Ishta Kameswari Temple Srisailam
A powerful goddess in a sacred cave, nestled deep within the Nallamala forest. An adventurous journey to a divine sanctuary.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat.
Ishta Kameswari Temple Srisailam
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A powerful goddess in a sacred cave, nestled deep within the Nallamala forest. An adventurous journey to a divine sanctuary.
"The wait in the biting cold weather for tickets was really worth it in the end. "
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Online tickets vanish fast! Book 15 days ahead. Offline requires queuing the day before.
😷 Mask Up for Dust
The forest ride can be dusty. A mask is essential for comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ishta Kameswari Devi Temple
Nallamala Forest
A powerful goddess in a sacred cave, nestled deep within the Nallamala forest. A truly divine experience.
Nallamala Forest Drive
Nallamala Forest
An adventurous jeep ride through dense forests, offering glimpses of nature's raw beauty.
Ganesh Temple & Stream
En route to Ishta Kameswari Temple
A serene Ganesh temple beside a beautiful cave and a small stream, offering a peaceful prelude to the main shrine.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Prepare for the Jungle Ride
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Online tickets vanish fast! Book 15 days ahead. Offline requires queuing the day before.
😷 Mask Up for Dust
The forest ride can be dusty. A mask is essential for comfort.
🌿 Leave No Trace
Keep the forest clean! Avoid plastic and litter.
🚗 Group Travel Recommended
The forest has wildlife. Traveling in groups is advised for safety.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Online tickets vanish fast! Book 15 days ahead. Offline requires queuing the day before.
😷 Mask Up for Dust
The forest ride can be dusty. A mask is essential for comfort.
🌿 Leave No Trace
Keep the forest clean! Avoid plastic and litter.
🚗 Group Travel Recommended
The forest has wildlife. Traveling in groups is advised for safety.
🙏 Seek Goddess's Grace
Locals say you can only visit with the Goddess's blessings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the divine experience at Ishta Kameswari Temple, highlighting the powerful Goddess and the unique jungle setting. The adventurous forest ride and the serene atmosphere are major draws. However, the challenging ticket booking process and the rough journey can be deterrents for some.
"Istakameswari Temple is about 21 km from Srisailam. It remains open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. The temple is maintained and protected by the Chenchu tribal community.
Except for tribal people, a valid ticket is required to enter, as the forest officers have taken charge.
Tickets can be booked both online and offline. Only 16 online tickets are available and must be booked 15 days in advance. Offline tickets can be booked 1 day prior at Shikaram, you stand in the queue early in the morning to have ticket confirmed as they release 104 for offline quota.
For online booking and other updated info visit: Istakameswari Nekkanti Jungle ride.
My sincere advice:
Check the slots and entry in the Nekkanti official blog.
Please don't throw or leave any clothes or plastic wrappers or even one time plastic bottles in the forest area.
Dust levels may increase during the forest ride — wearing a mask is req.
Let's make the forest free of plastic at least."
Lokesh Sainath Gudivada
"Ista Kameswari Devi temple is located in beautiful deep forests of Nallamala in Srisailam. The temple is located in the forest with wild animals like tigers ,etc,. It's suggested to go in groups. The road to temple is not good and the vehicle has to go on ups and downs on stones , mud and water . The tribals are having experience in driving the vehicle. After going some distance , vehicles won't go and we have to walk and treck to reach temple. First we see a Ganesh temple by the side of beautiful cave and in front of a small stream. Then after walking for some distance, we will reach Ista Kameswari Devi temple. The Goddess is in side a cave and 4-5 people can go in side at a time and offer prayers to the powerful deity.The pandit in side the temple performs puja and asks us to paste Sindhoor on the forehead of Goddess and whatever we ask the Goddess she fulfills our desires!! We feel that the sindhoor is applied to the forehead of live Goddess!!"
Krishna K
"1. Offline booking: starts one day in advance at 08:00am at nekkanti jungle ride counter, shikharam
Note:
If you have planned for the trip on 15th,
Offline Tickets will be issued one day before that is on 14th 8am.
But the waiting line will be started for 13th night.
Please plan to be little early.
