11 Top Tourist Places to Visit in Srisailam

Srisailam is a peaceful town in Andhra Pradesh, located in the beautiful Nallamala Hills. It is known for its ancient temples, natural beauty and rich history. Many people visit Srisailam to pray at the famous Mallikarjuna Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The town is also surrounded by green forests, hills and scenic views, making it a great place for nature lovers. Whether you come for devotion or to enjoy nature, Srisailam offers a memorable experience for everyone.

In this blog, let’s discover the best places to visit in Srisailam. We will also share travel tips, local culture, popular food and fun activities to make your trip unforgettable.

History of Srisailam

Srisailam is an ancient and holy place with great importance in history and religion. It is famous for the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple, one of the twelve special shrines of Lord Shiva. It is one of the Shakti Peethas, where Goddess Parvati is worshipped. This makes Srisailam a rare and powerful pilgrimage site for both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati devotees.

Shiva and Parvati decided to find appropriate spouses for their sons. Buddhi (intellect), Siddhi (spiritual force) and Riddhi (prosperity) were married to Ganesha. After returning, a furious Kartikeya left to reside by himself on Mount Krauncha in Palani, adopting the identity of Kumara Brahmachari. He attempted to relocate after noticing his father coming to console him, but he stayed nearby at the deva’s request. The name Srisailam comes from the site where Shiva and Parvati stayed.

Srisailam is mentioned in old scriptures like the Skanda Purana and Mahabharata, which describe it as the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati live. The temple shows the beautiful architecture of many old dynasties like the Satavahanas, Chalukyas and Vijayanagara kings, who helped build and protect it. This rich history makes Srisailam a sacred and beautiful place for devotees.

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Top Places to Visit in Srisailam

Every spot in Srisailam is explorable, but here, YatraDham.Org is providing a list of some places that are very famous and the main attractions of Srisailam.

1. Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple

According to Hindu mythology, the reigning deity in the shape of Linga (an iconic form of Shiva) was worshipped with jasmine (locally known in Telugu as Mallika), giving him the name Mallikarjuna.

• Hindu temple in Srisailam Andhra Pradesh.
• In honor of Shiva and Parvati.
• Considered one of Shiva’s twelve Jyotirlingas.
• One of the eighteen Shakti Pithas, 
• The lingam represents Shiva as Mallikarjuna
• Bhramaramba represents Mallikarjuna’s wife, Parvati.

Shri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple Timings and Entry Fees

The biggest festival that took place at Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is Mahashivaratri.

Also Read, How to Reach Srisailam Temple

2. Bhramaramba Devi Temple

The Bhramaramba Devi Temple is a famous Hindu temple on Srisailam Hill in Andhra Pradesh. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhramaramba Devi, a form of Goddess Parvati. People believe that the neck of Goddess Sati fell here, making it one of the Ashta Maha Shakti Peethas. In this temple, the goddess is with eight arms.

The temple is a part of the Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple, where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped together. With its ancient history, spiritual importance and beautiful architecture, the temple attracts many devotees who come to seek blessings and peace.

Bhramaramba Devi Temple Timings and Entry Fees

The best time to visit Bhramaramba Devi Temple is during Navratri.

3. Ishtakameshwari Devi Temple

The Istakameshwari Temple is an old and famous temple in the Nallamala Hills near Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Istakameshwari, a form of Goddess Parvati. People believe that the goddess fulfills the wishes of her devotees.

The idol of the goddess is special, with soft and beautiful facial features. It is also said that the forehead of the goddess is as natural as human skin. The temple is surrounded by thick forests and can be reached by trekking through the hills. Many pilgrims visit the temples to seek blessings and find peace.

Istakameshwari Temple Timings and Entry Fees

4. Pathala Ganga

Pathala Ganga is a holy site in the Krishna backwaters, located 1 km from Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple.

This is where devotees can take a holy bath in the Krishna River. Steps and iron chains are supplied for devotees to grip to protect themselves from the river’s powerful flow.

From here, you can see a large reservoir and the gorgeous mountains covered in the lush green Nallamala Forest. It is one of the most popular places in Srisailam for its amazing views of the Krishna River. 

It is situated behind the Srisailam Dam and the floodgates can be viewed from here. Pathala Ganga also serves as a boating facility for relaxation rides and tours.

Pathala Ganga Timings and Entry Fees

5. Akka Mahadevi Caves

The Akka Mahadevi caves are around 10 km away from Srisailam in Telangana. It is located right across the perennial Krishna River. The caves are located in the eastern ghats of Andhra Pradesh. It is an adventurous place.

Akka Mahadevi Caves Timings and Entry Fees

Tips

1. Carry enough water and a pair of flashlights or candles when entering the caves.
2. You can get boating tickets from Pathala Ganga.

6. Srisailam Tiger Reserve

Srisailam Tiger Reserve is one of the largest tiger reserves in India, located in the Nallamala Hills of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It covers 3568 sq.km and is part of the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Sanctuary. The reserve is home to Bengal Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, deer and many birds.

The area has thick forests, deep valleys and the Krishna River flowing through it, making it rich in nature. The famous Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple is also located inside the reserve, adding to its cultural importance.

There is also a facility for jeep rides for passengers. There is a 6-person Jeep ride.

Srisailam Tiger Reserve Timings and Jeep Safari Timings & Charges 

Note: No vehicles are allowed between 9:00 pm and 6:00 am.

