Nallamala Hills Mountains

Address: Nallamala Hills, Andhra Pradesh, India

Hours: Accessible at all times (natural area); protected zones may have restricted entry

A forested mountain range that forms part of the Eastern Ghats in south-central India, spanning interior sections of Andhra Pradesh and extending into Telangana. The range contains river valleys, plateaus and patches of dense dry deciduous forest.

Key destinations within the hills include wildlife areas and pilgrimage sites; the landscape is notable for long forest tracts, wildlife habitat and several cave systems. Outdoor activities include trekking, wildlife watching and visits to cultural sites.

The Nallamala Hills have been used historically by local and tribal communities for forest products and habitation; in modern times significant tracts have been designated for conservation and reserve management. Protected areas were established to conserve large mammal populations and forest ecosystems.

Geographically the hills lie on the eastern side of the Deccan plateau in southern India, with Srisailam and surrounding towns serving as common gateways into the range.

• Ecology: The hills form part of the Eastern Ghats mountain system and contain extensive dry deciduous and mixed forest zones that support tigers, leopards and other wildlife.
• Visiting conditions: Access is often through the Srisailam area; the dry season is the most practical time for trekking and wildlife viewing due to weather and road conditions.

What to See#

• Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve: A protected landscape that includes the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, covering a large area of forest and river valleys and managed for wildlife conservation and regulated tourism.
• Srisailam: The pilgrimage and town complex around Srisailam, which lies within the hill range and serves as a cultural and access point for visitors to the hills.
• Belum Caves: Belum Caves, a significant cave system formed in the limestone of the region and visited as a geological attraction by many travelers.

The Nallamala Hills are accessed from towns such as Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh) and several district centers; road links exist but interior access often requires local transport and guidance. Srisailam is a common staging point for visits to the hills.

• Hire a local forest guide when planning long treks: the Nallamala Hills include reserves with endangered species and restricted zones.
• Combine any trekking with a visit to Srisailam (if approaching from the Andhra side) for both cultural context and transport links.