary
The Helicopter Flies This Scenic Route

Hyderabad to Somasila Over Backwaters. Somasila to Srisailam Through Nallamala Forest. Srisailam to Hyderabad Same Day Return
On-ground activities included:
Boating on Somasila’s quiet backwaters
Darshan at Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple among the twelve jyotirlingas
Forest and river views along the Krishna
This could happen all in one day, turning a weekend or short visit into something smooth. A single stretch of hours might hold everything, shaping a trip without rush.
Project Implementation
A team is working alongside private air service groups to get things running. Just last week, official Jupally Krishna Rao stopped by Somasila, taking a close look at the helipad build still underway – checking progress before operations begin.
What Sets This Apart?

Soaring above gives a fresh look at the Krishna River beneath, tangled green forests stretching beyond sight. Back in Hyderabad before evening light fades, no need to wait overnight somewhere else. Skip the tiresome drive through heat and dust – roads that chew up half your day each direction. Prayer stops blend quietly with boat rides along quiet waterways, both feel part of the same journey.
Government Plans More Helicopter Tours
One reason this route works? It opens doors. Helicopter tours to more places across Telangana could start soon – officials are moving ahead. Locations like temples, lakes, and hill towns may be next. Progress here shapes what comes after

Nagarjuna Sagar Largest masonry dam with vast reservoir. Ramappa Temple Ancient stone temple recognized by UNESCO. Nizam Sagar Old dam set in quiet natural landscape.
Why Srisailam?
A temple called Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy sits in Srisailam, counted among twelve sacred Jyotirlingas as well eighteen powerful Shakti Peethas – this draws many who walk long paths for faith. Tucked within the Nallamala hills, the place rests beside flowing waters of the Krishna River like something whispered by earth itself.
Five to six hours by car right now from Hyderabad
Helicopter Travel Time Approximately 1 to 1.5 Hours
Quick Facts

Hyderabad to Somasila to Srisailam round trip. Starts April 9 2026. Run by Telangana Tourism and private air services. See Krishna River from above. Fly over Nallamala forests. Boat ride at Somasila. Visit Mallikarjuna temple. Later may include Nagarjuna Sagar. Ramappa Temple and Nizam Sagar on future list.

Telangana tourism’s heritage walk aims to spotlight Hyderabad’s cultural legacy

The Telangana Department of Tourism organized a special heritage walk on Saturday, tracing the historic stretch from the iconic Charminar to the magnificent Chowmahalla Palace. The walk drew participation from 60 women delegates of the Global Shapers Community, highlighting Hyderabad’s rich cultural legacy on an international stage.

A Walk Through History

The heritage walk covered one of Hyderabad’s most historically significant corridors, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the city’s architectural grandeur and storied past.

LandmarkSignificance
CharminarIconic 16th-century monument and symbol of Hyderabad
Chowmahalla PalaceFormer seat of the Nizams, known for its stunning courtyard and clock tower

International & National Participation

The delegates represented a diverse mix of global and Indian cities:

🌍 International Hubs:

CountryCity
United StatesChicago
MaldivesMalé
BhutanThimphu
Sri LankaKandy

🇮🇳 Indian Cities:

RegionCities
North/WestAjmer, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune
SouthBengaluru, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Coimbatore, Puducherry
East/CentralAmaravati

Why This Heritage Walk Matters

The initiative by Telangana Tourism serves multiple purposes:

  • ✅ Showcasing Hyderabad’s cultural legacy to international visitors
  • ✅ Promoting heritage tourism as a key driver of economic growth
  • ✅ Building global connections through platforms like the Global Shapers Community
  • ✅ Encouraging local participation in preserving historical landmarks

The Global Shapers Community Connection

The Global Shapers Community is an initiative of the World Economic Forum, comprising young leaders dedicated to driving positive change in their communities. The participation of delegates from multiple countries underscores Hyderabad’s growing reputation as a destination for cultural and diplomatic exchanges.