2. Maximum 3 tickets are issued to one person in the queue line
3. Every visitor has to show identity card to collect tickets (can show in mobile)
4. Ticketed visitors must reach the nekkanti jungle ride counter, shikharam on or before 08:30 am on the ride day"
NIKHIL BHARADWAZ
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The temple is about 21 km from Srisailam, located deep within the Nallamala forest. You'll need to take a forest jeep ride from the Nekkanti jungle ride counter at Shikaram. The road is rough, and a portion requires trekking.
Only forest group jeeps are permitted for the ride to the temple. Tribals often drive these vehicles and are experienced with the terrain.
No, private vehicles cannot go all the way. After a certain point, you will have to walk and trek to reach the temple.
The forest ride itself can be an adventure, and there's about a half-kilometer walk or trek to reach the temple from where the vehicles stop.
Ticketed visitors must reach the Nekkanti jungle ride counter by 8:30 am on the ride day. The temple itself is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be booked online or offline. Online tickets are very limited (16 available) and must be booked 15 days in advance. Offline tickets are released one day prior at the Nekkanti jungle ride counter at Shikaram.
Offline tickets are available one day in advance at the Nekkanti jungle ride counter. Be prepared to queue up very early, potentially the night before, as the waiting line starts significantly in advance.
A maximum of 3 tickets can be issued to one person in the queue line for offline booking.
Yes, every visitor must show an identity card to collect tickets. A digital copy on your mobile is acceptable.
Except for tribal people, a valid ticket is required for entry as forest officers manage the area.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
This is considered the only temple in India dedicated to Goddess Ishta Kameshwari, believed to be a very powerful deity who fulfills desires.
The Goddess resides inside a cave. Only 4-5 people can enter at a time to offer prayers and perform puja with the priest.
The priest performs puja and asks devotees to paste Sindhoor on the forehead of the Goddess, believing she fulfills wishes.
Yes, prasadam is served, and the hospitality of the local tribals is often praised by visitors.
The forest is home to wild animals like tigers. It's advisable to go in groups and be cautious.
📸 📸 Photography
While specific rules can vary, generally, photography inside the inner sanctum of temples is restricted. It's best to check local guidelines upon arrival.
The drive through the Nallamala forest offers scenic views. The Ganesh temple and the stream area also provide picturesque settings for photography.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around religious sites and forest areas due to privacy and security concerns. It's advisable to avoid it unless you have explicit permission.
Many visitors capture the adventurous forest jeep ride, the serene natural surroundings, and the devotional atmosphere of the temple.
Be ready to capture quick shots during the bumpy ride. Ensure your camera or phone is secured to avoid damage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🙏 Devotees Seeking Blessings
The ritual of applying Sindhoor to the Goddess's forehead is a deeply personal and revered act. Arriving with a pure heart and a sincere intention is key to experiencing the blessings of the Goddess. 🌿 Nature & Adventure Enthusiasts
Remember to pack appropriate gear for the trek and be mindful of the environment, adhering to the 'leave no trace' principle. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mystical Journey to Ishta Kameswari
Before reaching the main temple, pilgrims often visit a small Ganesh temple situated beside a beautiful cave and a stream. This serene spot offers a moment of peace and reflection amidst the wild. The final approach to the Ishta Kameswari Devi temple involves a walk or trek, adding to the sense of pilgrimage. The temple itself is housed within a cave, adding to its ancient and mystical aura. The experience is deeply personal, with the raw natural environment enhancing the spiritual connection.
Key aspects of the journey include:
* Adventurous Forest Ride: Navigating challenging forest paths in a dedicated jeep.
* Trekking: A short walk or trek is required to reach the final destination.
* Natural Beauty: Immersing yourself in the pristine environment of the Nallamala forest.
* Spiritual Prelude: Visiting the Ganesh temple and stream en route.
* Cave Shrine: Experiencing the unique setting of the Goddess within a natural cave.
Understanding the Ticket System and Visitor Guidelines
Visitors are advised to check the official Nekkanti blog for the latest information on slots and entry procedures.
Essential visitor guidelines:
* Advance Booking: Prioritize online booking or prepare for early queues for offline tickets.
* Identity Proof: Carry a valid ID for ticket collection.
* Plastic-Free Zone: Strictly avoid littering and help maintain the forest's cleanliness.
* Mask Recommendation: Wear a mask to mitigate dust during the forest ride.
* Respect Local Management: Acknowledge the role of the Chenchu tribals in temple upkeep.
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