Octopus View Point

Octopus View Point is located close to the Domalapenta Forest Check post in Amarabad Tiger Reserve of Nallamala Forest, Amarabad Mandal, Nagarkurnool district, Telangana State, India.

It was open to public by forest department on 13th October 2017

The Amarabad Tiger Reserve has a new tourist attraction. The Octopus Viewpoint became operational  as a part of the plan for the extension of eco-tourism activities at the reserve. The viewpoint is located 5 km before Domalpenta; and offers a view of the Krishna River and the adjoining forests. Mohan Chandra Paragein, field director of the Amarabad Tiger Reserve, said, "This strategic location has been picked after a lot of planning. This point provides a view of the backwaters of the Krishna, which resemble the tentacles of an octopus. We are also developing a watchtower and a forest trail for visitors."

Every day around 70 tourists sign up for the safari conducted by the reserve which begins from Farahabad crossroads. Officials say that two buses, each with a seating capacity of ten persons, operate in rotation.

Octopus Viewpoint is located 42 km away from Mannanur, on the Hyderabad-Srisailam Highway. Visitors can make a stop at this point after visiting the popular Farahabad Viewpoint, which is around 25 km away. Visitors must purchase tickets to gain access to the Viewpoint. Small vehicles are charged `20, while buses and large vehicles are charged `50.

Reserve officials believe that this Viewpoint will attract more visitors, and they have accordingly developed benches and parking facilities. They have also put up signboards asking visitors to maintain cleanliness at the Viewpoint and in the adjoining forests.

A hut has been constructed at an elevated spot near the Viewpoint, for visitors to sit and relax. "Visitors need not bring anything with them while visiting this point. We have an operational snack bar at the spot. The Viewpoint is meant for nature-lovers to be able to calm their minds," said Mr Paragein. 

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/travel/141017/telangana-octopus-viewpoint-entices-visitors.html

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Lodhi Mallayya Temple and Waterfall

Loddi Mallana or Loddi Mallayya Temple is a place of pilgrimage inside the Mannanur range. Lodhi Mallana is a cave situated in front of a lake, with a Shivalinga present inside the cave. 

Lodhi or Loddi means valley in local laguage and Mallana or Mallaya or Mallaiah are the names of Lord Siva, so its named Lodhi Mallaiah.

The area is open to public only 1 day annually during Tholi Ekadashi in the month of July is an awesome place to catch up with a good trekking experience and worship Lord mallanna or shiva

Lodhi Mallayya cave is called Telangana amarnath cave. The cave can be reached after a trek through a very beautiful Nallamalla forest. 

It is located at about 10kms from Mannanur check post, Srisailam Road, from there (your journey starts from 65 km stone,right side) & 4 km by treking into valley there we can see near by 6 water falls and beautiful locations and shiva lingam of mallaiah swamy

This place was referred to as Guptha Mallikarjuna in olden days. Historically during medieval times, several Saivaite sects had performed their secret rituals at this place because it was highly inaccessible to normal people.

https://www.meraevents.com/event/lodhi-mallanna-waterfall-and-forest-trek-22july18

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Kadalivanam Caves

Kadalivanam Caves are Located in the dense Nallamalla Forest (Amrabad Tiger Reserve) in Nagarkurnool District, Telangana state. Kadalivan or kardaliwan is another kshetra of Sri Datta Guru. This place is located in the interior of dense forestcalled Nallamala at the foot of Srisaila hill on the bank of Pathala Ganga. 

To reach Kadalivanam Caves, you have to trek from Akka Mahadevi Caves. The most easy and appropriate way to reach the beautiful caves is first to take the rope way journey from Nallamala Hill top beside the Srisailam Mallikarjuna temple to Pathala Ganga. From Pathala Ganga you can take a motor boat on Krishna River to reach the nearest spot to the caves. From the spot it is a 10 minute trek to Akka Mahadevi Caves

Kadali Vanam is a great Tapo sthanam in Srisaila kshetram. Its importance was described in Skhanda Puranam, Shiva Bhakta vijayam and many more Shaiva texts. Sree Nrisimha saraswati Swamy, the second incarnation of Guru Dattatreya swamy, ends his avatara here by disappearing.