A Growing Trend: Heritage Walks in Hyderabad

Telangana Tourism has been actively promoting heritage walks across the city, including routes covering:

Walk RouteHighlights
Charminar to ChowmahallaQutb Shahi and Nizam architecture
Secunderabad CantonmentColonial-era buildings
Purana Pul areaOld bridges and markets

These walks are designed to educate both residents and tourists about the city’s layered history, from the Qutb Shahi dynasty to the Asaf Jahi Nizams and beyond.

What Participants Said

While specific quotes were not available in the source, delegates reportedly expressed appreciation for the well-preserved heritage and the opportunity to experience Hyderabad’s culture firsthand. The walk concluded with a sense of shared admiration for the city’s ability to blend tradition with modernity.

Looking Ahead

Telangana Tourism plans to organize more such heritage walks, targeting both domestic and international travelers. The department is also working on:

🏛️ Restoration projects for key heritage sites

🚶 Self-guided walking tour maps

📱 Mobile apps with audio guides

Amala Akkineni Says Handloom Holds Unique Prestigious Place in Indian Culture

Actress and Blue Cross of Hyderabad co-founder Amala Akkineni inaugurated the Evwaah – Weavers Hub exhibition, a two-day handloom extravaganza at Firewater Neo Bar & Kitchen in the Financial District, Nanakramguda. The exhibition, organized by socialite Alekhya Reddy, aims to promote traditional weaves and connect weavers directly with customers.

A Grand Showcase of Indian Handloom

The exhibition features an exclusive collection of traditional and handcrafted textiles, with more than 1,000 varieties of handloom sarees on display. Visitors can explore renowned weaves including:

WeaveOrigin
PochampallyTelangana – Known for intricate ikat patterns
PaithaniMaharashtra – Famous for vibrant colors and zari work
Patan PatolaGujarat – Double ikat weave with geometric designs

Amala Akkineni’s Address

Speaking on the occasion, Amala Akkineni emphasized the cultural significance of handloom:

“Handloom and silk hold a unique and prestigious place in Indian culture.”

Her presence at the event drew attention to the importance of preserving and promoting India’s rich textile heritage.

The Social Mission Behind Evwaah

Organizer Alekhya Reddy explained the core objective of the handloom exhibition:

“The main social objective is to promote weavers and provide a market for the handloom industry. Through these exhibitions, an effort is made to create a good market for the weavers and their handloom-woven ware.”

Key Mission Highlights:

  • ✅ Direct from weavers to customers – No merchants or middlemen
  • ✅ Pure silk and cotton products – Authentic and high-quality
  • ✅ Fair prices for weavers – Eliminating exploitation
  • ✅ Preservation of traditional crafts – Supporting age-old techniques

Event Details at a Glance

DetailInformation
EventEvwaah – Weavers Hub Exhibition
Inaugurated byAmala Akkineni
Organized byAlekhya Reddy
VenueFirewater Neo Bar & Kitchen, Financial District, Nanakramguda, Hyderabad
Duration2 days (April 4 – April 5, 2026)
Featured Items1,000+ handloom sarees including Pochampally, Paithani, Patan Patola

Why Handloom Exhibitions Matter

Events like Evwaah play a crucial role in:

  • 🧵 Empowering weavers with direct market access
  • 🧵 Preserving traditional Indian crafts for future generations
  • 🧵 Educating urban customers about handloom heritage
  • 🧵 Promoting sustainable fashion over mass-produced textiles

Visit Before It Ends!

The Evwaah Weavers Hub exhibition is open until April 5, 2026. Don’t miss this opportunity to own authentic handloom sarees while supporting the weavers directly.

Christians in Hyderabad Observe Good Friday with Multilingual Services

Christians across the city solemnly observed Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ with special services, prayers, passion plays, and reflective gatherings. Major churches hosted multilingual congregations, drawing thousands of devotees.

