Nagarjuna Sagar and Srisailam Jyotirlinga Trail

The launch takes about 45 minutes each way across the lake to an island hill. On the island are a museum of Buddhist carvings from the Ikshvaku period and old stupas and monasteries moved here when the dam flooded the valley. The museum is closed on Fridays. Launch times and fares change, so we confirm them a day before.

One of the largest stone masonry dams in the world, across the Krishna river. See it from the viewpoint by the road. When the crest gates are open after a good monsoon, the water show is huge.

A stream falls about 70 feet into a deep green pool, a short drive from the dam. Steps lead to a viewpoint. The falls are fullest from August to December and thin in summer. A small entry ticket is paid at the gate.

The highest point of the Srisailam hills, with a small Shiva temple and a wide view over the forest. Pilgrims believe that seeing the temple tower from here is a blessing.

A small Ganesha temple on the road into Srisailam. Pilgrims stop here to have their visit noted by Ganesha, who is shown holding a book and pen.

One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva, with the Bhramaramba Devi shrine in the same complex. General darshan is free. Queues are short early on weekdays and long on Mondays, weekends, the Karthika month and Shivaratri. Wear traditional clothes: saree or churidar with dupatta for women, dhoti or kurta pyjama for men. Shorts and jeans are not allowed for close darshan. Leave phones and footwear in the car.

A cable car down the steep gorge to Patala Ganga, the bathing ghat on the Krishna river below the temple. You can also walk down about 500 steps, but the climb back is hard. The ropeway stops in strong wind.

A tall dam across the deep Krishna gorge, with forest hills on both sides. The viewpoint above the dam is lovely before sunset. After heavy rain the crest gates may be open, which draws big crowds.

A forest department viewpoint on the Hyderabad road, looking down on the Krishna river as it winds through the gorge in many arms. No stopping is allowed elsewhere on the forest road.