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Amrabad Tiger Reserve

Amrabad Tiger Reserve is located near Munnanur in Nallamala hills which is part of western ghats, Amarabad Mandal, Nagarkurnool district, Telangana State, India covers an area 2,760 square kms and second largest tiger reserve in the country in terms of core area.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) Report-2022 revealed that the Amrabad Tiger Reserve (ATR) scored 78.7% and stood 28th among 51 tiger reserves in the country.

FLORA
The floral diversity is moderately rich as the landscape experiences a wide rain fall, altitude and edaphic gradients. The floral wealth has been estimated to be over that, there are 1400 taxa spread over 109 families. The ATR is having about 353 species in 88 families that are found to be medicinal properties. Dense grass occurs in 30% of the area and scattered in an additional 20%. Dominant tree species include Terminalia tomentosa, Hardwickia binata, Madhuca latifolia. Diospyros melanoxylon, Gardenia latifolia, Anogeissus latifolia, Chloroxylon swietenia, Terminalia spp.


FAUNA
The Tiger Reserve supports populations of several faunal species.

MAMMALS
Over 80 species of mammals have been identified in Amrabad Tiger Reserve, Telangana. Large carnivores: Tiger, Leopard, Wild dog, and Indian Wolf, Indian fox, Small carnivores: Jungle cat, Rusty-spotted cat, Small Indian civet, and Indian palm civet, Omnivores: Sloth bear, Honeybadger, Wild boar, Herbivores: Unique species of Antelopes found Chinkara, Nilgai, Blackbuck, four-horned antelope; Antlers found spotted deer, Sambar deer; Primates found Hanuman langur, Bonnet macaque, Rhesus macaque.

BIRDS
Over 303 bird species have been identified in this region. Some important groups include Eagles, Pigeons, Doves, Cuckoos, Woodpeckers, Drongos, Bulbuls, Flower peckers, Grey horn bill, Sunbirds, Swifts, Kingfishers, owls, barbets, kites, minivets, partridges, mynas, thrushes, warblers, egrets. Some endemic bird species that occur here are yellow throated bulbul and winter migratory of blue rock thrush.

REPTILES
Approximately 54 species of reptiles have been identified in this region. Three highly venomous snakes found in this area, family of Viperidae namely Russel’s viper, Saw scaled viper, Spectacled cobra, Common krait, Indian pond terrain, Indian monitor lizard, Indian chameleon, Forest calotes, Skinks, Indian python, Keel backs, Vine snakes, Bronze back snakes, cat snakes, wolf snakes etc.

AMPHIBIANS
Around 20 amphibians have been identified in this area common Indian toad, narrow – mouthed frog, common tree frog, Indian pond frog, Indian burrowing frog, Indian cricket frog etc.

BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS
Among the insect groups, butterflies and moths come under a large group called Lepidoptera. About 100 species of butterflies and 57 species of moths have been found in this Tiger Reserve. Some common butterflies are danaid egg fly, lemon pansy, plain tiger, common leopard, common blue bottle, crimson rose, chocolate pansy, and common tree brown, crimson tip, Indian skimmer etc. Common moths are Antheraea paphia, Himala spp., Achaea spp., Actias spp., oak hawk-moth etc.

INSECTS
The insect’s diversity is the largest group in animal kingdom. Large variety of butterflies and moths are found here. Numerous species of Grasshoppers, Mantises, Beetles, Flies, Termites, and Spiders, which play an important role in ecosystem sustenance, are present.

Attractions




Akka Mahadevi Caves or Swayambhu Shiva Mandir




Somashila View Point and Boating

FACILITIES AVAILABLE FOR TOURISTS

1. Vehicle rides in the tourism zone at Farahabad
2. Visit to Interpretation centre at Farahabad
3. Visit to Saleshwaram Water Falls
4. Visit to Mallellathirtham Water Falls
5. Visit CBET (Community Based Eco-Tourism) Mannanur
6. Visit to EEC (Environmental Education Centre) at Mannanur
7. Visit to Prathaparudruni Fort
8. Bird Watching

