Srisailam — Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga & Bhramaramba Temple

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Why visit: Set in the Nallamala Hills above the Krishna River, Srisailam is one of India’s great pilgrimage destinations. Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy is revered as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The adjoining shrine of Goddess Bhramaramba is honoured as one of the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas. The combination of Shiva and Shakti worship, temple architecture and forest scenery makes this a special spiritual journey. Srisailam is in Andhra Pradesh’s Nandyal district, formerly part of Kurnool district.

History: The temple complex developed over many centuries. Historical records describe halls and pilgrim pathways supported by the Reddi kings and Vijayanagara rulers during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Its gopurams, carved stone enclosure walls and mandapas reflect this long tradition of royal patronage and devotion.

Epic and Puranic traditions: Temple tradition connects Srisailam with the Pandavas of the Mahabharata, who are believed to have worshipped here and established five Shiva lingams. Another sacred account tells of Princess Chandravathi offering a garland of jasmine, or “mallika”, to Lord Shiva, linking the flowers with the name Mallikarjuna. These accounts belong to the temple’s religious traditions and are distinct from its documented history.

Air connection from Hyderabad: Hyderabad International Airport (Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, HYD) is the nearest international airport and a major air gateway for visiting Srisailam. Travellers continue to Srisailam by road. Guests arriving through Hyderabad Airport can consider Hotel Neem Tree in Shamshabad for a stay before or after their pilgrimage. Please confirm flight schedules, onward transport and current road conditions before travelling.

Plan your visit: Along with temple darshan, visitors may explore Patala Ganga on the Krishna River, Sakshi Ganapathi Temple and views of Srisailam Dam, subject to access and local conditions. Check the Devasthanam’s official website for current darshan arrangements, booking requirements, dress rules and timings. Allow suitable time for the road journey through the hills.

Nagarjuna Sagar — Dam & Krishna River Reservoir

Why visit: Nagarjuna Sagar offers broad reservoir views and a memorable landscape along the Krishna River, between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The dam is an important irrigation and hydroelectric project, supplying water to farming areas and supporting power generation. It also provides the setting for a visit to the Buddhist heritage island of Nagarjunakonda.

History: Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation stone on 10 December 1955. The main construction followed between 1956 and 1967, and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi released water into the canals on 4 August 1967. The project became a major symbol of India’s development after independence. Archaeological rescue work in the valley preserved important remains before the reservoir filled.

Plan your visit: Enjoy the reservoir scenery and combine the trip with Nagarjunakonda when boat services are operating. Check official tourism information for available trips, boarding points and current access. Boat services depend on operating and water conditions; open floodgates and boat departures are not guaranteed.

Nagarjunakonda (Nagarjuna Hill) — Buddhist Heritage Island

Why visit: Nagarjunakonda, meaning “Nagarjuna’s Hill”, is an island heritage site in the Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir. It is associated with the celebrated Buddhist teacher Acharya Nagarjuna. Its archaeological museum and preserved monuments offer an important introduction to the Buddhist art and learning that flourished in the Krishna valley.

History: The ancient city of Vijayapuri was a capital of the Ikshvaku dynasty. During the third and fourth centuries CE, the area developed as a major centre of Buddhist monasteries, stupas and religious learning, alongside Brahmanical worship. Excavations uncovered sculptures, inscriptions and monastery remains that reveal its rich cultural life. Before construction of the reservoir submerged much of the valley, archaeologists rescued finds and reconstructed selected monuments on higher ground. The island museum, established in 1966, preserves limestone reliefs, Buddha images and other objects from the excavations.

Plan your visit: Nagarjunakonda is normally reached by boat. Confirm that boats are operating, along with the departure point, return sailing and museum opening arrangements, before making the journey. The crossing and island visit can be combined with a Nagarjuna Sagar excursion when services permit.