With mountains, deep deciduous forests, pristine streams and an age-old connection with Lord Shiva, Mallela Theertham in Nagarkurnool district has turned out to be the perfect location for celebrating the Maha Shivaratri on February 26 and 27.
Hyderabad: With mountains, deep deciduous forests, pristine streams and an age-old connection with Lord Shiva, Mallela Theertham in Nagarkurnool district has turned out to be the perfect location for celebrating the Maha Shivaratri on February 26 and 27.
Mallela Theertham, a beautiful waterfall nestled in the dense Nallamala forests, is a sacred site for Hindus as Lord Shiva performed penance there, according to religious scholars. The waterfall is at a height of 160 feet, with the stream falling on a Shiva Linga. Devotees have asserted to have found a deep connection with Lord Shiva in this forest.
This location, which is around 180 km from Hyderabad, is also abound with adventure activities like river crossing, trekking, hiking, and camp fires. Nallamala is the largest stretch of undisturbed deciduous forest in south India.
Notwithstanding hours-long treks, locals frequent this picturesque location during festivals. The final part of the trek is a descent of 350 steps to the Mallela Theertham.
This location is also popular during Vanabhojanalu in Karthika Masam. The waterfall meanders its way with brisk currents from the dense forests and steep hills to finally form a natural lake surrounded with lush greenery at the bottom.
Sangem Surya Rao, a resident of Achampet, who regularly makes a trip to the place, said that the rocks at the waterfalls are slippery and one needs to be careful. Though the water flow recedes as the summer sets in, the place looks beautiful throughout the year.
A cold bath in the pristine lake has benefits due to the presence of natural minerals.
"On Shivaratri, locals reach the waterfall early in the morning for prayers. They then take a bath there," said Surya Rao.
Chandrasekhar Reddy, an advocate from Hyderabad, said, "Trekking, hiking, swimming, photography, exploration of nature and the beautiful waterfall offer a cherished experience. Descending 350 steps down the hills and trekking on a kutcha road to Mallela Theertham for a day trip or weekend getaway from Hyderabad, gives a great experience for the urban people."
While travelling from Hyderabad towards Srisailam, tourists need to look out for Vatwarlapalle village located on the highway, which is nearly 30 km from Mannanur forest check post. From the village, one has to drive for about 8 km on kutcha roads to reach near the waterfall.
