🛕 Madhava Swamy Temple, Kollapur
16th‑century Vishnu temple | Relocated from Manchalakatta | 24 aspects of Vishnu & Dasa‑Avatars | Nagarkurnool, Telangana
A temple that defied the rising waters. Madhava Swamy Temple carries a unique story of resilience. When the Srisailam Dam reservoir began to submerge the original village of Manchalakatta, the entire temple was painstakingly dismantled, transported, and re‑erected in Kollapur in 1989. The result is a splendid shrine that preserves the original 16th‑century architecture and sculptural wealth. Every inch of the temple walls is covered with finely carved images of Vishnu in his 24 iconic chaturvimshati murtis – each holding distinct attributes (shankha, chakra, gada, padma) – as well as the ten incarnations (Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, Kalki).
Kollapur town is often called “Telangana Mysore” due to its picturesque, broad roads lined with trees and a serene small‑town atmosphere. Beyond Madhava Swamy, the town and its surroundings are dotted with dozens of ancient temples, including the Someshwara, Sangameshwara, and Malleshwara temples, some with origins as early as the 2nd century BC. For pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and photographers, Kollapur is an off‑beat gem in the Nallamala region.
⏰ Visitor Information
📍 Address & Access
Madhava Swamy Temple
Kollapur Town, Nagarkurnool District,
Telangana – 509102
≈182 km from Hyderabad (via Jadcherla – Nagarkurnool)
≈113 km from Kurnool (via Beechupalli – Nagarala)
≈110 km from Mahbubnagar (via Kothakota – Wanaparthi – Kothapally)
≈60 km from Srisailam
📞 Contact & Enquiries
Nagarkurnool District Tourism: +91-8545-223456
Temple priest / management: Local enquiry at Kollapur bus stand
Free entry; no ticket required
🌐 Official Info
🕐 Temple Timings & Best Season
Morning: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Evening: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
(The temple remains closed during afternoon hours; check local holidays.)
Best season: October – February (cool weather, ideal for temple visits and exploring the Nallamala region).
Summer (Mar–May): Very hot (35°C–42°C); visit early morning or late evening.
Monsoon (Jun–Sep): The area becomes lush; roads may be slippery but the temple remains open.
⚠️ Note
Kollapur is a small town with basic amenities. The temple is located in the centre, easily reachable by auto or walking from the bus stand. Modest dress required. Photography allowed in the mandapa; avoid flash inside the sanctum. Carry water and snacks, as restaurant options are limited.
🏛️ The Relocation Story & Architectural Beauty
Original location – Manchalakatta: The temple stood for over 400 years on the left bank of the Krishna River in Manchalakatta village, a settlement under the Jetprole Rajas. When the Srisailam Dam was built, the rising backwaters threatened to submerge the village and the temple. In 1989, with the help of the state archaeology department and local devotees, the temple was dismantled stone by stone, each piece numbered, transported to Kollapur, and reassembled with the original layout and orientation. This painstaking effort preserved the temple’s integrity, making it one of the few successfully “transplanted” ancient temples in India.
Exquisite carvings: The temple walls and pillars are a gallery of Vaishnava iconography. The 24 aspects of Vishnu (Chaturvimshati Murtis) are carved in high relief, each with the four attributes (shankha, chakra, gada, padma) arranged in different hands – a visual guide to the Pancharatra tradition. The Dasa‑Avatars (ten incarnations) are also depicted, with intricate details showing Matsya (fish), Kurma (tortoise), Varaha (boar), Narasimha (man‑lion), Vamana (dwarf), Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, and Kalki. The central deity, Madhava Swamy (a form of Vishnu), is enshrined in the garbhagriha.
The temple also features other figures from the Puranas, floral motifs, and elegant pilasters. The structure is a fine example of later medieval Deccan temple architecture with influences from Vijayanagara and local traditions.
🌿 Kollapur – “Telangana Mysore” & The Temple Town
Kollapur is not just about Madhava Swamy. The town is often lovingly called “Telangana Mysore” because of its broad, well‑laid roads, tree‑lined avenues, and a calm, orderly atmosphere reminiscent of the larger city of Mysore. It sits on the edge of the Nallamala forest range, close to the Krishna River. The region has a dense cluster of ancient temples, many dating back to the 2nd century BC up to the medieval period.
Major temples in and around Kollapur:
- Someshwara Temple – dedicated to Shiva, with ancient structural remains and inscriptions.
- Sangameshwara Temple – at the confluence of local streams, known for its early Chalukyan style.
- Malleshwara Temple – another Shiva shrine with unique rock‑cut features.
- Other smaller shrines – scattered across the town and surrounding villages, many awaiting excavation and documentation.
The area is also archaeologically significant, with traces of Buddhist and early Hindu structures. For travellers, Kollapur serves as a quiet base to explore the northern fringes of the Srisailam forest and the backwaters of the Krishna.
🚗 How to Reach Madhava Swamy Temple, Kollapur
By Road: Kollapur is connected by state highways from three major directions:
- From Hyderabad: 182 km via Jadcherla – Nagarkurnool – Kollapur (approx 4 hours). Take NH44 to Jadcherla, then SH towards Nagarkurnool.
- From Kurnool (AP): 113 km via Beechupalli – Nagarala – Kollapur.
