Telangana360

Kapuram Fort (Kapuram Khilla) Modern Location: Kapuram Village, Malhar Rao Mandal, Jayashankar Bhupalpally District , Telangana. Geographic Context: Situated in the northern forest tracts of the Telangana plateau. Located in the dense deciduous forests of the Godavari basin, Kapuram Guttalu (hillocks) comprise three distinct monolithic formations rising up to 250 feet. Historically a hybrid Giri-Vana Durga (Hill-Forest Fort), the terrain offers a strategic vantage point that once monitored the northern trade routes. The ancient Guttalu of Kapuram rising from the scrub forest. Photo: Telangana Today Inscriptional Classification of Kapuram Fort According to actual sources from the medieval period, the status of Kapuram was categorized based on its strategic utility and natural terrain: 1. Giri-Durga (Hill Fort) Due to its elevation on three monolithic hillocks ...

Mallur Gutta Fort & Hemachala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Location: Near Mallur village, Mangapet Mandal, Mulugu District , Telangana. Located on the southern bank of the Godavari river adjacent to the Eturnagaram–Bhadrachalam highway. "It is said to be bigger than Warangal and Golconda forts." About the Fort A sprawling ancient fort in the region is the massive 8 km-radius fort wall with seven entry points dating back to the Satavahana period. Locally known as Mallur Fort , it is located 4 km inside the forests. While normal forts are two to four km in radius, this fort wall is much bigger than Warangal and Golconda forts. The Sacred Temple & Divine Ensemble The Hemachala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is an ancient architectural divine ensemble located on the Mallur Ghat. Built in a strategic and secluded locale of the hill, it is famous for its Swayambhu (self-formed) deity. ...

Devuni Gutta temple, Kothur (Photo: Deccan Chronicle) Location: Devuni Gutta temple is located about 2.5 km from Kothur village, near Jangalapalli of Mulugu mandal in Mulugu district, Telangana. This hidden hill temple is known only to locals and lies deep inside a dense forest. The trail to reach it is as fascinating as the monument itself. About the Temple The temple stands on a hill locally called Devuni Gutta . One has to trek through a forest path that turns into a small stream halfway, creating a unique water trail for nearly a kilometer. The journey reveals small waterfalls and lush greenery along the way. Atop the hill sits a beautiful structure adorned with carvings on all four sides. The temple appears brick-built but is actually composed of sand–stone blocks plastered with lime mortar. Carvings depict sages, monks, dancers, and animals — though many have eroded over time. Historians estimate the temple to be over 2,000 years old . Locals recall th...

🌿 Hidden Lakes of Nirmal: Turkam & Venganna Eco-Tourism Adventure Turkam (Turkan) and Venganna Cheruvu are located near Dimmadurthi and Naldhurthi amidst dense forests in Mamada Mandal, Nirmal District, Telangana. These hidden gems are proposed to be developed into eco-tourism attractions, offering serenity, adventure, and nature experiences. 🏞️ Overview Turkam Cheruvu is one of the largest water bodies in the region, spread across 55 hectares, and is perennial, receiving water year-round from the Saraswathi Canal. Venganna Cheruvu, spanning 25 hectares, is a paradise for bird-watchers, hosting a variety of avifauna. 🌿 Flora & Fauna Dry and moist deciduous forests with teak, acacia, medicinal herbs, red sandalwood, and sandalwood trees. Wildlife includes Black Buck, Common Fox, Four-horned Antelope, Fruit Bat, Hyena, Indian Wolf, and more. Bird species: Black Drongo, Black-winged Kite, Blossom-headed Parakeet, Blue Pigeon, Black-headed Oriole, Grey Partridge...

