Loddi Mallana Temple is located deep inside the Nallamala Forest within the Mannanur Range of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve, in Nagarkurnool district, Telangana State, India.
It lies about 10 km from the Mannanur Forest Checkpost on the Hyderabad–Srisailam Road (NH 765), and requires a 4 km trek into a scenic forest valley to reach the cave shrine.
Loddi Mallana (also called Loddi Mallayya or Lodhi Mallana) is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The shrine is situated in front of a serene natural lake, with a Shivalinga enshrined inside the cave.
The term “Loddi” or “Lodhi” means valley in the local dialect.
Along the 4 km trek, pilgrims can witness:
6 small waterfalls cascading through the dense forest,
Panoramic valley views,
The natural Shiva Linga inside the limestone cave, and
The tranquil lake situated at the cave entrance.
It’s an ideal spot for eco-tourism, trekking, and nature photography, especially during monsoon when the surroundings are lush and waterfalls are in full flow.
Nearest Checkpost: Mannanur Forest Checkpost (Amrabad Tiger Reserve)
From Hyderabad: ~170 km via NH 765 (Hyderabad–Srisailam Highway)
From the 65 km milestone on the Srisailam Road, take the right-side forest route (guided by locals or forest officials).
Trek around 4 km downhill through the forest to reach the cave temple.
(Entry is regulated and usually allowed only during Tholi Ekadashi.)
Weather: Pleasant and cool during the monsoon season; lush green surroundings.
Note: Trekking and forest entry are not permitted on other days due to wildlife protection regulations of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve.
Mallela Theertham Waterfall – 9 km off Srisailam Road
Farahabad View Point – Scenic hilltop inside Tiger Reserve
Octopus View Point – Near Domalapenta, panoramic Krishna backwaters view
Somasila – Krishna riverside eco-tourism and boating
Akka Mahadevi Caves – Accessible by boat from Srisailam backwaters
Amrabad Tiger Reserve Safari Zone – For wildlife and adventure seekers
Depart from Hyderabad early morning.
Breakfast at Kalwakurthy / Achampet.
Reach Mannanur Checkpost by noon and get forest entry permissions.
Start guided trek (~4 km) to Loddi Mallana Cave.
Participate in Tholi Ekadashi worship & rituals.
Explore nearby waterfalls and lake.
Trek back by evening.
Stay overnight at Munnanur Forest Guest House / Somasila Eco Cottages.
Day 2:
Visit Farahabad View Point or Mallela Theertham Waterfall.
Return to Hyderabad by evening.
Tips for Visitors
Entry allowed only with forest department permission.
Wear trekking shoes and carry water, snacks, and first aid.
Avoid littering — this is a protected eco-sensitive zone.
Respect tribal customs and local guides.
Photography permitted only in designated zones.
Summary
Mannanur Range, Amrabad Tiger Reserve, Nagarkurnool District
Altitude ~600–700 m above sea level
Access 10 km drive + 4 km trek through forest valley
Main Attraction Natural cave temple with Shiva Linga
Best Time to Visit Tholi Ekadashi (July)
Specialty Telangana’s Amarnath, eco-trekking & waterfalls
Nearby Spots Farahabad, Octopus View Point, Mallela Theertham, Somasila
It lies about 10 km from the Mannanur Forest Checkpost on the Hyderabad–Srisailam Road (NH 765), and requires a 4 km trek into a scenic forest valley to reach the cave shrine.
Loddi Mallana (also called Loddi Mallayya or Lodhi Mallana) is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The shrine is situated in front of a serene natural lake, with a Shivalinga enshrined inside the cave.
The term “Loddi” or “Lodhi” means valley in the local dialect.
“Mallana” or “Mallayya” refers to Lord Shiva, making the name mean “Valley of Lord Mallanna.”
Because of its cave setting and the natural Shiva Linga, it is often called the “Telangana Amarnath.”
Significance and History
This sacred site is open to devotees only once a year — during Tholi Ekadashi (the first Ekadashi in the month of Ashadha / July). Thousands of devotees undertake the pilgrimage to trek through the forest and offer prayers to Lord Mallanna.
