Amrabad Tiger Reserve

The Wild Heart of Telangana

Nestled in the verdant Nallamala Hills of Telangana, the Amrabad Tiger Reserve (ATR) spans nearly 2,611 sq. km, making it India’s second-largest tiger reserve by core area and the sixth-largest overall among the 51 tiger reserves in the country. Part of the Western Ghats eco-zone, this pristine wilderness shelters a mosaic of ancient forests, rugged valleys, sacred caves, and cascading waterfalls — a living sanctuary of biodiversity.

Formerly a part of the Nagarjunasagar–Srisailam Tiger Reserve, ATR was declared a sanctuary in 1983 and officially recognized as Amrabad Tiger Reserve after the bifurcation of Telangana in 2014. It spans the forest divisions of Amrabad and Achampet (Nagarkurnool district) and Nagarjunsagar (Nalgonda district).

The reserve’s hilly terrain, deep gorges, and perennial streams form the catchment area of the Krishna River, feeding major reservoirs like Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar Dams. Its biological richness includes Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, and a variety of bird species such as the yellow-throated bulbul, along with numerous endemic plants and orchids.

ATR’s landscape is dotted with natural wonders like Mallela Theertham and Saleshwaram Waterfalls, mystical caves, and panoramic viewpoints such as Octopus Viewpoint. With eco-tourism hubs at Mannanur and Farahabad, visitors can explore guided safaris, trekking routes, and community-based jungle stays, offering a perfect blend of adventure, ecology, and heritage.

For explorers, nature lovers, and spiritual seekers alike, Amrabad Tiger Reserve offers a rare opportunity to experience the wild soul of Telangana — where nature thrives, culture endures, and the timeless spirit of the Nallamala Forestscomes alive.

🌿 Flora and Fauna Highlights

Flora: Over 1,400 plant species in 109 families — teak, terminalia, madhuca, hardwickia, and medicinal herbs.
Fauna:
Mammals: Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, Nilgai, Blackbuck, Sambar, Chinkara, etc.
Birds: 303 species — Yellow-throated Bulbul, Grey Hornbill, Kingfishers, and migratory Blue Rock Thrush.
Reptiles: 54 species including Russell’s Viper, Cobra, Python.
Amphibians & Insects: 20+ amphibians, 150+ butterfly and moth species.

📍 Major Attractions

Farahabad View Point :Panoramic view of Nallamala valleys; part of safari route Oct–Feb
Octopus View Point Hill with arms of valleys resembling an octopus Oct–Mar
Mallela Theertham Waterfalls Serene waterfall amidst forest; Shiva temple nearby Oct–Jan
Akka Mahadevi Caves (Swayambhu Shiva Mandir) Sacred caves on Krishna riverbanks; reachable by boat + trek Nov–Mar
Kadalivanam Caves Spiritual site of Sri Datta Guru deep inside forest Nov–Mar
Saleshwaram Temple & Waterfalls Historic Shiva shrine; open during annual Jatara (Apr) Oct–Dec, Apr (festival)
Lodhi Mallayya Temple & Falls Scenic site with natural rock pools Nov–Feb
Somashila View Point & Boating Calm Krishna River backwaters; boating facilities available Oct–Mar

🏞️ Suggested Itineraries

2-Day Short Adventure (Weekend Plan)

Day 1:
Arrive at Mannanur Gate (entry to ATR)
Check-in at Forest Rest House / Tiger Wilds Camp / Mannanur Jungle Resort
Visit Interpretation Centre & Farahabad Safari (afternoon slot)
Sunset at Farahabad View Point
Dinner & Night Stay (campfire if arranged)

Day 2:
Early morning bird watching trail near Mannanur
Visit Mallela Theertham Waterfalls
Return by evening / continue to Srisailam Temple (60 km)

3–4 Day Complete Wilderness & Heritage Trail

Day 1:
Arrival at Hyderabad → Mannanur (220 km / 5–6 hrs)
Check-in at Tiger Wilds / Mrugavani Srisailam Resort
Safari to Farahabad View Point
Stay overnight at resort

Day 2:

Visit Mallela Theertham (morning)
Drive to Somashila for boating & view point
Optional: Lodhi Mallayya Temple Falls
Overnight at Mannanur / Srisailam

Day 3:

Early start for Akka Mahadevi Caves boat ride from Srisailam
Visit Saleshwaram Temple & Waterfalls (seasonal access)
Return and relax at resort

Day 4 (optional):
Trek to Kadalivanam Caves (guided only; prior permission required)
Return to Hyderabad

🚙 Getting There

By Air: Hyderabad (Rajiv Gandhi International Airport) – 180 km
By Train: Jadcherla or Mahbubnagar (nearest stations, 100–120 km)
By Road:
Hyderabad → Kalwakurthy → Achampet → Mannanur Gate
Private cabs or TSRTC buses to Mannanur (Amrabad Gate)

🏕️ Where to Stay

Tiger Wilds Jungle Camp Near Mannanur Eco-camping, tiger stay package
Forest Rest House (Mannanur & Farahabad) Inside reserve Government-managed, serene jungle stay
Mannanur Jungle Resort Mannanur Comfortable cottages & safari bookings
Mrugavani Resort, Srisailam Hilltop, 50 km away Luxury stay with Krishna valley view
Somashila Haritha Resort (TSTDC) Near Krishna backwaters Boating & river views

Booking links:

🐾 Amrabad Tiger Reserve Official Booking
🏕️ Mrugavani Resorts – Srisailam

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

October to March – Ideal weather for safaris, trekking & waterfalls
Avoid June–September (monsoon) due to leeches, slippery trails
April (Saleshwaram Jatara) – Cultural & spiritual experience

🧭 Travel Tips

Entry to core areas and caves requires Forest Department permission
Carry light cottons, trek shoes, binoculars, camera, and waterproof gear
Avoid loud noise and littering inside reserve
Always travel with registered guides for cave routes (especially Akka Mahadevi & Kadalivanam)
Safari timings: Morning 7:00–10:00 AM, Afternoon 3:00–5:30 PM