City of beloved is what Mahbubnagar means in Telugu. Though the history is hazy, it holds its own significance and importance. A most interesting anecdote about Mahbubnagar is that the priceless Kohinoor and Golconda diamonds were mined here. This serene land is dotted with numerous sacred and auspicious temples. Below is a list of must-visit places in Mahbubnagar.

• Pillalamarri
• Alampur
• Gadwal
• Koilsagar Project
• Umamaheshwaram (Home of Parvathi and Lord Siva)
• Mallelatheertham water fall
• Manyamkonda Sri Lakshmi Venkateshwara Swamy Temple
• Wanaparthi Kota
• Bala Nagamma (Aidamma)
• Sri Ranganayaka Swamy, Srirangapur
• Beechupalli Anjaneya Swamy Temple
• Sangameswar Temple, Somasila
• Mannanur Tiger Sanctuary, Mannanur
• The Temple of Sri Kurumurthy Srinivas Swamy

Pillalamarri:

Behold the largest banyan tree in India, located just four kilometres from Mahbubnagar. Known as Pillalamarri, this tree is a major local attraction. From a distance, the tree appears like a small mound of green foliage, and up close, its vastness is so overwhelming that it cannot be captured in a single frame.

This expansive tree, covering 3 acres and approximately 700 years old, stands over the tomb of a Muslim saint and has provided shelter to thousands for centuries. Nearby, there are also an aquarium, a small zoo, and an archaeological museum for further exploration. In Telugu, "Pillalu" means children and "marri" signifies a banyan tree; named for its many branches, it is fittingly called Pillalamarri.

Alampur:

Renowned for the ancient Navabhrama temples, believed to have been established in the 7th century, Alampur is 200 km from Hyderabad. Considered sacred, it is deemed the western gateway to Sree Sailam, the revered Jyotirlinga Shivastalam. The remnants reflect the architectural prowess of the Badami Chalukyas, who reigned from the middle of the sixth century for about 200 years.

Gadwal:

Famed for its exquisite handloomed silk sarees with ornate zari work, Gadwal lies nestled between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers. It boasts a scenic natural environment in addition to its textile fame.

Koilsagar Project:

The Koilsagar dam, about 8 km from Koil Konda village, stretches across the Peddavagu, a minor tributary of the Krishna River. The western stretch of this picturesque reservoir is surrounded by high hills, making it a beautiful spot.

Umamaheshwaram (Home of Parvathi and Lord Siva):

Perched atop a hillock in the Nallamala forest, the ancient Umamaheshwaram temple, dating back to the 2nd century A.D., stands about 150 km from Hyderabad. The trek to the temple involves navigating through steep, dangerous curves for about 5 miles. It is known as the northern entrance to Srisailam's revered Mallikarjuna (Shiva) and Bhramaramba (Devi).

Mallelatheertham:

For nature lovers seeking tranquility, Mallelatheertham is ideal. Its lush greenery flanking both sides of cascading waterfalls offers a breathtaking sight.

Manyamkonda Sri Lakshmi Venkateshwara Swamy Temple:

Located 6 km from Devarkadra railway station in the dense forests of Manyamkonda, this prominent religious site features a stunning temple on a hill, attracting numerous devotees annually.

Wanaparthi:

Home to the ancient shrine of Vittaleswara, Wanaparthi near the Sarlasagar project—known for the world's largest syphon dam—holds significant historical value.

Bala Nagamma (Aidamma):

This place is world famous through the stories of Balanagamma, which is written with the backdrop of this ancient village. This place has lots of religious significance as the Goddess Aidamma established Herself here and blesses the devotees. Every day poojas and offering are done to the Goddess. Thousands of devotees throng at this temples during the annual feast.

Sri Ranganayaka Swamy, Srirangapur

This hoary yet famous temple built by Krishnadevaraya is situated near the “Ratna Pushkarini’ lake. Srirangapur is situated at a distance of 12 kms from Wanaparthy, which is 100 kms from Mahbubnagar. The main deity at this temple is Lord Ranganayaka.

Beechupalli Anjaneya Swamy Temple:

Beechupalli Anjaneya Swamy Temple lies in Mahbubnagar District in Alampur Mandal. It is in between Hyderabad – Kurnool route (NH 7), about one mile from Kondapeta. Rivers Krishna and Thungabadra merge at this place. The main deity is Lord Anjaneya. The main idol belongs to 16th century.

Madhana gopala swamy Temple, Kollapur:

The Madhava Swamy temple at Kollapur was originally built by the 16th century A.D., on the left bank of river Krishna, at Manchalakatta. The architecture of the temple is exceedingly beautiful. All around the temple walls, the beautifully carved sculptures depict the 24 aspects of Vishnu. Various pillars supporting the mandapa, the Garudalaya, add beauty to the temple complex.

Due to the submergence under the Srisailam project reservoir, this temple was shifted to Kollapur. This temple is located at the distance of 180 km from Hyderabad and 110 kms from Kurnool and Mahabubnagar.

Sangameswar Temple, Somasila:

This temple was shifted from Sangameswar to Somashila, to avoid drowning from the Krishna water. This temple is dotted with lots of beautiful Shiva lingams. Being a Shiva temple festivals like Shivarathiri and Karthikeyam are celebrated grandly. Somasila is situated at a distance of 15 kms from Kollapur which is 158 kms from Mahbubnagar and 55 kms from Kurnool

Jetaprolu Temples:

Located 9 km from Kollapur 158 km from Mahabubnagar and 215 KM from Hyderabad, this place is famous for the ancient Agasthyeswara Swamy temple built between the 10 th & 16th century A.D. Festivals like Sivarathri, Kartiha Pournami, Masa Sivarathri and Toli Ekadasi are celebrated with great fervor.Another temple 15 km from Kollapur, is the Madana Gopala Swamy temple built by the Rajas of Jetprole during the 16th century A.D. The pillars, beams and the walls of the temple are richly adorned with beautiful sculptures.

Mannanur Tiger Sanctuary, Mannanur:

This sanctuary sprawls across an area of 3568 Sq. km, with picturesque hills, valleys and rivulets. The most common animal found here are Deer, Mouse Deer, Black Bucks, Sambhars, Chousingha Nilgai, Wild Boar, Indian Giant Squirrel, Tree Shrew, Rayel, Mugger Crocodiles, Wild dogs, Jackals, Wolves, Foxes, Sloth Bear, Panthers and Tigers. This forest is a mixture of dry deciduous forest.

What are the must-visit attractions in Mahbubnagar?

Mahbubnagar boasts several must-visit attractions, including Pillalamarri, Alampur, Gadwal, Koilsagar Project, and the Umamaheshwaram temple.

What is unique about Pillalamarri in Mahbubnagar?

Pillalamarri is the largest banyan tree in India, covering 3 acres and approximately 700 years old. It is a major local attraction with an aquarium, a small zoo, and an archaeological museum nearby.

What is the significance of Alampur in Mahbubnagar?

Alampur is renowned for the ancient Navabhrama temples, believed to have been established in the 7th century. It is considered the western gateway to Sree Sailam and reflects the architectural prowess of the Badami Chalukyas.

What can visitors expect at the Koilsagar Project?

The Koilsagar Project features a picturesque dam spanning the Peddavagu River, with its western stretch bordered by high hills. It is an ideal spot for nature lovers and those seeking scenic beauty.

How can one reach Umamaheshwaram temple in Mahbubnagar?

The Umamaheshwaram temple is perched atop a hillock in the Nallamala forest, about 150 km from Hyderabad. Reaching the temple involves navigating through steep, dangerous curves, making it an adventurous trek for visitors.