Where to Stay
  • Forest Department arranges trips to Farahabad View point from Mannanur.
  • Visitors also prefer to have a jungle stay in this station, which is also made safely by the state government of Telangana. 
  • Best camping ground here is the Tiger wilds jungle camp, which arranges camping ground for the visitors.
  • Good and comfortable accommodation is available at Forest Rest House at Mannanur and at Farahabad view point hill.
  • Tourists can also avail multiple stay options near Nagarjunsagar Dam and Srisailam dam.
  • One can also stay at Tiger wild reserve, where camping is available.
Muannnur Jungle Resort
Cottages for tourists keen on a night stay at Mannanur, inside the Amrabad Tiger Reserve in Nagarkurnool district.

Safari ride into the Amrabad Tiger Reserve, which had been a minor sojourn for the pilgrims bound for the Srisailam temple, will be part of the ‘Tiger Stay Package’

Hilltop Mrugavani


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Farahabad View point

Farahabad View Point or hill station is located near Munnanur inside Amrabad Tiger Reserve in Nallamalla Forest, Amrabad mandal, Nagarkurnool district of Telangana State. Altitude of the place is about 914 meters or around 3000 feet above sea level

Farahabad literally translates to 'Mount Pleasant'. The place offers a stay in the wild, trekking and
traditional ride through river. It is an ideal destination for adventure and nature lovers. The Tiger wilds jungle camp located here provides camping facilities. The spot is an eco-paradise, rich in Flora and Fauna, including tiger, neelgai, sambar and spotted deer.

It is an area primarily utilized by the erstwhile Nizams of Hyderabad for hunting and recreation. 

Farhabad view point is about 9 kilometers from Farhabad entrance gate and it is part of Safari route. It is located in the dense Nallamalla Forest. This place also offers a traditional ride through the river which flows among the Nallamalla hills.

Farahabad View Point 1
The forest area, called as Farahabad forest area is about 140 kms from Hyderabad, on the way to Srisailam near Billakarl. This scenic location, called as the Farahabad View Point overseeing Mallucheruvu lake gives you breathtaking experience. The Nizams of Hyderabad protected this place and made it a personal retreat. Although now completely abandoned, this beautiful place can be a never fading memory of nature.

Farahabad View Point 2:
Once a retreat of the Nizams of the Hyderabad, the beautiful forest area of Farahabad is almost a virgin place and is gaining more popularity these days. It is left to the highway en-route to Srisailam from Hyderabad. There is a government operated security post and a safari experience into the jungle to reach this place, the Farahabad View Point.

Farahabad Forest View Point 3:
The beautiful Nallamala forest offers many pictuesque locations to tourists. This unforgettable view is called as the Farahabad View Point and is located 12 kms left to the Hyderabad Srisailam highway. There are steps down this above-sea level rock that gives breathtaking views of the Nallamala Jungle and the Mallucheruvu lake that you can see from there.


Safari timings: 7 AM to 4 PM daily.
Safari Ride Price: Rs. 800 for every two hours

When to visit
This place has a very cool climate all over the year. Best time to visit the place is from august to Feb.Interestingly  one could not see each other during winters, such is the beauty of mist in this place.

Where to Stay
  • Forest Department arranges trips to Farahabad View point from Mannanur.
  • Visitors also prefer to have a jungle stay in this station, which is also made safely by the state government of Telangana. 
  • Best camping ground here is the Tiger wilds jungle camp, which arranges camping ground for the visitors.
  • Good and comfortable accommodation is available at Forest Rest House at Mannanur and at Farahabad view point hill.
  • Tourists can also avail multiple stay options near Nagarjunsagar Dam and Srisailam dam.
  • One can also stay at Tiger wild reserve, where camping is available.
Distance:
– Hyderabad to Farahabad View point is 156 Kms (close to 4 hours drive from Hyderabad)
– Hyderabad to Munnanur in Mahabubnagar District is 138 Kms (its a 3 hour drive from Hyderabad). Munnanur is the starting point for Nagarjunsagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve.