🌿 Explore Chincholi Wildlife & Hidden Gems Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Kalaburagi district of Karnataka, near Zaheerabad in Telangana, is often called the "Ooty of Telangana" (a misnomer, as it lies in Karnataka). Declared a sanctuary in 2011, it spans 134.88 sq.km, making it the first dry land wildlife sanctuary in South India. The sanctuary hosts diverse flora including medicinal herbs, red sandalwood, teak trees, and fauna like Black Buck, Four-horned Antelope, Hyena, Indian Wolf, and over 35 bird species. ✨ Highlights of Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary Safe haven for Wolves and Hyenas Documented presence of dholes (wild dogs) in the Kalyana-Karnataka region Features similar to Western Ghats in Hyderabad-Karnataka region Spread over five forest blocks: Chincholi, Sangapura, Bhonsapur, Magdumpur, Shadipur Rich flora: dry & moist deciduous forests, teak & acacia plantations, medicinal herbs, red sanders, and sandalwood trees 🌄 G...

🏞️ Chasing Waterfalls in Lohara Valley & Khandala Ghat 📍 Location Adilabad Khandala Ghat is located in Khandala Village, Adilabad Rural Mandal, Adilabad District, Telangana. The nearby Lohara Valley, part of Khandala Gram Panchayat, offers pristine landscapes with four waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints. 🛣️ How to Reach Khandala Ghat is about 20 km from Adilabad town. The route via Ankoli goes through Vanvat and Pippaldhari villages. The steep ghat road starting at Pippaldhari offers stunning valley views. ☀️ Best Time to Visit Post-monsoon months and Sankranti festival holidays are ideal. Waterfalls have the best flow after rainfall. 📅 Itinerary Day 1: Arrival & Sightseeing Reach Adilabad town and drive to Khandala Ghat. Explore the hills and valleys. Visit Khandala Molal Gutta Waterfalls (1 km walk from Molalgutta village). Day 2: Lohara Valley & Waterfalls Visit Lohara Waterfalls near Lohara village. Enjoy vantage points for photog...

Octopus View Point is one of the most scenic and recently developed eco-tourism attractions within the Amrabad Tiger Reserve in the Nallamala Forest Range. Officially opened to the public on 13th October 2017, this viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Krishna River backwaters — whose shape resembles the tentacles of an octopus — and the surrounding lush green forest canopy. Situated close to Domalapenta Forest Checkpost , this site exemplifies the Telangana Forest Department’s ongoing efforts to promote eco-tourism and nature conservation simultaneously. 📍 Location Region: Amrabad Mandal, Nagarkurnool District, Telangana Distance: 5 km before Domalapenta Checkpost 25 km from Farahabad View Point 42 km from Mannanur (Amrabad Tiger Reserve Entry Point) 140 km from Hyderabad via Srisailam Highway Accessibility: Located on the Hyderabad–Srisailam Highway (NH 765) Where to Stay :  https://amrabadtigerreserve.com/domalapenta-akkamaha-devi-stay-package/ 🌿 Highlights Breathtaking View...

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. 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 ...

Farahabad View Point lies deep inside the Amrabad Tiger Reserve, once a hunting retreat of the Nizams of Hyderabad. Today, it serves as a serene eco-tourism hub offering a glimpse into the heart of the Nallamala Forests, overlooking Mallucheruvu Lake. The place is an eco-adventure paradise — ideal for those who enjoy nature walks, jungle safaris, and camping under starry skies surrounded by the calls of the wild. 🏞️ Overview Location: Near Munnanur, Amrabad Mandal, Nagarkurnool District, Telangana Altitude: ~914 meters (3,000 feet) above sea level Meaning: Farahabad literally means “Mount Pleasant” Best For: Eco-tourism, Jungle Safari, Adventure Camping, Bird & Wildlife Watching Distance: Hyderabad → Farahabad View Point: ~156 km (≈4 hours by road) Hyderabad → Munnanur (Reserve Entry Point): ~138 km 🐅 Safari Details Safari Route: 9 km from Farahabad Entrance Gate Timings: ⏰ 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Daily) Safari Duration: ~2 hours Safari Cost: ₹800 (per 2 hours per vehicle) Highlights:...