Services at Major Churches in Hyderabad

ChurchLocationKey Activities
St. Mary’s BasilicaSecunderabadPassion play at 7 am, Holy Mass & veneration at 6 pm
CSI Wesley ChurchClock Tower, SecunderabadDay-long prayer sessions & reflections
St. Joseph’s CathedralGunfoundryDay-long prayer sessions & reflections
St. George’s ChurchAbid RoadDay-long prayer sessions & reflections

All services were conducted in multiple languages, including English, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam, catering to the diverse congregation.

Passion Plays & Way of the Cross

Earlier in the day, many churches organized passion plays and the Way of the Cross, enacted by church youth. These powerful dramatizations depict the final hours of Jesus Christ’s life, from his condemnation to his crucifixion.

The prayer services saw large numbers of people in attendance, with devotees filling the churches for solemn masses and veneration of the cross.

Significance of Good Friday

Good Friday is observed in honor and remembrance of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. It follows Maundy Thursday, which recalls the Last Supper, and precedes Easter Sunday, which celebrates the resurrection.

📖 The most important symbol of this day is the crucifix, or cross, which represents the way Jesus died.

A Day of Reflection and Community

Across Hyderabad, Christians spent the day in:

  • 🙏 Reflective sessions and silent prayers
  • ⛪ Community gatherings at local churches
  • 🎭 Passion plays depicting Christ’s suffering
  • ✝️ Veneration of the cross as a symbol of sacrifice

Looking Ahead

As the solemn observances of Good Friday conclude, the Christian community in Hyderabad now looks forward to Easter Sunday – a celebration of resurrection, hope, and new life.

SIR Hyderabad: No Documents Needed If Mapped to 2002 Electoral List

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is set to begin soon in Hyderabad and other districts of Telangana. Citizens are advised to understand the mapping rules and document checklist in advance to ensure their names are correctly included in the voter list.

Every elector needs to complete the following two essential steps before the exercise begins:

  1. Check their name in the current electoral roll.
  2. Check their or their relatives’ names in the 2002 SIR list.

Step 1: Check Current Electoral Roll

Enumeration forms are distributed only to those who are in the current electoral roll. Citizens can check their names on the Election Commission of India (ECI) website.

  • Name not found? Fill FORM 6 on the ECI website to register as a new voter.
  • Name found but details incorrect? Fill FORM 8 to correct the information.

Step 2: Understanding Mapping Rules for SIR in Hyderabad

During the SIR, every citizen will be able to find a place in the electoral roll either through mapping or by submitting documents.

Voter mapping is possible if their name or their relatives’ names are available in the 2002 SIR list.

Allowed Relatives for Mapping (6 in total):

TypeRelationship
DirectFather, Mother
MaternalMaternal grandfather, Maternal grandmother
PaternalPaternal grandfather, Paternal grandmother

✅ If a voter is successfully linked through mapping with any of these 6 relatives, NO documents will be needed at this stage.

Those who remain unlinked will receive notices later in the SIR process and must submit proof from a prescribed document list.

Document Checklist by Birth Year

The documentation required depends on the voter’s date of birth:

Birth Date RangeDocuments Required
Born before July 1, 1987Proof for self only
Born between July 1, 1987 and December 2, 2004Proof for self + one parent
Born after December 2, 2004Proof for self + both parents

Accepted Documents (Partial List):

  • Government identity cards or pension orders
  • Certificates issued before July 1, 1987 by public authorities or banks
  • Birth certificates, passports, educational certificates
  • Permanent residence certificates, forest rights documents
  • Caste certificates, family registers, NRC records (where applicable)
  • Government land or housing allotment papers

Note: For Aadhaar, separate Election Commission directions will apply.