In ancient times, the place was known as Gupta Mallikarjuna, meaning Hidden Mallikarjuna.
During medieval periods, several Shaivaite sects used this isolated cave for their secret spiritual rituals, due to its remoteness and natural sanctity.
Significance and History
This sacred site is open to devotees only once a year — during Tholi Ekadashi (the first Ekadashi in the month of Ashadha / July). Thousands of devotees undertake the pilgrimage to trek through the forest and offer prayers to Lord Mallanna.
In ancient times, the place was known as Gupta Mallikarjuna, meaning Hidden Mallikarjuna.
During medieval periods, several Shaivaite sects used this isolated cave for their secret spiritual rituals, due to its remoteness and natural sanctity.
Natural Beauty and Trekking Experience
The trail to Loddi Mallana cave is an adventure lover’s delight, passing through lush Nallamala forest terrain, streams, and rocky valleys.Along the 4 km trek, pilgrims can witness:
6 small waterfalls cascading through the dense forest,
Panoramic valley views,
The natural Shiva Linga inside the limestone cave, and
The tranquil lake situated at the cave entrance.
It’s an ideal spot for eco-tourism, trekking, and nature photography, especially during monsoon when the surroundings are lush and waterfalls are in full flow.
How to Reach
Nearest Town: Achampet (approx. 45 km)Nearest Checkpost: Mannanur Forest Checkpost (Amrabad Tiger Reserve)
From Hyderabad: ~170 km via NH 765 (Hyderabad–Srisailam Highway)
From the 65 km milestone on the Srisailam Road, take the right-side forest route (guided by locals or forest officials).
Trek around 4 km downhill through the forest to reach the cave temple.
(Entry is regulated and usually allowed only during Tholi Ekadashi.)
Best Time to Visit
Only open to public: Tholi Ekadashi (July) — one day annually.Weather: Pleasant and cool during the monsoon season; lush green surroundings.
Note: Trekking and forest entry are not permitted on other days due to wildlife protection regulations of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve.
Nearby Attractions
If you are planning a longer eco-tour through the Amrabad Tiger Reserve, you can combine Loddi Mallana with nearby destinations:Mallela Theertham Waterfall – 9 km off Srisailam Road
Farahabad View Point – Scenic hilltop inside Tiger Reserve
Octopus View Point – Near Domalapenta, panoramic Krishna backwaters view
Somasila – Krishna riverside eco-tourism and boating
Akka Mahadevi Caves – Accessible by boat from Srisailam backwaters
Amrabad Tiger Reserve Safari Zone – For wildlife and adventure seekers
Suggested Itinerary (for Tholi Ekadashi Trip)
Day 1:Depart from Hyderabad early morning.
Breakfast at Kalwakurthy / Achampet.
Reach Mannanur Checkpost by noon and get forest entry permissions.
Start guided trek (~4 km) to Loddi Mallana Cave.
Participate in Tholi Ekadashi worship & rituals.
Explore nearby waterfalls and lake.
Trek back by evening.
Stay overnight at Munnanur Forest Guest House / Somasila Eco Cottages.
Day 2:
Visit Farahabad View Point or Mallela Theertham Waterfall.
Return to Hyderabad by evening.
Tips for Visitors
Entry allowed only with forest department permission.
Wear trekking shoes and carry water, snacks, and first aid.
Avoid littering — this is a protected eco-sensitive zone.
Respect tribal customs and local guides.
Photography permitted only in designated zones.
Summary
Mannanur Range, Amrabad Tiger Reserve, Nagarkurnool District
Altitude ~600–700 m above sea level
Access 10 km drive + 4 km trek through forest valley
Main Attraction Natural cave temple with Shiva Linga
Best Time to Visit Tholi Ekadashi (July)
Specialty Telangana’s Amarnath, eco-trekking & waterfalls
Nearby Spots Farahabad, Octopus View Point, Mallela Theertham, Somasila
Comments
Post a Comment