Mahabubnagar, a town rich in history, is preparing for an exciting global spotlight. On May 16 at 5 PM, contestants from the Miss World pageant will visit the famous Pillalamarri site as part of their tour in Hyderabad, where the event is taking place from May 10 to 31.
Authorities are working hard to make the visit smooth and memorable. District Collector Vijayaendra Boie, along with SP D. Janaki and other senior officials, reviewed the preparations on Thursday. They focused on safety, cleanliness, and showcasing local culture.
Pillalamarri, just 4.5 kilometers from Mahabubnagar town, is known for its massive 700-year-old banyan tree. Spread across 3.5 acres, this tree is one of the largest in India according to the Telangana Forest Department. Once called Peerlamarri, it is now a popular eco-tourism destination that draws thousands of visitors each year.
The ancient tree suffered damage in 2017, but experts revived it using advanced methods like IV chlorpyrifos treatments. Now, it’s back to health and can be viewed from a specially built foot-over bridge, ensuring both safety and preservation.
During their two-hour visit, the Miss World contestants will explore the on-site archaeological museum. The museum features rare items such as stone sculptures, ancient coins, and relics from the Stone Age to the Qutb Shahi dynasty.
A key highlight is the Sri Rajarajeshwara Temple, which was relocated from Eerladinne due to the Srisailam project. This temple showcases classic Vijayanagara architecture and includes artifacts from Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions, symbolizing religious harmony.
Visitors can also enjoy a mini zoo, deer park, aquariums, and interpretation centers, making Pillalamarri a perfect mix of history, nature, and education.
Collector Boie stressed the importance of smooth coordination among all departments. Cultural shows and guided tours are part of the plan to give the guests a true taste of Telangana’s vibrant culture.
SP Janaki confirmed that 1,000 security personnel will be on duty. Backing them are top officers like IG Satyanarayana, Jogulamba Zone DIG L.H. Chauhan, and others including Additional SP Ramulu, DFO Satyanarayana, and Municipal Commissioner Maheshwar Reddy.
Officials see this visit as a major chance to boost Telangana’s tourism profile on the world stage. With the state’s slogan, “Telangana Zaroor Aana”, they hope the Miss World participants will help spread the word about its beauty, culture, and history across the globe.
