Mallikarjun is a serene town located in the southern part of India, known for its famous Mallikarjun Temple in Telangana. It attracts many pilgrims and travelers from across the country, including Delhi. Traveling from Delhi to Mallikarjun is a common route for those seeking spiritual experiences or exploring South Indian culture.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Mallikarjun from Delhi using various transport modes. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical travel tips and a step-by-step plan to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Delhi to Mallikarjun – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical choice for reaching Mallikarjun from Delhi. It offers a comfortable journey with scenic views and multiple train options connecting major stations.

• Trains depart from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) and Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) to Dharmabad or Nanded, the nearest major stations to Mallikarjun, covering around 1600 km in approximately 28-32 hours.

• Ticket fares range between INR 700 to 2500 depending on class, with sleeper, 3AC, and 2AC options available through IRCTC booking online or at counters.

• Trains like the Nanded Express and Deccan Queen run frequently, but booking in advance is advised, especially during festival seasons like Maha Shivaratri when pilgrim traffic increases.

• From Dharmabad or Nanded station, local buses or taxis can be hired for the 30-40 km journey to Mallikarjun temple, which takes about 1-1.5 hours.

• Be prepared for delays during monsoon months (June-September) due to heavy rains affecting tracks in Maharashtra and Telangana regions.

Bus

Bus travel is suitable for budget travelers who prefer direct road routes. It offers flexibility but involves long hours on the road.

• Buses operate from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Hyderabad or Nanded, which are the closest major bus hubs to Mallikarjun, covering roughly 1600 km in 30-36 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• State transport buses like TSRTC and private operators run Volvo and non-AC sleeper buses with fares ranging from INR 1000 to 1800.

• From Hyderabad or Nanded bus stands, you can take local buses or taxis to Mallikarjun, which is about 150 km from Hyderabad and 40 km from Nanded.

• Road conditions on National Highways NH44 and NH161 are generally good, but expect toll plazas and occasional traffic jams near major cities.

• Night buses are common and help save daytime for sightseeing; however, comfort levels vary, so choose reputed operators for overnight journeys.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Mallikarjun is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want to explore en route destinations at their own pace.

• The distance by road is approximately 1600 km via NH44, taking around 28-30 hours of driving time without long breaks, so plan for overnight stops.

• Major cities on the route include Agra, Nagpur, and Hyderabad, where you can rest and refuel; toll charges along NH44 can add up to INR 1500-2000.

• Fuel costs for a car with average mileage will be around INR 8000-10000 one way, depending on vehicle type and fuel prices.

• Roads are mostly four-lane highways with good signage, but expect some traffic congestion near metro cities and occasional roadworks.

• Self-drive travelers should carry physical maps or GPS devices and be cautious during monsoon season due to slippery roads and reduced visibility.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach the region near Mallikarjun, combined with road travel for the last leg.

• Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) offers daily flights to Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), about 150 km from Mallikarjun, with flight durations around 2.5 to 3 hours.

• Airfares range from INR 2500 to 6000 depending on the airline and booking time; budget carriers like IndiGo and SpiceJet operate frequent flights.

• From Hyderabad airport, you can hire prepaid taxis or use app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for a 3-4 hour drive to Mallikarjun, or take a bus to Nanded and then local transport.

• Flight bookings are best made 2-3 weeks in advance to get affordable fares, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons.

• Weather delays are rare but can occur during heavy monsoon rains affecting southern India airports.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Delhi to Mallikarjun, ensuring a hassle-free journey with clear steps and useful tips.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure seats and avoid last-minute price hikes.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and a power bank, as some train and bus routes have limited food options.

• On the day of travel, reach the departure station or airport at least 1.5 hours before departure to manage security and boarding smoothly.

• If traveling by train, confirm your coach and seat number on arrival and keep your ticket handy for ticket checks during the journey.

• Upon reaching Hyderabad, Nanded, or Dharmabad, arrange local transport in advance via phone or app to avoid waiting and ensure timely arrival at Mallikarjun.

• Carry some cash in local currency for small expenses, as remote areas near Mallikarjun may have limited digital payment options.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying expensive items openly, especially in crowded stations and bus stands.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey to prevent stomach issues common among travelers in India.

• Use official websites or trusted travel agents for booking tickets to avoid scams and fake bookings.

• For local travel near Mallikarjun, prefer prepaid taxis or app-based cabs rather than hailing random autos to ensure fair pricing and safety.

• Pack comfortable footwear and light clothes suitable for warm weather, but carry a light jacket for cooler nights, especially if traveling in winter months.

• During monsoon season, check weather updates regularly and be prepared for possible travel delays or roadblocks due to rains and flooding.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Mallikarjun is during the cooler months from October to March. This period offers pleasant weather and fewer travel disruptions.

Avoid traveling during the peak summer months of April to June due to extreme heat, and be cautious during the monsoon season when heavy rains can cause delays and slippery roads.

• Festival seasons like Maha Shivaratri and Sankranti see increased pilgrim traffic, so book tickets well in advance and expect crowded trains and buses.

• Fog in northern India during December and January can delay trains departing from Delhi, so plan for possible schedule changes.

• Early morning departures from Delhi help avoid city traffic and provide smoother access to stations and airports.

• Road travel during monsoon requires caution due to waterlogging and reduced visibility, so check local weather before starting your journey.

Arrival at Mallikarjun & What to Expect

When you arrive near Mallikarjun, either at Nanded, Dharmabad, or Hyderabad, local transport options are available to reach the temple town. Prepaid taxis and shared autos are common and reliable.

Accommodation options near Mallikarjun include guesthouses and dharamshalas catering to pilgrims. Staying near the temple area is convenient for early morning darshan and local sightseeing. App-based cabs like Ola and Uber may not be widely available in Mallikarjun itself, so plan accordingly.

Conclusion

Traveling from Delhi to Mallikarjun is best done by train or flight combined with local transport, depending on your budget and time constraints. Trains offer a cost-effective and scenic route, while flights save time and provide comfort for longer journeys.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport will ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. With this guide, you can confidently prepare for your journey to Mallikarjun and experience the spiritual and cultural richness the destination offers.