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. 📍 Location District: Nagarkurnool, Telangana Within: 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 oth...

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 t...

A Serene Wilderness Between Rivers Nallamala Hills, spanning Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, is a mesmerizing hill station wrapped in natural beauty. With shimmering waterfalls, deep valleys, and dense forests, the region captivates every visitor’s mind and soul. Situated between the Pennar and Krishna rivers, the hill range boasts two major peaks: Bhairani at 1,100 meters above sea level and Gundla Brahmeswara at 1,048 meters. For tourists traveling by road to Srisailam, the view of the Srisailam Dam, with Krishna River’s waters gushing from its gates, and a glimpse of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy is incomplete without experiencing the dense Nallamala forest near Farahabad. Nallamala Hills offers a rare blend of wildlife, spiritual experiences, and unspoiled natural beauty, making it an unforgettable destination for travelers seeking tranquility away from urban chaos. Discover Nallamala Hills – Nature, Wildlife & Spiritual Trails Overview Nestled between the Pennar and Krishna rivers, N...

Kadalivanam Caves are located deep within the Nallamalla Forest (part of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve) in Nagarkurnool District, Telangana. The site is nestled at the foot of Srisaila Hill, on the banks of Pathala Ganga, and is considered a significant spiritual center for followers of Sri Datta Guru. Also referred to as Kadali Vanam or Kardaliwan, this site is renowned as a sacred Tapo Sthanam (meditation place) in the Srisaila region. Its importance is highlighted in classical texts like Skanda Purana, Shiva Bhakta Vijayam, and other Shaiva scriptures. Historically, Sri Nrisimha Saraswati Swamy, regarded as the second incarnation of Guru Dattatreya, concluded his earthly avatara here. Kadalivanam Caves combine natural beauty, historical depth, and spiritual significance. Nestled amidst dense forest and flowing streams, it serves as a peaceful retreat for meditation and devotion while offering insights into prehistoric human life in the Nallamalla region. 🗺️ Trekking Route to Kadalivana...

Chakaligattu Island is located in the middle of River Krishna amidst the huge reservoir of Nagarjunasagar having maximum plain area near Rekulavalyam is a small Village/hamlet in Chandampet Mandal and Peddagummadam is a small Village/hamlet in Pedda Adiserla Pally Mandal in Nalgonda District of Telangana State, India. Can reach through Vizagcolony a small Village/hamlet in Chandampet Mandal or in Nalgonda District of Telangana State. To the list of tourist places, an eco-adventure tourism destination could soon be added, if the Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation is all prepared to expand Chakaligattu Island in the middle of River Krishna close to Nagarjunasagar in Nalgonda district. The advantage for Chakaligattu Island is that it’s located amidst the huge reservoir of Nagarjunasagar having maximum plain area. The authorities feel that the island could be connected to both Nagarjuna Konda and the Buddhavanam Project. Besides, world’s largest as well as famous masonary dam...

Gunjala Waterfalls is a seasonal waterfall located near Gunjala village, Bheempur Mandal, Adilabad district, Telangana State, India.  It is on a rainfed Gunjala vagu which joins Penganga river. Certain seasonal waterfalls (July to September) that live for a short time during the monsoon have come alive. Thanks to the torrential rains. For instance, scenic Darloddi waterfall, a series of five waterfalls in Khandal village, another at Lohara in Adilabad Rural mandal, Gunjala waterfall in Tamsi mandal, Peddagundam in Echoda mandal of Adilabad district are attracting nature lovers  It is 21 kms from Adilabad via Ghotkuri to bheempur very first right from bheempur to Gunjala village & the waterfalls is just 3 kms from bheempur. Time to Visit : July to September How to reach Umram railway station is the nearest railway station to Gunjala Waterfalls. It is nearly 9.39 kilometers away from it.