Our Travel Diaries - Series
Travel is not just about reaching a destination — but it’s about the paths we take and the memories we create along the way. 2nd Oct 2025 - on the day of Vijaya Dasami, we went on a sudden unplanned trip to Srisailam from Hyderabad as it was Dasara vacation. It was just a two-day trip and we were back home on 3rd Oct night. After an early morning Sparsh Darsan of Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy and a close darsan of Sri Brahmarambika Devi on 3rd Oct, we enjoyed a boat ride in Patala Ganga.
On 3rd October 2025, our family set out to experience the sacred waters of Patala Ganga in Srisailam, a place steeped in devotion and natural beauty where we enjoyed a boat ride. What awaited us was not just a boat ride, but a journey filled with adventure, resilience, and serenity. Well, this was our 2nd visit to Patala Ganga, the 1st visit was in 2008 when we went down to Patala Ganga in a rope way but we did go on a boat ride in our 1st visit.
Normally, tourists descend to Patala Ganga by cable car service, gliding smoothly down to the riverbank. But on that day, our bad luck, the service was under repair and the rope way was closed due to some technical problem. Many tourists were going down the stony steps but we didn't dare to do so, as going down is an easy task but climbing up would be too exhaustive. One flower-seller told us that there are autos that take us to Patala Ganga and they charge Rs.150 /- per head but it is a long route down the hill. I think, it was a temporary service due to the closure of rope way. We (myself, my husband and daughter) wanted to take an auto separately without sharing basis for which the fare is Rs.1200/- but the drivers were not willing on non-sharing basis though we were ready to pay the amount. With great difficulty one young boy agreed to take us and finally our auto ride down the rustic ghat road started.
Also Read: Uma Maheswaram Temple, Achampet, Telangana
OMG! it was so scary as the auto was wobbling continuously and as always I started chanting Hanuman Chalisa all along. In spite of the adventurous, scary and dangerous auto ride on the narrow stony path, there was something thrilling about it. The laughter of ours holding on tightly the side rods, the young driver’s skillful maneuvering and the beautiful sight of Patala Ganga twisting through mountains, slowly coming into view was really memorable thing. It felt like nature was testing our determination to reach the sacred waters. I had never had such a scary experience added with a pinch of thrill and a 'pacca local' experience. Finally on reaching the destination, we heaved a sigh of relief and we stunned at the beautiful view of Patala Ganga. The beauty of nature at this place was at Her best and it is worth a visit in spite of undergoing the challenges all along the way. The Patala Ganga water flowing in between the mountains was a wonderful sight.
%20UL.png)
.png)
As the boat glided across the river, the surrounding hills stood tall, echoing with silence and devotion. The waters of Patala Ganga are considered holy and dipping our hands into them felt like touching centuries of faith. Children giggled, elders prayed and we all shared a moment of togetherness that only a family travel can bring. The boat rode slowly so that tourists can enjoy watching the nature which is at her best with the river taking curves in between the mountains - really a spectacular view and a refreshing moment.
.png)
.png)
.png)
Our boat ride at Patala Ganga on 3rd October 2025 will remain etched in memory as a blend of challenge and serenity. From the rocky descent in the auto to the calm waters of Krishnamma, every moment was a story worth telling. Each travel teaches us that a journey is as important as the destination. And in Srisailam, at Patala Ganga, we found both — a path that tested us and a river that blessed us.
'Timeless Travel Stories Cherished Forever'
Travel is not just about reaching a destination — but it’s about the paths we take and the memories we create along the way. 2nd Oct 2025 - on the day of Vijaya Dasami, we went on a sudden unplanned trip to Srisailam from Hyderabad as it was Dasara vacation. It was just a two-day trip and we were back home on 3rd Oct night. After an early morning Sparsh Darsan of Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy and a close darsan of Sri Brahmarambika Devi on 3rd Oct, we enjoyed a boat ride in Patala Ganga.
