The Nallamala Forests are probably the largest stretch of undisturbed forest in South India apart from the Western Ghats. Located south of the Krishna River, in particularly the section of the Eastern Ghats which form eastern boundary of Rayalaseema region of state of Andhra Pradesh and Nagarkurnool district, districts of the state of Telangana, in India. The hills run in a nearly north-south alignment, parallel to the Coromandel Coast for close to 430 km between the rivers, Krishna and Pennar.
Its northern boundaries are marked by the flat Palnadu basin while in the south it merges with the Tirupati hills. Most of the range is covered in dense jungles which houses rich wildlife. Approximately 19 miles (31 km) wide, the Nallamala hills have average elevation of about 520 m with Bhairani Konda at 1100 m and Gundla Brahmeswara at 1048 m are the taest. Both of these peaks are in a north westerly direction from the town of Cumbum. There are also many other peaks above 800m.
The Nallamalas forest has a warm to hot climate throughout the year with summer especially hot and winters are mostly cool and dry. It gets most of its rainfall during the South West Monsoon. The fissured rocks prevent water from percolating underground and creating mountain streams to become the Gundlakamma River, the largest river in these hills. These hills are almost completely covered with open jungle. Lack of water prevents the growth of large trees. Agriculture is almost non-existent except in villages where subsistence farming is practiced near Nallamala Forests.
Its’ probably the largest stretch of undisturbed forest in South India apart from the Western Ghats and where leopard sightings are not uncommon. The forest is best known for tigers, with large part of the forest being part of the Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve. that has a sizable tiger population. As per latest estimate, tiger population in both states around the reserve has increased to 74 with 48 inside tiger reserve.
There are several places worth visiting in these forests, including Srisailam on river Krishna, which is site of a large dam and hydroelectric power project. Srisailam is known for Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple which is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples in India as well as the Brahmarambha Temple which is considered one of the Shakti Peethas in India. These temples attract pilgrims in large numbers throughout the year. There are numerous waterfalls in the hill and forest area.
Also, worth visiting are Mahanandi temple and Ahobilam Nava Narsimha Temples. A stream comes down from Gundla Brahmeswara peak and ends in a waterfall creating a sacred pool called Nemaligundam (Peacock Pool). The Mallela Theertham waterfall on the river Krishna in this forest is also worth visiting. Tourist can also visit the Cumbum Lake, one of Asia’s oldest man-made lake and dates back to the 15th century. It was built by the Gajapati kings of Orissa for irrigating about 420 km2 farmland by damming a narrow opening between two adjoining hills and later renovated by queen Vardarajamma of Vijayanagara kingdom in the 16th Century.
For the discerning urbanite, travelling to a place far from the madding crowds and concrete jungle can be heartening. However, travelling on Nallamala Hills ghat roads due to too many turns and twists at is a bit dangerous. The Nallamala Forest, rich in flora and fauna and is home to as many as 700 species of animals besides tigers, leopards, such as black buck, wild hog, peacock, pangolin, Indian Python and King Cobras and several rare bird species.
This tiger reserve is spread across five districts of Kurnool, Prakasam, Guntur, Nalgonda and Mahabub Nagar across the 2 states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The total area of the tiger reserve is 3,728 km2 with core area of 1,200 km2. The wildlife enthusiast can see variety other animals besides the big cats like spotted deer, sambhar, neelghai, chousinga, chinkara, antelopes, monkeys, langurs, porcupines, rattles and water dogs, apart from crocodiles and bears that make an occasional appearance. All this makes it a favoured destination among the birdwatchers, nature lovers and photographers. October to January is the best time to visit. There are about a dozen hotels and jungle camp where tourist can stay comfortably. No vehicles are allowed ine forest area from 8 ppm to 6 am. Nallamala hills and forest are ideal for weekend visit.
