Mahabubnagar is situated towards the south west of the Hyderabad city. The place, which constitutes an important district of Andhra Pradesh state, happens to be a neighbouring city for Hyderabad and the distance being a little more than 95 kilometres. The place has a direct railway link and road link with that of the capital city.
Mahabubnagar, formerly known as Palamuroo, is more or less like any other districts in the Deccan Plateu. The place shares its boundaries with yet other districts like Nalgoda, Prakasam, Kurnool, Gulbarga and Raichur. Agriculture continues to be the prime occupation which is accompanied by a number of small scale industries. The Gadwal handlooms and Woolen Blankets produced in the region are very popular. Paper industry and animal husbandry complement the revenue generated in the city. Like the rest of Deccan cities the region has a history influenced by great many dynasties that used to prevail in the region.
Mahabubnagar despite facing serious water crisis has been amassing the tourists, especially those travelling in and from Hyderabad city. This small city-town is known for a variety of reasons. Housed in the region are some incredible tourist places and pilgimage centers. The popular tourist places located in the precincts include Gadwal Fort, Sarlasagar, Nagarjuna-Srisailam Sanctuary, Pillalamarri Banyan Tree, etc. The pilgrimage centers located at Mahabubnagar include Wanaparthi Temple, Manikonda Temple, Alampur Temple, Nava Brahma Temple, Malleswaram Temple, Sri Rangapur Temple and Somasila Temple. The region is also popular for its traditional handicrafts. The handlooms produced and merchandised in the region are fabulous and treasures to be possessed.
During the 18th century Kurnool formed the jagir of a semi-independent Pathan Nawab, whose descendant was dispossessed by the British government for treason in 1838. The Nawab's former territory became a district of Madras Presidency, with Kurnool as its capital. The district surrounded the princely state of Banganapalle. After India's independence in 1947, Kurnool became part of the state of Madras, created out of the former Madras presidency, and Banganapalle was added to the district.
The eleven northern districts of Madras state became the new state of Andhra in 1953, and Kurnool served as the state's first capital. In 1956 Andhra Pradesh was formed by combining the Andhra State and Telangana region, formerly part of Hyderabad state. Hyderabad was made the capital of new enlarged state of Andhra Pradesh. Kurnool is the only city in India that is located in between two rivers: Tungabhadra and Hundri. The historic Konda Reddy Fort is located in the heart of Kurnool. This has an underground hidden pathway (swarang) of about 25 km to Allampur (a neighbouring town).
This place was formerly known as "Rukmammapeta" and "Palamooru". The name was changed to Mahabubnagar on 4th December 1890, in honour of Mir Mahbub Ali Khan Asaf Jah VI, the Nizam of Hyderabad (1869-1911 AD). It has been the headquarters of the district since 1883 AD. The Mahabubnagar region was once known as Cholawadi or the land of the Cholas'. It is said that the famous Golconda diamonds including famous "KOHINOOR" diamond came from Mahabubnagar district
Alampur: Famous Lord Shiva Temple in Alampur, Mahabubnagar Dt. It is the southern gate of Srisailam. and Jogulamba devi Temple one among the 18 shakthi peethas in India
Umamaheswaram: Famous Lord Shiva temple in Rangapur, Achampet, Mahabubnagar Dt. It is the northern gate of Srisailam.
Manyamkonda: Venkateswara Swami temple, about 10 km. from Mahbubnagar town. This is also known as "Peedala Tirupathi" (Poor People Tirupathi).
Jataprole: Famous Lord Santhana Venugopalaswamy temple which receives thousands of the devotees every day.
Maddimadugu: Famous Lord Anjaneya Swamy temple which receives thousands of the devotees every weekend.
Tourist Places
: Pillalamarri Banyan Tree, farahabad hill station, Gadwal Fort, Sarlasagar project, Koilsagar project and Nagarjunasagar - Srisailam Sanctuary.
Pilgrimage Centers : Alampur Temple, Manikonda Temple, Wanaparthi Temple, Malleswaram Temple, Somasila Temple, Sri Rangapur Temple and Nava Brahma Temple on the riverbanks of Tungabhadra