Saleshwaram (Sarveshwaram Teertha Kshetra) is a mystical blend of spirituality, geology, and wilderness — a place where faith meets adventure. The chants of “Vastunna Lingamayya” echo through the valleys as thousands undertake this sacred trek seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings amid pristine nature.
Hidden in the heart of Nallamala Hills, Saleshwaram is one of the most sacred and ancient forest shrines of Lord Shiva, known locally as Lingamayya.
Hidden in the heart of Nallamala Hills, Saleshwaram is one of the most sacred and ancient forest shrines of Lord Shiva, known locally as Lingamayya.
Accessible only during the annual Saleshwaram Jatara (April, Chaitra Pournami), it is considered the “Dakshina Amarnath Yatra” — a southern counterpart of Amarnath for devotees of Lord Shiva.
The temple is set beside a spectacular perennial waterfall cascading from a height of over 200 feet, whose source remains a mystery. The water flows directly through the sanctum before merging into the valley stream.
Mandal: Amrabad / Lingal
Nearest Gate: Farahabad Gate (Amrabad Tiger Reserve)
Distance: ~25–30 km from Farahabad Gate
Coordinates: Near Appapur Gram Panchayat, Lingal Mandal
Peak crowds during the festival (4–5 lakh devotees).
Forest routes open exclusively for pilgrims during this period.
Eco-tourists & Trekkers:
With forest department permission, you can visit post-Jatara (with guided eco-treks).
Best months: November – February (pleasant weather).
From Hyderabad:
180 km → NH44 → Jadcherla → Kalwakurthy → Amrabad → Farahabad Gate
(~4–5 hours drive)
From Srisailam:
80 km via the forest route (with prior permit)
🚌 Nearest Towns:
Amrabad (Base point) – 20 km
Munnanur Checkpost – 10 km before Farahabad Gate
Forest Track → Valley Rim ~3 km On Foot Trek begins; rocky terrain with narrow paths.
Valley Rim → Temple & Waterfall ~3 km Trek/Descent Steep and adventurous descent through narrow gorges; scenic but challenging.
Trek Total: ~6 km one way (moderate to tough)
Temple Type: Cave temple from 6th century AD
Mythology:
According to Chenchu tribal legend, Lord Shiva appeared before a hunter named Ravagadu near a natural spring. The divine water — falling like pearls — formed the sacred Shankhu Teertha.
Lord Shiva instructed him to consecrate a Linga there, leading to the formation of Sarveshwaram (now Saleshwaram).
Beliefs:
Bathing in the waterfall cleanses sins and brings good health.
The water has natural medicinal value due to mineral-rich rock layers.
According to Parvatha Purana, the water reveals purity — turning turbid for sinners and clear for the pure-hearted.
Sri Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple Cave temple inside valley with natural water stream flowing through sanctum.
Shankhu Teertha Sacred pool believed to cleanse sins and possess medicinal properties.
Chenchu Settlements Indigenous tribe guarding and serving the deity for centuries.
Layered Rock Formations Unique geological features resembling ancient caves and serpent coils.
Wildlife Sightings Spotted deer, nilgai, peacocks, wild boar, sometimes tigers (rare).
Amrabad Tiger Reserve — Core forest area; jeep safaris available
Akka Mahadevi Caves 35 km (via boat from Srisailam) Shiva cave shrine on Krishna riverbank
Kadalivanam Caves 40 km Spiritual forest cave linked to Sri Dattatreya
Nagarjuna Sagar 120 km Historical dam & Buddhist heritage site
Nearby Towns Kalwakurthy, Nagarkurnool (Hotels & lodges)
Camping Permitted only with forest officials & eco-tour guides
🥾 Wear sturdy shoes — terrain is rocky and slippery near the waterfall.
💧 Carry enough drinking water & light food.
🚮 Do not litter — forest authorities penalize plastic disposal.
📸 Photography is restricted inside temple zone.
🦺 Follow forest guides; wildlife movement is frequent at dawn/dusk.
🌕 If visiting during Jathara, start early morning to avoid heavy crowds and heat.
Depart early morning (6 AM)
Stop at Kalwakurthy for breakfast
Reach Munnanur by noon; obtain entry permit at Forest Checkpost
Visit Farahabad View Point
Overnight stay at Farahabad Forest Cottages / Munnanur Haritha Lodge
Day 2: Saleshwaram Exploration
Early start (~6 AM) with forest jeep to Saleshwaram base
Trek to Sri Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple and Waterfall
Participate in ritual bath at Shankhu Teertha
Return trek and drive back to Munnanur
Evening departure to Hyderabad
The temple is set beside a spectacular perennial waterfall cascading from a height of over 200 feet, whose source remains a mystery. The water flows directly through the sanctum before merging into the valley stream.
