Patalaganga and Srisailam Dam
Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Below the Srisailam temple, the Krishna river flows through a deep gorge at the place called Patalaganga, where pilgrims go down to bathe and take the holy water. Nearby, the Srisailam Dam holds back the river in a long reservoir, and a viewpoint and a ropeway give wide views of the water and the green Nallamala hills. It is a good, scenic break between temple visits.
What to see and do
- Ride the ropeway down to the river, or take the stone steps of about 500
- Sprinkle or bathe in the Krishna river at Patalaganga, as pilgrims do
- See the dam and the reservoir from the viewpoint
- Take a traditional round coracle (putti) boat ride, if available
Ideal for
- Pilgrims who want a scenic, easy break
- Families and elders, if the ropeway is running
- Photographers who like rivers and hills
Good to know
- A source gives about Rs 70 for the ropeway round trip and about Rs 100 for a coracle ride, but these may be out of date
- The steps are many, so elders should prefer the ropeway, if it is running
- Dam access and boat rides may be restricted depending on the water level and the season, so check locally
- Take care on wet rocks and near the water
- The area is part of a tiger reserve, so please follow the forest rules
Spiritual significance
Patalaganga is where the Krishna river is honoured below the great temple, and the dam is a modern landmark of the region. Together they give a quieter, natural counterpart to the temple visit.
Why it matters
- The Krishna river at Srisailam: a sacred bathing place below the temple
- A ropeway and a viewpoint: easy views of the gorge and the reservoir
- A dam in a forest reserve: a landmark of the region