Srisailam Jyotirlinga and Nallamala Trail

A forest viewpoint on the Telangana side where the Krishna backwaters spread into the hills in long arms. Free. Stay behind the railings and keep food away from the monkeys.

A view of the big dam across the Krishna gorge as you cross into Andhra Pradesh. When the gates are open after a heavy monsoon, usually August or September, the water roars. Photos only from the marked viewpoint; stopping on the dam road is not allowed.

Lord Mallikarjuna's Jyotirlinga and Goddess Bhramaramba's Shakti Peetha share one temple, so you see both in one visit. General darshan is free; faster paid queues are Approx Rs 150, Rs 300 and Rs 500 (Sparsha, where you touch the lingam). Dress code: men in dhoti or pancha, women in saree or churidar with dupatta, no shorts. Phones and footwear stay in the car. Early mornings are quietest; Mondays and Karthika month are very busy.

A short cable car ride down the gorge to the Krishna river at Patalaganga, where pilgrims take a holy dip. Return ticket included. The ropeway can pause for maintenance or high water; then there are steps down instead, which are steep.

A small Ganesha shrine where, by tradition, Ganesha writes down the name of every pilgrim who came to Srisailam. Tell him your name and gotram. Free.

A quiet old Shiva shrine in the forest, a few km from the main temple. Free. Dress as for the main temple.

The highest point near Srisailam, with a small Shiva temple and a view over the forest to the main temple tower. Tradition says that seeing the temple top from here frees you from rebirth. Lovely in the last light. Free.