Amrabad is around 160 kms from Hyderabad basically its on the way to a popular Hindu Pilgrims place named Srisailam which is further 80 kms

Nearby Tourist Attraction:
– Srisailam Dam Project
– Sangameshwara Temple
– Pillalamarri Banyan Tree
– Mallelatheertham
– Nagarjunsagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve
– Nagarkurnool ( Near by city )
– Kollapur



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Kamaldham Temple in Chevella

Kamaldham Temple or Lotus Temple is is also called as Smay Narayan Temple because it is in Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Internatioal School on the highway near Himayath Nagar junction, Chevella, Rangareddy district, Telangana State, India.

Kamaldham Mandir, is a white structure surrounded by a huge pink lotus base. Standing atop a pond, this Hindu temple is home to six deities. 

At a distance of 21 km from Nampally Railway Station, 15 km from Golconda Fort & 3 km from Chilkur Balaji Temple, Kamaldham Mandir is also called as Lotus Temple. It is located in Sri Swaminarayan Gurukul on the highway near Himayath Nagar junction 3 Kms before Chilkur Balaji Temple.

The temple has wonderful architecture with lush green surroundings. The temple is built on a pond with lotus-shaped base. The presiding deities are Lord Sri Swaminarayan, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganapati, Goddess Parvati and Lord Surya.

Timings: 6.30 AM - 7.30 PM.
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Kongala waterfalls

Kongala waterfalls or Puli Madugu Jalapatham is located near Kongala village, Wazeedu mandal ,Mulugu district, Telangana state, India. 

The waterfall is called ‘V-fall’ by the locals. While the height of the fall is about 70 feet, the Loddimadugu Vagu (stream) fall merges into Kongala tank in the village.

It is around 3 kms from Kongala village. You have to adventure through a trek for about 2 kms or 45 minutes amidst the Kongala forest or Dulapalli forest range and then reach the mighty cascade. Standing at a height of 30 m and spanning around an area of 100 m, water from the falls creates a large pool at the bottom making it a fun activity for the tourists to have fun swimming in them. The surrounding area is also considered great for bird watching as the waterfall is located in the middle of the forest.

You would need to take help of local guides to get there and there is a good chance you would be on your own when you visit the place and giving you plenty of time to be in bliss.

When to visit

Waterfalls turn majestic the moment the season of rain dawns upon them. With rains flooding this year, the months from June to November are the best time to visit these stunning cascades. The rainy season is also the best time for all nature lovers to catch a glimpse of the greenery around these nature’s spectacles.

Where to Stay
FERIADO RESORTS, BOGATHA
FERIADO RESORTS, TADVAI
HARITHA GRAND, MEDARAM
HARITHA GRAND, GATTAMMA

It is about 10 min drive from Bogatha Falls and a 45-minute trek

35 km from Tadvai
128 km from Warangal
270 km from Hyderabad.



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Mashenuloddi waterfall

Mashenuloddi waterfall is located near Dulapuram village, Wajedu Mandal, Mulugu district, Telangana, India.

You have around 12 major waterfalls in 50 kms radius.

From Bogathafalls X road if you go right you will go to Venkatapuram, Muthyamdhara waterfalls and Bhadrachalam.

if you go straight and left you will reach Jaganathapuram village and from there around 3 kms you will reach Dulapuram and from there if you take right in around 3 kms you will reach Mashenuloddi waterfall. You can drive from Dulapuram village around 2 kms and need to trek around 1 km to reach waterfall and you need a guide. You can get a guide at Dulapuram village to trek in  forest to reach Mashenuloddi waterfall.

5 kms from Bogatha Waterfalls
20 kms after crossing Mullakatta bridge from Eturnagaram
23 kms from Eturnagaram
82 kms from Mulugu
127 kms from Badrachalam
134 kms from Warangal
279 kms from Hyderabad





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Pallava Dynasty

Pallava Dynasty (275 AD - 897 AD)
Capital : Kanchipuram
Founder : Virakurcha
Langauges: Sanskrit, Parikrit, Tamil
Religion: Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism

Pallavas were initially feudatories of Satavahanas and later ruled independently from Kanchipuram. It is also certain that the Pallavas succeeded the Chutus of the Naga race.

