1. Pathala Ganga
As the River Krishna turns down hill, it is surrounded by a certain spirituality in the air. Enjoy the sceneries around you and take a dip into these sacred waters, believed to have medicinal properties for healing skin diseases.
One can also try the enjoyable ropeway car ride and look down at the majestic river and lush green beauty all around.
2. Srisailam Tiger Reserve
The total area of this tiger reserve is 3568 acres, making it one of the largest tiger reserves in India. Srisailam Dam and Nagarjunasagar Dam are also located in the reserve area.
Apart from the Tiger, one can spot here, leopards, sloth bears, dhol, Indian Pangolin, Chital, Sambar deer, Chevrotain, Blackbuck, Chinkara, and Chowsingha. There are other reptiles and amphibians also found in this area including crocodile, Indian Python, Kind Cobra and Indian peafowl. One also finds a number of crocodiles in the down waters of Srisailam Dam, where a breeding programme, supported by the local government is being carried out.
3. Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple
On the southern bank of River Krishna, is a temple, the town Srisailam is known for. The Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, is the most celebrated temple of the town and finds it roots 6 centuries in history, when it was built by King Harihara Raya of Vijayanagar.
According to the legend that the temple houses, Goddess Parvati cursed sage Bringi to stand, as he only worshipped Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva, after consoling the goddess, gave him a third leg, so that he could stand more comfortably. Find the idol of sage Bringi standing on three legs here as well as idols of Nandi, Sahasralinga and Nataraja. The walls and pillars of the temples are also adorned by beautiful carvings and sculptures. One of the most beautiful temples of the town, this is the one sacred structure, located on the Nallamala hills, that one should not miss while here.
4. Akkamahadevi Caves
The virgin setting of Akkamahadevi caves around 10 kilometres away from Srisailam in Telangana is a natural wonder. Located right across the perennial Krishna river, the caves are a natural formation that has been in existence for more than a million years. The caves are located amidst the Eastern Ghats which stretches for vast sections of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. With its naturally formed arch at the entrance which stands without any support of any kind, the caves portray an imposing image on the viewer's eyes.
Although the main attraction is the deep-lying Shivalinga inside the extensive maze of pathways, it also is an adventurer's abode. The lingam is a popular religious shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva and has attracted tourists and pilgrims for centuries. The hills of the Nallamala range across the ghat section are a sight to behold, offering serene, picturesque views of the vista around, en route the Akkamahadevi Caves.
The Krishna river is the sole route available to access the caves, and the small but scenic journey is said to be well worth the effort. Private and public boat operators undertake these short trips from the small piece of habited land, close to Srisailam. Bordered by the towering Nallamala hills on all sides, the pristine Krishna river offers a calm ride which may last up to an hour or so. There are numerous rock-cut natural cave formations in and around the region, but Akkamahadevi Caves is the fascinating sight of them all.
5. Srisailam Dam
One of the main centres of attraction for the town, the Srisailam Dam in Telangana is also one of the 12 largest hydroelectric projects in India. A blend of uninterrupted natural beauty and engineering genius, the Srisailam Dam emerges out of the verdant greenery of the Nallamala Hills to mark its presence. It is built across unrelenting verve of the Krishna river and is nestled in a deep canyon, surrounded by forests and sceneries, finding a home in the sound of gushing and falling water. The road up to the dam is a scenic beauty too, and the view of the Srisailam Dam is a humbling sight to behold.
One of the best things to do around the site of the Srisailam dam is to spend some quality time with your friends and family as you look over to the gurgling waters of River Krishna. The view from the top of the dam is an astonishing sight, especially when the water is released and you can see the might of its flow right in front of your eyes. Owing to its natural charms, it is a delightful destination for nature enthusiasts and photography lovers as well. A weekend picnic to this attraction is an instant fix from the stress of face-paced city life.
6. Shikaresvara Temple, Srisailam
At the highest point of Srisailam, referred to as Sikharam, one finds a temple dedicated to Sikhareswara Swamy, watching over the landscapes and a pristine River Krishna flowing below.
Sikhareswara Swamy, is one of the forms of Lord Shiva, and is believed to possess the power to free his devotees from their sins. Amongst this abode of the Lord of Sikharam and the some of the most beautiful views in the area, there is another temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Visit the temple, for breathtaking sceneries, views and hills, all wrapped around in a wisp of spirituality and devotion.
7. Octopus View Point
Octopus View Point is one of the latest additions to the tourist attractions in Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh. The view point is located 5 km before Domalpenta and offers amazing views of the adjoining forests, enchanting gorges and the mesmerising backwaters of Krishna River. Octopus View Point has been named so because of Krishna River down below that looks like an octopus spread between the hillocks. It provides a spectacular bird’s eye view of the entire valley below. In addition to that, there is a regular safari tour conducted by the reserve that is the major highlight of the place.
