Nallamala Hills

The Nallamala Hills, often spelt Nallamalai, are a mountain range in India's eastern Andhra Pradesh and western Telangana. The Nallamala hills are a naturalist's dream because they provide a rare combination of scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, and historical value. The hills provide a variety of tourist attractions, making it a great place for individuals seeking the best of both worlds. The vast biodiversity of the Nallamala forest is one of its key attractions. Numerous endangered species of plants and animals can be found in the area. The hills are covered in thick woods that are home to many different species of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, and others. Numerous bird species, including the gravely endangered Jerdon's courser, are also found on the highlands.

Nallamala Hills are notable for their historical significance in addition to their natural beauty. The area is home to a number of historic temples and monuments, contributing to its rich cultural legacy. One of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples in India, the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple in Srisailam is among the temples in the Nallamala forest and is a popular pilgrimage destination. In the Nallamala forest, there are lots of enjoyable things to do. Nallamala forest trekking is available for you to discover the waterfalls and verdant woodlands. All skill levels can find a trekking route in the hills, with routes ranging from easy to demanding. The hills are also a great place to go camping, bird viewing, and on safaris. The region's rich cultural heritage can also be experienced by visiting historic temples and other structures.

Location

In India, the Nallamala Hills are situated in Telangana's western and eastern regions as well as Andhra Pradesh's eastern region. The hills, which are a part of the Eastern Ghats mountain range, have an average elevation of 700 metres above sea level and encompass an area of about 16,000 square kilometres. In addition to Kurnool, Prakasam, Guntur, Nellore, and Kadapa in Andhra Pradesh, the hills may be found in Mahabubnagar, Nalgonda, and Khammam in Telangana. Major cities like Hyderabad and Vijayawada are close by, and the area has good rail and road access.

Language spoken

Depending on their ancestry and culture, the residents of the Nallamala Hills region speak a variety of languages. Since Telugu is the official language of both the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, it is the most widely spoken language in the area. However, a portion of the population, especially those who migrated from other regions of the country, also speaks other languages, such as Urdu and Hindi. In addition, a number of indigenous tribal people who inhabit the hills speak languages including Koya, Gondi, and Lambadi which are entirely distinct from one another. Regionally, the Nallamala Hills are renowned for their linguistic and cultural diversity.

Known for

The Nallamala hills offer a singular combination of scenic beauty, abundant biodiversity, historical and religious significance, and cultural diversity, making it the perfect vacation spot for travellers seeking a variety of experiences. The following are some of the things that Nallamala Hills are renowned for:

• Rich biodiversity: Several endangered species of plants and animals can be found in the hills.
• Natural splendour: The area is well-known for its verdant forests, waterfalls, and picturesque views.
• Historical significance: The hills are home to a number of historic temples and structures, notably the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple in Srisailam, one of India's twelve Jyotirlinga temples.
• Trekking and adventure: The Nallamala forest tourism offers a variety of hiking trails, from simple to challenging, for hikers of all skill levels. The hills are also a great place to go camping, bird viewing, and on safaris.
• Trekking: When the weather is nice, between November and February is the greatest time to go trekking in the Nallamala highlands. It is advised to begin early in the morning and end before dusk when trekking during the day. 
• Hiking: Daytime hiking is possible in the Nallamala hills; it is advised to begin early in the morning and end before dusk. It's crucial to wear appropriate hiking shoes, have adequate water, and stock up on snacks because the hills can be steep and rough.
• Camping: The forest department typically grants permission for camping in the Nallamala hills, although the hours of operation may change depending on the area. Some campgrounds might permit overnight stays, while others would only permit daytime camping.
• Religious significance: Hindus travel in large numbers to the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple in Srisailam as a place of pilgrimage.
• Cultural variety: With residents of many racial and cultural backgrounds, the area is renowned for its linguistic and cultural diversity.
• Location: Major cities like Hyderabad and Vijayawada may readily access the hills because they are situated in eastern Andhra Pradesh and western Telangana, two states in India.

Type of place

The Nallamala Hills are a mountain range in India that can be found in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh tourism. The hills are renowned for their natural beauty, diverse cultural heritage, and abundant biodiversity. Nallamala forest camping, trekking, bird viewing, animal safaris, and pilgrimage are all common activities in the area. The Nallamala Hills are a must-visit location for travellers seeking to combine the best of both worlds because of their distinctive combination of natural beauty, history, and culture.

How to get to Nallamala Hills?

In India, the Nallamala Hills are situated in Telangana's western and eastern regions as well as Andhra Pradesh's eastern region. The area is well connected by plane, train, and road, making it simple for visitors from many regions of the country to travel there. The information about how to travel to Nallamala Hills via road, train, and plane is provided below:

• By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, which is 210 km distant, is the closest airport to Nallamala Hills. To get to the hills from the airport, one can take a bus or hail a cab.
• By Train: Markapur Road Railway Station, which is situated about 68 kilometres from the Nallamala Hills, is the closest railway station. The Kurnool City Railway Station, which is around 120 kilometres away and near the hills, is another significant railway station. To get to the hills from the railway station, one can take a bus or hail a cab.
• By Road: Nallamala Hills are well connected by road, as the area is traversed by a number of state and federal routes. To go to the hills, one can take a bus or rent a taxi from large towns like Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Kurnool. The hills can be reached by automobile as well, and major cities provide a variety of car rental options.