Logical Discrepancies That Trigger Notices

Even after successful family mapping, voters may receive SIR notices in the following cases:

For Mapping with Parents:

  • ❌ Age gap between voter and parent is less than 15 years
  • ❌ Age gap between voter and parent is more than 50 years

For Mapping with Maternal/Paternal Grandparents:

  • ❌ Age gap between voter and grandparent is less than 40 years
  • ❌ More than 6 persons mapped with a single person listed in the 2002 SIR list

What to do if you receive a notice?
Voters just need to prove the relationship with the elector in the 2002 SIR list. You can submit any document (not necessarily from ECI-listed documents) to prove the relationship.

How to Respond to Logical Discrepancy Notices

Mapping TypeDocuments Needed
Mapped with parentsAny document mentioning both voter’s name AND father/mother’s name
Mapped with maternal grandparentsVoter’s document with mother’s name + Mother’s document with her father/mother’s name
Mapped with paternal grandparentsVoter’s document with father’s name + Father’s document with his father/mother’s name

Key Takeaway

As citizens in Telangana may be asked to prove their relationship with voters in the 2002 SIR list in case of logical discrepancies, family mapping needs to be done carefully and only with the allowed relatives.

SRH Crush KKR by 65 Runs to Register First Win of IPL 2026

Sunrisers Hyderabad delivered a commanding performance to defeat Kolkata Knight Riders by 65 runs in their IPL 2026 clash at Eden Gardens on Thursday.

Batting first, SRH posted a massive total of 226, powered by a brilliant half-century from Heinrich Klaasen (52). He was well supported by Travis Head (46) and Abhishek Sharma (48), who provided explosive starts at the top. Nitish Kumar Reddy added a valuable 31 runs to push SRH past the 220 mark. Despite a four-wicket haul from Blessing Muzarabani, KKR struggled to contain the flow of runs.

In response, KKR began aggressively with Finn Allen smashing 24 runs in the opening over, but his early dismissal shifted momentum. Angkrish Raghuvanshi stood out with a fighting 52, while Rinku Singh chipped in with 36. However, regular wickets and poor coordination between batters hurt their chase.

SRH bowlers maintained pressure throughout, with Eshan Malinga and Jaydev Unadkat playing key roles in dismantling the KKR batting lineup. KKR were eventually bowled out for 161, falling well short of the 227-run target.

With this win, SRH not only secured their first points of the season but also became the first team in IPL 2026 to successfully defend a total, showcasing a complete team performance.

Yuva Bharat Run 2026: A Tribute to Swami Vivekananda by Kishan Reddy & Leaders

This morning I was at the flag-off of the Yuva Bharat Run 2026 — a mass fitness run aimed at getting citizens, particularly young people, to take health seriously. Not as a resolution, not as a trend, but as a habit.

Who Was There
The flag-off brought together former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, IT & Electronics Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu, and organizer Kishan Reddy Gangapuram. It’s not every day you see that kind of gathering at a community run — and the turnout from participants matched the energy on stage.

What Kishan Reddy Said
His message was straightforward: a country can’t develop on paper alone. The people have to be well. Kishan Reddy made the point that physical fitness isn’t just personal ambition — it feeds directly into what a working, productive, progressing nation looks like. If the Viksit Bharat vision means anything at the ground level, it starts with people who are healthy enough to show up and do the work.
He also brought up Swami Vivekananda — not as a ceremonial reference, but as someone whose ideas about strength, discipline, and character still hold up. The run was framed partly around that spirit: build your body, build your mind, contribute something beyond yourself.

Why This Kind of Event Still Matters
Mass fitness runs get dismissed sometimes as feel-good optics. Maybe. But there’s something real about getting thousands of people outside and moving on the same morning, for the same reason. It normalizes the conversation around health in communities where gyms are expensive and sedentary routines are the default.
The Yuva Bharat Run 2026 won’t fix public health on its own. But as a nudge — especially for young people who haven’t yet built the habit — it’s worth more than another awareness poster.

