🛕 Sri Lalitha Someswara Swamy Temple
7th‑century Shiva shrine on Krishna banks | 15 temples | Boating & backwaters | Somasila, Nagarkurnool, Telangana
A sacred cluster of Shiva shrines by the Krishna. Sri Lalitha Someswara Swamy Temple is not a single temple but a complex of 15 ancient Shiva temples, each with a unique Shivalinga. The main deity, Lord Shiva, is worshipped here as Sri Lalitha Someswara Swamy. The site’s history dates back to the 7th century, making it one of the oldest Shaivite centres in the region. The temples were relocated stone by stone to a higher elevation when the Srisailam Dam reservoir threatened to submerge the original village – a remarkable conservation effort.
The backwaters of the Krishna River add to the temple’s charm. Visitors can enjoy boating offered by the Tourism Department, with open decks providing panoramic views of the river, hills, and the temple complex. The Haritha Hotel managed by Telangana Tourism is a perfect base for overnight stays. During Krishna Pushkaralu (once in 12 years), thousands of pilgrims take a holy dip here. For those seeking a peaceful blend of pilgrimage, nature, and heritage, Somasila is an ideal destination.
⏰ Visitor Information
📍 Address & Access
Sri Lalitha Someswara Swamy Temple
Somasila Village, Kollapur Mandal,
Nagarkurnool District, Telangana – 509102
≈9 km from Kollapur town
≈105 km from Mahabubnagar
≈186 km from Hyderabad
On the banks of Krishna River.
📞 Contact & Enquiries
Haritha Hotel Somasila: +91-6301857270 (leased)
Nagarkurnool District Tourism: +91-8545-223456
Free entry; boating charges extra (approx ₹50–100).
🌐 Official Info
🕐 Timings & Best Season
Temple open daily: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Best season: October – February (pleasant weather, ideal for boating and temple visits).
Summer (Mar–May): Very hot (38°C–44°C); visit early morning or late evening.
Monsoon (Jun–Sep): The river is full and the landscape is lush, but boating may be limited.
Special events: Maha Shivaratri, Karthika Pournami, Krishna Pushkaralu (next in 2028?).
⚠️ Accessibility
The temple complex is spread over a gentle slope; some areas have steps. Wheelchair access is limited. Parking available at Haritha Hotel. Restrooms and drinking water are available at the hotel and near the temple.
🛕 Temple Complex – 15 Sacred Shrines
Somasila is renowned for its cluster of 15 ancient Shiva temples, each dedicated to a different form of Lord Shiva. The main deity is Sri Lalitha Someswara Swamy. The Shivalingas here are believed to represent the cosmic pillar of fire (Jyotirlinga), a form beyond comprehension. The temples are built in a mix of early Chalukyan and later Kakatiya architectural styles, with simple stone walls and pyramidal vimanas.
The complex includes a shrine for Goddess Lalitha (Parvati) and several smaller mandapams. The temple tank (Kalyani) is used for ritual bathing. During the Krishna Pushkaralu festival, the entire complex is illuminated and sees a massive influx of devotees.
🚣 Scenic Backwaters & Boating
The Krishna River backwaters around Somasila are stunning. The reservoir created by the Srisailam Dam has formed a wide, calm expanse of water, dotted with small islands and surrounded by the Nallamala hills. The Telangana Tourism Department operates pontoon boats and speedboats for visitors. A one‑hour boat ride offers spectacular views of the temples from the water, as well as the forested hills. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for boating, when the light is golden and wildlife (birds, crocodiles basking on rocks) can be spotted.
🎉 Festivals & Events
- Maha Shivaratri: The most important festival, celebrated with nightlong prayers, abhishekam, and cultural programmes. Thousands of devotees gather.
- Karthika Pournami (November–December): The temple and riverbank are lit with thousands of oil lamps (deepams). Special pujas are performed.
- Krishna Pushkaralu: A once‑in‑12‑years festival when Jupiter enters Leo (Simha rasi). The next Krishna Pushkaram is likely in 2028 (confirm with astrological calendar). Pilgrims take a holy dip (Pushkara Snanam) in the Krishna River, considered highly meritorious.
🚗 How to Reach Somasila
By Road: Somasila is well connected by state highways.
- From Hyderabad: 186 km via Jadcherla – Nagarkurnool – Kollapur (approx 4 hours). From Kollapur, it is 9 km to Somasila.
- From Mahabubnagar: 105 km via Kollapur.
