Srisailam, is well known for the Lord Mallikarjuna temple. This divine city is believed to be most ancient city in India, and its many epigraphical inscriptions had proved its existence some 40000 years ego. The earliest known historical mention of the Hill-Srisailam can be traced in Pulumavi's Nasik inscription of 2nd Century A.D. Srisailam played a dominant role in our religious, cultural and social history from ancient times. This historical cum divine land has got lots of attractive places and destinations. Few not to miss places at Srisailam are as follows. Srisailam is on the banks of the Krishna River about 212 km South Hyderabad and 179 km from Kurnool.

Srisailam temple:

This temple is picturesquely anchored at the flat top of Nallamalai hills. Having Mallikarjuna, a form of Lord Shiva as the prime deity, this temple is most reputed Hindu temple in India and is one among the 275 paadal petas. The history of the temple is the oldest one. This temple is to the right side of the River Krishna in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. Visiting this temple on certain auspicious days will bring good luck and enlightenment to the worshiping souls. Most days this temple will be thronged wathy devotees. Apart from the temple, the surrounding environment of this temple is breathtaking and attracts more tourists.

Srisailam Dam:

Across the Krishna River and overlooking the Nallamala woods, is the sprawling Srisailam Dam. Built over the unforgiving verve of the River Krishna, the dam is nestled in a deep canyon, surrounded by forests and sceneries, finding a home in the sound of gushing and falling water. This water falls looks angry white flame ready to consume us, to that extent the force of the water is. Behold its beauty from the view point.

Patalganga River:

As the River Krishna turns downhill, it is surrounded by a certain spirituality in the air. Enjoy the sceneries around you and take a dip into these sacred waters, believed to have medicinal properties for healing skin diseases. One can also try the enjoyable ropeway car ride and look down at the majestic river and lush green beauty all around.

This river has a small myth behind it. During the Mahabharata age, when Bhishma was about to die of thirst, Arujuna shot his arrow right here and extracted ground water from the hole and this hole began to flow as Patalganga, which is basically a tributary of River Ganges.

Paladhara and Panchadhara:

Paladhara and Panchadhara are the natural springs found amidst dense forest. From this spring goes a flight of steps downwards, which leads to a place, where Sri Adi Shankaracharya spent most of his time meditating. The ambiance at this spot is very tranquil and divine. As a tribute to Sri Shankaracharya, one of his effigy and effigy of Goddess Sarda dei are installed here. This is the very place where Sri Shankaracharya wrote songs in praise of Lord Mallikarjuna. This pace surely worth a visit, for the one who love serenity and peaceful ambiance.

Srisailam Tiger Reserve Overview:

The total area of this tiger reserve is 3568 acres, making it one of the largest tiger reserves in India. Srisailam Dam and Nagarjunasagar Dam are also located in the reserve area.

Apart from the Tiger, one can spot here, leopards, sloth bears, dhol, Indian Pangolin, Chital, Sambar deer, Chevrotain, Blackbuck, Chinkara, and Chowsingha. There are other reptiles and amphibians also found in this area including crocodile, Indian Python, Kind Cobra and Indian peafowl.

One also finds a number of crocodiles in the down waters of Srisailam Dam, where a breeding programme, supported by the local government is being carried out.

How to reach Srisailam :

The nearest airport from Srisailam is about 195 km in Hyderabad. There are buses connecting the town with Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Guntur and Kurnool. If hiring a private taxi, ensure that the driver has experience driving in ghat sections. Nearby railway stations are at Marakpur (62 km), Vinukonda (120 km) and Kurnool (190 km).

Srisailam by Road : Regular bus services ply to and fro the city of Srisailam. They operate on a daily basis, whether day or night, from places like Nellore, Vishakhapatnam etc. You can also take shared taxis or cabs for the same route.

Srisailam by Train : There is no direct rail connectivity to Srisailam. The nearest railway station is in Cumbum district, which is some 60 km. away from Srisailam. You can get a regular passenger as well as express trains from Cumbum for Srisailam.