Hidden deep inside the dense Nallamala forests near Srisailam, the Saleshwaram Temple is one of the most mysterious and spiritually significant destinations in Telangana. Dedicated to Lord Shiva (Lingamayya Swamy), this cave temple is known for its natural waterfall, ancient legends, and adventurous trekking route.
Often called the “Amarnath of Telangana”, Saleshwaram attracts thousands of devotees and trekkers during the annual Saleshwaram Jathara festival.
For travelers looking for a mix of spirituality, trekking, and offbeat exploration, the Saleshwaram temple trek offers a truly unique experience.
Saleshwaram Temple is located inside the Nallamala forest range near Srisailam, within the Amrabad Tiger Reserve in Nagarkurnool district of Telangana.
The temple lies in a remote forest valley and can only be reached through a forest trail and trekking route.
Distance from major cities:
Hyderabad – ~200 km
Srisailam – ~40 km
Achampet – ~35 km
Because of its location inside a protected forest zone, the temple remains one of the least explored pilgrimage spots in South India.
The origins of the Saleshwaram temple date back to around the 6th–7th century AD. Historical references to this sacred cave shrine appear in the Sri Parvatha Purana, which describes ancient Shiva temples around the Srisailam region.
According to local legends, a tribal hunter named Ravagadu once discovered a sacred spring deep inside the forest. Lord Shiva is believed to have appeared before him and instructed him to establish a Shiva Lingam at that spot.
Over time, this location became the Saleshwaram Lingamayya Swamy Temple, worshipped by local tribes such as the Chenchu community, who have protected the temple traditions for centuries.
One of the most unique features of the temple is the perennial waterfall flowing beside the Shiva Lingam.
The waterfall cascades from a height of nearly 200 feet, creating a mystical atmosphere inside the cave temple.
Devotees believe that bathing in this sacred water:
Removes sins
Brings good health
Blesses devotees with prosperity
The combination of waterfall, cave temple, and forest surroundings makes Saleshwaram one of the most beautiful spiritual destinations in Telangana.
The temple remains closed for most of the year and opens during the Saleshwaram Jathara, which takes place during Chaitra Pournami (April–May).
During the festival:
Thousands of devotees trek through the forest to reach the temple.
Special poojas are performed.
Tribal communities participate in traditional rituals.
This annual pilgrimage attracts devotees, trekkers, and nature lovers from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
The journey to Saleshwaram is as exciting as the destination itself.
The trek involves walking through:
Dense Nallamala forests
Rocky hill paths
Streams and waterfalls
Scenic valley viewpoints
The trail offers a perfect mix of adventure trekking and spiritual exploration, making it a popular destination among trekking enthusiasts.
Many travelers combine this trek with a visit to Srisailam, creating a memorable weekend trip from Hyderabad.
Saleshwaram is often called the “Dakshina Amarnath” or Telangana Amarnath due to several similarities with the famous Amarnath cave temple in Kashmir.
These similarities include:
A natural cave temple
A sacred Shiva Lingam
A challenging trekking route
A seasonal pilgrimage
Because of these features, the temple holds immense religious significance for Shiva devotees.
The best time to visit Saleshwaram is during the Saleshwaram Jathara in April or May, when the temple becomes accessible to pilgrims.
During this time, the forest landscape is vibrant and the waterfall is at its most beautiful.
If you are planning the Saleshwaram temple trek, keep these tips in mind:
Start early in the morning
Wear trekking shoes
Carry sufficient drinking water
Follow forest department rules
Avoid plastic and keep the forest clean
Since the temple lies within a protected forest reserve, visitors must respect nature and local traditions.
If you love exploring hidden temples, waterfalls, and forest treks, the Saleshwaram trek is a must-visit destination.
At GoAdventure India, we organize curated trips from Hyderabad to Nallamala forests, offering travelers a chance to explore offbeat destinations like Saleshwaram along with scenic trekking experiences.
Join our adventure trips and discover the spiritual beauty hidden deep inside the Nallamala hills.
Saleshwaram is 200 km away from Hyderabad. And, Opening dates of Saleshwaram in 2026 are Apr 1st to 3rd.
During the Saleshwaram Jathara, many devotees arrange basic facilities for pilgrims along the trekking route.
Free Food (Annadanam): Simple meals are served to pilgrims as part of devotional service.
Drinking Water: Water is available at some points, but visitors should carry empty bottles to refill.
Carry ORS & Fruits: The 5 km forest trek can be tiring, so it is recommended to carry ORS packets and fruits to stay hydrated and energized.