Srisailam

Srisailam is a hill town set on the banks of the River Krishna, in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh.

Updated: June 20, 2020

Srisailam is a hill town set on the banks of the River Krishna, in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. Srisailam is identified with its many ancient temples including a Jyotirlinga. You could seek the blessings of the almighty by visiting the many majestic temples in the city such as the one dedicated to Lord Shiva (it is renowned as Sikhareswara Swamy temple) or the famous Bhramaramba Mallikarjunaswamy Temple which is located at a height of around 457m from sea level.

Patala Ganga is a must visit sacred place in the backwaters of Krishna River. All Devotees should have a holy bath in Pathala Ganga before visiting Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple for Darshan as it is believed to have medicinal properties for healing skin diseases. There are approximately 500 Stairs downwards to reach Pathala Ganga. You can also try the enjoyable ropeway car ride and look down at the majestic river and lush green beauty all around.

Srisailam Tiger Reserve is one of the largest tiger reserves in India with a total area of 3568 acres. 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. You can also finds a number of crocodiles in the down waters of Srisailam Dam, as a breeding programme, supported by the local government is being carried out.

The Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, is the most celebrated temple of the town that was built by King Harihara Raya of Vijayanagar in 6 centuries. Goddess Parvati cursed sage Bringi to stand, as he only worshipped Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva, after consoling the goddess, gave him a third leg, so that he could stand more comfortably. You can find the idol of sage Bringi standing on three legs here as well as idols of Nandi, Sahasralinga and Nataraja.

Akkamahadevi caves around 10 kilometres away from Srisailam in Telangana is a natural wonder. Located right across the perennial Krishna river, the caves are a natural formation that has been in existence for more than a million years. It has a naturally formed arch at the entrance which stands without any support of any kind. The main attraction is the deep-lying Shivalinga inside the extensive maze of pathways which is a popular religious shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The Srisailam Dam in Telangana is one of the 12 largest hydroelectric projects in India which is one of the main centres of attraction for the town. The view from the top of the dam is an astonishing sight, especially when the water is released.

Shikaresvara Temple, dedicated to Sikhareswara Swamy is located at the highest point of Srisailam, referred to as Sikharam. Sikhareswara Swamy, is one of the forms of Lord Shiva, and is believed to possess the power to free his devotees from their sins.