Srisailam is renowned for the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga sites in India dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also known for the Bhramaramba Temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvati, which makes it a site of both Jyotirlinga and Shakti Peetha. Additionally, the town is known for its scenic beauty and is situated on the banks of the Krishna River amidst the Nallamala Hills.
Srisailam is well-connected by road. The nearest major city is Hyderabad, about 213 km away, from where you can take a bus or hire a taxi. The nearest railway station is at Markapur Road, about 85 km from Srisailam, and the nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad.
The best time to visit Srisailam is from October to February when the weather is pleasant and conducive to exploring the town and its sacred sites. The monsoon season, from July to September, also brings lush greenery to the hills surrounding Srisailam, which is appealing to nature lovers.
Apart from the Srisailam Temple, other attractions include the Srisailam Dam & Reservoir, Akkamahadevi Caves, Sikharam, Patala Ganga, Srisailam Tiger Reserve, and the Shikaresvara Temple. The region also offers activities like boating and a ropeway ride that provides panoramic views of the Krishna River and the surrounding valleys.
Yes, Srisailam is home to the Srisailam Tiger Reserve, which is part of the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, the largest tiger reserve in India. Visitors can take jeep safaris to explore the reserve and spot various species of wildlife, including tigers, if lucky.
Srisailam offers a range of accommodations including hotels, guest houses, and tourist lodges to suit different budgets. Accommodation provided by the temple authorities is also an option for pilgrims. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons and religious festivals.
While the dining options in Srisailam are limited compared to larger cities, there are several small restaurants and eateries that offer local Andhra cuisine, North Indian food, and typical vegetarian meals that cater to the pilgrims. Some accommodations also have in-house restaurants that serve a variety of cuisines.
Major festivals celebrated in Srisailam include Maha Shivaratri, Navaratri, and the Srisailam Kalyanotsavam. During these festivals, the temple is decorated beautifully, and special rituals and poojas are conducted, attracting a large number of devotees.
Visitors should dress modestly as a sign of respect when visiting the temple. Photography inside the main temple is usually prohibited. Devotees often perform rituals like the 'Abhishekam' to the deity, and it is customary to participate or observe these rituals quietly and with reverence. It is also common to make offerings to the deity in the temple.
Yes, it is possible to visit Srisailam on a day trip from Hyderabad as it's about a 4 to 5-hour drive. However, to fully experience the town, its temples, and surrounding attractions, an overnight stay is recommended.