Miss World 2025 Contestants Mesmerize at UNESCO’s Ramappa Temple in Telangana
Warangal, Telangana, May 14, 2025 – The 72nd Miss World Festival reached a cultural pinnacle as contestants from across the globe visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ramappa Temple, in Palampet, Mulugu district, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. The event, part of the Kakatiya Heritage Tour organized by the Telangana Tourism Department, showcased the architectural splendor of the 13th-century temple and the rich legacy of the Kakatiya dynasty, leaving the delegates in awe of Telangana’s historical grandeur.
A group of 35 Miss World contestants, representing diverse nations, arrived at the 800-year-old Ramappa Temple, named after its architect and renowned for its intricate carvings and earthquake-resistant engineering. The delegates, adorned in traditional Telangana handwoven sarees, were greeted with a vibrant welcome by Mulugu District Collector Divakar T.S. and Superintendent of Police P. Shabarish. The reception featured traditional Telangana folk performances, including Kuchipudi, Perini Shivatandavam, and tribal dances, accompanied by Bathukamma and Melatalalu, immersing the contestants in the state’s cultural vibrancy.
The visit began with a guided tour led by tourism officials and historian Prof. K. Panduranga Rao, who explained the temple’s architectural significance, including its unique floating bricks and detailed sculptures depicting mythological narratives. The contestants participated in a group photo shoot in the temple’s picturesque courtyard, capturing the moment against the backdrop of the temple’s ornate gopuram. In the evening, a special lighting show illuminated the temple, followed by a mesmerizing Perini dance performance, a martial art-inspired dance form from the Kakatiya era, which enthralled the audience.
“The Ramappa Temple is a testament to India’s architectural genius,” said Miss World 2024 Krystyna Pyszková, who accompanied the contestants. “Experiencing Telangana’s heritage firsthand is truly unforgettable, and it aligns perfectly with the Miss World theme of ‘Beauty with a Purpose.’”
The visit was meticulously planned, with the Mulugu district administration ensuring seamless logistics and security. To facilitate the event, public access to the temple was temporarily restricted, and the local police implemented robust measures to ensure a smooth experience for the contestants and minimal disruption for residents.
Telangana Tourism Secretary Smita Sabharwal emphasized the significance of the visit, stating, “Showcasing Ramappa Temple to a global audience through the Miss World platform elevates Telangana’s status as a premier tourism destination. The Kakatiya legacy, combined with our warm hospitality, creates a narrative that resonates worldwide.”
The Ramappa Temple visit was part of a broader itinerary for the Miss World 2025 contestants, which included a heritage walk at Charminar, a welcome dinner at Chowmahalla Palace, and a spiritual tour at Buddhavanam. On the same day, another group of 22 contestants explored Warangal’s Thousand Pillar Temple and Warangal Fort, further immersing themselves in the Kakatiya heritage. These activities align with the Telangana government’s goal to promote the state as a multidimensional tourism hub, highlighting its UNESCO sites, cultural traditions, and modern infrastructure.
The event drew significant attention on social media, with posts on X capturing the contestants’ vibrant welcome and their admiration for the temple’s craftsmanship. Local residents and tourism officials expressed pride in showcasing Telangana’s heritage to an international audience, with hashtags like #MissWorld2025 and #RamappaTemple trending widely.
As the Miss World 2025 Festival progresses toward its grand finale on May 31 at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, the Ramappa Temple visit has left an indelible mark on the contestants, reinforcing Telangana’s cultural richness and global appeal. The state continues to leverage this platform to promote its heritage, with upcoming events including visits to Pochampally village, Yadagirigutta Temple, and an IPL match at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
