Srisailam

Srisailam is a census town in Nandyal district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is the mandal headquarters of Srisailam mandal in Atmakur revenue division. It is located about from the district headquarters Nandyal, from Kurnool, and it is located about from Vijayawada. The town is famous for Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple and is one of the holy pilgrimage sites for Saivism and Shaktism sects of Hinduism. The town is classified as both Jyotirlinga and Shakti Peetha. India census, Srisailam had a population of 23,257. Males constituted 54% of the population and females 46%. Srisailam Project (RFC) Township has an average literacy rate of 75.62% higher than the state average of 67.02%. Male literacy is around 85.68% while female literacy rate is 63.24%. 13% of the population is under 6 years of age. Srisailam is one of the popular tourist destinations in Andhra Pradesh and considered one of the most important pilgrimage centres of Lord Shiva. Srisailam Dam which was built over Krishna river is one of the largest dams in South India. Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, India's largest tiger reserve is spread over 3500 km2. This Sanctuary is a natural habitat of diverse species of flora and fauna. The lush and dense Nallamala Forest range is a popular destination for trekking, hill climbing, forest exploration and research, to which Srisailam town acts as a base camp. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga enshrines Lord Mallikarjuna and is an ancient temple built in a Dravidian style with specimens showcasing the Vijayanagara architecture. Sakshi Ganapati Temple- Sakshi Ganapathi temple is located 2 km east of the main temple. Akka Mahadevi Caves, Pathalaganga, Shikareshwara Temple are few other attractions in this place. Siddi Ramappa Kolanu waterfalls located at Srisailam Half Kilo Meter Distance from Main Temple. The primary and secondary school education is imparted by government, aided and private schools, under the School Education Department of the state.