Telangana360

Sri Lalitha Someswara Swamy Temple is a revered Hindu shrine located on the serene banks of the Krishna River at Somasila village, Nagarkurnool District, Telangana State, India. 🏛️ Historical Significance Believed to have been originally constructed in the 7th century, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Sri Lalitha Someswara Swamy. The ancient structure was relocated from the old Somasila village to a higher altitude to protect it from submersion during the construction of the Srisailam Dam. 🌸 Temple Complex Somasila is home to a cluster of 15 ancient temples, all dedicated to Lord Shiva. Each shrine enshrines a Shivalinga, representing various manifestations of the divine. The Shivalinga (Shivling) symbolizes eternity and the creative energy of Lord Shiva. Derived from the words Leen(dissolve) and Gati (grow), the Shivling signifies the cosmic process of dissolution and regeneration. It is believed to represent the infinite cosmic pillar of fire, a form beyon...

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...

Mallela Theertham is a stunning natural waterfall nestled deep within the Nallamala Forests of Telangana. Surrounded by high mountains, dense deciduous forests, and rocky hills, this pristine location is a perfect mix of nature, adventure, and spirituality. The waterfall cascades from a height of 150 feet, creating a serene atmosphere for picnics, bathing, and trekking. Mallela Theertham is a hidden gem in Telangana, combining nature, spirituality, and adventure. With its cascading waterfalls, dense forest cover, and scenic trekking paths, it makes for a perfect day trip from Hyderabad. Ideal for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to escape the city buzz. Location: Near Vatuvarlapalli village, 8 km off Hyderabad–Srisailam highway, Mahabubnagar district, Telangana Distance from Hyderabad: ~140 km Distance from Srisailam: ~40–50 km Best time to visit: October to February Highlights & Attractions Mallela Theertham Waterfall 150-foot high waterfall surrounded by dense ...

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 ...

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. 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. 📍 Location District: Nagarkurnool, Telangana Mandal: Amrabad / Lingal Nearest Gate: Farahabad Gate (Amrabad Tiger Reserve) Distance: ~25–30 km f...

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...

The Jatprole (Kollapur) Samasthanam The Samasthan of Jatprole, also known as Jataprolu or Kollapur Samasthanam (c.1527 CE - 1948 CE), was one of the most ancient and historic estates in the erstwhile Hyderabad State. Located in the present-day Nagarkurnool district of Telangana, the Samasthan covered several square miles and was among the most prominent feudal estates under the Nizams. Its capital was Kollapur town, which grew into a flourishing administrative and cultural center. Kollapur lies amidst the scenic Nallamala forest on the banks of the River Krishna and has long been famous for its mango orchards, broad roads, and lush green plantations. The region was so beautifully planned that people affectionately called it the “Telangana Mysore.” As early as 1900 A.D., Kollapur had an aerodrome and helipad, reflecting its early modernization under enlightened rulers. 1. Origins and Rise The Samasthan traces its origins to Pillalamarri Bethala Reddy, belonging to the Recherla Nayaks, w...

The Vijayanagara Empire (1336 CE - 1646 CE) was a preeminent South Indian empire founded in 1336 AD by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I of the Sangama dynasty. Its capital was the magnificent city of Vijayanagar (modern-day Hampi, Karnataka). The empire was established as a Hindu bulwark against the advancing Delhi Sultanate and later the Deccan Sultanates. The official languages were Sanskrit, Kannada, and Telugu, reflecting its multi-lingual and cosmopolitan nature. Hinduism was the state religion, and the empire was renowned for its patronage of art, architecture, and literature. Founders : Harihara I and Bukka Raya I of the Sangama dynasty Capital : Vijayanagar  (modern Hospet, Bellary district, Hampi, Karnataka.) Languages : Sanskrit, Kannada and Telugu Religion : Hinduism 1. Origins and Rise The founders, Harihara and Bukka, had previously served the Kakatiya and Kampili kingdoms. After Kampili fell to the Delhi Sultanate in 1327, the brothers were captured, taken to Delhi, and co...