Discover Srisailam, the “Kailash of the South,” where spirituality meets natural beauty. This sacred Andhra Pradesh town offers a profound journey through ancient temples, serene landscapes and cultural wonders, says VISHESH SHUKLA
With a spirit of adventure and a heart full of curiosity, I set out from Bhubaneswar, the vibrant capital of Odisha, on a journey that promised to be extraordinary. Boarding the Yesvantpur Superfast Express, excitement coursed through me as I made my way to a small town in Andhra Pradesh, often called the "Kailash of the South." This enchanting place is home to Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy, one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas, and Goddess Bhramaramba, one of the eighteen Mahashakti Peethas, giving it an aura of deep spiritual significance. Nestled in the picturesque Nandyal district, Srisailam is a town where natural beauty and profound spirituality merge, offering a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be uncovered.
Markapur Road railway station serves as the gateway for devotees bound for Srisailam, with convenient connections to this revered destination. Upon arrival, travellers can hire autos for ?30 to reach Markapuram bus stand, where buses run regularly to Srisailam. The 2.5-hour journey, costing `250, offers breathtaking views of the lush landscape, especially during the monsoon season. After arrival, the Shiva temple is within walking distance from the bus stand. Affordable accommodations, such as Kakatiya Anna Satra Sangam (?1100), cater to pilgrims' needs.
The Mallikarjun Swami and Mata temple, a primary attraction, welcomes devotees until late evening. Local eateries like Trishul Family Restaurant provide delicious refreshments. Srisailam’s well-organised transport and amenities ensure a hassle-free experience for pilgrims, making the spiritual journey truly unforgettable.
Journey to Serenity
After a refreshing night's sleep, one can start the morning with a visit to the ancient Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple, where Lord Shiva defeated the demon Tripurasura. Following the blessings of Lord Shiva, visitors often head to the unique Sakshi Ganpati Swamy temple, where Lord Ganesha is depicted seated with a pen and paper, recording devotees’ wishes to fulfil them. As the sunlight gently touches the mountains, the Paldhara-Panchdhara waterfall awaits, captivating visitors with its serene beauty. Covering all the scenic spots, I proceeded to Pathal Ganga, where I enjoyed a ropeway ride and boating on the Krishna River, savouring the serene view of the Srisailam reservoir. After visiting the major sites, I stopped for brunch at a local hotel serving delicious idli, dosa, and menduvada. Satisfied with my meal, I returned to my place to rest and took a two-hour nap.
Souvenirs of Srisailam
The next morning began at 5 AM. After checking out of the hotel, I enjoyed a hearty dosa breakfast before taking an express bus from Srisailam to Markapur for ?200. I reached Markapur railway station around 10:15 PM to board the Vasco-da-Gama Shalimar Express. With around eight hours left in my journey, I had breakfast from the train’s pantry car and spent some time reading. As the journey concluded, I was met with an enchanting surprise—the breathtaking beauty of Chilika Lake, which unfolded before me as the train traversed its waters. Unaware of its majesty, I found myself mesmerised by this unexpected sight, a perfect conclusion to an extraordinary journey.
