Nallamala Hills

A Serene Wilderness Between Rivers

Nallamala Hills, spanning Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, is a mesmerizing hill station wrapped in natural beauty. With shimmering waterfalls, deep valleys, and dense forests, the region captivates every visitor’s mind and soul.

Situated between the Pennar and Krishna rivers, the hill range boasts two major peaks: Bhairani at 1,100 meters above sea level and Gundla Brahmeswara at 1,048 meters. For tourists traveling by road to Srisailam, the view of the Srisailam Dam, with Krishna River’s waters gushing from its gates, and a glimpse of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy is incomplete without experiencing the dense Nallamala forest near Farahabad.

Nallamala Hills offers a rare blend of wildlife, spiritual experiences, and unspoiled natural beauty, making it an unforgettable destination for travelers seeking tranquility away from urban chaos.

Discover Nallamala Hills – Nature, Wildlife & Spiritual Trails

Overview

Nestled between the Pennar and Krishna rivers, Nallamala Hills in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh is a serene escape from city life. With towering peaks, dense forests, sparkling waterfalls, and ancient temples, it offers a perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, and spirituality.

Major Peaks:
Bhairani: 1,100 meters above sea level
Gundla Brahmeswara: 1,048 meters above sea level

Best Time to Visit: October – June

Itinerary: 2–3 Days in Nallamala

Day 1: Drive to Srisailam via Nallamala Forest

Start from Mannanur, the entry point to the forest.
Drive Duration: Approx. 2–3 hours to Srisailam via the scenic 70 km Tiger Reserve stretch.
Highlights Along the Way
Dense Nallamala forest and winding roads
Waterfalls and small streams
Wildlife sightings: Spotted deer, sambar, nilgai, monkeys, langurs, chinkara, porcupines
Stop at Farahabad Tiger View Point (8 km from entrance) for panoramic forest views.

Day 2: Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve

Explore the largest tiger reserve in India, spread over 3,568 sq. km.
Wildlife & Nature Activities:
Spot birds and small mammals along forest trails
Enjoy scenic vistas of Krishna River cutting through the hills
Photography of valleys, hills, and waterfalls
Optional stay at Mannanur Forest Guest House for early morning wildlife walks.

Day 3: Temple Visits

Saleshwaram Shiva Temple
Located 30 km from Mannanur in a deep valley
Open only 5 days (March–April) and special Chaitra Pournima nights
Features a Shiva Linga next to a wedge-shaped waterfall
Lingamaiah Jathra Fair every 2 years

Maddi Madugu Hanuman Temple
Located in Maddimadugu Village, Amrabad Mandal
Houses a Hanuman statue facing southwest
Adjacent temple of goddess Miasmma, offering rituals for shepherds in July

Unique Experience

Drive through dense forest roads where engine sounds fade, replaced by birdsong.
Chance to spot rare wildlife, including occasional tigers and leopards.
Witness the resilient Telangana Bull, a cattle breed native to Nallamala Hills.
Stay in forest guest houses or local accommodations for an immersive experience.

Travel Tips

Environment Fee: Rs. 10 per vehicle at Mannanur check-post.
Vehicle Recommendation: Light vehicles preferred; roads are narrow and winding.
Essentials: Comfortable shoes, binoculars, camera, water, and insect repellent.
Safety: Stick to marked trails and follow forest guidelines. Tigers are rare but forests are home to bears and reptiles.

Suggested Route Map

Mannanur → Farahabad Tiger View Point → Srisailam Dam → Srisailam Temple
Optional: Saleshwaram Shiva Temple (30 km detour)
Maddi Madugu Hanuman Temple (in Maddimadugu Village)
Return to Mannanur

🏡 Munnanur Jungle Resort

Location: Inside Amrabad Tiger Reserve, Mannanur
Managed by: Deccan Woods & Trails
Features: Eco-friendly cottages offering a rustic forest experience
Activities: Jungle safaris, forest treks, bird watching
Booking Status: Currently, bookings are on hold amrabadtigerreserve.com

🌿 Hamsa Eco Resort

Location: Mannanur, Telangana
Features: Eco-friendly accommodations amidst lush forests
Proximity: Just steps away from the Amrabad Tiger Reserve
Contact: +91 92814 12737 Facebook

🛌 Mrugavani Transit Resort

Location: Opposite Mannanur Lake, Telangana
Features: Modern architecture with luxurious rooms
Amenities: Signature restaurant, serene environment
Ideal For: Relaxation and exploration in nature mrugavaniresorts.com

🏞️ Mannanur Forest Guest House

Location: Mannanur, Nagarkurnool District
Facilities: 2 suites available for tourists
Type: Government-managed accommodation
Booking Info: Details available on local tourism portals WikiTravel

🏕️ Farahabad View Point Cottages

Location: Farahabad, near the Tiger View Point
Features: Cottages offering panoramic views of the forest
Access: Requires a 50-minute drive through dense forest roads

https://amrabadtigerreserve.com/eco-tourism-activities/
 

Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve

The Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is the largest tiger reserve in India, spreading over Nalgonda and Nagarkurnool districts, covering an area of about 3,568 sq. km. Initially declared as a tiger sanctuary in 1978, it became part of Project Tiger in 1983 and was renamed the Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary in 1992.

This reserve is celebrated for its breathtaking scenic beauty, including deciduous forests, lofty hills, echoing valleys, winding roads, and perennial rivers. The Krishna River, originating from the Sahyadri Hills, flows across the reserve, enhancing its charm.

The ideal time to visit the reserve is October to June. The drive from Srisailam, approximately 250 km round trip, passes through 70 km of the tiger reserve and 80 km of dense Nallamala forest. Tourists may spot waterfalls and wildlife such as spotted deer, sambar, nilgai, chousingha, chinkara, monkeys, langurs, porcupines, reptiles, and occasional bears. Tigers and leopards are rare; the latest survey reports only 25-30 individuals in the entire reserve.

Farahabad Tiger View Point, about 8 km from the entrance, offers a spectacular vista of the dense forest. The journey takes around 50 minutes, reflecting the thick jungle coverage. Visitors often find the engine noises fading into the background, replaced by the melodious chirping of birds.

Saleshwaram Shiva Temple

Located about 30 km from Mannanur in Nagarkurnool district.
Nestled in a deep valley, it remains closed most of the year, opening only for five days in March-April.
The temple houses a Shiva Linga in a cave next to a wedge-shaped waterfall, believed to have been naturally carved across a huge stone.
Lingamaiah Jathra, a fair held once every two years, attracts thousands of devotees.
Accommodation is available at Mannanur Forest Guest House.

Maddi Madugu Hanuman Temple

Situated in Maddimadugu Village, Amrabad Mandal.
Built beside a statue of Hanuman that is believed to have refused any orientation change, facing southwest.
A nearby temple dedicated to the goddess Miasmma sees offerings by shepherds before entering the forest with their flocks in July.

Telangana’s Unique Cattle Breed

Nallamala is also home to a distinct breed of cattle, known locally as the Telangana Bull. These resilient animals have survived centuries of drought conditions and are largely confined to the Nallamala region, though they are virtually unknown outside the area.

Sources

http://www.telanganatourism.gov.in/partials/destinations/divine-destinations/mahabubnagar/lord-shiva-temple-nallamala-forest.html
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/Nallamala-forest-a-delight-for-nature-lovers/article11084176.ece
http://www.centratravels.com/5-amazing-hill-stations-around-hyderabad/
http://indiantourist-spots.blogspot.com/2014/10/nallamala-hills.html