IPL 2026 Hyderabad: Security & Traffic Curbs at Uppal Stadium

Hyderabad is getting two IPL 2026 matches at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Uppal — April 5 and May 22. The stadium holds 39,000 people, and if past seasons are any indication, it’ll be packed. Before you head out, here’s the actual useful stuff.

Security: It’s Thorough, So Budget Extra Time

The police aren’t taking chances. Expect mandatory frisking and baggage checks at every entry point, CCTV coverage across the venue and surrounding roads, anti-drone measures, and aerial surveillance. Quick response teams will be positioned throughout the stadium.

Don’t bring banners, flags, outside bottles, or anything sharp. They’ll turn you away at the gate — not warn you, turn you away. Check the official advisory the morning of your match to catch any last-minute additions to the banned items list.

Arrive at least 90 minutes early. The queues at Uppal can get brutal, and the frisking lines move slower than you’d expect with 39,000 people trying to get in.

Traffic: The Uppal Stretch Will Be a Slog

This is the part most people underestimate. On match days, roads leading to the stadium will have closures and diversions, and heavy vehicles — trucks, tankers, earth movers — get rerouted entirely. No parking within a set radius of the venue unless you have an authorized pass. If you show up without one, you’re getting turned back at the checkpoint.

Shuttle buses will run from designated parking lots to the stadium. That’s your best bet if you’re driving.

Honestly though? Just take the Metro. Uppal station is right there, and timings typically extend past midnight for night matches. You’ll walk out of the stadium after a thriller finish and be home before the highlights package ends. Anyone driving from Secunderabad, Ameerpet, or LB Nagar is making their life harder than it needs to be.

At the Stadium

Carry your ticket and an ID, keep your bag small, and drink water before you go in — outside beverages aren’t allowed. If you spot anything that looks off, tell a security person immediately rather than filming it for Instagram.

The crowd at Uppal is genuinely one of the better atmospheres in the IPL. Show up in good time, get settled, and enjoy it.

IIT Hyderabad Hosts ‘Sundays on Cycle’; Over 1,000 Participate in Fitness Initiative

Sangareddy: In a spirited celebration of health, fitness, and community engagement, the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), in collaboration with the Fit India Movement under the Sports Authority of India, successfully organised the ‘Sundays on Cycle’ event at its scenic Kandi campus in Sangareddy district.

The event, held on Sunday morning, witnessed an overwhelming response with more than 1,000 participants joining from within the institute and the surrounding local community. Students, faculty members, staff, and fitness enthusiasts gathered early in the day, transforming the campus into a vibrant hub of physical activity and positive energy.

Organised by the IITH Cycling Club, the event was designed to promote cycling as a simple, sustainable, and accessible fitness activity. Participants had the opportunity to choose between 10 km and 20 km cycling routes, both of which were carefully planned across the campus to ensure safety while offering an enjoyable riding experience.

The event began with energising warm-up sessions, preparing participants for the ride ahead, followed by lively Zumba workouts that added a fun and inclusive dimension to the fitness drive. Beyond cycling, the initiative also included community engagement activities, encouraging people of all age groups to take part and embrace a more active lifestyle.

The programme was formally flagged off by renowned Indian badminton coach Pullela Gopichand, who attended as the Chief Guest. He was joined by Sushant Kandwal, Director of Fit India & Khelo India, and Prof. B.S. Murty, Director of IITH. The presence of Fit India brand ambassadors Chandna Jayaram, Ravi Netha, and Santhana Selvan further added enthusiasm and inspiration to the occasion.

Speaking on the initiative, organisers emphasised that ‘Sundays on Cycle’ aligns closely with the broader vision of the Fit India Movement, which encourages citizens to incorporate fitness into their daily routines through simple practices like cycling, walking, and outdoor activities. The event aimed not only to promote physical well-being but also to foster environmental awareness by encouraging eco-friendly modes of transport.

