A sacred island on the Krishna. Somasila is a hidden gem where history, spirituality, and nature converge. The Somasila reservoir has transformed the region into a picturesque water‑locked landscape, often compared to an island. The main attraction is the Sri Lalitha Someswara Swamy Temple and the nearby Someshwar Swamy Temple (a replica of the original submerged temple). History buffs will be fascinated by inscriptions dating from 1055 CE to 1297 CE, documenting grants by Chalukyan, Kanduri Choda, and Kakatiya rulers.
The highlight for many visitors is the TSTDC pontoon boat cruise from Somasila to Srisailam – a 5‑hour journey through the dense Nallamala forests, part of the Nagarjunasagar‑Srisailam Tiger Reserve. The boat passes rocky cliffs, streams, and small waterfalls, with lunch served on board. Whether you come for the Pushkara Snanam (once every 12 years), a pilgrimage to the Shiva temples, or simply to escape into nature, Somasila offers a rejuvenating experience.
⏰ Visitor Information
📍 Address & Access
Somasila (Temple Town)
Kollapur Mandal, Nagarkurnool District,
Telangana – 509102
≈172 km from Hyderabad (4–5 hrs by road)
≈9 km from Kollapur town
≈105 km from Alampur (Jogulamba temple)
≈60 km from Srisailam (by boat)
📞 Contact & Enquiries
TSTDC Haritha Resort, Somasila: +91-6301857270 (leased to private party)
Nagarkurnool District Tourism: +91-8545-223456
Temple entry free; boat tickets extra
🌐 Official Info
🕐 Best Season & Timings
Best season: October – February (cool, pleasant weather, good for boating and temple visits).
Summer (Mar–May): Very hot (35°C–42°C); mornings and evenings still manageable.
Monsoon (Jun–Sep): Lush green but boat services may be affected.
Temple timings: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (daily).
Boat cruise timing: Usually departs Somasila around 9:00 AM, returns by 2:00 PM (Srisailam side) or vice versa. Confirm with TSTDC.
Entry Fee: Temples free; boat cruise ₹600 per person extra (if booking package).
⚠️ Note
Carry water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat if visiting in summer. Boat cruises get booked quickly on weekends – book in advance. Modest dress required at temples. Limited mobile network near the reservoir (Jio/Airtel works intermittently).
📜 History & Inscriptions – A Royal Pilgrimage Site
Somasila was a prominent centre for Saivism and part of the Kanduru-mandala (or Kanduru-desa) during medieval times. Rulers and nobles performed formal “water‑pouring” ceremonies here to sanctify land grants.
- Western Chalukya Period (1055 CE): An inscription from King Trailokyamalla Somesvara I records a gift by Recharasa (Haihaya chief) and a lady named Naliabbe. Found on a Somasutra (ritual drainage channel) opposite the Somanadha shrine.
- Kanduri Choda Period (1167 CE): Chief Tonda granted the village of Lingala to the Somasila shrine. He also established three shrines at Karupamula for Vishnu, Siva, and Surya.
- Kakatiya Period (1295–1297 CE): Mailamba (sister of Ganapatideva) considered Somasila one of the major sacred sites. Later, commander Bolla granted Prolayapuri village to deity Somanatha. Another record registers a gift for Brahmanas and officers serving the Somanatha temple, executed by Sankara Sivacharya, son of the royal preceptor.
These inscriptions highlight the site’s uninterrupted religious and political importance for over 250 years.
✨ Highlights of Somasila
🚗 How to Reach Somasila & Boat Cruise Options
By Road (from Hyderabad): Drive via Hyderabad – Jadcherla – Kollapur – Somasila (172 km, approx 4–5 hours). Well‑paved roads; last stretch is scenic. TSTDC also operates package buses.
By Rail: Nearest major station is Mahbubnagar (≈80 km). From there, taxi or bus to Kollapur, then Somasila.
Boat Cruise (Somasila ↔ Srisailam):
- Departure: Usually 9:00 AM from Somasila or Srisailam side. Journey takes 5 hours.
- Covers Akka Maa Devi Temple en route, views of dense forest, rocky cliffs, and riverine wildlife.
- Lunch (veg) served on board. Cost: ₹600 per person (extra if not included in package).
- Weekend packages by TSTDC: ₹2,800 per head (includes accommodation, meals, transfers; boating extra ₹600).
Tip: Book boat tickets at least 2‑3 days in advance, especially on weekends and during festival seasons.
🏞️ Top Attractions Around Somasila
🧭 Suggested 2‑Day Pilgrimage & Eco‑Tour
Day 1: Hyderabad → Srisailam → Somasila (via Nallamala)
- 6:00 AM – Depart from Hyderabad. Stop at Mannanur Forest Check‑post.