Before reaching Kadalivanam SRI GURU’S CAVE one has to cross AKKA MAHADEVI’S CAVES.After crossing the plain area we will reach Kadali Vanam from there we have to climb down about 30 steps to see Kadali Vanam cave.

 

This is a huge cave like natural rock shelter which can accommodate nearly 500 persons comfortably. Near the rock shelter flows a perennial stream close to which evidences of prehistoric man in the form of stone tools were discovered. The place derived its name dell to wild plantain grooves. This excellent spot is considered to be extremely sacred by devotees. 

At a distance of 22 Kms from Srisailam and 12 Kms from Akka Mahadevi Caves, Kadalivanam Caves are natural caves with lot of history attached to it.

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Akka Mahadevi Caves or Swayambhu Shiva Mandir

Akka Mahadevi Caves is Located in the dense Nallamalla Forest (Amrabad Tiger Reserve) in Nagarkurnool District, Telangana state. It is located on the northern side of the river in Telangana about 18 km in Srisailam Dam back waters.These caves to be reached by boat. Another name of the cave is Swayambhu Shiva Mandir.

The Akkamahadevi caves, primarily offer an adventurous thrill for the adventure tourist in you. The entrance of the cave of Akkamahadevi, to which there is an approximate of 150 meter trek into the cave to visit the sanctum. Murtis of Kapala Bhairava, Veerabhadra, Mahishasura Mardini and many other of medieval period are found at the entrance of Akka Mahadevi caves.

Akka Mahadevi Caves are reached by a 1-hour-long boat ride on the river, and is located on the northern side of the river in Telangana are naturally formed caves and are located very near to the upstream of the river Krishna.

Named after the famous philosopher Akka Mahadevi, these rock-cut caves are located on the banks of River Krishna amidst the picturesque environs of Nallamala Hills. 

Akkamahadevi was a prominent figure of the Veerashaiva Bhakti movement of 12th century Karnataka.

Her vachanas in Kannada are considered her greatest contribution to Kannada Bhakti literature.During the 12th century A.D, it is believed that Akkamahadevi did penance in this cave and worshipped the sivalinga that naturally existed in the deep and dark end of the cave.

A visit to Akkamahadevi caves is considered an unforgettable experience, in the backdrop of the backwaters of the Srisailam reservoir.

 

This naturally formed cave, just above the flow of river Krishna upstreams is about at a distance of 10 Kms from Srisailam. 

The most easy and appropriate way to reach the beautiful caves is first to take the rope way journey from Nallamala Hill top beside the Srisailam Mallikarjuna temple to Pathala Ganga. From Pathala Ganga you can take a motor boat on Krishna River to reach the nearest spot to the caves. From the spot it is a 10 minute trek. Boating will take minimum 40-60 mins. Tickets will be provided at entrance of pathalaganga. Tickets provided from 9AM-11AM. Inside private boats are also available. 

It takes about 5 hours to go and return back from the cave.

You need to carry dry fruits, food items and drinking water.
You need to carry torch or candles as the Shivling is located inside the pitch dark cave.
The cost per person is around Rs 400/-

Best Time to Visit

November to March is the best time to be here.

Located at a distance of 18 km from Srisailam

https://www.hindu-blog.com/2019/07/akka-mahadevi-caves-in-srisailam.html#google_vignette

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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

Farahabad View Point

Octopus View Point

Mallelatheertham Waterfalls

Akka Mahadevi Caves or Swayambhu Shiva Mandir

Kadalivanam Caves

Saleshwaram Jatara and Waterfalls

Lodhi Mallayya Temple and Waterfall

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

https://amrabadtigerreserve.com/booking-package/

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

https://www.mrugavaniresorts.com/mrugavani_srisailam/index.html#location

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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

https://touritvirtually.com/all-tours/nature-2/farhabad-forest-view-point/

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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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