7. Srisailam Dam

Srisailam is one of the main attractions in the town. It is built on the Krishna River in the Nallamala Hills of Andhra Pradesh. The dam is 145 meters high and 512 meters long. It is also one of the 12 largest hydroelectric projects in India. It is used for irrigation, producing electricity and controlling floods.

The area around the dam is beautiful, with green hills and peaceful views. The famous Srisailam temple is also nearby, making it a popular tourist spot. One of the best things to do there is to spend some quality time with friends and family. You can see the gurgling water of the Krishna River. It is the best place for the nature lover.

Srisailam Dam Timings and Entry Fees

8. Octopus Viewpoint

Octopus Viewpoint is a site that shows a place with an amazing view. It is around 30 km away from the Srisailam temple. The place is named because its view stretches in many directions, like an octopus’s arms. It is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, or anyone looking for peace and quiet.

Octopus Viewpoint Timings and Entry Fees

9. Sri Sakshi Ganapathi Swamy Temple

Sri Sakshi Ganapathi Swamy Temple Timings

• Located 2 km east of the main temple.
• Sakshi Ganapathi is a sculpted black stone figure that holds proof of each devotee’s visit to Srisailam.
• Devotees visit Sakshi Ganapathi and share their Gotra names.
• Sakshi Ganapathi Represents time, the observer of all and holds proof of each second.
• He holds proof of our good acts and delivers the good and bad that we deserve.
• In the Aagamas, Sakshi Ganapathi represents the world filled with Shiva-Shakti, the world’s mother and father.
• The idol placed three and a half decades ago, is placed in a sanctum with depictions of Natya Ganapathi and Shivarchana.
• Devasthanam organizes Paroksha seva facilities for devotees to participate in Ganapathi homam.
• Daily prayers and rituals are offered and all devotees are requested to abide by the Devasthanam regulations.

10. Chenchu Lakshmi Tribal Museum

Located close to Srisailam, the Chenchu Lakshmi Museum provides a view into the way of life of the native tribes living in the Srisailam jungles. This museum is named after Chenchu Lakshmi, the wife of Narasimha Swamy.

The museum has two floors and it contains different items from different communities, including musical instruments, weapons, routine items and god idols. It also includes a park with dinosaur images, tribal huts, a playground for children and shops for honey-selling.

Chenchu Lakshmi Tribal Museum Timings and Entry Fees

11. Hatakeswaram Temple

Hatakeswaram is an amazing spot to visit in Srisailam. HatakeswaraKshetram is located 5 km from the western edge of the Srisailam Hills.

Skanda Purana mentions this location in excellent detail. People in the region relate a mysterious tale about Hatakeshwara. This story represents the value of dedication over a real incident.

Hatakeswaram, located 3km from the main temple, is a popular entry point for devotees from Karnataka and Rayalaseema. Many rishis, siddhis and gurus have visited Srisailam and all devotees are encouraged to follow Devasthanam regulations, worship the golden lingam and receive Lord Shiva’s blessings.

Hatakeswaram Temple Timings and Entry Fees

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Activities You Can Do in Srisailam

• Enjoy boating at Pathala Ganga
• Go on a jungle safari in Srisailam Tiger Reserve
• Trek in the beautiful Nallamala Hills
• Camp under the stars at night
• Take a Jeep ride to the Istakameshwari temple
• Click photos at Octopus Viewpoint

Best Time to Visit Srisailam

The best time to visit Srisailam is from October to February. The weather is cool and pleasant, ideal for temple visits and sightseeing.

Avoid summer months as it gets very hot, reaching up to 40 degrees celsius, which can make travel difficult.

Must-Try Local Foods in Srisailam

Srisailam serves tasty Andhra Pradesh food that you must try during your visit.

• Pulihora
• Gongura Pachadi
• Ragi Sangati
• Mirchi Bajji

The people are friendly and the town is lively during the festivals like Maha Shivratri with traditional dance performances.

Travel Tips for Visiting Srisailam

• Wear simple clothes when visiting temples.
• Keep cash with you because small shops may not take cards.
• Book rooms early during festivals.
• Follow local customs and keep the place clean.
• Try to attend the early morning abhishekam at the temple.

How to Reach Srisailam

Srisailam is easy to reach from many cities in South India. You can travel by road, train and air.

By Road

Travelling by road is the beat way to reach Srisailam. The journey passes through the beautiful Nallamala Hills and forests, making it a pleasant experience.

By Train

Srisailam does not have its own railway station. The nearest railway station is Markapur Road, which is 85 km away. From there, you can use local transport to reach Srisailam.

By Air

The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, about 200 km away from Srisailam. From there, use local transport like cabs or buses to reach Srisailam.

Srisailam Tour Packages

Check the best Srisailam tour packages at a very affordable price with great options. You can customize your package according to your needs and convenience from travel.yatradham.org.

Places to Stay in Srisailam

If you are looking for a stay in Srisailam then here you can choose budget-friendly hotels for a stay according to your needs and budget. But before that check How to Reach Srisailam by Road, Rail and Air.

• Hotel Grand Akkamahadevi Srisailam
• Srisaileswara Ac Dormitory Srisailam
• Srisailam Vasavi Vihar 2 Aryavaishya Annasatram
• Hotel Haritha Srisailam
• Srisailam Sri Shaiva Maha Peetam

FAQs

Conclusion

Srisailam is not just a holy place but also a mix of spirituality, nature and adventure. Whether you want to seek blessings, visit ancient caves or enjoy nature walks, Srisailam gives a special and memorable experience.

With its deep history, rich culture and beautiful scenery, Srisailam is one of the best places in South India that everyone should visit at least once.