- From Mahbubnagar: 110 km via Kothakota – Wanaparthi – Kothapally – Kollapur.
- From Srisailam: ≈60 km via Mannanur or via the forest route (check timings).
Regular TSRTC and private buses ply from Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, and Nagarkurnool to Kollapur. From the Kollapur bus stand, the temple is a short auto ride (₹20) or a 10‑minute walk.
By Rail: Nearest railway station is Mahbubnagar (≈110 km) or Kurnool City (≈115 km). From either, hire a taxi or take a bus to Kollapur.
By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (≈182 km).
🏞️ Nearby Attractions – Temples & Nature
🧭 Suggested 2‑Day Pilgrimage & Heritage Circuit
Day 1: Hyderabad → Kollapur (Madhava Swamy & local temples)
- 7:00 AM – Depart from Hyderabad.
- 11:00 AM – Arrive at Kollapur. Visit Madhava Swamy Temple (1 hour).
- 12:30 PM – Lunch at Kollapur (limited options – carry packed food advisable).
- 2:00 PM – Explore Someshwara and Sangameshwara temples (approx 2 hours).
- 5:00 PM – Evening visit to Malleshwara Temple and a walk along the Krishna backwaters.
- 7:00 PM – Dinner and overnight stay in Kollapur or drive to Srisailam (60 km) for overnight.
Day 2: Kollapur → Srisailam → Hyderabad
- 7:00 AM – Drive to Srisailam (1.5 hours).
- 9:00 AM – Darshan at Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple (Jyotirlinga).
- 11:00 AM – Visit Paatala Ganga and Srisailam Dam viewpoint.
- 1:00 PM – Lunch at Srisailam.
- 2:30 PM – Return to Hyderabad via the Mannanur forest route (scenic).
- 7:00 PM – Arrive Hyderabad.
Tip: If you have only one day, focus on Madhava Swamy and the local Kollapur temples, then return.
📝 Essential Tips & Rules
⚠️ Important: The temple follows strict timings – plan your visit accordingly. The afternoon closure (9 AM – 6 PM) is for rituals and priest rest. If you arrive during closure, you can explore other Kollapur temples or the backwaters. The temple is small but artistically rich; take time to admire each Vishnu aspect and the Dasa‑Avatar sequence. Respect the sanctity and avoid climbing on the sculptures.
🏨 Where to Stay & Eat
Accommodation (Kollapur & nearby)
- Kollapur town: Basic lodges (Sai Ram Lodge, Padmavathi Lodge) – budget, clean but minimal amenities. Advance booking not usually required.
- Srisailam (60 km): Haritha Hotel (TSTDC), AP Tourism Punnami, and many private lodges – for a more comfortable stay.
- Nagarkurnool (≈40 km): Limited hotels; better to stay in Kollapur or Srisailam.
Food & Dining
- Kollapur has a few small vegetarian eateries near the bus stand (meals, tiffins).
- Carry your own packed lunch/snacks for the day trip from Hyderabad.
- Srisailam has more restaurants (Annapurna, Haritha, and dhabas).
- Water is safe, but carry bottled water if sensitive.
🗺️ Location Map
📍 Kollapur town, Nagarkurnool district – Madhava Swamy Temple is in the centre.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Kollapur
October – February (Peak): Cool, pleasant weather (12°C – 28°C). Ideal for temple visits and exploring the outdoor backwaters and forest areas. The Nallamala range is green and scenic.
March – May (Summer): Very hot (35°C – 42°C). Early morning (6–9 AM) is the only comfortable window for temple visits. The forest area remains dry but accessible.
June – September (Monsoon): Moderate to heavy rainfall. The surrounding landscape turns lush and waterfalls become active. However, roads may become slippery, and some forest routes (to Srisailam) might be restricted. Check weather before travel.
Tip: Plan your visit on a weekday to avoid any local crowds; weekends and festival days (e.g., Vaikunta Ekadasi) see more devotees.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No. Entry is free.
Q: Why was the temple relocated?
A: Due to submergence caused by the Srisailam Dam reservoir. The original village Manchalakatta is now under water.
Q: How long does it take to see the temple?
A: 30–45 minutes for the main temple; add 1–2 hours for the other Kollapur temples (Someshwara, Sangameshwara).
Q: Can we see the 24 forms of Vishnu clearly?
A: Yes – they are carved in high relief on the outer walls and pillars. Ask the priest or a local to point out the differences in the attributes.
Q: Is Kollapur safe for solo travellers?
A: Yes, it is a small, peaceful town. Temple areas are safe during daylight. Avoid walking alone on forest roads after dark.
Q: Are there guides available?
A: No official guides, but the temple priest or local shopkeepers can explain the history.
Q: What is “Telangana Mysore”?
A: A local nickname for Kollapur because of its broad, tree‑lined roads and orderly town planning, reminiscent of Mysore city.
Q: Can we combine this with a visit to Srisailam?
A: Yes – Srisailam is about 60 km away, making a 2‑day itinerary ideal.
Q: Are there restrooms near the temple?
A: Basic public toilets are available near the bus stand (approx 500 m). No dedicated restroom at the temple.
📚 References & More Information
- Nagarkurnool District – Tourism
- Ghatroads – Krishna left bank temples
- Wikipedia – Kollapur
- Telangana Tourism – Nagarkurnool
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