- From Kurnool: 113 km via Beechupalli – Nagarala.
- From Srisailam: 60 km (via Mannanur forest route – check timings).
Regular TSRTC buses from Hyderabad, Mahabubnagar, and Kollapur to Somasila. From Kollapur, autos are available (₹80–100).
By Rail: Nearest railway stations – Jadcherla (≈80 km) or Mahabubnagar (≈105 km). From there, taxi to Somasila.
By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (≈186 km).
🏞️ Nearby Attractions in Nagarkurnool & Srisailam Region
🧭 Suggested 2‑Day Pilgrimage & Nature Itinerary
Day 1: Hyderabad → Somasila
- 7:00 AM – Depart from Hyderabad (pack breakfast).
- 10:30 AM – Breakfast en route at Kalwakurthy or Achampet.
- 12:00 PM – Arrive at Somasila. Check in to Haritha Hotel.
- 1:00 PM – Lunch at Haritha Hotel restaurant.
- 2:30 PM – Visit Sri Lalitha Someswara Swamy Temple and explore the 15 shrines.
- 4:30 PM – Evening boating on Krishna backwaters (1 hour).
- 6:00 PM – Attend evening aarti at the main temple.
- 7:30 PM – Dinner and overnight at Haritha Hotel.
Day 2: Somasila → Kollapur → Hyderabad
- 6:30 AM – Early morning darshan at the temple complex.
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast at hotel.
- 9:00 AM – Drive to Kollapur (9 km). Visit Madhava Swamy Temple and other ancient temples.
- 11:00 AM – Return to Somasila; optional walk along the riverbank for photography.
- 12:30 PM – Lunch and check out.
- 2:00 PM – Depart for Hyderabad.
- 6:00 PM – Arrive Hyderabad.
Tip: Combine with Srisailam for a longer pilgrimage trip.
📝 Essential Tips
⚠️ Important: The temple complex is open to all. During Krishna Pushkaralu, crowds are enormous – plan accommodation and travel months in advance. Boating may be suspended during heavy monsoon or when the reservoir level is too high. The Haritha Hotel is the only organised stay option; book through Telangana Tourism website. The road from Kollapur to Somasila is scenic but narrow – drive cautiously.
🏨 Where to Stay & Eat
Accommodation (Somasila & nearby)
- Haritha Hotel, Somasila: Riverfront cottages, restaurant, boating – run by Telangana Tourism. Contact: +91-6301857270.
- Kollapur town (9 km): Basic lodges (Sai Ram Lodge, Padmavathi Lodge).
- Srisailam (60 km): Haritha Hotel (TSTDC), AP Tourism Punnami, and many private lodges.
Food & Dining
- Haritha Hotel restaurant serves vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
- Kollapur has a few small eateries (tiffin centres).
- Srisailam has more options (Annapurna, Haritha).
- Carry packaged snacks and water for the journey.
🗺️ Location Map
📍 Somasila village, Kollapur mandal – the temple is visible from the main road.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Somasila
October – February (Peak): Pleasant weather (12°C – 28°C), ideal for temple visits and boating. The backwaters are calm and the landscape is green.
March – May (Summer): Hot (35°C–44°C) – visit early morning (6–9 AM) or late evening (5–7 PM).
June – September (Monsoon): The river swells and the hills become lush. Boating may be restricted. The temple remains open.
Special: Karthika Masam (Nov–Dec) – evening deepam festival is spectacular.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No. Entry is free.
Q: How many temples are in the complex?
A: 15 Shiva temples, each with a unique Shivalinga.
Q: Is boating available every day?
A: Yes, subject to weather and water level. Contact Haritha Hotel for schedules.
Q: Can we stay overnight at Somasila?
A: Yes – Haritha Hotel has comfortable rooms. Book in advance, especially on weekends.
Q: Is the temple wheelchair‑friendly?
A: Partially – some areas have steps. The main temple is accessible but ramps are limited.
Q: When is the next Krishna Pushkaram?
A> It occurs once in 12 years. The next is expected in 2028 (confirm astrological dates).
Q: Are there restrooms?
A: Yes – at Haritha Hotel and near the temple entrance.
Q: Is photography allowed inside the temple?
A: Yes, but avoid using flash in the sanctum.
Q: Can we take a boat to Srisailam?
A: There is a longer boat cruise from Somasila to Srisailam (5–6 hours) – check with Tourism Department for availability.
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