Interesting facts about Nallamala hills

The interesting Nallamala Hills is a place rich in culture, history, and scenic beauty. These intriguing details concern the Nallamala hills:

• The Eastern Ghats is one of India's oldest mountain ranges that dates back over 2.5 billion years, including the Nallamala hills. The hills are renowned for having vast amounts of granite, bauxite, and other minerals.
• There are numerous historic temples in Nallamala forest, notably the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple in Srisailam, one of India's twelve Jyotirlinga temples. The Moghalrajpuram hills, where the old Buddhist caves are located, are another feature of the area.
• The Koya, Gondi, and Lambadi tribes are just a few of the indigenous tribal groups who call the Nallamala Hills home. These groups have significant cultural histories as well as distinctive languages, rituals, and traditions.
• Trekking, camping, bird viewing, and animal safaris are just a few of the adventure activities available in the Nallamala highlands. The walk to the Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple is only one of the region's difficult hiking routes that are particularly well-known. 
• According to legend, the Satavahanas, Kakatiyas, and Vijayanagara Empire all had their capitals on the Nallamala hills. The Kondareddy Buruju, a watchtower built by a local chieftain in the sixteenth century, is one of many historical sites in the area that are well-known for their rich cultural history.
• The Ethipothala and Mallela Theertham waterfalls are just two of the Nallamala Hills' famous waterfalls. These waterfalls are well-liked among tourists and renowned for their breathtaking scenery.
• With numerous dams and power facilities situated in the area, the Nallamala Hills are a significant hydroelectric power source. One of India's biggest hydroelectric projects is the Srisailam Dam, which is situated on the Krishna River.
• Another important source of medicinal plants is the Nallamala hills, where many Ayurvedic and Unani practitioners obtain their herbs and plants. Sandalwood and jasmine are only two of the scented flora native to the hills. 

Why is Nallamala Hills recommended?

Visits to the Nallamala hills are advised for a number of reasons:

• Natural splendour: The Nallamala hills are a place of outstanding natural beauty, featuring thick woods, picturesque waterfalls, and breathtaking scenery. The area is a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts since it provides many options for hiking, camping in Nallamala forest, and wildlife safaris.
• Historical significance: The Nallamala Hills have a long history, as evidenced by the numerous old temples, monuments, and ruins that can be seen there. One of India's twelve Jyotirlinga temples, the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple in Srisailam, is a popular pilgrimage destination that draws a large number of people each year.
• Spiritual significance: Strong spiritual importance may be found in the Nallamala hills, which are home to a number of historic temples and ashrams. The area is revered as a site of profound spiritual significance and is noted for its spiritual aura.
• Food & Cuisine: The spicy Andhra, Telangana, and tribal cuisines are only a few of the traditional and delectable dishes that can be found in the Nallamala hills. Traditional delicacies including Biryani, Pulihora, Gongura Pachadi, and others are available for visitors to eat.
• Local marketplaces: The Nallamala Hills are renowned for their thriving local marketplaces, which provide a broad selection of traditional handicrafts, fabrics, and souvenirs. Shoppers can purchase goods including Banjara needlework, Pochampally sarees, and Kondapalli toys.
• Festivals and celebrations: The Sankranti festival, the Sammakka Saralamma Jatara, and the Urs festival are just a few of the annual celebrations that take place in the Nallamala hills. These festivals are a wonderful way to explore the local culture and provide a window into the region's rich cultural past.
• Accessibility: The Nallamala hills are a great location for a weekend break or a longer holiday because they are easily reachable from large cities like Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Bangalore. There are several places to stay in the area, including hotels, inns, and campgrounds.

How to reach?

Several methods of transportation are available to get you to the Nallamala highlands. Here are some methods for getting to the Nallamala Hills:

• From Hyderabad: The Nallamala hills are located about 200 km from Hyderabad. To get to the Nallamala Hills from Hyderabad, you can take a bus or use a taxi.
• From Bangalore: The Nallamala hills are almost 450 kilometres away from Bangalore. To get to the Nallamala Hills from Bangalore, you can take a bus or call a taxi.
• From Vijayawada: The Nallamala hills are about 270 kilometres away from Vijayawada. To get to the Nallamala hills from Vijayawada, you can take a bus or hire a taxi.

Before making travel arrangements to the Nallamala Hills, it is advised to examine the current transit schedules and options.

Operating hours

Since the Nallamala Hills are a mountain range and not a single attraction, they don't have any set hours of operation. However, some events and sightseers in the Nallamala hills could have their own opening times. The Nallamala Hills' most well-known attractions' hours are shown below: