Things to Do in Srisailam

Lord Shiva’s Mallikarjuna temple is one of the 12 auspicious jyotirlingas found in India. As per the legend, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati came down to Srisailam to pester their elder son Kartike who left the Kailash mountain disheartened that he lost a contest to his brother Ganesh. Aware of his parents following him he decided to flee from Srisailam and move ahead of town.

However, to stay closer to him Shiva and Parvati stayed at Srisailam with the names Arjun and Mallika and hence, the name of the temple falls to be Mallikarjuna. The garbhagriha has the Jyotirlinga where the devotees perform their prayers and believe that they are the closest to the Lord at that moment. This temple is a very important and precious place for every pious Hindu according to the Hindu mythology. 

Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Timing:  5.30 am - 1 pm, 3 pm - 7 pm (everyday)

Best time to visit: October to February

Srisailam is genuinely a go-to destination for any adventurer. A must visit place when you think of the Srisailam visiting places is the Nagarjuna Sagar Srisailam tiger reserve. A bumpy jeep ride amidst the wild looking out for ferocious tigers is an activity you must opt for.

Tourists are allowed to go into the forest from 7 am to 5 pm everyday. You can also experience a one and a half hour jeep ride from 7 am to 4 pm for about Rs 800 for 6 people everyday. Nature lovers, photographers and young adventurers get to witness the beauty while they capture pictures of the tigers and many other animals such as deer, wild boar, elephants and more. However, the best time to visit the reserve is between the months of June to October.

Location: Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India

Price: Rs 800 ( for 6 jeep passengers) 

Timing: 7 am - 5 pm

Best time to visit: 7 am - 11 am

This auspicious Shakthi peetha is another must visit tourist place in Srisailam for devotees. The temple of Goddess Bhramarambika houses in the Sri Mallikarjuna temple. The temple has the idol of the Goddess with eight arms.

There are a number of tales associated with the temple of Bhramarambha, one of which speaks of the time when Goddess Sati disheartened with the insult by her father towards her husband jumps into a holy pyre and ends herself, Lord Shiva losing his calm kills the King and performs the tandav of destruction, a dance carrying the corpse of the Goddess. Lord Vishnu intervenes to stop the tandav and to the universe from Lord Shiva’s destruction.

He releases the Sudharshan Chakra towards the corpse to split it into pieces and as the story goes the neck of the Goddess fell at the Bhramarambha Shakthi Peetas at the temple spot. 

Location: Srisaila Devasthanam, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Timing: 4:30 am - 10 pm 

Best time to visit: During Navratri or the Kumbham festival

The Srisailam dam is built across the river Krishna in the Kurnool district close to the Srisailam temple. If you haven’t visited a dam this is your chance to catch the working of it. The Srisailam dam is the second largest working hydroelectric station in India.

So, while you watch the gushing water you can also witness the dynamics and development that has taken over in today’s world.After your dam visit you can also visit the backwaters of Srisailam dam, it is a serene calm delight. 

Location: Srisailam Reservoir, Mahbubnagar, Telangana, India

Timing: 12 am - 7:30 pm

Best time to visit: 9 am - 6 pm

About 36 kms away from Srisailam is this mother nature’s creation, just as a modern art sculpture, the octopus viewpoint is the bird-eye view of the river Krishna and the forests around. Called so, the sight of the octopus viewpoint is as if the green forests are the tentacles of an octopus.

It is well liked by people as the view gives the tourists a break from the city chaos and fills it in with a wild yet beautiful image. The view point is about 6 kms away from the Domalapenta forest checkpoint. Tourists usually opt to visit the view point after their stop over at the Farahabad viewpoint Safari. It is suggested to rent a private commute as you have public services available till the Domalapenta checkpoint after which you have to drive a 6 km road way. 

Location: Domalapenta (+ 6 km), Srisailam, Andra Pradesh, India

Price: Rs 10

Timing: 8:30 am - 6 pm

Best time to visit: Early morning hours of the day or post 3.30 pm when the weather starts to get cooler and the day isn’t as hot.

Add Akka Mahadevi caves to the Srisailam must-visit places in your itinerary as this is one of the most adventurous experiences in Srisailam. The experience of visiting the cave makes it much cooler. Visitors have to board the basket boat crossing the lush green river route to arrive at a closer point near the caves. After which a 10 min trek across a thin steep is done to arrive at the caves. This journey is what makes the caves one of the top-visited tourist places in Srisailam. 

The caves are open to visitors throughout the day. However, it is important to plan your visit prior in hand to book the boat ride. The boat ride starts from 10.30 am and the overall experience would cost you around Rs 350. To amplify your experience at the caves, you can make a late night or a midnight visit with torch lights and sticks to help you cross over to the caves.  

However, If you are not up for an adventure or have a senior passenger along who’d be comfortable using the road, opt to take the 5 km mud road that can be accessed via Hyderabad - Srisailam highway. It is suggested to enquire about the road before you begin your journey as it isn’t open to use when it’s damp. 

Location: 10 km from Srisailam, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Price: Rs 350

Timing: 12 am - 11:59 pm

Best time to visit: Anytime of the day

Amidst the forest area, 28 kms away from Srisailam is the temple of Nagalooty. The structure of the temple speaks of its aging and the number of dynasties and Gods associated with it. It is believed that the temple was made during the 1326 AD by the Reddy kings paving way to the devotee to reach Srisailam with ease on foot. 

