Srisailam, a spiritual and natural paradise, is not just home to the sacred Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, but also offers a mix of scenic landscapes, waterfalls, ancient caves, wildlife sanctuaries, and breathtaking viewpoints.
If you’re planning a trip to Srisailam, here’s a detailed guide to the visit places nearby, along with their timings, entry fees, and travel tips.
1. Pathala Ganga – A Sacred River Spot
📍 Distance from Srisailam Temple: 1.5 km
⏰ Timings: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
🎟️ Ropeway Ticket: ₹80 (Adult), ₹50 (Child)
🎟️ Boating Ticket: ₹80 – ₹150 per person
🚗 Travel Mode: Auto, Ropeway, Walking
Pathala Ganga is a holy bathing ghat located on the banks of the Krishna River, One Of the Best Places to Visit Near Srisailam. Pilgrims visit this spot to take a sacred dip in the Krishna River before proceeding for darshan at the temple. The site also offers breathtaking views of the Nallamala Hills and exciting activities like ropeway rides and boating.
Activities to Try
- Take the ropeway ride for a scenic descent to the river.
- Enjoy a boat ride on the Krishna River.
- Participate in the morning and evening aarti on the riverbanks.
🔹 Best Time to Visit: October to February (Pleasant weather and clear water).
ALSO READ: Complete Guide to Srisailam Temple Darshan Timings and Sevas
2. Akkamahadevi Caves – A Hidden Adventure
📍 Distance from Srisailam Temple: 12 km (Boat ride from Pathala Ganga)
⏰ Timings: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
🎟️ Boat Ride Price: ₹400 – ₹600 per person
🚗 Travel Mode: Boat + Trekking (2 km inside the cave)
Akkamahadevi Caves is a mystical natural cave located deep in the Nallamala Forests, along the Krishna River, one of the best Places to Visit Near Srisailam. This ancient cave is renowned for its self-manifested Shiva Linga and historic significance as a meditation site for Akkamahadevi, a 12th-century Veerashaiva saint.
The journey to Akkamahadevi Caves is an exciting adventure, involving a scenic boat ride on the Krishna River, followed by a 2 km trek through rocky terrain.
How to Reach?
- Take a boat ride from Pathala Ganga, which takes 1 hour to reach.
- Trek 2 km through dense forests and rocky terrain to reach the caves.
🔹 Best Tip: Carry a flashlight as the cave interiors are dark.
3. Srisailam Dam – A Majestic Sight
📍 Distance from Srisailam Temple: 15 km
⏰ Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
🚗 Travel Mode: Auto, Taxi
The Srisailam Dam, built across the Krishna River, is one of India’s largest dams and a major hydroelectric project. Surrounded by the lush green Nallamala Hills, the dam offers breathtaking views, making it a must-visit attraction near Srisailam.
Apart from being a crucial source of irrigation and electricity, the dam is a popular tourist spot, especially during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons when the floodgates are open, creating a spectacular waterfall-like effect..
Why Visit?
- Watch the water gushing through the dam gates (especially post-monsoon).
- Enjoy a picturesque sunrise or sunset over the reservoir.
- Click stunning photographs of the scenic landscape.
🔹 Best Time to Visit: August – December (When the dam overflows).
4. Srisailam Tiger Reserve – A Wildlife Haven
📍 Distance from Srisailam Temple: 20 km
⏰ Timings: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹50 per person
🎟️ Jeep Safari Price: ₹1000 – ₹2500 per trip
🚗 Travel Mode: Private Vehicle or Jeep Safari
The Srisailam Tiger Reserve is also known as the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve. It is one of India’s largest tiger reserves, spread across the Nallamala Hills in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Covering an area of 3,568 sq. km, this dense forest is home to Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Spotted Deer, Wild Boars, and various bird species.
It is a perfect destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventure seekers, offering jeep safaris, nature trails, and eco-tourism experiences.
Things to Do
✅ Go on a Jeep Safari to explore the wildlife.
✅ Visit the Mannanur Eco Park for a relaxing nature walk.
🔹 Best Time to Visit: November – April (Cool weather and better chances of spotting wildlife).
5. Sakshi Ganapathi Temple
📍 Distance from Srisailam Temple: 3 km
⏰ Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
🚗 Travel Mode: Auto, Walking
The Sakshi Ganapathi Temple is a sacred shrine near Srisailam, dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Pilgrims visiting Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple first seek the blessings of Sakshi Ganapathi. It is believed that Lord Ganesha keeps a record of devotees’ visits, ensuring that their pilgrimage is acknowledged in the divine realm.
This temple is a must-visit for those seeking a spiritual start to their Srisailam journey.
✅ Offer prayers for prosperity and safe travels.
ALSO READ: The Ultimate Guide: Everything You Need to Know About SRIVANI TICKETS 2025
6. Chenchu Lakshmi Tribal Museum
📍 Distance from Srisailam Temple: 2 km
⏰ Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
🚗 Travel Mode: Auto, Taxi
The Chenchu Lakshmi Tribal Museum in Srisailam is a cultural and historical center showcasing the rich traditions, lifestyle, and history of the Chenchu tribe, the indigenous forest-dwelling community of the Nallamala Hills. One Of the Best Places to Visit Near Srisailam This museum is an excellent place to learn about tribal heritage, ancient tools, artifacts, and traditional practices.
It is named after Chenchu Lakshmi, believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, who married Lord Narasimha, a form of Lord Vishnu. The Chenchu people have worshipped her for centuries, and their cultural roots are deeply connected to Srisailam.
