"Sacred Andhra town with forested hills and Shiva temple"
Srisailam Tourism
Srisailam, a hill town in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh is home to the holy Malikarjuna Jyotirlinga and also as one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas of goddess Parvati. Situated on the banks of river Krishna, Srisailam is identified with a wildlife sanctuary and a dam.
You could seek the blessings of the almighty by visiting the many majestic temples in the city such as the one dedicated to Lord Shiva (it is renowned as Sikhareswara Swamy temple) or the famous Bhramaramba Mallikarjunaswamy Temple which is located at a height of around 457m from sea level. The Nallamala forest ranges with multifarious flora and fauna lie in close proximity to the Srisailam hills.
Although there are many legends attributed to Srisailam, the best one is arguably the legend of reconciliation between Lord Shiva & Lord Kartikeya. In a famous duel of intellect, Lord Ganesha won against Lord Kartikeya, which left the latter miffed and he took to exile. Mallikarjuna Temple - GopuramA concerned duo of Shiva & Parvati later managed to pacify him, but on a condition: Lord Kartikeya would not be with them but would stay close by. The spot where Lord Shiva & Parvati stayed has now become famous as Srisailam, and the holy Jyotirlingam the Malikarjuna Devasthanam. Millions of Hindu devotees visit this site annually, seeking blessings from one of the most popular gods of Hinduism.
The holy site or kshetra of Srisailam is believed to have existed since aeons ago. It finds mention in tales of Kritha Yug, Treta Yug, Dwapara Yug as well as Kaliyug in the form of a pilgrimage and prayer spot. Mythical figures of Hiranyakashyapu, Ram, Seeta and Arjun have all visited or lived here at some point in time. It is the only place in India housing both a Jyotirlinga and a Shaktipeeth.
Out of the various legends surrounding this place, perhaps the most interesting one is that of princess Chandravati. The princess came to reside on this hill after running away from a domestic hardship and one day, witnessed one of her cows pouring milk on a natural rock formation resembling a Shivling. That very day, Lord Shiva appeared in her dream, asking her to build a temple on that spot and so she did.
Another legend about Parvatha gives rise to the belief that Lord Shiva resides on top of the hill. When Parvatha, a stout Shiva devotee asked him to grant three wishes, Lord Shiva did. One of the wishes was to have Lord Shiva reside on his body. Parvatha assumed the shape of Srisailam hill, and Lord Shiva made it his abode as Sriparvatha Swamy.
Restaurants and Local Food in Srisailam
As a temple town, vegetarian food is the only choice available here. There aren't too many options for food here but one can enjoy good South-Indian food as well as teasing bits of street food here. One can also relish the temple food. In midst the dense forests it is advisable for people to keep hydrated by eating food with high carbohydrates and drink lots of water. View Top Restaurants in Srisailam
The top places near to Srisailam are Nagarjunakonda which is 63 km from Srisailam, Nagarjunsagar which is located 74 km from Srisailam, Hampi which is located 270 km from Srisailam, Hyderabad which is located 151 km from Srisailam, Kurnool which is located 93 km from Srisailam
What are the things to do in Srisailam?
The top things to do in Srisailam are Pathala Ganga, Srisailam Tiger Reserve, Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Akkamahadevi Caves, Srisailam Dam, Shikaresvara Temple, Srisailam. You can see all the places to visit in Srisailam here
What is the best way to reach Srisailam?
The nearest airport from Srisailam is about 195 km in Hyderabad. There are buses connecting the town with Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Guntur and Kurnool. If hiring a private taxi, ensure that the driver has experience driving in ghat sections. Nearby railway stations are at Marakpur (62 km), Vinukonda (120 km) and Kurnool (190 km). Read More
What is the local food in Srisailam?
As a temple town, vegetarian food is the only choice available here. There aren't too many options for food here but one can enjoy good South-Indian food as well as teasing bits of street food here. One can also relish the temple food. In midst the dense forests it is advisable for people to keep hydrated by eating food with high carbohydrates and drink lots of water. Read More
What is the best time to visit Srisailam?
October to February offers the best climate for tourist activities and pilgrimage. The season is good to visit Srisailam Sanctuary, the Phaladhara Panchadhara, the Srisailam Dam View Point etc. The temperature remains pleasant between 15°C and 32°C, making it an excellent time to go sightseeing. June to September is mostly off-season because the region receives heavy rainfall, but it can be a good time for temple visits and short trips for tourists on a small budget. The summer season is not at all recommended to tourists as the temperature remains unbearably hot and humid throughout the season.