Home to expansive forests, pristine waterfalls and the largest tiger reserve in India, the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Reserve, the Nallamala Hills are the premier destination in the state for nature lovers. Srisailam is also located in the hills. However, after the division of the state, it was a part of Andhra Pradesh.
Nallamala Hills, which are part of the Eastern Ghats have an average elevation between 1,500ft and 2,000ft. Bhairani Konda (3.048ft) is the highest peak, followed by Gundla Brahmeshwara (2.964ft). These forests are tropical dry deciduous and have approximately 1,500 flowering plants, 353 of which have medicinal herbs.
Many plateaus can be found in the hills, but it is mostly uninhabited except for a few Chenchu settlements. The region’s aboriginal inhabitants, the Chenchus, lived off fees that were collected to guard the hills and collect forest products, and hunt animals. Their traditional way of living has been disrupted by the advent of civilization. Many have now turned to agriculture, raising cattle, and selling honey, among other things.
About Nallamalla Hills:
Indians are attracted to hill stations. Today, we will be discussing the hill station called the Nallamalas (also known as Nallamalla Range). Nalamala hills can be found in Kurnool, which is also home to Mahabub Nagar and Prakasam districts.
This tourist spot in India is located parallel to the coat Coromandel. These two major rivers, Pennar and Krishna, are found in the region. The Nallamala hills lie between them. Bhairani is located 1100 meters from the sea and Gundla Brahmeswara is at 1048 meters.
Nallamalla Biggest Forest in Andhra Pradesh:
Nallamala forest is the largest unaltered stretch of forest in South India. It is found on the Nallamala Hill, which is part of the Eastern Ghats. It can be found in five districts: Kurnool Guntur, Guntur Kadapa Mahabubnagar, Prakasam, Mahabubnagar, Kadapa and Mahabubnagar.
One of the most interesting things about such hills is that there are many tribes living in the Nallamalla jungles. Transport is a major problem in this area. You will need to travel by road to get to this location. After a helicopter crash, the famous Late Chief Minister Mr. YSR of Andhra Pradesh was found dead in this forest. It was the forest department that searched for his body, and it took them more than 24 hours.
Attraction in Nallamala Hills:
Although it is a large jungle area, there is still the risk of losing your life if you don’t have a plan. There are many places you can still visit.
Srisailam:
Srisailam is the first place. It is a sacred place, large power project area, and dense forest area. The largest source of electricity generator is the Krishna River. It is located at two locations. One of the large hydroelectric power stations is Sarisailm. This is the only place where you can see the Lord Shiva temple. Large groups of devotees travel to this location every year. The main attractions include the dam visit, swimming in the Krishna River, Shiva Temple, local sightseeing, and jungle safari.
Mahanandi & Ahobilam Narsimha Temple:
Mahanandi & Ahobilam Narsimha Temple are two other holy locations in Nallamala Ranges. They are popular for the descending stream that flows from Gundla Brahmeswara Peak. These temples are both ancient shrines and have immense value to the local community. This location is also known as Nemaligundam or Peacock Pool.
Krishna River:
Krishna river is one of India’s major rivers and its high flow is remarkable. There are many small and large streams in different places. Mallela Theertham is a waterfall that nature has created in this area.
Cumbum Lake:
Cumbum Lake is India’s oldest man-made lake. It was almost built in the 15th century. Gajapati Empire of Orissa’s ruler ordered the creation of an artificial lake to harvest water from the 420km2 of agricultural land within his boundaries.
There are many other attractions at this Indian tourist spot, including Mahanandi Temple, Srisailam Gopuram, and Dam view.
Attraction near Nallamala Hills:
Kollapur (93km)
Once, large swathes of Nallamala hills were under the control of the samasthan from Kollapur. The main landmark in the town is still the palace of the rulers. Tourists are not allowed to enter the monument, which is private property. You can request permission from the guard to see the palace’s exteriors. Madhava Swamy Temple is another attraction. It is believed that the temple was built by Jatprole rulers in the 16th century.
Somasila (103km)
From Kollapur, a scenic road winds through hilly forests to reach Somasila (10km) Each temple houses a different Shiva linga. There are fifteen of them. These temples are located in an expansive complex whose gardens are a popular spot for picnicking. The museum is located next to the temple complex. It houses sculptures that are set around a courtyard. To prevent the village of Somasila from being inundated by the Srisailam water, the temples were moved here.
Jatprole (106km)
Although Jatprole is not a popular tourist destination, the temple complex is well worth the effort. Agastyeshwara Swamy is the main shrine. These temples, like many others in the area, were also moved here after the construction of the reservoir.
Gopala Swamy Temple
A Gopala Swamy Temple is located nearby. The temple’s magnificent vimana and exquisite carvings are breathtaking. A Haritha hotel is being built near the Agastyeshwara Swamy temple compound.
Pleasant Weather to Visit Nallamalla Hills:
Nallamala has a hot climate with an average of 90 cm of rainfall. Monsoon is a better time to visit here, as temperatures are more manageable and there is plenty of greenery. The largest flowing river in this area is River Gundlakamma. Winter is dry with an average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.
How to reach Nallamala Hills:
Because hills can be found over a larger area, it is important to choose the best place for your entire trip. Transportation is not always available in all areas of this tourist destination. Transport is available in Andhra Pradesh for Srisailam as well as many other nearby cities and towns.
By Road: If your vehicle is not equipped with a steering wheel, then take the highway from Vijayawada towards Guntakal. The route is safe, but it is surrounded by dense forest so you should be cautious when driving at night. Nearly every city in Andhra Pradesh has buses to Srisailam.
Note: All buses that travel from Hyderabad to Srisailam must pass through the Nallamala hills.
By Rail: Hyderabad and Vijayawada are the closest railway stations to Nallamala hills.
By Air: Hyderabad is the nearest airport. It’s served by both international and domestic flights. For a day trip to Nallamalla Hills (180km/ 2hrs), an AC Innova taxi will cost you Rs5,000.
Where to Stay in Nallamala Hills:
Vanamalika Forest guest house is the only option for accommodation in Nallamala Hills. The guest house price per room per night is Rs600-1,000; Park: Rs10. It can be found in Mannanur and has both AC and non-AC cottages. The rooms are located around a lovely garden but are quite rundown. The reception is sometimes empty and service is average. It might take a while to book a room. There is a canteen at the guesthouse and many other dhabas around Mannanur.
Other Stay Options Near Nallamala Hills:
1. Atla’s Nivas (36 km. SE from Nallamala Hills)
Address: Cumbum Giddalur Road 9-134d, Nehru Nagar road Cumbum
2. BMR BALA LODGE (39 km. SW from Nallamala Hills)
Address: 2/425 NK Road Nandyāl Hotels
3. Hotel Seven Hills (53 km. NE from Nallamala Hills)
Address: Sapthagiri Center, College Road, Jawahar Nagar Colony Markapur, Andhra Pradesh
4. OYO 67287 Dkr Regency (80 km. NW from Nallamala Hills)
Address: Beside lifeline hospital, Nandyal check post
5. Hotel Rajavihar (82 km. NW from Nallamala Hills)
Address: #40/317, D1A, Bellary Rd, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh 518001, India
6. OYO 87084 Bas Regency (82 km. NW from Nallamala Hills)
Other Popular Hill Stations near Hyderabad:
- Ananthagiri Hills
- Nagarjuna Sagar
- Srisailam
- Horseley Hills
- Lambasingi
- Dandeli
- Araku Valley
- Yelagiri Hills
- Kodaikanal
- Chikmagalur
More About Andhra Pradesh:
