Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, nestled in the Nallamala Hills. It is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas and a popular pilgrimage site for devotees across South India. Traveling from Bangalore, a major metropolitan city in Karnataka, to this spiritual destination is a common journey for many seeking blessings and tranquility.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga from Bangalore. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival. Whether you prefer train, bus, car, or flight, this article covers all essential details for a smooth pilgrimage.

Getting from Bangalore to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical choice for pilgrims heading to Srisailam. The nearest railway station is Markapur Road, about 90 km from Srisailam, requiring further road travel. Trains from Bangalore to Markapur Road run regularly but may require advance booking.

• Trains depart from Bangalore City Railway Station (SBC) to Markapur Road (MYP), covering approximately 370 km in 7 to 9 hours depending on the train service chosen, with fares ranging from INR 300 to 800 in sleeper and AC classes.

• Markapur Road station is not directly connected to Srisailam, so you need to hire a taxi or catch a bus for the remaining 90 km, which takes around 2 to 3 hours on hilly roads.

• Train frequency is moderate; booking tickets through IRCTC at least 10 days in advance is recommended, especially during festival seasons when demand surges.

• Trains are generally comfortable but can get crowded during weekends and holidays; carry water and snacks as food options on the route are limited.

• Monsoon season may cause delays due to landslides or track maintenance in the Nallamala region, so check train status before departure.

Bus

Buses offer direct connectivity from Bangalore to Srisailam and are favored by budget travelers and pilgrims. Multiple bus services operate daily, including government and private operators.

• State-run buses by APSRTC and KSRTC depart from Bangalore’s Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic) to Srisailam, covering around 380 km in 8 to 10 hours with fares between INR 400 and 700 depending on bus type.

• Volvo and deluxe buses provide comfortable seats and air conditioning, while ordinary buses are cheaper but less comfortable for the long journey.

• Night buses are available, allowing you to travel while resting and reach early morning, which is convenient for temple timings.

• Bus frequency is high, but during festivals like Maha Shivaratri, buses fill up quickly; booking tickets online or at the bus station a few days in advance is advisable.

• The route includes NH44 and NH565 highways, with several rest stops offering food and restroom facilities, though options can be basic in remote stretches.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Bangalore to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga offers flexibility and comfort, ideal for groups or families. The route passes through scenic landscapes but includes hilly terrain near Srisailam.

• The distance by road is approximately 380 km via NH44 and NH565, taking around 7 to 8 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Driving allows stops at towns like Kurnool or Nandyal for refreshments and sightseeing, with multiple toll plazas on the highways requiring cash or FASTag payments.

• Road conditions are generally good on the national highways, but the last 40 km towards Srisailam is a winding ghat road requiring cautious driving, especially during monsoon.

• Self-drive cars or taxis can be booked from Bangalore through services like Ola Outstation or private rental agencies, with fares typically ranging from INR 4000 to 6000 one way.

• Parking near the temple complex is limited; arriving early helps secure a spot and avoid crowds.

Flight

There is no airport near Srisailam; the closest airports are Hyderabad and Vijayawada, both over 200 km away. Flights are suitable only if combined with road travel.

• The nearest major airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, about 220 km from Srisailam, with frequent flights from Bangalore taking around 1 hour.

• From Hyderabad, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Srisailam, which takes approximately 5 to 6 hours on NH44 and NH565 highways.

• Vijayawada Airport is another option, about 230 km away, but has fewer direct flights from Bangalore compared to Hyderabad.

• Flight fares vary widely, from INR 1500 to 4000 one way, depending on booking time and airline.

• Combining flight and road travel is faster but more expensive and requires careful coordination of timings to avoid long waits.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Bangalore to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga. It covers essential actions to ensure a smooth journey and spiritual experience.

• Book your preferred mode of transport early, especially if traveling during festival seasons; use IRCTC for trains or official bus portals for APSRTC and KSRTC to avoid last-minute hassles.

• If traveling by train, confirm your arrival time at Markapur Road and pre-arrange a taxi or check bus schedules to Srisailam to avoid waiting in an unfamiliar place.

• For bus travelers, arrive at Bangalore’s Majestic bus station at least 30 minutes before departure to find your bus easily and secure good seats, especially on overnight services.

• If driving, plan your route using GPS apps like Google Maps, check vehicle condition, and carry cash for tolls and fuel stops; start early to avoid city traffic.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, comfortable footwear, and weather-appropriate clothing, as the temple area can be cool in mornings and evenings.

• On arrival, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for local travel; avoid unmetered taxis to prevent overcharging.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a small first-aid kit and any personal medicines, as medical facilities near Srisailam are limited and pharmacies may not stock all medicines.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your journey and at Srisailam to avoid waterborne illnesses common in rural areas.

• Book tickets online well in advance during peak pilgrimage seasons like Maha Shivaratri to secure seats and avoid long queues at counters.

• Use local auto-rickshaws or app-based cabs for short distances within Srisailam; negotiate fares beforehand if app services are unavailable.

• Keep your luggage minimal and secure; avoid carrying valuables openly and use lockable bags to prevent theft in crowded places.

• During monsoon months, check weather forecasts and road conditions before traveling, as landslides or roadblocks can cause delays or detours.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is during the cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for travel. Summers can be hot and humid, while monsoons bring heavy rains that may disrupt road travel.

Planning your trip outside major festivals can help avoid crowding and long waiting times at the temple and transport hubs. Early morning departures are recommended for a comfortable journey.

• Avoid traveling during Maha Shivaratri and other major festivals unless you want to experience the vibrant celebrations but be prepared for large crowds and higher prices.

• Monsoon season from June to September can cause slippery roads and occasional landslides in the Nallamala Hills, leading to travel delays.

• Fog during winter mornings on the ghat roads may reduce visibility; drive cautiously if self-driving.

• Departing Bangalore early in the morning helps you avoid city traffic and reach Srisailam by afternoon, allowing time for temple darshan and rest.

Arrival at Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Srisailam, you will find several local transport options to reach the temple complex, including auto-rickshaws, shared jeeps, and taxis. The temple is situated on a hill, so be prepared for some uphill walking or use the available shuttle services.

Accommodation options range from government guesthouses to private lodges near the temple and in the town. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola may not be widely available, so plan your local travel accordingly. The temple area can be crowded during peak hours, so patience and early arrival are beneficial.

Conclusion

Traveling from Bangalore to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is a fulfilling journey combining spiritual devotion with scenic landscapes. The most efficient option depends on your preferences for comfort, time, and budget. Trains and buses offer economical choices, while self-driving provides flexibility and convenience.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for local travel will ensure a smooth pilgrimage. With this guide, you can confidently organize your trip and enjoy the serene atmosphere of one of India’s revered Jyotirlinga shrines.