Haritiputra Vishnukada Cutukulananda Satakarni and his grandson by the daughter Sivaskanda Varman, also called Siva Skanda Naga Sri in the Banavase inscription, and Skanda Naga Satavahana in the Kanheri inscription.

310 AD : Occupied Western Deccan including Telangana region around c.310 AD by defeating Chutu ruler Hariti-putra Siva-skanda-varman.

c. 310 AD - c. 320 AD : Bappadeva or Pallava Simhavarman I 
Alliance between Pallavas and Chutus : A Pallava prince married the daughter of the King Śiva - Skanda - Nâga - Śâtakarṇi , and inherited the throne of Kanchi.

It is these Chutukula successors in the territory immediately adjoining that of the Pallavas that must be the Naga family by a marriage alliance with Simhavarman I  son Siva-skanda-varman who must have defeated Skandanaga, This changed status of the kings can also be seen especially in the Manchikallu stone inscription of Simhavarman I, the Mayidavolu plates of his son yuvamaharaja Sivaskandavarman

c. 320 AD : Maidavolu inscription 10th year, while he was acting as his father's viceroy at Dhanya Kataka. Prince Shiva Skanda respected the time - honoured customs of the Hindus in show- ing filial devotion and honour.  The Maidavolu inscription identifies their rule quite close to the Krishna river basins. On the western side, it seems to have extended till today’s Bellary district in Karnataka. From around the 4th–5th century CE, this demarcation seems to shift focus to a Kanchipuram-centric rule. 

320 AD - 340 AD : Pallava Siva Skanda Varman
328 AD :  The Hirahadagali copper plate (Bellary District) record in Prakrit is dated in the eighth year of Sivaskanda Varman confirms the gift made by his father who is described merely as "Bappa-deva" (revered father) or Boppa. It will thus be clear that this dynasty of the Prakrit charters beginning with "Bappa-deva" were the historical founders of the Pallava dominion in South India

The Hirahadagalli plates of Siva Skanda Varman from 328 CE in Prakrit language and Brahmi script is one of the oldest sets of records and throws light on the administrative setup that was prevailing. The copper plate records donation of a village to a certain Gola Sarman, a Brahmin belonging to Atreya gotram. The meticulous detailing of the order certainly draws our attention. The administrative hierarchy is clearly listed and includes designations such as Rajakumara (the viceroy), Senapati (army commander), Rashtrika (governor) and Desadhikrita (regional administrative officer). The names of these officers are clearly mentioned. This is followed by local officers and the list of designations include gramabhojaka (beneficiaries of local revenue), vallava (confidential officers), go-valla (officer in charge of cattle), amatya (interim officers trained in warfare and medical practice), aranyadhikrita (officer in charge of forest tracts), ghumike (division commanders), tutika (agents) and neyika (leaders of platoons). The king in his capacity declares that this gift is done “for increase of ourselves and of our family in respect of our good deeds, length of life, strength and fame as also victory and prosperity”.

The designations are so well demarcated that it gives us a general idea about the administrative hierarchy and the distribution of power down a clear structure. Gifting of a village to an individual in a particular division demands that a list of officials involved in various departments are informed. This is similar to transfer of power over land ownership. Moreover in this case, it is given as a gift by the king and hence made tax-free. To ensure that all the bureaucrats are well informed about it and there is no doubt anytime in the future, the document puts it all in black and white.

It would appear as though the Kadambas made the conquest of the territory which became associated with them from this Siva Skanda Varman himself. 

Hirahadagalli plate states that Siva-skandavarman performed Vajapeya, Agnisthoma and Ashvamedha yajnas.

