Located in the sacred hills of Srigiri in the Nallamalai range (India’s largest Tiger reserve spread across five districts of Andrapradesh State with a total area of 3728 sq.km.) Srisailam is one of the 11 sacred Jyotirlinga Shiva temples.
It’s an awesome road trip from Hyderabad city roughly 215 km.
Places to stop at:
1. One should not miss the Dindi (119km from Hyderabad) water reservoir for a scenic view.
2. The next stop should be Mallela Theertham waterfall (60km from the Dindi water reservoir), note you have to take a left turn just 25km after Munnanur and travel 10km more to reach this serene place.
3. Octopus viewpoint 29km from the previous stop the Mallela Theertham, this viewpoint has a check post which will charge ₹20/bike but if you prefer a small nature walk then your entry is free (only vehicles are charged) this viewpoint is must visit for the scenic view of the Srisailam dam backwaters in between the hills
4. Srisailam dam constructed on the Krishna river is just 15km from the octopus viewpoint and you get to indulge in the awesome stretch of dense forest and some dangerous ghaat road. On the way you are advised at multiple places to not feed the animals and not carry any plastic, I would request all to follow the jungle rules to save our mother nature for our next generation.
5. The holy temple of Lord Shiva, Srisailam jyotirlinga. This temple dates back to 2nd century AD and is just 14km from the Srisailam dam viewpoint. This road involves some dangerous turns and awesome views of the dam & forest. The entry to the city has a check-post and no Tobacco and alcohol are allowed to be carried in this holy city. Accommodation is very reasonable here if you don’t mind staying in a huge clean hall where pilgrims are provided with a bed, a sheet, and a locker to keep your belongings safe for a very minimal price of ₹50. If you are traveling with family then there are numerous lodges to occupy which you can pre-book online.
6. If you choose to stay overnight then a dip in the cool waters of the Krishna river, also known as Patal-Ganga will calm your nerves down after descending a rope car (₹50/head for the up-down trip) and a 15 minutes boat ride (₹50/head) towards the dam. You can also choose to take an 18 km boat ride to Akaamahadevi caves which may consume half-day costing you ₹250/head but this would be a beautiful ride in waters from in between the hills but timings for this ride are morning 9-11 only.
In conclusion, visiting Srishailam would be an absolutely delightful road trip over a weekend with friends and family. This trip offers a much-required refresh away from the polluted and busy life of the city.