1. Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple

Discover the aura and the divinity of the sacred Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple with our one day Chennai to Srikalahasti tour. Sacred complex is noted for its magnificent and historical architectural attractions. A marvellous sacred temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is worshipped as Sri Kalahasteeswara and his consort Goddess Parvati appears as Gnana Prasunambika Devi.

A wondrous architectural site houses a Shiva Linga which is known as Vayu Linga representing the natural element air or vayu. Srikalahasteeswara is also renowned as Dakshina Kailasam as it is one of the most significant Shiva Kshetras that was constructed in the 5th century. Chola and the Vijayanagara kings made significant additions in the 12th century.

A key attraction is the hundred pillared hall with its exquisite carvings built by Krishnadevaraya in 1512 AD. Well decorated Rajagopuram or the tower at the entrance rising to a height of 127 feet is another highlight of this sacred complex. A holy site well known as Rahu Kethu Kshetra as people suffering from Rahu or Ketu dosham or marriage and childbirth related issues flock the temple to pay their obeisance to the Lord and offering him their prayers to get relieved of their miseries.

Marvel at the stunning idol of Shiva Linga made of white stone and representing the shape of an elephant’s trunk. Major attractions of the temple include the Sadyogi Mandapa and Jalkoti Mandapa. Subramanya, Sadyoganapathi, Suryanarayana, Annapurna and Kasi Viswanatha are the other deities enshrined in the temple.

Must see \ Things to do:Admire the elegant architecture of the sacred temple

2. Pathala Vinayaka Temple

One day Chennai to Srikalahasti trip takes you to a small shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha and located about 30 feet below the ground level at the northern entrance of the Sri Kalahasteeswara temple.

Devotees can reach the shrine by moving down around 20 steps to see a small but inspiring idol of Lord Ganesha. To avoid any rush only ten pilgrims are allowed at a time. This spiritual place is located in between the Swarnamukhi River and the foothills.

A mythological story associated with the temple states that when sage Agastya went to Dakshina Kailash, he did not worship Lord Ganesha as such the Swarnamukhi River dried up. To overcome his mistake he offered his prayers to Lord Ganapathi and later a temple was built enshrining Lord Vinayaka.

Must see \ Things to do: Worship Lord Vinayaka

3. Bharadwaja Theertham

With the one day exciting Chennai to Srikalahasti tour we take a short detour to the famous tank called the Bharadwaja Theertham. According to legends Bharadwaja Maharshi performed meditation at this serene place. It has a wonderful small idol of Lord Ganapathy who is more popular here as Thapo Vinayaka.

Visitors would be delighted with the picturesque location and the peaceful ambiance. Bharadwaja was a great sage and the father of the well known guru, Dronacharya. He is known for his quest for learning and is believed to have attained the power of meditation.

Must see \ Things to do:Soak in the tranquillity of the place

4. Subramanya Swamy Temple

Continuing your spiritual journey with the captivating one day Chennai to Srikalahasti trip we move to the Subramanya Swamy Temple. This temple is a glorious sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Muruga. Devotees climb a set of 150 steps to reach the main shrine.

Set amidst the breathtaking views of the surroundings the temple is an important religious site to be visited in the holy town. Skanda Purana states that Lord Kumaravelu had given advice to Lord Rama at this place when he was not happy being away from his wife Sita.

Must see \ Things to do:Pay your obeisance to Lord Kartikeya

5. Durgambika

Stop by another treasure of the holy town with our one day Chennai to Srikalahasti tour, the famous Durgambika Temple. An old temple set amidst the amazing scenery is worth a visit to experience the tranquillity of the place that lies 800 meters above the sea level.

As it is set above the Durgambika hill north to the famous Kalahasteeswara Temple, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the countryside from this spot.

Must see \ Things to do:Capture the amazing panoramic views in your camera

6. Prasanna Varadaraja Perumal Koil

Proceed to the significant Prasanna Varadaraja Perumal Temple enshrining Lord Venkateswara. An intriguing temple is considered to be a sub shrine of the prominent Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple. Devotees visit the holy place seeking the blessings of Lord Prasanna Varadaraja Perumal, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu.

Must see \ Things to do:Admire the solitude of the wonderful temple

7. Kannappa Temple

The revered Kalahasteeswara Temple has the sacred shrine of Bhakta Kannappa located over a hill called the Kannappa Tippa. It is an important religious place where Lord Shiva’s devotee Thinna used to worship a Shiva Linga that he found in the woods.

As a test to his devotion Lord Shiva made one of the eyes in the Shiva Linga flowing with blood. On this Thinna took out his eye and placed it on the Shiva Linga which then stopped bleeding.

However the other eye started bleeding and Thinna then put his leg on the injured eye and started removing his other eye. Pleased with his devotion Lord Shiva stopped him from removing his eye and granted him salvation. He is considered to be one of the most important among the 63 Nayanmars. He was later known as Kannappa as Kannu means eye in Tamil and Telugu.

Must see \ Things to do:

8. Chaturmukeshwar Temple

A preferred Shiva temple visited by pilgrims on their visit to Srikalahasti is the Chaturmukeshwar Temple which is situated on the way to Veyilingala Kona Waterfalls. Appreciate the marvellous Shiva Linga featuring four faces of Lord Shiva.

Legends state that Brahma the creator had performed penance at this place offering his prayers to Lord Shiva seeking for forgiveness for his sins and retain his power of creation. Devotees can reach the main shrine climbing around 75-80 stairs.

Must see \ Things to do:Wonderful images of other deities’ on the rocks near the shrine

9. Veyilingala Kona Waterfalls

One day Chennai to Srikalahasti tour takes you on a drive to Veyilingala Kona Waterfalls located at a distance of 8km from Srikalahasti. Veyilingala in Telugu means a valley with thousand Lingas.

Incredible waterfalls falling down from the high boulders are believed to possess medicinal values that cure several diseases. Get mesmerized with the natural landmark situated amidst lush green woods and a wonderful hill at its backdrop.

Must see \ Things to do:Take a dip in the wonderful waterfalls

10. Sahasra Linga

Wrap up your one day Chennai to Srikalahasti trip with the visit to Sahasralinga. In Telugu Sahasra means thousand as such the name Sahasra Linga denotes thousand Shiva Lingas that are carved out of the same rock. Experience the tranquillity and solace proffered by the renowned place located at a distance of 0.5 km from the Veyilingala Kona waterfalls. People throng in the place with the belief that all their sins will be washed away if they visit this sacred place.

A spiritual and cultural voyage driven with our one day Chennai to Kalahasti tour is going to be cherished by the tourists forever in their minds. An intriguing set of temples visited during this trip would introduce you to the rich heritage and culture of the town. Srikalahasteeswara Temple is a significant pilgrimage site covered during the trip. Its importance lies in the fact that it is one of the Panchabhoota Sthalams, where this religious site represents air. A visit to this celebrated shrine will take you to the bygone era.

Must see \ Things to do: Enjoy the peaceful ambiance