As travellers across the world seek more intimate and meaningful cultural experiences, regional cuisines are emerging as powerful storytellers of heritage. Telugu food traditions, rich with symbolism, seasonal ingredients and heirloom recipes, are increasingly drawing attention from culinary enthusiasts eager to experience culture through flavour. This Ugadi, Hyderabad will host a rare gathering where food, literature, performing arts and heritage come together, offering an immersive way to experience the Telugu New Year.
Curated as a private cultural retreat, TELUGU ROUTES – Ugadi Edition 2026, conceptualised by The Culinary Lounge, recreates the rhythm and sensory richness of a traditional Ugadi day. Set within a serene forest estate near Shankarpalli, the gathering is designed to be intimate, reflective and experiential, allowing guests to engage with Telugu culture through conversations, performances and culinary traditions.
The initiative also brings together organisations working to showcase the Telugu states within the growing global interest in culinary and cultural tourism. Telangana Tourism, along with heritage-focused organisations Zishta, YK Antiques, and the Netherlands-based National Institute of Culinary and Cultural Traditions (NICCT), are supporting the effort to revive, document and present regional traditions in formats that resonate with contemporary travellers.
Throughout the day, the experience unfolds like a carefully crafted Ugadi celebration in a traditional home, from morning rituals and cultural performances to storytelling sessions and heirloom food traditions. Conversations, live demonstrations and curated tastings allow guests to explore the deeper history behind Telugu cuisine, while performances and literary discussions highlight how food, language and art have shaped the region’s identity across generations.
Beyond the celebration itself, the retreat reflects a broader vision: presenting Telugu culture through thoughtful curation and intimate gatherings that connect modern audiences with timeless traditions. Experiences like TELUGU ROUTES offer a powerful way to showcase the richness of Telugu food, literature and performing arts to both national and international audiences.
Event Highlights:
A thoughtfully curated Ugadi retreat celebrating Telugu flavours, traditions and cultural heritage.
• Mark your calendar: March 15, 2026.
• Set amidst nature: A private forest estate near Shankarpalli.
• An exclusive experience: Limited to just 50 select guests.
• Entry: Rs. 15,000 per guest.
What to Expect:
• Telugu High Tea featuring live preparation of festive favourites like Ariselu, Bobbatlu, Gavvalu and Punugulu.
• Traditional ganuga oil press demonstration with a fresh oil tasting experience.
• Authentic Telangana feast served on lotus leaves, curated by Sandhya Linga of The Rasam Room.
• Handcrafted Ugadi keepsake bag with curated festival objects and ceramics.
• Special cultural conversation with actor and author Tanikella Bharani, with more cultural moments to follow.
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