If you’re seeking a temple that’s as spiritually enriching as it is visually awe-inspiring, the Nampally Snake Temple Telangana should be on your 2025 travel radar. Located in Nampally village near Vemulawada in Rajanna Sircilla district, this hidden gem is roughly 150 km from Hyderabad, making it a perfect day trip or weekend getaway.
What makes it truly unique? The temple is designed like a giant snake, where devotees enter through the serpent’s belly to reach the sanctum — a surreal experience combining mythology, devotion, and art.
A Marvel of Architecture: The Snake-Shaped Temple Telangana Is Famous For
Unlike any other temple in the region, the Nampally Gutta Temple is built to resemble a massive cobra slithering down a hill. The entrance begins at the serpent’s body and spirals through a tunnel leading up to the shrine, creating an immersive spiritual journey.
This stunning design has led many to refer to it as the snake-shaped temple Telangana proudly boasts of — a symbol of divine protection and mythological storytelling.
Spiritual Significance: Dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha
At the heart of the temple is a shrine dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, one of the most revered avatars of Lord Vishnu. The temple features dramatic sculptures narrating the tale of Prahlada and Hiranyakashipu, ending with Lord Narasimha’s iconic appearance to protect his devotee.
Adding to the mystique, atop the serpent’s hood stands a statue of Lord Krishna subduing the multi-headed serpent Kaliya, tying in another famous legend from Hindu scriptures.
Where It Is: Actual Location Details
- Location: Nampally village, Vemulawada Mandal, Rajanna Sircilla district, Telangana
- Landmark: 5–6 km from the popular Vemulawada Raja Rajeshwara Temple
- Distance from Hyderabad: ~150 km (approx. 3.5–4 hours by road)
Though sometimes confused with the Nampally ISKCON Temple in Hyderabad, this is a completely different site located in a rural, scenic hill area outside the city.
How to Reach the Nampally Snake Temple
- By Car: Easily accessible via NH563 from Hyderabad
- By Bus: Regular TSRTC buses to Vemulawada, followed by local auto/tax
- Trek to the Temple: A short, slightly steep climb of about 10–15 minutes
Is It Suitable for Senior Citizens or Pregnant Women?
- The climb can be moderately tiring, especially in warm weather.
- Senior citizens who are fit and mobile can usually manage the climb with brief rests along the way.
- Pregnant women and those with mobility or respiratory issues may find the ascent challenging, so they should consult a doctor or avoid climbing during peak heat.
- There are resting spots and railings for support, but no elevators or ramps are available.
Visitor Information
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily
- Entry Fee: None – open to all
- Best Season: October to March for pleasant weather
Travel Tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes for the steps leading up the hill
- Carry water and sun protection
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures
Pair It with a Pilgrimage
Your visit to the snake temple in Telangana can also include nearby spiritual sites like:
- Vemulawada Raja Rajeshwara Temple – a major pilgrimage site
- Kondagattu Anjaneya Swamy Temple – 35 km away, nestled in the hills
Summing Up
The Nampally Narasimha Swamy Temple affectionately called the Nampally Snake Temple, offers a powerful combination of architectural ingenuity, divine symbolism, and tranquil scenery. Its snake-like form and mythological carvings make it not just a spiritual destination, but a cultural treasure of Telangana.
So, whether you’re a devoted pilgrim or a traveler in search of hidden gems, this snake temple in Telangana promises an unforgettable experience — mystical, majestic, and marvelously offbeat.