Participants expressed their excitement and appreciation for the well-organised event, highlighting the sense of community and motivation it generated. Many noted that such initiatives help break the monotony of sedentary lifestyles and inspire people to stay active.

The success of the event underscores the growing awareness and enthusiasm for fitness among people, especially youth. By bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, IITH once again demonstrated its commitment to holistic development—extending beyond academics to include health, wellness, and community building.

With such strong participation and positive feedback, ‘Sundays on Cycle’ stands as a testament to how collective efforts can drive meaningful change, reinforcing the message that a healthier India begins with small, consistent steps taken by individuals every day.

Sri Sitarama Chandra Swamy Kalyana Mahotsavam Celebrated Grandly at Savithri Gardens, Channa Reddy Enclave

The divine Sri Sitarama Chandra Swamy Kalyana Mahotsavam was celebrated with great devotion and grandeur yesterday at Savithri Gardens, Channa Reddy Enclave. The sacred event attracted a large gathering of devotees, creating a spiritually vibrant and festive atmosphere.

From the early morning, devotees started arriving at the venue to witness the auspicious ceremony. The entire premises of Savithri Gardens was beautifully decorated with flowers, traditional décor, and elegant arrangements, enhancing the spiritual essence of the event. The spacious and well-maintained venue at Channa Reddy Enclave provided a peaceful and comfortable setting for all attendees.

The rituals began under the guidance of experienced priests, accompanied by the chanting of Vedic mantras. The program started with Ganapathi Puja and other traditional rituals, followed by the grand and divine wedding ceremony of Lord Sri Rama and Goddess Sita. The Kalyanam was conducted in a traditional manner, reflecting rich cultural heritage and devotion.

As the ceremony progressed, devotees were deeply immersed in the divine experience. The sounds of Vedic chants, traditional musical instruments, and devotional participation created a sacred ambiance. Families, elders, and youth participated enthusiastically, making it a truly inclusive and grand celebration.

One of the major highlights of the event was the excellent arrangements at Savithri Gardens, Channa Reddy Enclave. The venue stood out for its cleanliness, spacious layout, and well-organized facilities. Seating arrangements, volunteer coordination, and crowd management were handled efficiently, ensuring a smooth and pleasant experience for everyone.

Annadanam (prasadam distribution) was also conducted successfully as part of the event. Hundreds of devotees were served food with care and devotion, reflecting the spirit of service and generosity. Volunteers and organizers worked tirelessly to ensure all arrangements were carried out perfectly.

The event was graced by several devotees and key contributors who played an important role in performing and organizing the Kalyanam. The sacred ceremony was conducted by Kothapally Sudharshan Reddy, Vasudha Devi, Kothapally Krishna Reddy, Nirvana Garu, Bandi Krishna Reddy, Bandi Indupriya, Bhupender, Sruthi, Satyanarayana, Pallavi, Raju, Krishnaveni, Ramana, Madhuri, Mohan Reddy, and Bagyamma, who took part in performing the divine rituals.

The success of the program was also made possible by the dedicated efforts of colony members and volunteers including Bandi Krishna Reddy, Sudhakar Reddy, Nisanth Reddy, Narashima Reddy, Laxma Reddy, Sai, Aravind, Chandrasekhar Reddy, Chandrasekhar, and Devender, along with many other supporting members who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

The event was attended by local community members and devotees, adding significance and grandeur to the celebration. The organizers were widely appreciated for their dedication, coordination, and commitment in making the event a memorable success.

More than just a religious event, the Sri Sitarama Kalyana Mahotsavam symbolized unity, devotion, and cultural tradition. It brought people together and strengthened the sense of community and spirituality.

In conclusion, the grand celebration held at Savithri Gardens, Channa Reddy Enclave left a lasting impression on all attendees. The divine atmosphere, well-planned arrangements, and spiritual energy made the event truly unforgettable. Devotees are looking forward to many more such spiritual gatherings in the future.