Istakameswari Temple is located in the sacred town of Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh. It is a revered pilgrimage site nestled in the Nallamala Hills, attracting devotees from across India. Many travelers visit this temple as part of their spiritual journey to Srisailam, which is famous for its natural beauty and religious significance.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Istakameswari Temple in Srisailam. You will learn about different transport options, practical travel tips, and what to expect upon arrival, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free trip.

Getting from Major Cities to Istakameswari Temple – Main Options

Train

Train travel is popular for pilgrims coming from cities like Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Chennai. Srisailam Road Railway Station is the nearest major station, well connected by several trains daily.

• Srisailam Road Railway Station is about 45 km from the temple, so you will need a taxi or bus for the last leg of the journey. Trains from Hyderabad take around 5 to 6 hours, with fares ranging from ₹150 to ₹600 depending on class.

• Frequent trains run from Vijayawada and Hyderabad, but direct trains to Srisailam Road are limited, so booking in advance on IRCTC is recommended, especially during festival seasons.

• The railway station has basic facilities, but taxis and auto-rickshaws are available outside for onward travel. Avoid late-night arrivals as transport options reduce after dark.

• During monsoon, train schedules can be affected by waterlogging or track maintenance, so check live train status before planning your trip.

Bus

Buses are a common and economical way to reach Srisailam from nearby cities. Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) operates regular services to Srisailam town.

• Buses from Hyderabad, Kurnool, and Nandyal run frequently, taking approximately 6 to 8 hours depending on the starting point and road conditions. Ticket prices range from ₹200 to ₹500.

• APSRTC buses arrive at Srisailam bus station, which is close to the temple area. From there, local autos or shared jeeps can take you directly to Istakameswari Temple.

• Private buses and Volvo coaches offer more comfort but are less frequent. Booking tickets online or at major bus depots is advisable during weekends and festivals.

• Roads to Srisailam pass through the Nallamala forest area, so some routes can be narrow and winding. Avoid night travel due to limited lighting and wildlife caution.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Istakameswari Temple is a flexible and comfortable option, especially for groups or families. The temple is accessible via well-maintained highways and scenic routes.

• The main access road is via National Highway NH765, connecting Hyderabad and Srisailam. The distance from Hyderabad is about 213 km, taking roughly 5 to 6 hours by car.

• From Kurnool, the drive is around 90 km and takes about 2.5 hours. The route passes through forested areas with toll plazas, so keep cash handy for toll payments.

• Self-drive allows stops at rest areas and local dhabas for meals. Popular stops include Atmakur and Dornala, which have decent food options and fuel stations.

• During monsoon, roads can be slippery and foggy in the early mornings. Drive cautiously and avoid night driving due to wild animals and poor visibility.

• Parking near the temple is limited but available. It is best to arrive early to secure a spot, especially during festivals.

Flight

There is no airport in Srisailam. The nearest airports are Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and Vijayawada Airport, both about 200 km away. Flights are suitable for travelers coming from distant cities.

• From Hyderabad Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Srisailam. The road journey takes about 5 to 6 hours, and prepaid taxi services are available at the airport.

• Vijayawada Airport is another option, with a longer road journey of approximately 7 to 8 hours to Srisailam. Buses and taxis are available but less frequent than from Hyderabad.

• Flight fares vary widely depending on the season and booking time, so plan ahead to get the best deals.

• Combining flight and road travel is common for pilgrims from distant states, allowing faster access to the region.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Istakameswari Temple, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets well in advance through IRCTC or APSRTC websites to secure seats, especially during festivals when demand is high.

• If arriving by train, plan your arrival at Srisailam Road Railway Station during daylight hours to ensure easy access to taxis or buses for the temple.

• From the bus station or railway station, hire a prepaid taxi or shared jeep to reach Istakameswari Temple, as local transport is limited and negotiating fares on the spot can be confusing.

• Carry small cash notes for tolls, local transport, and temple offerings, as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and comfortable footwear, as some walking is required around the temple complex.

• Check weather forecasts before travel and carry rain gear during monsoon or warm clothing during winter mornings, as the region can be cool and wet.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber where available to avoid overcharging by local drivers, especially at railway and bus stations.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues, and eat at clean, popular eateries to enjoy safe local food.

• Book tickets online for trains and buses to avoid last-minute rush and scams, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons.

• Local transport within Srisailam town is limited; walking or hiring autos is common. Confirm fares beforehand to prevent misunderstandings.

• Carry minimal luggage as some roads near the temple are narrow and crowded, making it difficult to travel with heavy bags.

• During monsoon, landslides or roadblocks can occur on NH765. Keep updated with local news and allow extra travel time.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Istakameswari Temple is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and dry. Summers can be hot, and monsoon rains may disrupt travel plans.

Travel conditions vary with seasons, so planning your trip accordingly will help avoid delays and discomfort.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Maha Shivaratri when the temple and town are extremely crowded, leading to transport delays and accommodation shortages.

• Monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rains, slippery roads, and occasional landslides in the forested areas around Srisailam.

• Winter mornings can have dense fog on highways, reducing visibility. Early departures after sunrise are safer.

• Midday departures during non-festival weekdays offer smoother road and rail travel with fewer crowds.

Arrival at Srisailam & What to Expect

Upon arrival in Srisailam, you will find a small but busy town catering to pilgrims. The temple is well-signposted, and local transport options include auto-rickshaws, shared jeeps, and taxis.

Accommodation ranges from budget lodges to mid-range hotels near the temple area. It is advisable to book rooms in advance during peak seasons. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available but limited, so plan your local travel accordingly.

Conclusion

Traveling to Istakameswari Temple in Srisailam is best done by train or bus for budget travelers, while self-driving offers flexibility and comfort. Booking tickets in advance and planning your arrival during daylight hours will make your journey smoother.

Keep in mind seasonal weather and local transport limitations to avoid surprises. With proper preparation and these practical tips, you can confidently plan a spiritual visit to Istakameswari Temple and enjoy the serene surroundings of Srisailam.