About Srisailam

Country: India | State: Andhra

Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 Days

Nearest City to Srisailam: Hyderabad (229 Kms), Kurnool (181 Kms)

Best Time to Visit Srisailam: September to March

Peak Season: September to December & February to May

At a distance of 160 km from Nandyal, 181 km from Kurnool, 229 km from Hyderabad, 263 km from Vijayawada and 527 km from Bangalore, Srisailam is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva situated on the banks of River Krishna in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the most important pilgrimage centers of Lord Shiva in India and also one of the top Places to visit in Andhra. Srisailam is also one of the most popular weekend getaways from Hyderabad.

Srisailam is famous for Srisailam Dam & Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The sanctum enshrines Lord Mallikarjuna in the form of a linga protected by a three-hooded cobra. This ancient temple built in the Dravidian style with lofty towers and sprawling courtyards is one of the finest specimens of Vijayanagara architecture. Though the exact origins of the temple are not available, the Satavahanas of the 2nd century AD have referred to it. The Kakatiyas and the Vijayanagara kings have made several endowments here.

The unique feature of this kshetram is the combination of Jyothirlingam and Mahasakthi (in the form of Bhramarambika) in one campus, which is very rare and only one of its kind. The great religious leader Aadi Sankara is said to have visited this shrine and composed his immortal Sivananda Lahiri here.

Srisailam is a perfect combination of temples and scenic spots. Srisailam Dam built over River Krishna is one of the largest dams in South India. Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Bhramaramba Devi Temple, Akka Mahadevi Caves, Pathala Ganga, Shikaresvara Temple, Sakshi Ganapathi Temple and Mallela Theertham are the other attractions here.

Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Sanctuary, India's largest tiger reserve is spread over 3500 Sq. km. This Sanctuary is a natural habitat of diverse species of flora and fauna. The lush and dense Nallamala forest range is a popular destination for trekking, hill climbing, forest exploration and research, to which Srisailam town acts as a base camp.

The Mahasivarathri festival in the month of February/March is celebrated as Brahmothsavam (annual festival).

Srisailam offers a vast array of moderately expensive to budget hotels run by Temple Board, AP Tourism and private operators. Advanced reservation is recommended during peak season, festivals and long weekend.

Hyderabad Airport is the nearest airport, 202 km from Srisailam. The nearest railway station to reach Srisailam is the Markapur Railway Station which is 87 km away. Markapur station is well connected to all major cities like Bhubaneswar, Puri, Bangalore, Kolkata, Machilipatnam, Vasco da Gama, Guntur and Hyderabad. Srisailam is most easily accessible by road. Buses connect Srisailam with Hyderabad, Tirupati, Bangalore, Vijayawada, Kakinada, Vizag, Kurnool, Guntur, Kadapa and Nellore.

The best time to visit Srisailam is from September to March while the peak season is September to December & February to May. Usually it takes 1-2 days to visit major places in Srisailam.

Temple Timings: 5 AM to 3:30 PM & 6 PM to 10 PM

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Other Info
Internet Availability: Average
STD Code: 08524
Languages Spoken: Telugu
Major Festivals: Maha Shiva Ratri (Feb/Mar),
Dusshera (Oct)
Notes/Tips:
There are two checkposts between Hyderabad and Srisailam, at Munnanur (75 Kms before Srisailam) and Domalpenta (about 25 Kms from Srisailam). The gate at Mannanur is closed between 9 PM to 6 AM for private vehicles. While coming back from Srisailam, the gate at Domalpenta is closed between 9 PM to 6 AM, ensure you cross this checkpost before 9 PM.

Accommodation can be booked at http://srisailamonline.com/. It is advised to book accommodation at least 3-4 weeks in advance. Several private accommodation options are available in Sunnipenta (10 Kms) and surroundings.

Best time for a casual visit is when the dam gates are open during peak monsoon (Sep/Oct).

How to Reach Srisailam

By Air

Nearest Airport: Hyderabad - Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (202 Kms)

By Train

Nearest Train Station: Markapur Road Railway Station (87 Kms)
Nandyal Railway Station (160 Kms)
Kurnool Railway Station (181 Kms)

By Bus

Nearest Bus Station: Srisailam Bus Station (0 Kms)

Top 10 Places to Visit in Srisailam

Pilgrimage

#1 of 19 Places to Visit in Srisailam

At a distance of 1 km from Srisailam Bus Station, Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva has a great historical and religious significance and it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and also one of the 18 Sakti Peethas (Bhramaramba Temple situated in same complex). The holy temple is situated on a mountain named Shri Shaila on the banks of Krishna River. This Jyotirlinga is also referred as Kailash of the South. Mallikarjun Temple is among the prime places to visit in Srisailam.