340 AD : Vakataka ruler Sarvasena defeated Pallavas in Telangana region around 340 AD.
345 AD : Mayurasharma of Kadamba dynasty defeated Pallavas around 345 AD

Budhavarman
Budhyankura
Saka Nanda

365 AD : Mahadandanayaka Saka Sridharavarman
Success! In the victorious twenty-seventh year, augmenting [his dominion for a thousand years] of the Rajan (and) Mahakshatrapa Sridharavarman, the son of the Saka Nanda 
He probably suffered a defeat by the Gupta Emperor Samudragupta around 365 CE. After submitting to Samudragupta, he and his successor may have ruled a bit longer in Eastern Malwa, until they were vanquished by Chandragupta II in his "conquest of the whole world"

642 AD - 655 AD: Pallava King Narasimhavarman I (630 - 668 AD) defeated Pulakeshin II.
The last few ruling years of Pulakeshin II ended in disaster. The great Pallava king Narasimhavarman I occupied the southern part of the Chalukya empire including the capital city of Badami and inflicted a crushing defeat on the Chalukyas and burnt Badami. Pulakeshin II lost his life in this encounter. 

1150 or 1157 AD - 1182 AD : Pallava Vijayaditya
only inscription is from Kattapalli and mentions Korradhamadugu dated 1151 or 1157 A.D. His relationship to his predecessor Nandivarma is not konwn. Vijayaditya’s reign may have lasted up to A.D. 1182—the earliest date for his successor Allutikka.

Jainath Temple Stone Inscription in Devanagari Script – It starts with SURYA NARAYANAAYA NAMAHA and ends with “MAHA VEERA NAAMA ADITYA PRATAPAVAN PALLAVIJAYAADITYA”. It’s all about Surya Naama Stuthi shlokas that’s why this temple is called as Surya Narayana Temple too.
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Mahisha Saka Chutu Dynasty

c. 181 AD - 310 AD : Mahisha Saka Chutu Dynasty ( c.181 - 310 AD)
Capital : Kondapur, Telangana State. Banavasi or Vanavasi in present-day Karnataka state.
Founder : Rano Chutukulananda
Langauges : Prakrit
Religion : Budhism
Emblem : Chutu inscriptions contain the emblem of the cobra hood implying Chutu meant the "cobra crest"

Chutus were originally Sakas and that they became feudataries of Satavahana after Gautamiputra Satakarni occupied extensive territories from Nahapana. One member of the Chutu family was appointed Mahasenapati in the Kondapur region and another was appointed to govern Gautamiputra's new acquired city of Banavasi. Chutu family became the masters of Kuntala

Chutus rose to power in the Kuntala region after the fall of the Satavahanas. Some scholars consider Chutu - kula to be a branch of the Satavahana - kula merely on the strength of a common surname. After the demise of Satavahana emperor Gautami-putra Yajna Satakarni in 181 CE, the old dynasty (Satavahanas) lost control of the western provinces, which passed into the hands of another family of Satakarnis, the Chutu-kula. 

Mahisha Saka dynasty comprised the southern part of the former Hyderabad State , which was called Mahishaka in ancient times. Mahishaka dynasty proves that the area was ancient Mahishamandala.

After the Satavahanas, the district passed under the sway of the Mahisha dynasty. Though as many as eighteen rulers ruled this district for a period of 383 years, only two rulers Mana and Yasa proved to be powerful. Mana broke the domination of the Satavahanas, assumed the title of ‘Rajan’ and reigned the kingdom to its splendor. He enjoyed the privilege of striking his own coins. One of his lead coins exhibited the characteristics of the coins belonging to the close of 2nd or beginning of the 3rd century. The rule of this dynasty came to an end with the rise of Chalukyas of Badami

Sadakana Kalalaya Maharathi
Coins resemble the rule of Gautamiputra Satakarni

Mahasenapathi Sumahagamaka
Coins from Kondapur excavations

Maharathi Sadakana Chutu Krishna
Coins discovered at Chandravalli and Kondapur bear the legend "Maharathi Sadakana Chutu Krishna"
Maharathi and Ananda Coins

Bhardvaja

c. 181 AD : Saka or Saga Mana Mahisha
The reverse motif resembles the swastika-type coins of Mahasenapathi Saka or Saga Mana Chutukulasa Mahisha son of Bhardvaja discovered in the excavation at Kondapur.
Copper coins in Hyderabad of Rano Saka Mana Mahsasa. 
Became King from Mahasenapathi around 181 AD

Yasa Mahisha : Coin found in mask, Raichur

Sivala Mahisha : Coin found in Hyderabad

Chutus took possession of the south - western parts and extended their power in the north and east ; and the Pallavas filled the political vacuum in the south - eastern tracts.

