The Akka Mahadevi Caves are a series of naturally formed limestone caves on the northern bank of River Krishna, surrounded by lush greenery and the serene backwaters of the Srisailam Dam.
Named after Akka Mahadevi, a 12th-century Kannada saint-poet and Veerashaiva philosopher, these caves are believed to be the site of her deep meditation and penance to Lord Shiva, worshipping a naturally formed Swayambhu Shiva Linga in the dark inner sanctum.
Within: Nallamala Forest / Amrabad Tiger Reserve
Distance: ~18 km from Srisailam (accessible via Srisailam backwaters of the Krishna River)
Alternate Name: Swayambhu Shiva Mandir
Her Vachanas (devotional poems) in Kannada are considered milestones in Bhakti literature.
The caves house ancient murtis of Kapala Bhairava, Veerabhadra, Mahishasura Mardini, and others at the entrance.
The site is revered as a spiritual retreat, blending devotion with adventure.
Start at Srisailam Temple complex.
Take the Ropeway down to Pathala Ganga (Krishna River banks).
Board a Motor Boat from Pathala Ganga to Akka Mahadevi Caves.
Duration: 40–60 minutes (one-way)
Cost: ₹400 per person (approx.)
Boat Timings: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Private boats available for small groups.
Trek 10–15 minutes from the docking point to the cave entrance.
Enter the Cave: ~150 meters trek inside (dark and narrow path).
Carry a torch or headlamp, as the inner sanctum is pitch dark.
7:30 AM: Breakfast at Srisailam town
8:30 AM: Proceed to Ropeway station for Pathala Ganga
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Boat ride to Akka Mahadevi Caves (enjoy scenic views of Krishna River & Nallamala Hills)
Midday
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Explore Akka Mahadevi Caves
Visit Swayambhu Shiva Linga inside
Observe ancient idols at the entrance
Experience natural rock formations and echoing chambers
Afternoon
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Return boat journey to Pathala Ganga
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Take ropeway back to hilltop
2:00 PM: Lunch at Srisailam
Optional: Visit nearby Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple, Shikharam viewpoint, or Hatakeswaram.
Drinking water & dry snacks
Comfortable trekking shoes
Cap or hat (for sun protection)
Camera / Phone (waterproof case recommended)
Light jacket (for cool morning breeze)
Be cautious of bats and slippery rocks inside the cave.
Avoid monsoon months (July–September) — high water levels may suspend boating.
Carry eco-friendly waste bags; avoid littering inside the reserve.
Always follow Amrabad Tiger Reserve regulations.
Pleasant weather, calm backwaters, and ideal boating conditions.
Pathala Ganga Ropeway 8 km Scenic aerial views
Shikharam Viewpoint 12 km Panoramic views of Nallamala hills
Hatakeswaram Temple 14 km Mythical spot of Lord Shiva worship
Octopus Viewpoint 15 km View of Srisailam backwaters resembling an octopus shape
Farahabad Viewpoint (Amrabad) 35 km Forest safari and breathtaking valleys
Nature: Dense forest, backwaters, hills
Spiritual: Ancient Shiva Linga & Akka Mahadevi’s meditation site
Photography: Excellent for landscape, cave interiors, and boating moments
Named after Akka Mahadevi, a 12th-century Kannada saint-poet and Veerashaiva philosopher, these caves are believed to be the site of her deep meditation and penance to Lord Shiva, worshipping a naturally formed Swayambhu Shiva Linga in the dark inner sanctum.
📍 Location
District: Nagarkurnool, TelanganaWithin: Nallamala Forest / Amrabad Tiger Reserve
Distance: ~18 km from Srisailam (accessible via Srisailam backwaters of the Krishna River)
Alternate Name: Swayambhu Shiva Mandir
🕉️ Historical & Spiritual Significance
Akka Mahadevi (12th century CE) was a mystic saint of the Veerashaiva Bhakti movement in Karnataka.Her Vachanas (devotional poems) in Kannada are considered milestones in Bhakti literature.
The caves house ancient murtis of Kapala Bhairava, Veerabhadra, Mahishasura Mardini, and others at the entrance.
The site is revered as a spiritual retreat, blending devotion with adventure.
🚤 How to Reach
From Srisailam:Start at Srisailam Temple complex.
Take the Ropeway down to Pathala Ganga (Krishna River banks).
Board a Motor Boat from Pathala Ganga to Akka Mahadevi Caves.
Duration: 40–60 minutes (one-way)
Cost: ₹400 per person (approx.)
Boat Timings: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Private boats available for small groups.
Trek 10–15 minutes from the docking point to the cave entrance.
Enter the Cave: ~150 meters trek inside (dark and narrow path).
Carry a torch or headlamp, as the inner sanctum is pitch dark.
🕐 Total Duration (Round Trip):
~5 hours (including boat ride and cave exploration)
🧭 Travel Itinerary (1 Day Trip)
Morning7:30 AM: Breakfast at Srisailam town
8:30 AM: Proceed to Ropeway station for Pathala Ganga
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Boat ride to Akka Mahadevi Caves (enjoy scenic views of Krishna River & Nallamala Hills)
Midday
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Explore Akka Mahadevi Caves
Visit Swayambhu Shiva Linga inside
Observe ancient idols at the entrance
Experience natural rock formations and echoing chambers
Afternoon
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Return boat journey to Pathala Ganga
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Take ropeway back to hilltop
2:00 PM: Lunch at Srisailam
Optional: Visit nearby Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple, Shikharam viewpoint, or Hatakeswaram.
🎒 What to Carry
Torch or headlamp (mandatory)Drinking water & dry snacks
Comfortable trekking shoes
Cap or hat (for sun protection)
Camera / Phone (waterproof case recommended)
Light jacket (for cool morning breeze)
⚠️ Travel Tips
Cave exploration not recommended for elderly or claustrophobic visitors.Be cautious of bats and slippery rocks inside the cave.
Avoid monsoon months (July–September) — high water levels may suspend boating.
Carry eco-friendly waste bags; avoid littering inside the reserve.
Always follow Amrabad Tiger Reserve regulations.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
November to MarchPleasant weather, calm backwaters, and ideal boating conditions.
🌿 Nearby Attractions
Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple 10 km One of the 12 JyotirlingasPathala Ganga Ropeway 8 km Scenic aerial views
Shikharam Viewpoint 12 km Panoramic views of Nallamala hills
Hatakeswaram Temple 14 km Mythical spot of Lord Shiva worship
Octopus Viewpoint 15 km View of Srisailam backwaters resembling an octopus shape
Farahabad Viewpoint (Amrabad) 35 km Forest safari and breathtaking valleys
📸 Experience Summary
Adventure: Moderate trek + cave explorationNature: Dense forest, backwaters, hills
Spiritual: Ancient Shiva Linga & Akka Mahadevi’s meditation site
Photography: Excellent for landscape, cave interiors, and boating moments
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