Mahanandi trip

We took the Srisailam - Doranala - Atmakur - Nandyala route to go to Mahanandi. The distance is about 170 kms.  We started at 7:30 AM at Srisailam, passed by Sikharam en route Doranala, the route is mostly ghat section which is good and scenic surrounded by thick forest on both sides. The road from Doranala to Atmakur is single lane for most part of it and is not a pleasant route. The good thing about this route is that there was not much traffic. We passed by beautiful Sunflower plantations on both side of the road and upon request, the farmers there obliged and allowed us to enter the field for few clicks.

We stopped at Atmakur for a quick breakfast and hit the Nandyala bypass road and reached Mahanandi by 12:30 PM. There are no decent restaurants in Mahanandi and the APTDC's Haritha has only accommodation. Again as in Srisailam, the accommodation here is excellent and the price is only 850/- for a single room A/C. The rooms were full owing to the holidays but we were not affected by it as we booked the rooms online before the journey. The block in which we got our rooms was relatively new and is very well maintained. 

We had our lunch at Karivena Bramhana Annadana satram which was planned as we were told about the lack of good restaurants in Mahanandi. The satram is run by brahmins they offer good food who inform them before reaching the place and the service is free of cost. However those who want to utilize this service are requested to inform them in advance so that they prepare the food accordingly to minimize the wastage. We were moved by the hospitality and the service offered at the satram. 

The speciality of Mahanandi is that the temple complex has 3 nandi temples out of 9 nandi temples (Nava Nandi) in Nandyala. Out of Nava Nandis, Mahanandi is the most popular temple. Mahanandi is famous for the freshwater released from a Nandi's mouth which is connected to a pool in the temple.  The water is so fresh and clear that one can see the pebbles at the bottom of this pool from a distance. The main pool was closed for some reason. It is said that the water in these pools are cold in summer and hot in winter. The water from this pool flows to two other pools where people take holy dip and enjoy the warm water. It is said that the water from these pools is further used to irrigate 2000 acres of banana plantation outside the temple. 

Mahanandi is house for Sri Nandeeswara Swamy, which is said to be Swayambhu Linga in the shape of ant hill which is presently covered with a silver casing. The temple is also house for Sri Kameswari Devi and Sri Vinayaka Nandi. At a walkable distance from the temple there is a huge 40 feet statue of Nandi in the Nandi park which is the highlight of this place and draws huge attention. After clicking few pictures, we started at Mahanandi at 5:30 PM and reached Kurnool by 7 pm covering a distance of 90 kms. Witnessed beautiful sunset on the way, captured this picture from the moving vehicle.


We stopped for a short while for minor repair to the bumper and for fuelling. We hit the NH7 at Kurnool and apart from stopping at 3 toll gates, we drove non stop for 175 kms and reached Shamshabad by 10 PM. After light dinner at a restaurant, we reached home at 11 PM.