Srisailam is located in Nallamala hills in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is a popular weekend destination among the people. Major attraction of this place is Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple. Other name of Srisailam is Srigiri, Sriparvata, and Mantharaparvata. In the epic Mahabharata, Srisailam was mentioned with the name Sri Parvata. Glory of Srisailam dates back to 12th century. At that time this place was famous for Vachana Sahitya and Sharana Movement. Adi Sankara visited this place. It is believed that Akka Mahadevi gained salvation in the caves of Srisailam. He was a Social reformer and Poet. Wildlife sanctuary is other attraction of this place.
What to see at Srisailam:
Srisailam Dam: It was constructed across River Krishna. Length of the dam is 512 meters. It is considered as one of the largest hydroelectricity power projects in India. This consists of 12 radial gate ways.
Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple: This is the major attraction of this place. King Harihara Raya built this temple around 6 centuries ago. It is one of the 12 Jyothirlingas in India. Lord Mallikarjuna is worshipped here. Vijayanagar Architecture style can be seen here. In Skandhapurana, Vyasa Maharshri discussed about this temple in detail.
Bhramaramba Devi Temple: Goddess Bhramaramba Devi is worshipped here. She is the incarnation of Goddess Parvati. It is the seat of Ashtadasa Mahasakthi Pithas. It is believed that this is the first sakthi of 18 sakthi Peethas. Temple is situated on the banks of River Krishna.
Hemareddy Mallareddy Temple: It is located half kilometre away from Mallikarjuna Temple. In 2010, it was constructed by Karnataka Veerashaiva Reddy Samaj. Adjacent to the temple an ashram can be seen.
Srisailam Sanctuary: This is other major attraction of this place. Area covered by this sanctuary is 3568Sq.Kms. Large variety of animals such as Pangolin, Jungle cat, Palm Civet, Sloth bear, Tiger, deer; Leopard etc can be seen here. It is dry delicious forest consists of Scrubs and bamboo thickets. Several Crocodiles are situated at down water of Srisailam dam.
Shikareswara Temple: It is believed that deity at this temple has a power to eradicate sins of the devotees. This temple is located at highest point of Srisailam. Best view of the town is possible from here.
Hathakesvara Temple: At this place Sri Sacharacharya wrote one of his Philosophical treaties. Lord Shiva idol is worshipped here.
Shakti Ganapati Temple: Lord Ganapati is worshipped here.
Srisailam Ropeway: It is located 1kms distance from Mallikarjuna temple. Pathala Ganga is a sacred place at back waters of River Krishna. To reach Pathala Ganga, visitors need to trek down around 500 steps from hanuman Temple. Ropeway is operating from Haritha Hotel to Pathala Ganga.
What to see around Srisailam:
Akka Mahadevi Caves: It is located 44kms away from Srisailam. In this dark deep end caves natural Shivalinga can be seen. Motor boats are used to reach this place. It is believed that Akka Mahadevi did penance at this place. Visitors reach this place through Ropeway.
Mallela Theertham: It is located at 50kms away from Srisailam. This is the location of waterfalls. Visitors can reach the waterfalls after availing the muddy bumy road and 250 steps down the valley.
Getting to Srisailam: Srisailam is well connected with road. From Bangalore, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Pune, Jaipur etc buses come to this place. Srisailam do not have railway station. Nearest railway station is located at Kurnool which is 97kms away from Srisailam. Nearest airport is located at Hyderabad which is 232 kms away from Srisailam.
Getting around Srisailam: Taxis, Autos, Buses are available to visit the surrounding places of Srisailam.
Best time to visit Srisailam: Best time to visit Srisailam is in February, October, November and December.
Where to stay in Srisailam: Plenty of accommodations are available at this place including luxury hotels. Best hotels at this place are Punnami Srisailam, Haritha Srisailam, Gowri Sadan, Grand Akka Mahadevi Hotel, Akhila Bharata Redla Satram, Pathaleswara Sadanam.
Where to eat in Srisailam: Large number of restaurants is available at this place. Only vegetarian food is available at this place.