- 9:00 AM – Farahabad View Point (photo stop).
- 10:00 AM – Mallela Teertham Waterfalls (if flowing).
- 11:30 AM – Drive past Paaladhaara & Panchadaara falls (photo stops).
- 12:30 PM – Sakshi Ganapati temple visit.
- 1:30 PM – Reach Srisailam, check into hotel. Lunch.
- 4:00 PM – Darshan at Lord Mallikarjunaswamy Temple (Jyotirlinga).
- Evening – Free at Srisailam dam / Paatala Ganga. Overnight at Srisailam.
Day 2: Srisailam → Somasila → Hyderabad
- 7:00 AM – Optional early morning darshan at Mallikarjunaswamy Temple.
- 8:30 AM – Ropeway to Paatala Ganga, board the pontoon cruise to Somasila.
- 9:00 AM – Cruise begins; visit Akka Maa Devi temple en route.
- 12:00 PM – Lunch on board.
- 1:30 PM – Arrive at Somasila. Visit Haritha Resort, Someswara Swamy Temple.
- 2:30 PM – Drive back to Hyderabad via Kollapur.
- 7:00 PM – Arrive Hyderabad.
Note: TSTDC offers this as a weekend package (~₹2800 per head, boating extra ₹600).
🏨 Where to Stay – Somasila & Nearby
In Somasila
- Haritha Resort, Somasila: Riverfront cottages with scenic views. Contact: +91-6301857270 (leased to private party; check terms).
- Riverfront Mrugavani Somasila: Surrounded by reservoir waters; calm and rustic.
Nearby (Kollapur / Jataprolu)
- Haritha Resort, Jataprolu: Another Telangana Tourism property 20 km away.
- Kollapur town: Basic lodges and private guest houses (9 km from Somasila).
In Srisailam (if combining)
- Haritha Hotel, Srisailam (TSTDC).
- AP Tourism Mayuri / Punnami.
- Several private lodges near the temple.
In Hyderabad (start/end)
- Full range of hotels – book as per convenience.
📝 Essential Tips for Tourists
⚠️ Important: The boat cruise is the highlight – check weather and water levels before planning. Monsoon and post‑monsoon (July–Nov) offer lush views but boat may be cancelled if river is rough. The Nallamala forest is a tiger reserve; do not alight from the boat except at designated stops. Respect local customs at the Shiva temples – photography inside sanctum is usually prohibited.
🗺️ Location Map
📍 Approximate location – Somasila is near Kollapur town on the Krishna River.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Somasila
October – February (Peak season): Pleasant weather (12°C – 28°C), ideal for temple visits, boating, and photography. The Nallamala forest is green and wildlife sightings are common.
March – May (Summer): Very hot (35°C – 42°C). Early morning cruises are still possible, but avoid midday sun.
June – September (Monsoon): Heavy rainfall, waterfalls are active, but boat cruises may be suspended due to rising water levels. The landscape is dramatically beautiful, but check with TSTDC before planning.
Special event: Krishna Pushkaram (once every 12 years) – next in 2030? – massive crowds, advance booking essential.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Somasila temple open all year?
A: Yes, daily except during some maintenance days. Timings: 6 AM–12:30 PM, 4 PM–8 PM.
Q: How much does the boat cruise cost?
A> ₹600 per person extra if not in package. TSTDC weekend package (~₹2800) includes stays, meals, transfers; boating extra.
Q: Can we visit Srisailam and Somasila in one day?
A: Yes, via the pontoon cruise (one way). But to see both temples properly, a 2‑day itinerary is better.
Q: Is there mobile network?
A: Jio/Airtel works intermittently near the resort; no network inside the forest stretch of the cruise.
Q: Are there changing rooms or restrooms near the boating point?
A: Basic facilities at Haritha Resort, Somasila. No dedicated changing rooms for boating.
Q: What should we wear for the boat cruise?
A: Comfortable clothes, a light jacket (morning chill), and a hat for sun protection. Life jackets provided.
Q: Is the boat cruise safe for children and elderly?
A: Yes, the pontoon boat is stable and has covered seating. However, the journey is 5 hours – consider stamina.
Q: Can we do a self‑drive trip to Somasila?
A: Absolutely – road from Hyderabad to Somasila is good. Parking available at Haritha Resort.
📚 References & More Information
- Telangana Newspaper – Somasila boats
- Telangana State Official – Boat service details
- eTelangana – Somasila tourism
- Telangana Tourism – Somasila Haritha Resort