Nallamala Forest

నల్లమల అటవీ

A vast forest range in southern Andhra Pradesh offering diverse wildlife, scenic beauty and opportunities for nature enthusiasts and trekkers. The forest is home to various animal species and provides a pristine natural experience with scenic hill views.

Things to do

• Trekking to Srisailam — Trek through dense forest trails to reach the sacred Srisailam temple nestled in the hills, offering both spiritual experience and panoramic views of the Nallamala range.
• Wildlife Spotting at Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve — Explore the tiger reserve within Nallamala to spot tigers, leopards, sambar deer, and wild boar in their natural habitat during guided safaris.
• Kayaking on Krishna River — Paddle through scenic stretches of the Krishna River that winds through the forest, offering water-based adventure with views of forested cliffs.
• Hiking Akkamahadevi Cave — Trek to the ancient cave dwelling of saint Akkamahadevi with rock carvings and historical significance, surrounded by dense forest vegetation.
• Bird Watching — Observe endemic and migratory bird species including eagles, hornbills, and painted storks across the forest's diverse habitats and water sources.
• Visiting Mettur Dam — Walk along the scenic dam area providing views of water landscape and opportunities to spot aquatic birds and monitor lizards.

Food to try

• Andhra Chepala Pulusu — A tangy fish curry prepared with tamarind and local spices, reflecting the regional cooking style of Andhra Pradesh using fresh catches from forest streams.
• Bajra Roti with Gongura — Millet bread served with sour leafy curry made from gongura leaves, a traditional staple of the Nallamala region that provides sustenance during treks.
• Boiled Bamboo Shoots — Fresh bamboo shoots collected from the forest, boiled and seasoned with salt and spices, representing authentic forest food of local tribal communities.
• Game Bird Curry — Local preparation of forest game birds with aromatic spices and coconut, representing traditional hunting culture food still prepared in forest villages.
• Groundnut Chikhalwali — A traditional roasted groundnut snack mixed with jaggery and sesame, commonly found in forest settlements as a portable energy food for travelers.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Forest Rules and Permits — Always obtain necessary permits from forest authorities and follow designated trekking routes, as the reserve protects endangered wildlife and sacred sites.
• Acknowledge Tribal Communities — The Chenchu and Yanadi tribal communities inhabit these forests; greet them respectfully and support local guides rather than entering sacred spaces without permission.
• Sacred Pilgrimage Customs at Srisailam — When visiting Srisailam temple, remove footwear before entering, and respect ritual timings; the site is significant to both Hindu pilgrims and forest trekkers.
• Carry Out All Waste — The forest ecosystem is fragile; pack out all non-organic waste and avoid single-use plastics to preserve the pristine environment for wildlife.