The earliest known historical mention of Srisailam hill can be traced in Pulumavis Nasik inscription of 1st Century AD. The Sathavahanas, Ikshavakus, Pallavas, Vishnukundis, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Reedy Kings, Vijayanagara Emperors and Chatrapathi Shivaji are among the famous emperors who worshipped God Mallikarjuna Swamy and made several contributions to the development of the temple.

Prataparudra of Kakatiya Dynasty strived a lot for the improvement .....

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Pilgrimage

#2 of 19 Places to Visit in Srisailam

At a distance of 1 km from Srisailam Bus Station, Bramarambha Temple, also known as Bhramarambika Temple is situated within the main Srisailam Temple complex behind the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple. Srisailam is the only place in India with the combination of Jyothirlinga and Shakti Peetha in one campus. Bhramaramba Temple is among the prime places to visit in Srisailam along with Mallikarjun Temple & Srisailam Dam.

The Bramarambha Temple in Srisailam is one of the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas. Bramarambha (Bramari) means the Mother of bees. Goddess Bramarambika is one of the manifestations of Goddess Shakti, the consort of Lord Shiva. The Greeva (Neck) of Devi fell here. She has assumed herself a form of bee and worshipped Lord Shiva. You can hear the buzzing of a bee through a tiny hole in the Bramarambha temple.

According to the legend, once upon a time, a demon named Arunaasura ruled the whole world. Chanting Gayatri mantra, he performed Tapasya for a very long time and pleased .....

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Backwaters | Nature

#3 of 19 Places to Visit in Srisailam

At a distance of 14 km from Srisailam Bus Station & 15 km from Srisailam Temple, Srisailam Dam is constructed across Krishna River on the border of Mahabubnagar District, Telangana (Left bank) and Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh (Right bank). It is one of the largest dams in India and the 3rd largest hydroelectric project in India. Srisailam Dam is among the prime places to visit in Srisailam, situated on Hyderabad to Srisailam route. This is another popular attraction to visit as part of Hyderabad tour packages.

The construction of the dam was started in 1960 and took over 20 years to be completed and was opened in 1981. The dam was constructed in a deep gorge in Nallamala hills, 300 meters above sea level. The dam is 512 meters long, 240.79 meters (885 ft) high and has 12 radial crest gates. The dam has a live storage of 274 TMC and provides .....

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Backwaters

#4 of 19 Places to Visit in Srisailam

At a distance of 1 km from Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple, Pathala Ganga is the sacred place in the backwaters of River Krishna. This is the place where devotees can have a holy dip in the river Krishna. Steps and iron chains are provided for the devotees to hold onto to protect themselves from the strong force of the river. From this place you can get a glimpse of wide reservoir and the magnificent mountains spread with the lush green Nallamala Forest. It is one of the popular Srisailam places to visit for best views of River Krishna. It is geographically located behind Srisailam Dam and the flood gates can be seen from here. Pathala Ganga is also the boating center for pleasure rides and trips to Akkamahadevi Caves.

Several pilgrims take bath in River Krishna at Pathala Ganga before visiting the deity of Srisailam Temple. Around 500 steps from the Hanuman Temple (Haritha Hotel) need to be trekked down to reach Pathala .....

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Pilgrimage

#5 of 19 Places to Visit in Srisailam

At a distance of 8 km from Srisailam Mallikarjun Temple & 12 km from Srisailam Dam, Sikharam is the highest point of Srisailam Hills at an altitude of 2830 feet above sea level. The Skanda Purana proclaims that a mere glance of this Sikharam frees the human soul from the fitters of rebirth. In ancient days people used to come to Srisailam on foot and those who unable to reach the shrine returned back by seeing this peak. It is one of the top places to visit in Srisailam and is about 3 km from the road between Srisailam Temple and Srisailam Dam.

The Sikhareswaram Temple located here is an ancient stone structure consisting of Garbhagriha, Antaralaya and 16 pillared Mukhamanda. The deity here is named as Veera Sankara Swamy and locally popularized as Sikhareswara Swamy. Historically the Reddy Kings have constructed a flight of steps to this temple in the year 1398 AD and also a tank (Pushkarini) at this place. This place gives a panoramic view of the entire temple complex of Srisailam .....

