Fifty people were killed after a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims skidded off a mountainous road and fell into a gorge in southern India on Tuesday.

The accident took place near Shanivarapet village of Jagtiyal district, about 176 kilometers north of Hyderabad, the capital city of Telangana.

"Today in a tragic road accident, a Telangana State Road Transport Corporation bus carrying 80 passengers fell into deep gorge here," local official B. Rajesham said.

The bus was returning from the famous Hindu temple of Kondagattu Anjaneya Swamy when it skidded off the road.

Broken glass, slippers and luggage lay scattered next to lifeless bodies that were lined up at the scene, as locals pulled out survivors from the mangled vehicle.

Officials said the victims were Hindu pilgrims who had visited Anjaneya Swamy temple in Kondagattu.

"More than half of those killed were women, and there were at least three children," another local official G. Narendhar said.

The cause of accident was not immediately known. Broadcaster NDTV quoted witnesses as saying the driver was speeding and lost control of the vehicle. The Hindu daily said it careened off the road on a sharp corner. 

Passengers who survived the accident were being treated for injuries. An investigation has been ordered.

Deadly road accidents are common in India, often due to overloading, the bad condition of roads and reckless driving.