Familiar to a lot of pilgrims and bikers from Hyderabad, Srisailam town in the Nallamala Hills, AP is known for Lord Mallikarjuna, one of the twelve jyotirlingas representing Lord Shiva, and also for the “curvalicious” ghat (mountainous) roads. Also, it has India’s third largest hydroelectric project – Srisailam Dam. Offering natural beauty and dense trees, great tarmac, the famous temple and the dam – it is a wonderful weekend getaway from Hyderabad. I made this trip with 3 of my biker mates on a weekend, and it was one fun ride worth recounting.

My 2 cents if you’re riding to Srisailam –

¶¶ One must can visit the Mallela Theertham waterfalls around 60 kms before Srisailam, the bumpy ride through the village roads feels good. Beware though, around 150 steps of climbing up and down involved.

¶ Consider riding till Dornala (a village around 15 kms ahead of Srisailam), some great ghat roads to corner on and avenues for off-roading.

¶¶ Check out if the dam gates are open before planning, it should make for an even nicer experience.

¶¶ Try out the rope way and jetty to go to the reservoir.

¶¶ I missed it myself but a visit to Akkamahadevi caves temple is recommended. It takes around 1.30 hours by boat one way, so plan accordingly.

¶¶ Ride safe, the curves can be dangerous. It is advisable to not cross the dense forest stretch of 80 kms just before Srisailam through the Tiger Reserve area after dark.

¶¶ Mallela Theertham Waterfalls ¶¶

Mallela Theertham Waterfalls

¶¶ Conquering the Ghats ¶¶

Ghats en route Srisailam Dam

¶¶ Which color do you pick? ¶¶

¶¶ Steer Clear | Make Way | Baaju Hat ¶¶

Jetty at Srisailam Dam

¶¶ I mind my own business ¶¶

¶¶ When in Nature, SHUT UP. ¶¶

¶¶ What’s the score now? ¶¶

¶¶ Road or no road, we ride. Simple. ¶¶

Offroading enroute Dornala

¶¶ Where’s the DAM’n water? ¶¶

¶¶ You go some left and then some right, and then some more left. ¶¶

¶¶ Doin’ it right – Going down on one knee  ¶¶

¶¶ The A team! ¶¶


If you would like to read the stories from my future travels, you can connect with me on any of the social handles:

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Do check out other rides and trips of mine –

A day in the Ghats and villages of Sahyadris

Ahobilam – from the night we camped in the Nallamala Forest

Jaisalmer – A Photo Blog

 

Rajgad Torna Fort – Trek N Camping Madness | Ep. 2
Travel Round up 2015 - The Highs!