Chutukulananda, Mulananda and Sivalananda. They minted heavy lead coins mainly engraving the symbol of arched hill on the obverse and the railed tree and or Nandipada symbol on the reverse. Most of the coins inscribed kings name with the family suffix.

c. 208 AD - c. 230 AD : Chutukulananda
Coins of Rano Chutukadanamdasa were discovered from Karwar and Banavasi

c. 230 AD - c. 255 AD : Mulananda

c. 255 AD - c. 280 AD : Vishnurudra Sivalananda Satakarni
The Chutu king Sivalananda is attested by a 278 CE inscription of the Abhira ruler Vasushena from Nagarjunakonda.
278 AD : Year 30 (variously ready as 30, 9, 20 of King King Vasisthiputra Vasusena the Abhira fortnight 6 of the rainy season 2 day 1 which is 257, 268 or 278

By the great village chief, the great talavara, the great commander, Sivaseba of the Peribidehas of the Kuasika gotra this image of lord Astbhujasvamin, made from udumbara wood, which had never been moved from Sanjayapuri from its place, by the kings Saka Rudradaman of Avanti and Visnurudra Sivalanda Sataakrni of Vanavasa has been installed on Sedagiri.

The engraver is Vardhamanaka belonging to sembaka family Suryavamsi reads last line as Abhira Samvat 100, 303 AD. Sarma reads last line as 47 year Rksadesa/kalacuri-ceda era 295 AD

Around 280 AD Haritiputra Vinhukada Chutukulananda Satakarni might have defeated Abheeras and occupied telangana region

c. 280 - c. 292 AD : Haritiputra Vinhukada Chutukulananda Satakarni
Wife Nagamulanika : Mother of Skandanaga Sataka, Sister of Dhanasena
King of Vaijayantipura
Malavalli Pillar Inscription : Year 1
Kanheri Cave Inscription Year 9
Vanavasi Stone Inscription Year 12 
Haritiputra-Satakarni issued an order to the chief revenue commissioner Mahavallabha-Rajjuka to grant a village of Sahalavati to a certain Kondamana as a Brahmin endowment 

289 AD : The Kottampalugu inscription, dated 11th year of king Ehuvula Camtamula II records the construction of a vihara by Kodabalisiri (Kundavallisri), Mahadevi of the Maharaja of Banavasaka daughter of Virapurushadatta.

The most significant objects within the Banavasi Madhukeshava Temple  premises are the inscribed Naga sculpture, the highly ornate stone cot. The inscribed Naga sculpture carved on a thin rectangular slab has an ornate five-hooded coiled serpent as the central figure with an inscription in nail headed Brahmi characters (2nd centuries AD) and Prakrit language along the side borders. 

It records the gift of this artistic Naga image along with a tank and a vihara by Sivaskanda Nagasri, daughter of Haritiputra Vinhukada Chutukulananda Satakarni in his 12th regnal year.

Another record states that king Satakami had a daughter named Mahabhoja-Nagasri who made a grant of a tank and a Vihara to the Madhukeswara temple

c. 292 - c. 310 AD : Skandanaga Satakarni
Skanda Naga extends the Chutu realm to Aparanta north of modern Bombay. 
Alliance between Pallavas and Chutus : A Pallava prince married the daughter of the King Śiva - Skanda - Nâga - Śâtakarṇi , and inherited the throne of Kanchi.

It is these Chutukula successors in the territory immediately adjoining that of the Pallavas that must be the Naga family by a marriage alliance with Simhavarman I (c.310 AD) son Siva-skanda-varman who must have defeated Skandanaga around 310 AD, This changed status of the kings can also be seen especially in the Manchikallu stone inscription of Simhavarman I, the Mayidavolu plates of his son yuvamaharaja Sivaskandavarman


https://www.jstor.org/stable/42665170

https://www.jstor.org/stable/24665991

https://www.jstor.org/stable/44304270

https://www.newindianexpress.com/opinions/columns/2021/nov/18/how-the-pallavas-administered-land-2384908.html

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