Although the pathway houses a temple complex of Veerabhadra Swami. In the Garbhagriha of the temple is Goddess Bhadrakali. About a hundred meters away is also a small Ganesha shrine of a ten handed Ganapati. 

Timing: 12 am - 11:59 pm 

Best time to visit: 7 am - 6 pm

A kilometer away from the Mallikarjuna temple is Pathala Ganga, the backwaters of the river Krishna. Traditionally, the devotees take a dip in the sacred river as a sign of washing away their sins. This is one of the places you should visit in Srisailam. The two ways to reach Pathala Ganga is to either walk down the steep 500 steps or to take an adventurous rope ride down to the river, both of which are a great experience.

At the river, you could also jump into a basket boat for some fun. With the background of the hills, the river and the basket boat it is certainly a good spot for a fun family picnic picture. You can also extend your boat ride experience to visit the Akka Mahadevi caves. 

Location: Near Siva Mallikarjuna temple, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Price: Rs 50 (adults), Rs 35 (children) 

Timing: 6 am - 5.30 pm 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Pathala Ganga is during the early morning hours.

Amidst a religious tour, have a cultural detour to the Chenchu Lakshmi tribal museum. It is one of the interesting places to visit in Srisailam. The museum highlights items used by the Chenchu tribe, the dominant tribe residing in the Nallamala hills.

This tribal museum displays a wide collection of artifacts made by the Chenchu and other neighbouring tribes along with idols of Gods, antique weapons, day to day home accessories, musical instruments, tribal jewelry and more. Located at the entrance of town and just a kilometer away from the bus stand the museum can be easily located.

Location:  Patalganga Trail, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Price: Rs 10

Timing: 8.30 am to 8 pm

Best time to visit: 10 am to 7 pm.

This is one of the places of Srisailam which is significantly mentioned in the puranas (holy books) of the hindus. Paladhara which means originating from the forehead whereas Panchadhara signifies Lord Shiva, words put together stand for originating from the forehead of Lord Shiva.

It is believed that the stream flowing in the small valley of Paladhara Panchadara originates from Lord Shiva’s forehead. The scenic valley also has two small waterfalls. Visiting this valley is fascinating for tourists as they enjoy the sweet taste of waterfall water.

As per the legend, Sri Adi Shankaracharya meditated and wrote  books in praise of the goddess Bhramaramba at the Panchadara before beginning his journey and so, Paladhara Panchadara has beautifully made statues of Sri Adi Shankaracharya and Sarada Devi at the venue. 

Location: 4 Km From Srisailam, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Timing:  9 am - 5 pm

Best time to visit: 9 am - 5 pm

Behind the Bhramarambha temple is this beautifully done temple and museum of Chatrapati Shivaji, a Maratha Warrior. As the Legend goes, Shivaji on one of his visits to Srisailam performed his prayer at the temple here when the Goddess appeared to bless him and bestowed him with a sword.

As time passed by the temple structure needed renovation and Shivaji helped re-do it, which is when a gigantic statue of the warrior was installed by the people of the town accepting him as theirs. The temple and museum is functional on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday every week. 

Location: Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Temple & Museum,Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh

Price: Rs 85

Timing: Functions on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday (24 hrs)

A temple belonging to the ancient times of the 8 or 9th century, about 21 kms away from Srisailam. Tourists usually trek about 7 - 8 km into the Nallamala forest to arrive at the temple. Known for its pleasant and smiling face of the Goddess, it is believed to be a very auspicious temple. Many devotees include this temple in their Srisailam visiting places list to double check their wish list to the Gods. 

The trip turns exciting if you pay a visit to this temple as you might encounter animals in the wild as you walk across the forest area. The best time to visit is during the early time of day when you have enough light to get to the temple and head back safely. 

Location: Nallamala Forest, Nekkanti, Andhra Pradesh, India

Timing: 5 am - 9 pm

Best time to visit: 6 am - 7 pm

A small Ganapati shrine close to the main temple, this temple is considered as an important place in Srisailam to visit. The Ganapati idol has a leaf and a pen in his hands and so, it is believed that Lord Ganesha is noting down the names of the devotees visiting Srisailam. The tourists visit presenting themselves to the Lord. 

Location: Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India 

Timing: 6 am - 9 pm

Best time to visit: Anytime of day

The temple association of Srisailam has undertaken the cultivation and development of parks with some exotic plantations, most of which are significant in the Hindu pooja’s. One such uniquely maintained park is the Rudra Vanam park. 

This 6 acres of land by the river Krishna is dedicated to cultivating the rudras, an essential element in most of the Hindu ceremonial poojas. The park also has a statue of Lord Rudra in its premises. The various flowers, plants and rudras are used in the temple especially for performing the auspicious Dharma Pracharam.

Location: Srisailam, Andra Pradesh, India

Best time to visit: 9 am - 6.30 pm

At about a 2 km distance is the temple of Mallamma Kanneeru which stands for the joyful tears of Mallamma. The temple is right between the stream that flows between two natural rocks. The temple is dedicated to Mallamma, a loving devotee of Lord Mallikarjuna.

The story dates back to the 14th century when Mallamma was ill treated and was about to be killed because of her worship towards Lord Mallikarjuna, it is said that the Lord saved her by a miracle. As a sign of affectionate gratitude for Mallikarjuna she arrived at Srisailam and performed her prayer with Goksheram (Cow’s milk) and seeked moksha, liberation from the cycle of birth and death. 

Location: Manikyamma Ashram Road, Behind Lord Shiva Temple, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Timing: 6 am - 7:30 pm

Best time to visit: 8 am - 7 pm