On 3rd October 2025, our family set out to experience the sacred waters of Patala Ganga in Srisailam, a place steeped in devotion and natural beauty where we enjoyed a boat ride. What awaited us was not just a boat ride, but a journey filled with adventure, resilience, and serenity. Well, this was our 2nd visit to Patala Ganga, the 1st visit was in 2008 when we went down to Patala Ganga in a rope way but we did go on a boat ride in our 1st visit.
Normally, tourists descend to Patala Ganga by cable car service, gliding smoothly down to the riverbank. But on that day, our bad luck, the service was under repair and the rope way was closed due to some technical problem. Many tourists were going down the stony steps but we didn't dare to do so, as going down is an easy task but climbing up would be too exhaustive. One flower-seller told us that there are autos that take us to Patala Ganga and they charge Rs.150 /- per head but it is a long route down the hill. I think, it was a temporary service due to the closure of rope way. We (myself, my husband and daughter) wanted to take an auto separately without sharing basis for which the fare is Rs.1200/- but the drivers were not willing on non-sharing basis though we were ready to pay the amount. With great difficulty one young boy agreed to take us and finally our auto ride down the rustic ghat road started.
The Rocky Path Down the Ghat Road
The path down the mountain was too rocky and wobbly with many twists through the hillside. The ride was too bumpy with stones rattling beneath the wheels and the auto literally swaying all through. There is no tar road but a narrow path on the mountain slopes meant for locals who go by foot. And these auto drivers are using the dangerous path for temporary earnings. Moreover this narrow path on slopes is two-way and the vehicles packed with tourists were moving up and down the narrow path.Also Read: Uma Maheswaram Temple, Achampet, Telangana
OMG! it was so scary as the auto was wobbling continuously and as always I started chanting Hanuman Chalisa all along. In spite of the adventurous, scary and dangerous auto ride on the narrow stony path, there was something thrilling about it. The laughter of ours holding on tightly the side rods, the young driver’s skillful maneuvering and the beautiful sight of Patala Ganga twisting through mountains, slowly coming into view was really memorable thing. It felt like nature was testing our determination to reach the sacred waters. I had never had such a scary experience added with a pinch of thrill and a 'pacca local' experience. Finally on reaching the destination, we heaved a sigh of relief and we stunned at the beautiful view of Patala Ganga. The beauty of nature at this place was at Her best and it is worth a visit in spite of undergoing the challenges all along the way. The Patala Ganga water flowing in between the mountains was a wonderful sight.
The Boat Ride Experience
At Patala Ganga, River Krishna (Krishnamma) flows with quiet majesty. On boarding the boat, we felt the cool breeze brushing against our faces. As the boat started moving forward tourists including us started capturing nature's beauty in their cams, while some were busy taking selfies. The gentle rocking of the boat with the rhythmic splash and the shimmering water all combined to create a sense of peace which is of much need in the present tech-dominated busy busy world.As the boat glided across the river, the surrounding hills stood tall, echoing with silence and devotion. The waters of Patala Ganga are considered holy and dipping our hands into them felt like touching centuries of faith. Children giggled, elders prayed and we all shared a moment of togetherness that only a family travel can bring. The boat rode slowly so that tourists can enjoy watching the nature which is at her best with the river taking curves in between the mountains - really a spectacular view and a refreshing moment.
Reflections
The journey reminded us that sometimes the detours become the story. The broken cable car could have been seen as an obstacle, but instead, it gave us a chance to experience the rugged path, to laugh together and to appreciate the effort it takes to reach something sacred. Patala Ganga is not just a destination but was a reminder that devotion, adventure and family bonds flow together like the river itself. After a wonderful experience of Patala Ganga boat ride in Srisailam, we started our drive back to Hyderabad. On the way in the evening we visited the ancient 2nd century temple of Sri Uma Maheswara Swamy.Our boat ride at Patala Ganga on 3rd October 2025 will remain etched in memory as a blend of challenge and serenity. From the rocky descent in the auto to the calm waters of Krishnamma, every moment was a story worth telling. Each travel teaches us that a journey is as important as the destination. And in Srisailam, at Patala Ganga, we found both — a path that tested us and a river that blessed us.
'Timeless Travel Stories Cherished Forever'
Comments
Post a Comment