✅ See ancient tools, ornaments, and weapons used by the Chenchu tribe.
7. Phaladhara Panchadhara
📍 Distance from Srisailam Temple: 4 km
⏰ Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
🚗 Travel Mode: Auto, Taxi
Streams of Srisailam
Phaladhara Panchadhara is a sacred water stream flowing from the Nallamala Hills, One Of the Best Places to Visit Near Srisailam. It is believed to be the meditation site of Adi Shankaracharya, who composed the Shivananda Lahari here. The place gets its name from the two Sanskrit words:
- Phaladhara – “Phala” (forehead) + “Dhara” (stream), meaning a stream emerging from Lord Shiva’s forehead.
- Panchadhara – Five (Pancha) small streams (Dhara) that flow continuously.
Pilgrims visit this place to experience spiritual peace, as the water is considered pure and sacred
✅ A peaceful spot for meditation and nature photography.
8. Mallela Theertham Waterfall
📍 Distance from Srisailam Temple: 58 km
⏰ Timings: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹20 per person
🚗 Travel Mode: Private Vehicle
Mallela Theertham Waterfall is a stunning seasonal waterfall nestled deep in the Nallamala Forest, around 58 km from Srisailam. This breathtaking cascade falls from a height of 150 feet, One Of the Best Places to Visit Near Srisailam creating a serene and refreshing atmosphere.
Surrounded by dense green forests and rocky terrain, Mallela Theertham is a perfect getaway for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and spiritual travelers. The waterfall is believed to be sacred to Lord Shiva, and local legends say that many sages meditated here
✅ Take a refreshing dip in the cool waters.
9. Srisaila Shikar Darshanam – Highest Viewpoint
📍 Distance from Srisailam Temple: 8 km
⏰ Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
🚗 Travel Mode: Auto, Taxi
Srisaila Shikar Darshanam is the highest viewpoint in Srisailam, offering a spectacular panoramic view of the Srisailam Temple, Nallamala Hills, and the Krishna River. It is a sacred location where devotees can have a darshan (divine sight) of the temple’s golden gopuram (tower) from a distance, fulfilling a traditional ritual.
This viewpoint is also known as “Srisailam Shikharam”, and it marks the exact southern boundary of the Srisailam temple region. According to Hindu beliefs, a pilgrimage to Srisailam is considered complete only after visiting this place..
✅ Best spot to watch sunrise and sunset over the hills.
10. Octopus Viewpoint
📍 Distance from Srisailam Temple: 20 km
⏰ Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
🚗 Travel Mode: Private Vehicle
Octopus Viewpoint is one of the most stunning and lesser-known viewpoints near Srisailam, offering a breathtaking aerial view of the Krishna River as it meanders through the Nallamala Hills, resembling the shape of an octopus.
Surrounded by lush greenery and deep valleys, this viewpoint is a must-visit for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. It provides a calm and serene environment, making it a perfect break from temple visits.
✅ Best for photography and sightseeing.
11. Hatakeswaram Temple
📍 Distance from Srisailam Temple: 5 km
⏰ Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
🚗 Travel Mode: Auto, Taxi
The Hatakeswaram Temple is a significant Shiva temple located on the way to Srisailam, nestled amidst the serene Nallamala Hills. This ancient shrine is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva appeared as Hatakeswara (the golden lingam) to bless devotees. The temple is revered for its spiritual energy, natural beauty, and mythological significance.
Many pilgrims visit Hatakeswaram before proceeding to the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, as it is considered a sacred stop on the journey to Srisailam.
✅ A serene spot for prayers and meditation.
Essential Travel Tips for Visitors to Srisailam
- Plan Your Visit – Check temple timings, accommodation, and weather before your trip.
- Start Early for Darshan – Srisailam Temple can get crowded, so reach early for a smooth experience.
- Wear Comfortable Footwear – Be prepared for walking, especially at temples and trekking spots.
- Respect Temple Dress Code – Wear traditional attire for temple visits (avoid shorts and sleeveless clothing).
- Beware of Monkeys – Keep food and valuables secured, especially near temple premises.
- Travel Safely – Roads to Srisailam are scenic but hilly, so drive cautiously.
- Check Wildlife Entry Rules – If visiting the Srisailam Tiger Reserve, follow forest department guidelines.
Must-Have Travel Essentials for Srisailam Trip
- Comfortable Footwear – Ideal for temple visits & trekking.
- Power Bank – Stay charged during long journeys.
- Lightweight Backpack – Carry essentials with ease.
- Reusable Water Bottle – Stay hydrated on the go.
- Camera/Smartphone – Capture scenic views & memories.
Final Thoughts
Srisailam is not just about temple visits but also offers nature, adventure, and wildlife experiences. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker or a nature enthusiast, these places will make your journey memorable and fulfilling.
🙏 Plan your Srisailam trip today and experience the divine beauty of the Nallamala Hills! 🚩
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The best time to visit Srisailam is October to February when the weather is cool and pleasant. Avoid peak summer (March–June) due to high temperatures.
Srisailam Temple Darshan Timings: 4:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Daily).
Octopus Viewpoint offers a stunning aerial view of the Krishna River winding through the Nallamala Hills, forming an octopus-like shape.
Yes, there are restaurants and temple Annadanam halls where free food is served daily between 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM.
Yes, Srisailam is very safe for solo travelers and families, with good accommodation, transport, and security.
