Somasila, located in Kollapur Mandal, Nagarkurnool district, Telangana, is a serene temple town and an eco-tourism destination situated on the banks of the Krishna River. The Somasila reservoir gives it an island-like feel and is perfect for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and pilgrims.
History & Inscriptions
Somasila is a significant historical and religious site located on the banks of the Krishna River in the Kanduru mandala (modern-day Kollapur Taluk, Nagarkurnool/Mahbubnagar District). It was a prominent center for Saivism, housing the Somanatha (or Somanadha) temple. The site was part of the broader Kanduru-mandala (or Kanduru-desa), a strategic and religious province during the medieval period. Somasila is frequently described as a "shrine on the bank of the Krishna" and served as a location where kings and noblemen performed formal "water-pouring" ceremonies to sanctify land and village grants.
Western Chalukya Period
Early Endowment (A.D. 1055): An inscription from the reign of Trailokyamalla Somesvara I records a gift made by Recharasa, a mahamandalesvara of the Haihaya vamsa, and a lady named Naliabbe. This record was found on a Somasutra (a ritual drainage channel) of the temple opposite the Somanadha shrine.
Kanduri Choda Period
Village Grants (A.D. 1167): During the reign of Gokarna II, a chief named Tonda (son of Kanna and Mallamasani) granted the village of Lingala to the Somasila shrine on the banks of the Krishna. Tonda is credited with establishing three shrines at Karupamula village for Vishnu, Siva, and Surya in honor of his family members, making the formal grant at the sacred site of Somasila.
Kakatiya Period
Imperial Patronage: Mailamba (or Mailama), the younger sister of King Ganapatideva, identified Somasila as one of the major sacred sites (including Kasi and Srisailam) where she installed Siva lingas or constructed temples.
Reign of Prataparudra (A.D. 1295): An inscription records that a Kakatiya commander named Bolla (grandson of Bollaya) granted the village of Prolayapuri to the deity Somanatha of Somasila for the religious merit of his father, Rudradeva.
Temple Services (A.D. 1297): A record from Prataparudra registers a gift of income (addu) to provide for the Brahmanas and officers (bolu boyalu) serving in the Somanatha temple. This grant was executed by Sankara Sivacharya, the son of the royal preceptor (Rachaguru) Prasanna Sivacharya.
Highlights
Temples: 15 Shiva temples, including the famous Sri Lalitha Someswara Swamy Temple and Someshwar Swamy Temple (replica of the original submerged temple).
Pushkara Snanam: Occurs once every 12 years—devotees take a holy dip in Krishna River.
Backwaters & Boating: TSTDC pontoon boat services offer a five-hour cruise from Somasila to Srisailam, with lunch onboard and views of hills, forests, and riverine wildlife.
Waterfalls: Nearby attractions include Mallela Teertham, Paaladhaara, and Panchadaara waterfalls.
Wildlife & Eco-tourism: Route passes through Nallamala Forest, part of Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve.
How to Reach
From Hyderabad: 172 km (approx. 4–5 hours by road).
By Road: TS Tourism offers packages with bus pick-up and drop. Daily packages may be available depending on tourist arrivals.
Boat Option: Additional Rs 600 per head for the 5-hour Somasila–Srisailam pontoon cruise.
Where to Stay
Haritha Resort, Somasila
Riverfront cottages with scenic views.
Contact: +91-6301857270 (hotel leased to private party; check terms).
Riverfront Mrugavani Somasila
Surrounded by river waters, ideal for a calm getaway.
Nearby Haritha Resort, Jataprolu
Can be combined with Somasila stay.
Top Attractions in the Region
Somasila Temple Complex – 15 Shiva temples, Someshwar Swamy Temple.
Sangameswara Temple – located in the middle of the Somasila reservoir.
Sri Jogulamba Bala Brahmeswara Swamy Temple (Alampur) – 105 km from Somasila.
Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple (Singotam) – 9 km from Kollapur.
Madhava Swamy Temple (Kollapur) – Kollapur town is 9 km from Somasila.
Mallela Teertham Waterfalls – in Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve.
Srisailam Dam & Paatala Ganga – scenic riverfront and ropeway access.
Paaladhaara & Panchadaara waterfalls – thin trickles from a height, photogenic.
Suggested 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Hyderabad → Srisailam → Somasila
Depart from Hyderabad early morning.
Pass Mannanur Forest Check-post, drive through Nallamala Forest.
Stop at Farahabad View Point – ideal for photography and selfies.
Visit Mallela Teertham Waterfalls.
Drive past Paaladhaara & Panchadaara waterfalls.
Darshan at Sakshi Ganapati.
Reach Srisailam; check into hotel, freshen up.
Evening darshan at Lord Mallikarjunaswamy Temple.
Overnight Stay: Srisailam / nearby TSTDC resort.
Day 2: Srisailam → Somasila → Hyderabad
Morning darshan at Mallikarjunaswamy Temple (optional).
Ropeway to Paatala Ganga, board the 5-hour pontoon cruise to Somasila.
Visit Akka Maa Devi Temple en route.
Enjoy lunch on board.
Explore Somasila Haritha Resort and Someswara Temple.
Drive back to Hyderabad via scenic routes.
Note: Weekend package by TSTDC: Rs 2,800 per head (includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, accommodation; boating extra Rs 600).
Tips for Tourists
Best to carry a camera, as multiple scenic viewpoints and waterfalls along the route.
Comfortable clothing and footwear recommended for temple visits and short treks.
Boating packages should be booked in advance, especially on weekends.
Ideal for pilgrimage, eco-tourism, and photography enthusiasts.
Food and water: Small eateries are available; carrying snacks is advised for the river cruise.
Sources
http://www.telangananewspaper.com/somasila-boats-from-srisailam-of-mahabubnagar-district/
https://www.telanganastateofficial.com/somasila-srisailam-boat-service/
http://etelangana.org/news/news_details/5801
https://tourism.telangana.gov.in/hotels/SomasilaHotel
Good experience
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