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Pilgrimage | Waterfall

#6 of 19 Places to Visit in Srisailam

At a distance of 58 km from Srisailam & 173 km from Hyderabad, Mallela Theertham is a charming waterfall located in the dense Nallamala forest. This is one of the popular tourist places to visit near Hyderabad and among ideal weekend getaways from Hyderabad for a day trip. It is situated close to Hyderabad to Srisailam highway and is a popular place to visit while travelling to Srisailam.

With a height of about 150 feet, water directly falls from a high cliff on a Shiv Lingas kind of rock formations. Bordered by thick forest, the surroundings of the falls offer unique experience. The water comes from a small stream which flows through the dense jungle and meets the Krishna River. About 380 well laid steps need to be walked down to reach the falls from the road point. The pool below the falls is closed with fencing on .....

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Nature | Pilgrimage

#7 of 19 Places to Visit in Srisailam

At a distance of 10 km from Srisailam Temple & 25 km from Srisailam Dam, Akka Mahadevi Caves are the naturally formed caves in thick Nallamala Hills, just above the upstream flow of the river Krishna. The best way to reach these caves is by Motor Boat from Pathala Ganga in Srisailam. It is one of the popular Srisailam tourist places while visiting the holy shrine of Mallikarjun Temple. A narrow mud road is also available from Hyderabad - Srisailam Road (20 km before Srisailam Dam) from where the caves are about 5 km away. Only high clearance vehicles can take this 5 km rough stretch which is often inaccessible in monsoon season.

While travelling by boat, after an hour ride across River Krishna, take a little trek for 10 minutes to reach the Akka Mahadevi Caves. The trek is easy but one has to be a little careful because the path is close to the edge.

The caves are named .....

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Pilgrimage

#8 of 19 Places to Visit in Srisailam

At a distance of 87 km from Srisailam, 14 km from Achampet town and 159 km from Hyderabad, Uma Maheswaram is famous for Uma Maheswara Temple built in 2nd century. Situated in deep Nallamalai Forests in Mahabubnagar district, the presiding deities are Mallikarjuna (Shiva) and Bhramaramba (Parvati). Uma Maheshwaram is considered as the north gateway to holy town of Srisailam. It is one of the top places to visit near Srisailam.

Uma Maheshwaram is located close to Hyderabad to Srisailam road. While driving from Hyderabad, there is a temple entrance arch in Ziarat village which is 9 km from Achampet town. From the arch, the temple is about 5 km away which can be reached by vehicles. A small walk is required for about 10 minutes from the road point to reach the temple.

There is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman on the way to Uma Maheshwaram Temple. The surroundings of the temple offers wonderful views of the nature of Nallamala Forest .....

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Wildlife

#9 of 19 Places to Visit in Srisailam

At a distance of 60 km Nagajuna Sagar, 30 Kms from Srisailam and 173 km from Hyderabad, the Nagarjuna Sagar - Srisailam Sanctuary (or Srisailam Sanctuary) is the largest tiger reserve in the country, spread across 3568 Sq. Kms. It is spread between Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir & Srisailam reservoir. It was declared a sanctuary in 1973 and was incorporated under Project Tiger a decade later.

Animals that can be found here are the panthers, tigers, spotted deer, mouse deer, black buck, sambars, chousingha nilgai, tree straw, mugger crocodile, and wolfs, sloth beer & wild dogs. Mannanur (104 Kms from Mahbubnagar towards Srisailam), Kandla Kunta (30 Kms from Macherla & 60 Kms from Sagar towards Srisailam), Vatwarla Palle (30 Kms from Srisailm towards Mahbubnagar) are different gateways into the sanctuary.

The Forest department organized a Jeep Safari in the forest (to Farahabad Viewpoint) from the entry point on Hyderabad to .....

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Wildlife

#10 of 19 Places to Visit in Srisailam

At a distance of 15 km from Atmakur, 47 km from Dornala, 85 km from Kurnool, 96 km from Srisailam, and 300 km from Hyderabad, Bairluty is a tribal village in Atmakur mandal of Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. This is one of the eco-tourism projects initiated by AP Tourism and among the best weekend getaways near Hyderabad.

Nallamala Jungle Camp at Bairluty is a community-based eco-tourism initiative which was started in 2017. The main aim of the camp is to elicit local support for wildlife, to impart conservation education to the visitors and to empower the local communities improving their livelihoods. Bairluty is the one among the three locations of eco-tourism programmes initiated by Andhra Pradesh Government in Nagarjunasagar - Srisailam Tiger Reserve; the other two are Thummalabailu and Pacherla.

The camp is build around the concept of Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR) in Karnataka. Spreads over an area of 10 acres, Nallamala .....

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