Srisailam

Srisailam is situated in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh of south India. Srisailam is the only place in India that is both a Jyotirlinga Kshetram and a Shakti Pitham in the same temple. Both of which are considered as immensely powerful and holy shrines individually, being together are believed to be extremely divine.

Known for the shrine of Lord Mallikarjuna on Nallamala Hills at an elevation of 457 meters above sea level, Srisailam is a renowned hill station on the banks of the River Krishna and a year round destination.

Srisailam has a lot to offer to the nature lovers, Srisailam leaves an immense pleasure as one can travel through a wildlife sanctuary and the dam is a must visit for a vacation which is peaceful, quiet and where one can refresh ones senses.

According to one story Vasumathi the daughter of a Rishi did penance for Lord Brahma on this Hill. Pleased, the Lord granted her wish of being named Sri after which the hill was also named Srisailam.

Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is located in a picturesque environment on the southern bank of Krishna River, at a height of about 457 metres. The temple was built by King Harihara Raya of Vijayanagar, some six centuries ago.

It is built in typical Vijaynagar architectural style and houses one of the twelve ‘Jyotirlingas’ in India. The sanctum is a shell like structure that enshrines Lord Mallikarjuna. The golden plated gopuram shines well in night time and the Addala Mandapam is a must see in the temple.

Brahmaramba Devi Temple One of the most renowned temples in Srisailam is the Bhramaramba Devi Temple. It is situated on the southern bank of River Krishna, on the Nallamala hills, at a height of 457 metres, above sea level. It is dedicated to the consort of Lord Mallikarjuna, Devi Bhramaramba or Goddess Parvati.

Srisailam Dam The Srisailam Dam constructed across River Krishna and placed in a deep canyon, in the thickly wooded Nallamala hill range. The dam has a length of 512 metres and an elevation of around 300 metres. It comprises of 12 radial crest gates and is considered to be one of the twelve largest hydroelectric power projects in India. Ropeway is present to reach Pathala Ganga as paid service. This ride also gives good experience for visitors

Mallela Teertham Situated amidst a dense forest, at a distance of 50 kilometres from Srisailam. Tourists need to avail the muddy, bumpy road and around 250 steps down the valley, in order to reach the waterfall.

Srisailam Sanctuary One of the largest Tiger Reserves in India is situated in Srisailam. The sanctuary spans an area of 3568 square kilometres and the rugged terrain comprises of winding gorges. The sanctuary is covered by dry deciduous forests that include bamboo thickets and scrubs. The sanctuary houses a iety of animals like leopard, tiger, deer, hyena and sloth bear.

Akka Mahadevi Caves Going there through a long river ride surrounded by mountains you will feel very special and once you enter the cave you will feel connected to the history. During the 12th century, the cave was named after Akka Mahadevi, the renowned philosopher, ascetic and lyricist, who hailed from Karnataka. A Shiva Linga naturally existed in the dark and deep end of the cave and is believed that Akka Mahadevi did penance in this cave.

Make sure you purchase some honey by the tribes and packaged by the state government, available for sale at the Chenchu Lakshmi Tribal Museum.

As a temple town, vegetarian food is available here. A iety of South-Indian food as well as street food can be tried here. One can also enjoy the temple food.

There are ious means of transportation to reach Srisailam. It is well connected by roads, train and air by other parts of the country. One can reach there by Car/Taxi/Bus or by train or by air.

How to reach Srisailam by Car/Taxi

Mannanur, a 120 km drive from Hyderabad, is the place where the Nallamala hills start and after 60-70 km of drive through the forest one reaches Eegalapenta. From there, it becomes difficult to drive as there are numerous hairpin bends and a kilometer of the stretch has lot of potholes.

How to reach Srisailam by Bus

Srisailam is about 212 km from Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana State, and there are buses connecting the town with Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Guntur and Kurnool. The travel time from Hyderabad to Srisailam is 4 hours.

How to reach Srisailam by Train

There is no railway station in Srisailam. Nearest Train Station is Markapur Road Railway Station which is 87 Kms and Nandyal Railway Station at 160 Kms from their you can book a cab.

How to reach Srisailam by Air

Nearest Airport is Hyderabad - Rajiv Gandhi International Airport 202 Kms and one can easily book a cab or bus from Hyderabad.