Lepakshi is a small village located in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is famous for its rich heritage and the iconic Veerabhadra Temple, attracting many tourists and pilgrims every year. Lepakshi lies about 120 km from Bangalore and 15 km from Hindupur, making it a popular day-trip destination.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Lepakshi by train, bus, car, and flight. You will also find practical travel tips, step-by-step plans, and advice on local transport to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Major Cities to Lepakshi – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a convenient and affordable option for reaching Lepakshi, especially from nearby cities like Bangalore and Hyderabad. The nearest railway station is Hindupur, about 15 km away.

• Hindupur Railway Station is the closest to Lepakshi, connected by regular trains from Bangalore City Junction and Guntakal Junction, with travel times ranging from 3 to 5 hours depending on the train type.

• From Hindupur station, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or local taxi to cover the 15 km distance to Lepakshi, which usually takes 30 to 40 minutes on well-maintained roads.

• Train fares from Bangalore to Hindupur typically range between ₹150 and ₹400, depending on the class of travel, with frequent trains available throughout the day.

• During festival seasons or weekends, trains can get crowded, so booking tickets in advance via IRCTC is recommended to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Keep in mind that some trains may face delays during the monsoon months due to waterlogging or track maintenance, so plan accordingly.

Bus

Buses offer a flexible and economical way to reach Lepakshi, with several options from Bangalore, Anantapur, and Hindupur. State-run and private buses operate on this route.

• From Bangalore’s Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic), you can catch direct or connecting buses to Hindupur, which is well connected by MSRTC and APSRTC services, taking about 3 to 4 hours.

• From Hindupur bus station, frequent local buses and shared autos run to Lepakshi, covering the 15 km distance in roughly 30 minutes, with fares usually under ₹50.

• Bus fares from Bangalore to Hindupur range between ₹120 and ₹250 depending on the type of bus (ordinary, deluxe, or Volvo), with multiple departures throughout the day.

• During peak hours and festival times, buses tend to be crowded, so arriving early at the bus station is advisable to secure a seat.

• Road conditions on National Highway 44 (NH44) are generally good, but toll plazas and occasional traffic jams near towns can add to travel time.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Lepakshi is a popular choice for travelers who prefer flexibility and comfort. The village is well connected by highways and offers scenic routes.

• The route from Bangalore to Lepakshi via NH44 and SH38 covers approximately 120 km and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic conditions.

• Driving from Hindupur to Lepakshi is straightforward, with good road quality and clear signboards along the 15 km stretch, making it easy for self-drivers.

• Expect to pay toll fees on NH44, with toll plazas located near Bangalore outskirts and along the highway, so keep some cash handy for smooth passage.

• Rest stops with food options are available near major towns like Hindupur and Penukonda, offering local snacks and refreshments during the drive.

• During monsoon, some stretches may become slippery or waterlogged, so drive cautiously and check weather updates before starting your journey.

Flight

While Lepakshi does not have its own airport, the nearest airports are in Bangalore and Hyderabad, making flights a viable option for travelers coming from distant locations.

• Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore is about 120 km from Lepakshi, with frequent domestic and international flights connecting major Indian cities and abroad.

• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad is approximately 190 km from Lepakshi, suitable for travelers coming from Telangana or northern India.

• From Bangalore airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Bangalore city center, then continue by train, bus, or car to Lepakshi, totaling around 3.5 to 4 hours travel time.

• Taxi fares from Bangalore airport to Lepakshi range from ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 depending on the cab service and time of day, with Ola and Uber available for pre-booking.

• Flight prices vary seasonally, so booking tickets well in advance can help secure better deals and convenient timings.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

If you are traveling to Lepakshi for the first time, this simple plan will help you organize your journey efficiently and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets in advance through IRCTC or official state transport websites to ensure availability, especially during weekends or holidays.

• If arriving by train, check the arrival time at Hindupur station and pre-book an auto or taxi for the onward journey to Lepakshi to avoid waiting.

• For self-drive travelers, plan your route using GPS apps like Google Maps and check for toll plazas and rest stops along NH44 and SH38 for a comfortable drive.

• If flying, arrange airport transfers in Bangalore beforehand via Ola or Uber apps, and confirm the local transport options to Lepakshi to avoid last-minute confusion.

• Carry bottled water and light snacks, especially if traveling by bus or train, as food options en route may be limited or crowded during peak times.

• Keep local currency handy for small expenses like tolls, auto fares, and entry fees at Lepakshi temple, as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Bangalore and Hindupur to avoid overcharging and ensure safety during transfers to Lepakshi.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey and avoid street food unless it is freshly prepared and popular among locals to prevent stomach issues.

• Book your train or bus tickets online through IRCTC or official state transport portals to avoid last-minute ticket unavailability and long queues at stations.

• For local travel around Lepakshi, autos and shared jeeps are common; negotiate fares beforehand or use apps where available to ensure fair pricing.

• Pack light but carry essentials like sunscreen, hats, and comfortable walking shoes, as Lepakshi involves some walking around the temple complex and nearby areas.

• During monsoon, carry rain gear and check weather forecasts, as heavy rains can cause delays and slippery roads, especially on rural stretches.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Lepakshi is during the cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. Summers can be hot, while the monsoon season brings heavy rains that may disrupt travel plans.

Festivals at Lepakshi, especially during Maha Shivaratri, attract large crowds, so plan your visit accordingly if you prefer a quieter experience or want to enjoy the festivities.

• Avoid traveling during major festival periods like Sankranti and Diwali when roads and trains are crowded, and accommodation may be limited near Lepakshi.

• Monsoon months (June to September) can cause waterlogging on some rural roads, so check local weather updates and road conditions before traveling.

• Early morning departures from Bangalore or Hindupur help avoid city traffic and offer a smoother journey to Lepakshi, especially on weekdays.

• Winter mornings may have fog in some parts of Andhra Pradesh, so allow extra travel time if you are on a tight schedule.

Arrival at Lepakshi & What to Expect

When you arrive at Lepakshi, you will find a peaceful village with limited public transport options. Most visitors rely on autos or taxis to reach the temple and nearby attractions. The village is small and walkable, but rickshaws are helpful for longer distances.

Accommodation options near Lepakshi are limited, so many travelers prefer staying in Hindupur or Anantapur, which have more hotels and guesthouses. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are not common in Lepakshi itself, so plan your return transport in advance.

Conclusion

Traveling to Lepakshi is straightforward whether you choose train, bus, car, or flight combined with local transport. The most efficient way for most travelers is to take a train or bus to Hindupur and then hire a local taxi or auto to Lepakshi. This balances cost, convenience, and travel time well.

Plan your trip carefully by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport ahead of time. With these tips, you can enjoy a smooth journey to Lepakshi and explore its historic temples and beautiful surroundings without stress.