Biennial tribal festival at Gandhari Fort | Magha Masam | Traditional dances, rituals & cultural heritage 🎭 Gandhari Maisamma Jatara – a grand biennial tribal festival celebrated at Gandhari Fort (Gandhari Khilla) , near Bokkalagutta village, Mandamarri Mandal, Mancherial district, Telangana . Held during the full moon of Magha masam (January–February) for three days, the jatara attracts thousands of tribals from Gonds, Naikpods, Koyas, Mannes communities, as well as devotees from neighbouring Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. The festival features traditional dances like Thappetagullu and Pillanagovi , oral storytelling, Pedda Puja rituals, and the unique Ranam Kudupu – a ceremon…

Ancient hill fort with Kakatiya architecture | 8‑ft Naga Seshu idol | Tribal Jatara & medicinal forest 🏔️ Gandhari Fort (Gandhari Khilla / Gandhari Kota) – a historic hill fort located near Bokkalagutta, Mandamarri Mandal, Mancherial district, Telangana . Believed to have been built by tribal kings with assistance from the Kakatiya rulers about 1,000 years ago, the fort stands on sandstone hills, surrounded by dense forest rich in medicinal plants. It houses the ancient Maisamma temple and rock‑cut idols of Kala Bhairava Swamy, Lord Shiva, Ganesha, and Hanuman. The eight‑foot‑tall Naga Seshu idol with ten heads carved from a single rock is a major highlight. The fort also fe…

Eco-tourism & Pilgrimage on Krishna River | 15 Shiva temples | Boating & Nallamala forest views 🌊 Somasila – a tranquil temple town and eco‑tourism destination located in Kollapur Mandal, Nagarkurnool district, Telangana , on the banks of the Krishna River. The Somasila reservoir gives it an island‑like feel, surrounded by the Nallamala forests. Known for its 15 Shiva temples including the famous Sri Lalitha Someswara Swamy Temple, Somasila is also a historic site with inscriptions from Western Chalukya, Kanduri Choda, and Kakatiya periods. The TSTDC pontoon boat service offers a scenic 5‑hour cruise from Somasila to Srisailam through the Nagarjunasagar‑Srisailam Tiger R…

Devuni Gutta Temple – a hidden hill shrine located about 2.5 km from Kothur village , near Jangalapalli of Mulugu mandal, Mulugu district, Telangana . This ancient temple, known only to locals, stands atop a hill called Devuni Gutta and is accessed by a fascinating trek through dense forest. The path transforms into a stream for nearly a kilometer , creating a unique water trail dotted with small waterfalls. The temple, estimated to be over 2,000 years old (6th–7th century CE by historians), features exquisite sandstone carvings depicting sages, monks, dancers, and animals. A natural pond beside the temple feeds into Laknavaram Lake. Best visited October to February when the stream is flowing …