As the world prepares to witness the grand finale of the 72nd Miss World pageant on May 31 at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Telangana, the event is already going beyond celebrating global beauty; it is spotlighting Telangana as a destination steeped in heritage, cinema, and modern innovation. The 107 contestants from around the globe are currently exploring the state's cultural itinerary, and immersing in its tradition and contemporary evolution.
The contestants' journey into Telangana’s soul began with a visit to the revered Yadadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, approximately 65 km from Hyderabad. Set on a hillock and dedicated to deity Narasimha, an incarnation of Hindu deity Vishnu, this sacred site offered the Miss World contestants a spiritual experience.
Upon arrival, they were welcomed with a traditional Deeparadhana ceremony and guided tour of the expansive temple complex. The contestants immersed in tales of mythology and devotion as they participated in a darshan and pooja, gaining insights into the temple's deep-rooted significance and architectural grandeur.
Next on the itinerary was the iconic Ramoji Film City, the world's largest film studio complex. From the moment the Miss World 2025 contestants arrived, it was a spectacle: a red carpet welcome with live music, colourful motimala garlands, and a traditional aarti and tikka ceremony set the tone for a cinematic adventure.
They boarded vintage buses and explored legendary locations such as the VIP Gate, Sitara and Tara Hotels, Angel Fountain, Narthaki Garden, and the Insta-famous Palm Street. The highlight? A visit to the "Bahubali" film set, where contestants stepped into the fantasy world of one of India’s biggest blockbusters. With colossal sets and intricate designs, it was a masterclass in Indian cinematic storytelling.
Their star-studded day concluded with a lavish dinner at the Mughal Gardens, a regal setting known for its culinary excellence.
The pageant’s focus on empowerment and global citizenship was perfectly aligned with the visit to the Telangana Police Integrated Command and Control Centre (TGICCC) in Hyderabad. Here, the contestants witnessed a showcase of state-of-the-art security infrastructure, a testament to Telangana’s commitment to public safety.
Welcomed with ceremonial pomp—mounted police, pipe bands, and even a K9 demonstration—the guests explored the tech-driven facility that functions as Hyderabad’s public safety nerve centre. They were introduced to surveillance systems, emergency response mechanisms, and the futuristic architecture that underscores Telangana’s commitment to innovation. The visit not only reflected Telangana’s reputation as a safe haven for women travellers but also demonstrated how smart policing is setting benchmarks for urban safety and hospitality.
(With inputs from multiple sources)