About Saleshwaram Caves and Waterfalls
Saleshwaram is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (Lingamayya Swamy) located deep within the core area of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve in Telangana. Dating back to the 6th or 7th century AD, it features a natural rock-cut sanctum where a perennial 200-foot waterfall flows directly over the Shiva Lingam. The site is culturally significant as the 'Dakshina Amarnath' and opens to the public for only 3-5 days annually during Chaitra Pournami.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a challenging spiritual journey involving a 16-kilometer jeep safari from Farhabad Gate followed by a 3-to-6 kilometer trek through dense Nallamala forest terrain. The primary experience is viewing the unique wedge-shaped perennial waterfall that cascades into the cave shrine, bathing the self-formed Shiva Lingam. Due to its location in a tiger reserve core area, access is strictly regulated and typically limited to the annual Jatara festival period.
Key highlights
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Ancient 6th-century natural cave shrine with a self-formed Shiva Lingam
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Perennial 200-foot waterfall flowing directly through the temple sanctum
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Located deep inside the core area of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve
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Annual Saleshwaram Jatara (Chaitra Pournami) attracting hundreds of thousands of devotees
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Rugged trekking experience through the pristine Nallamala forest ecosystem
History of Saleshwaram Caves and Waterfalls
The cave temple dates back to the 6th or 7th century AD and is mentioned in the 16th-century Sri Parvatha Purana. It has been a sacred site for the Chenchu tribal community for centuries.
Culture & Context
Known as the 'Dakshina Amarnath' or 'Telangana Amarnath Yatra', it holds immense religious significance for devotees of Lord Shiva. The annual Jatara is a major tribal and religious fair.
Route
| By road | Accessible via Farhabad Gate of Amrabad Tiger Reserve, followed by a 16 km forest drive and a 3-6 km trek |
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