📍 Location
District: Nagarkurnool, TelanganaMandal: Amrabad / Lingal
Nearest Gate: Farahabad Gate (Amrabad Tiger Reserve)
Distance: ~25–30 km from Farahabad Gate
Coordinates: Near Appapur Gram Panchayat, Lingal Mandal
📅 Best Time to Visit Saleshwaram Jatara
🌕 Chaitra Pournami (Full Moon Day of April) — open for only 5 days annually.Peak crowds during the festival (4–5 lakh devotees).
Forest routes open exclusively for pilgrims during this period.
Eco-tourists & Trekkers:
With forest department permission, you can visit post-Jatara (with guided eco-treks).
Best months: November – February (pleasant weather).
🧭 How to Reach
🚗 By Road:From Hyderabad:
180 km → NH44 → Jadcherla → Kalwakurthy → Amrabad → Farahabad Gate
(~4–5 hours drive)
From Srisailam:
80 km via the forest route (with prior permit)
🚌 Nearest Towns:
Amrabad (Base point) – 20 km
Munnanur Checkpost – 10 km before Farahabad Gate
🏞️ Journey to the Temple
Farahabad Gate → Forest Track ~16 km Jeep/Forest Safari Through dense core tiger zone — wild sightings possible (deer, nilgai, boar).Forest Track → Valley Rim ~3 km On Foot Trek begins; rocky terrain with narrow paths.
Valley Rim → Temple & Waterfall ~3 km Trek/Descent Steep and adventurous descent through narrow gorges; scenic but challenging.
Trek Total: ~6 km one way (moderate to tough)
🏛️ Temple and Mythology
Presiding Deity: Sri Ramalingeshwara Swamy (Lord Shiva as Lingamayya)Temple Type: Cave temple from 6th century AD
Mythology:
According to Chenchu tribal legend, Lord Shiva appeared before a hunter named Ravagadu near a natural spring. The divine water — falling like pearls — formed the sacred Shankhu Teertha.
Lord Shiva instructed him to consecrate a Linga there, leading to the formation of Sarveshwaram (now Saleshwaram).
Beliefs:
Bathing in the waterfall cleanses sins and brings good health.
The water has natural medicinal value due to mineral-rich rock layers.
According to Parvatha Purana, the water reveals purity — turning turbid for sinners and clear for the pure-hearted.
🌊 Major Attractions
Saleshwaram Waterfalls 200–300 ft perennial cascade; serpent-like flow resembling divine energy.Sri Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple Cave temple inside valley with natural water stream flowing through sanctum.
Shankhu Teertha Sacred pool believed to cleanse sins and possess medicinal properties.
Chenchu Settlements Indigenous tribe guarding and serving the deity for centuries.
Layered Rock Formations Unique geological features resembling ancient caves and serpent coils.
Wildlife Sightings Spotted deer, nilgai, peacocks, wild boar, sometimes tigers (rare).
📸 Nearby Attractions
Farahabad View Point 25 km Panoramic views of Nallamala valley & River Krishna backwatersAmrabad Tiger Reserve — Core forest area; jeep safaris available
Akka Mahadevi Caves 35 km (via boat from Srisailam) Shiva cave shrine on Krishna riverbank
Kadalivanam Caves 40 km Spiritual forest cave linked to Sri Dattatreya
Nagarjuna Sagar 120 km Historical dam & Buddhist heritage site
🏕️ Accommodation & Facilities
Forest Guesthouses Haritha Eco Tourism Cottages (Munnanur / Farahabad) – run by Telangana Forest DeptNearby Towns Kalwakurthy, Nagarkurnool (Hotels & lodges)
Camping Permitted only with forest officials & eco-tour guides
⚠️ Travel Tips
🚫 No entry without Forest Department permit during non-festival season.🥾 Wear sturdy shoes — terrain is rocky and slippery near the waterfall.
💧 Carry enough drinking water & light food.
🚮 Do not litter — forest authorities penalize plastic disposal.
📸 Photography is restricted inside temple zone.
🦺 Follow forest guides; wildlife movement is frequent at dawn/dusk.
🌕 If visiting during Jathara, start early morning to avoid heavy crowds and heat.
🗓️ Suggested 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Hyderabad → Amrabad (180 km)Depart early morning (6 AM)
Stop at Kalwakurthy for breakfast
Reach Munnanur by noon; obtain entry permit at Forest Checkpost
Visit Farahabad View Point
Overnight stay at Farahabad Forest Cottages / Munnanur Haritha Lodge
Day 2: Saleshwaram Exploration
Early start (~6 AM) with forest jeep to Saleshwaram base
Trek to Sri Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple and Waterfall
Participate in ritual bath at Shankhu Teertha
Return trek and drive back to Munnanur
Evening departure to Hyderabad
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/devotees-make-a-beeline-to-saleshwaram-jatara/article8515715.ece
https://telanganatoday.com/deep-inside-the-nallamala-forests-saileshwaram-mesmerises-devotees
https://allevents.in/hyderabad/saleshwaram-trek-in-srisailam-forest-opened-only-once-a-year/80001403653972