Looking for weekend getaways from Hyderabad? Try Srisailam, a historical town full of natural reserves and hidden treasures. Find out how to get from Hyderabad to Srisailam and what to do there.
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More to Srisailam than its Temples
The famous pilgrim town of Srisailam is known for its sacred temples and significant religious sites. But its beauty is not restricted to its places of worship. The geographical location of Srisailam is a charm in itself. Sitting on the banks of the Krishna River and flanked by the forests of Srisailam Hills, there’s plenty of nature to explore and discover in this town. With an enchanting landscape of forests, hills, waterfalls, and caves, Srisailam surely makes for a holistic nature retreat, which you cannot miss.
Weekend Getaway from Hyderabad to Srisailam
The town of Srisailam is well-connected to major cities in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana by road and railways. It is a great weekend getaway from Hyderabad or Vijaywada. If you are flying in from other cities, you can book a reliable Hyderabad to Srisailam cab with an experienced driver and reach Srisailam in less than five hours. It is also within driving distance from Vijaywada.
The Wonders of Srisailam
Beyond the temples and revered places of worship, explore the rich natural reserves of Srisailam and experience the pilgrim town in a completely different light.
The Akka Mahadevi Caves
Located at about 180 KM from Srisailam town, these naturally formed caves are a delightful sight. The Shiva shrine in the caves endows them with religious importance. However, they also have geographical and historical significance. The caves are said to be dedicated to the 12th century Kannada poet Akka Mahadevi, who took refuge there to pray and perform penance.
However, archeological findings suggest that the cave complex has been around for over millions of years, and most parts remain untouched by humans. However, the journey to the caves is a major highlight of the site. It is also a popular destination for regular hikers and explorers.
To reach the base of the Akka Mahadevi Caves, you can take a boat from Patala Ganga and sail upstream on the Krishna River. It takes two to three hours to hike to the caves and explore the ruins. As you walk through the rocky terrain and forested trails, you can catch a glimpse of the beautiful Nallamala Hills in the distance. You can also visit the temple enshrined in one of the caves.
There is also a prominent arch worth seeing at the caves. Measuring 200 feet in length and 16 feet in height, the stone arch features naturally formed grooves that are reminiscent of hand-carved sculptures. Photography enthusiasts should not miss this spot.
Visiting hours: 24 hours
Best time to visit: 10 AM to 3 PM
Boat rides: 10.30 PM to sunset (check with local operators for the last ferry from Akka Mahadevi)
Good for: Day trips from Srisailam, boat rides, hiking
Srisailam Tiger Reserve
At a distance of only 20 KM from Srisailam town, you will find this massive wildlife reserve. It is spread across a whopping 3568 acres of forested areas, reservoirs, and grasslands and covers the districts of Kurnool, Guntur, Prakasam, Nalgonda, and Mahbubnagar. It is considered to be the largest tiger reserve in the country and currently forms a part of Project Tiger to protect the endangered species.
The natural reserve boasts of rich flora and fauna, including tropical dry deciduous trees and medicinal plants like axlewood, teak, silk plants, Anjan, Sal, and frankincense. The dense forests also house a large population of wildlife, ranging across all species and classes. You can take a jungle safari through the designated areas and spot Indian leopards, sloth bears, pangolin, spotted deer, antelopes, peafowl, skunks, and more. And if you are lucky enough, you might also get a sighting of the Bengal Tiger, which has decreased in number over the years. The forests of Srisailam are also known for the famous blackbuck, which is now relegated to highly protected zones.
Visiting hours: 7 AM to 5 PM
Best time to visit: November to March
Good for: Jungle Safari, hiking, forest camping (in selective areas)
Nallamala Forests
The lush and dense Nallamala forests lie at a short distance of 17 KM from Srisailam, in the quiet district of Kurnool. They are a part of the Nallamala Hills and cover almost one-third of the hilly areas. The forests are popular for ecotourism and offer a lot of outdoor adventures for travelers.
There are designated camping areas, log cabins, and cottages in different parts of the forests. You can do jungle camping, safaris, and enjoy the rustic retreat. Enjoy the pure indulgence of nature with an ambiance of bamboo and sandalwood trees, exotic birds, and rich flora and fauna.
The forest perimeters are inhabited by ethnic tribal communities who live across 20 odd villages in and around the jungles. You can also do a tour of the tribal villages with the help of a local guide. Enjoy a day trip from Srisailam and stop by the Dindi Reservoir on the way. But for a holistic experience of the wild, plan a forest stay at any of the ecotourism retreats in Pacherla, Bairluty, or other prominent areas.
Best time to visit: November to February
Good for: Day trips, Jungle Safari, ecotourism, forest camping (in selective areas)
Srisailam Travel Tips
If you are traveling in a big group, opt for a comfortable and spacious Tempo Traveller on rent in Hyderabad. It is worth noting that most of the forested areas require a prior permit from the Forest Department for trekking, camping, or even driving through. Check with local authorities or your rental car provider for assistance.
With so much to do and see, Srisailam is definitely among the most under-rated weekend getaways from Hyderabad. For more travel tips and secrets, subscribe to our spam-free monthly newsletter:
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Featured image by harikrish.h is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Looks like a very interesting place to visit – great photos 🙂
Thanks June 🙂 Must thank Flickr for all those images.
Srisailam is the most interestng place to visit and there have a Great Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple, Dam looking amazing. Thanks for the post.
Beautiful pictures 🙂
Never heard of Srisailam before but this place looks interesting. Noted this place for my future Hyderabad visit
I love srisailam dam and images are mind blowing! Really devotional place to worship god! Very interesting and awesome sight seeing place!
The Indian universe without a doubt affords every traveler the opportunity to see its many worlds of wonder. Though I have never been to India myself but always wanted to go. Thanks for the post. The world of Srisailam awaits.