Explore Nallamala Hills: Nature, Wildlife & Sacred Sites in Andhra Pradesh
Looking to escape the crowds and connect with nature? The Nallamala Hills in Andhra Pradesh offer a serene mix of lush greenery, wildlife, ancient temples, and thrilling outdoor adventures—perfect for nature lovers and first-time explorers.
Overview of Nallamala Hills
Image Credit: Abdaal for Wikimedia
The Nallamala Hills, which span eastern Andhra Pradesh and parts of Telangana, are part of the Eastern Ghats, south of the Krishna River. They stretch parallel to the Coromandel Coast, with a width of approximately 19 miles. The hills merge into the Tirupati range in the south and are bordered by the Palnadu basin in the north.
This rugged terrain is cloaked in dense forests, home to rivers, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna. It’s also where you’ll find the largest tiger reserve in India, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and adventurers.
Best Time To Visit Nallamala Hills
The ideal time to visit is between October and March, during the post-monsoon and winter months. With an average rainfall of 90 cm, the region enjoys cool, pleasant weather—perfect for trekking and spotting wildlife. Clear skies offer excellent views of the rolling hills, and you may catch glimpses of sambar deer, langurs, and even tigers in their natural habitat.
Also Read: Places To Visit In Summer In Andhra Pradesh
Why Visit Nallamala Hills?
Nallamala Hills is a lesser-known treasure for those looking to go off the beaten track. Here’s why it’s worth a visit:
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Location: Straddling Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, forming part of the Eastern Ghats.
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Biodiversity: Home to rare and endangered species of flora and fauna.
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Scenic Beauty: Forests, rivers, waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints abound.
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Spiritual Sites: Hosts centuries-old temples rich in mythology and architecture.
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Cultural Mix: Reflects a blend of traditions from both Telangana and Andhra regions.
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Adventure: Great for trekking, nature walks, and wildlife safaris.
Related Post: Things To Do In Andhra Pradesh
Places to Visit in and Around Nallamala Hills
Along with natural beauty, there are many stunning places to visit in and around the Nallamala Hills. Here is the curated list of the places that you must visit.
1. Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
Nestled amidst the serene beauty of Nallamala Hills, the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is home to the majestic Bengal tigers and is one of the largest Tiger reserves in India. Along with tigers, it is also inhabited by Leopards, wolves, Wild Dogs, jackals, and 303 species of Birds and Butterflies.
Timings: 7 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: INR 800
2. Mallela Theertham Waterfalls
Mallela Theertham is a stunning waterfall, nestled in the Nallamala Hills. Whether you’re a thrill seeker or a casual explorer, this waterfall promises an unforgettable experience.
Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: Free
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3. Ahobilam Temple Complex
Image Credit:Sai Sreekanth for Wikimedia
The Ahobilam Temple is one of the beautiful temples in Andhra Pradesh. It is a picture painted with the hues of history, mythology, and spiritual divinity.
Timings: Eguva Ahobilam- from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Entry Fee: INR 50
4. Srisailam
Image Credit: Munna Aawara for Wikimedia
Srisailam is a beautiful town that perfectly blends natural and man-made marvels. It has many ancient temples, including a Jyotirlinga and a Shakthi Peetha.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: NA
5. Cumbum Lake
Image Credit: SHEKAHAVALI027 for Wikimedia
Located in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, Cumbum Lake is one of the state’s oldest man-made lakes.
Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free (Boating Charges- INR 50 – INR 100 per person)
How To Reach
There are various ways to reach Nallamala Hill, such as by air, train, and road.
By Air: The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, around 210 km away.
By Train: The closest railway station is Markapur Road, offering convenient rail access from major cities.
By Road: Well-connected by road, you can drive or take a bus from Hyderabad, Vijayawada, or Kurnool.
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Conclusion
With lush forest and rich wildlife, Nallamala Hills is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the South. Plan a trip to Andhra Pradesh and explore its allure. From trekking trails to picturesque views, Nallamala offers an unforgettable experience to locals and tourists alike.
FAQs
What is Nallamala Hills famous for?
The Nallamala Hills are famous for their natural beauty, diverse cultural heritage, abundant biodiversity, and as a popular destination for forest camping, trekking, bird viewing, animal safaris, and pilgrimage.
Which river passes through Nallamala Hills?
The Krishna River passes through the Nallamala Hills, a section of the Eastern Ghats in India.
In which state is the Nallamala forest located?
The Nallamala forest is located between the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is part of the Eastern Ghats. Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is the largest tiger reserve in India and is spread across districts of Nandyal, Kadapa, Prakasam, Palnadu, Nalgonda, and Nagarkurnool.
What is the best time to visit Nallamala Range?
The best time to visit Nallamala Range during the post-monsoon and winter seasons, which span from October to March.
What are the flora and fauna can be found in Nallamal Range?
The Nallamala Range, a part of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, boasts a rich biodiversity, with flora including dry deciduous forests with trees like Terminalia, Hardwickia, and Pterocarpus, and fauna including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and various bird species like the Jerdon's courser.
Which is the largest tiger reserve in India?
The largest tiger reserve in India is the Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, spanning across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with a total area of 3,728 square kilometers. The reserve is located in the Nallamala Hills, which form the predominant terrain of the region.
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