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Home to temples, majestic dams and the largest tiger reserve in the country, Srisailam is one of the most enriching and diverse regions in Andhra Pradesh. Home to one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, this pilgrimage site is popular among the devotees. Besides that there are numerous places to visit in Srisailam that cater to your diverse travel expectations. Irrespective of your age, there’s an experience and activity that you can explore in Srisailam. Perfect for solo travellers and for family vacations, you can plan a well-rounded trip to this coastal town for the ultimate vacation.
10 Places To Visit In Srisailam
Srisailam is not just about religious tourism; it offers a variety of attractions, from ancient temples to wildlife sanctuaries, each with its unique charm. Let’s explore all the best places to visit in Srisailam.
1. Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple
Photo: Arpita Tripathy / Wikimedia Commons
The main attraction that draws thousands of tourists every year to Srisailam is the Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas and is one of the most ancient temples in the area. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (Mallikarjuna) and Goddess Parvati (Bhramaramba), is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. The history of this temple dates back to the 2nd century during the reign of the Satavahana dynasty. Thousands of devotees visit this temple during the Maha Shivaratri festival.
Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh 528101
Timings: 6 AM – 3:30 PM and 6 PM – 10 PM
2. Akka Mahadevi Caves
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Featuring a blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance, Akka Mahadevi Caves are another one of the popular tourist attractions in Srisailam. Named after the 12th-century saint Akka Mahadevi, who meditated here. One of the most fascinating parts of seeing these caves is the journey you have to embark on. You need to take a boat ride on the Krishna River while enjoying the surrounding scenic views. Inside the caves, the main attraction is the naturally formed Shiva Linga, adding to the religious aspect of the place. You can also spot stalactites and stalagmites formations inside the caves.
Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh 518101
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
3. Srisailam Dam
Photo: Mukthesh63 / Wikimedia Commons
One of the largest dams in India, the Srisailam Dam is not just one of the most popular Srisailam tourist places but also an important source of water and hydroelectric power for the region. Built across the Krishna River, the dam is set against the beautiful Nallamala Hills, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Around the dam, there are a few limited activities including photography, especially during the monsoon season. Besides that, you can indulge in a peaceful and adventurous boat ride on the reservoir, soaking in the peaceful environment around the dam.
Timings: 6 AM – 7:30 PM
4. Pathala Ganga
Photo: Munna Aawara / Wikimedia Commons
Pathala Ganga is a sacred spot on the banks of the Krishna River, where pilgrims come to take a holy dip before proceeding to the Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple. The depth of the river and the holy aspect of the Ganga River explain why it is of such spiritual importance among the devotees visiting the area. There are two ways to reach Pathala Ganga. You can take the ropeway ride that directly takes you to the spot or you can descend a series of steps. Also, you can immerse yourself in the views of the surrounding Nallamala Hills, which add to the beauty of the experience.
Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh 518101
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
5. Chenchu Lakshmi Tribal Museum
Photo: NAZAARAEY / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another one of the best places for Srisailam trip is the Chenchu Lakshmi Tribal Museum, which enables you to learn about the local tribes and their way of living. Particularly dedicated to the indigenous Chenchu tribe, who have lived in the Nallamala forests for centuries, this museum lets you look into a variety of exhibits including tools, weapons, clothing, and household items that the tribe used to survive in their habitats. Also, in a section inside the museum, you can learn about the rich biodiversity including the flora and fauna that are found in the Nallamala Forests. You also get to learn about the tribe’s deep connection with nature, which is quite fascinating to learn.
Location: Rina Rd, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh 518101
Timings: 8:30 AM – 8 PM
6. Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Robert Stokoe / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Also known as the Nagarjunsagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve, the wildlife sanctuary is the largest tiger reserve in India. Spread over 3568 square kilometres, it is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, each one more fascinating than the other. One of the main attractions in this wildlife sanctuary is the population of the Bengal tiger. Besides that, you can also spot leopards, sloths and deer during your jungle safari experience. The sanctuary is also home to a diverse range of bird species. In addition to that, this place also has nature trails for a trekking experience.
Location: Pedachama, Andhra Pradesh 518101
Timings: 24*7
7. Sakshi Ganapati Temple
Photo: Vishal Panchal / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Another one of the popular places to visit in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, is the Sakshi Ganapati Temple. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, this temple is adjacent to the main Srisailam Temple. According to legend, Lord Ganesha, as the Sakshi (witness), keeps a record of all the devotees visiting the Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple, which is quite fascinating to learn about. This explains why the devotees believe that paying a visit to this Ganapathy temple is mandatory before heading to the Srisailam Temple. You will find that the idol, inside the temple, has a book in the left hand and a pen in the right, mimicking taking notes of the devotees.
Location: Sakshi Ganapathi, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh 518101
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
8. Hemareddy Mallamma Temple
Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Hemareddy Mallamma Temple is another shrine that you must visit the next time you are in Srisailam. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is named after Hemareddy Mallamma, who was an ardent follower of Lord Mallikarjuna. It is believed that this particular site is where Mallamma attained moksha. The temple has a minimal and simplistic design and architecture, reminiscent of the typical South Indian style architecture. There are intricately carved pillars and a serene courtyard. The temple celebrates several festivals, with the annual Mallamma Jayanthi being the most prominent, drawing pilgrims from all over the region.\
Location: Manikyamma Ashram Road, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh 518101
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
9. Bhramaramba Devi Temple
Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Adding Bhramaramba Devi Temple to your Srisailam tourist places list is an absolute must. Despite being a small shrine, it’s one of the most empowering spots in the town. Dedicated to Bhramaramba Devi, it is one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas, where the throat of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen. Inside the inner sanctum, you can witness the Goddess adorned with jewellery, intricately woven attire and flowers. The spiritual energy of this temple is beyond comprehension.
Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh 518101
Timings: 4:30 AM – 10 PM
10. Shikaresvara Temple
Photo: AXP Photography / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Last on the list of tourist places in Srisailam is the Shikaresvara Temple, which is another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In this temple, the deity is Shikaresvara, the Lord of the highest peak. Some legends depict that the temple’s construction was done by the Pandavas from the Mahabharata while they were in exile. Over the centuries, the temple has been a place of worship for the devotees. Not only can you offer your prayers, but the place also has a serene atmosphere that is perfect for meditation and reflection.
Location: Andhra Pradesh 518102
Timings: 6 AM – 2 PM and 5 PM – 8:30 PM
There are many places to visit in Srisailam, the majority of which include temples and religious destinations. You can resonate with the chants of devotees and explore more the wild sanctuaries that echo with the calls of the jungle during your visit. For a seamless travel experience, sort out your bookings with TripXL to avail the best deals and discounts.
Cover Photo: Srinivas Chidumalla / Wikimedia Commons
