Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, nestled in the Nallamala Hills. It is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. Traveling from Delhi, the capital city of India, to this holy shrine is a journey across diverse landscapes and cultures.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga from Delhi. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical travel tips and a step-by-step plan to make your pilgrimage comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Delhi to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical way to reach Srisailam from Delhi. Several trains connect Delhi to nearby railway stations, and from there, local transport can take you to the temple.

• The nearest major railway stations to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga are Markapur Road (MYP) and Nandyal (NDL), approximately 90-100 km away, accessible by trains from Delhi via Hyderabad or Vijayawada.

• Delhi to Hyderabad or Vijayawada trains take around 20-24 hours, with fares ranging from INR 800 to 2500 depending on class and train type, including Rajdhani and Duronto options.

• From Hyderabad or Vijayawada, you can catch local trains or buses to Markapur Road or Nandyal; these connections are frequent but may require advance planning during festival seasons due to crowding.

• From Markapur Road or Nandyal, taxis or buses cover the last 90 km to Srisailam, taking about 3 hours on hilly roads; shared cabs are available but less frequent during monsoon months due to slippery conditions.

• Booking train tickets through IRCTC is recommended well in advance, especially during Maha Shivaratri and other pilgrimage peaks to avoid last-minute hassles.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and budget-friendly option, though the journey is long and can be tiring. State transport and private operators run services connecting Delhi to Andhra Pradesh cities near Srisailam.

• Direct buses from Delhi to Hyderabad or Vijayawada take approximately 30-36 hours, with fares between INR 1000 and 1800 depending on the bus type, including sleeper and Volvo AC coaches.

• From Hyderabad or Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) runs frequent buses to Srisailam, taking around 5-6 hours on NH765 and SH16 highways.

• Bus services to Srisailam are more frequent during pilgrimage seasons but can get crowded; booking tickets online through APSRTC or private portals is advisable.

• The route passes through toll plazas and hilly terrain, so expect some delays during monsoon due to landslides or road maintenance.

• Night buses are available but may not be comfortable for all travelers; daytime travel allows better sightseeing and safer road conditions.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is an adventurous option for those who prefer flexibility and scenic routes. The distance is about 1800 km and takes roughly 30-35 hours of driving time.

• The most common route is via NH44, passing through Agra, Nagpur, Hyderabad, and Kurnool before reaching Srisailam, with well-maintained highways and multiple toll plazas.

• Driving allows stops at major cities for rest, food, and sightseeing, including Hyderabad’s cultural spots and Kurnool’s historical sites.

• Fuel stations and dhabas are available along the route, but carrying water and snacks is advisable for stretches through forested or hilly areas near Srisailam.

• Monsoon season can cause slippery roads and occasional landslides near the Nallamala Hills; drive cautiously and check weather updates before departure.

• Self-drive cars can be rented from Delhi with options ranging from compact cars to SUVs suitable for hilly terrain; ensure valid permits and insurance for interstate travel.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to cover most of the distance, combined with road travel to reach the temple. The nearest airports are Hyderabad and Vijayawada.

• Direct flights from Delhi to Hyderabad or Vijayawada take about 2.5 to 3 hours, with fares ranging from INR 2500 to 6000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is well-connected with frequent taxis, app-based cabs like Ola and Uber, and bus services to the city center.

• From Hyderabad or Vijayawada airports, you can hire taxis or take APSRTC buses to Srisailam, which is about 220 km from Hyderabad and 180 km from Vijayawada.

• Flight bookings are best done in advance, especially during festival seasons, to secure reasonable fares and seat availability.

• Last-mile travel from airports involves hilly roads; shared taxis and private cabs are available but pre-booking is recommended for convenience and safety.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, focusing on smooth transitions and minimizing travel stress.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute price hikes and ensure seat availability during peak pilgrimage times.

• If traveling by train, choose a route via Hyderabad or Vijayawada and plan your arrival to coincide with local bus or taxi timings to Srisailam for seamless connectivity.

• For bus travelers, reserve tickets on APSRTC or private bus portals and confirm departure times a day before to avoid cancellations or delays common during monsoon or festival rush.

• Arrange local transport from Markapur Road, Nandyal, Hyderabad, or Vijayawada in advance using trusted taxi services or app-based cabs to avoid waiting times and inflated fares.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit, especially if you plan to travel by road through hilly and forested areas near Srisailam.

• Check weather forecasts and road conditions before starting your journey, particularly during monsoon months, to avoid disruptions caused by landslides or heavy rains.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber at airports and railway stations to avoid overcharging and ensure safety during local travel.

• Carry bottled water and avoid street food unless it is from clean, well-known outlets to prevent stomach issues during your pilgrimage.

• Book tickets online through official portals like IRCTC and APSRTC to secure confirmed seats and avoid scams common at local ticket counters.

• Use local buses or shared taxis for short distances within Srisailam to save money, but be prepared for crowded conditions during festival seasons.

• Pack your luggage in sturdy bags and keep valuables like documents and money in a separate, secure pouch to prevent loss or theft during long journeys.

• During the monsoon season, carry rain gear and check with local authorities about road conditions, as landslides and roadblocks can delay travel to Srisailam.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and roads are safe. Summers can be hot, and monsoons bring heavy rains and slippery roads.

Planning your travel outside major festival dates will help avoid crowding and booking difficulties. Early morning departures are recommended for smoother journeys and better road conditions.

• Avoid traveling during Maha Shivaratri and other major festivals unless you want to experience the pilgrimage rush and are prepared for crowded transport and accommodations.

• Monsoon months (June to September) can cause delays due to landslides and slippery roads in the Nallamala Hills; check weather updates regularly.

• Winter mornings and nights can be foggy on highways like NH44, so drive carefully and allow extra travel time.

• Departing early in the morning from Delhi or connecting cities reduces traffic delays and helps you reach your destination before dark, enhancing safety.

Arrival at Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga & What to Expect

Upon arrival in Srisailam, you will find a peaceful town catering to pilgrims with basic amenities and transport options. The temple is located on a hill, accessible by road and ropeway.

Local transport includes shared jeeps, taxis, and auto-rickshaws that connect the town to the temple entrance. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are limited, so negotiate fares beforehand or book through trusted operators.

Accommodation options range from government-run guest houses to private lodges near the temple and in the town. Booking in advance during peak seasons is advisable to secure a comfortable stay.

Conclusion

Traveling from Delhi to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga involves a combination of long-distance and local travel. The most efficient option is to fly to Hyderabad or Vijayawada and then take a bus or taxi to Srisailam, balancing speed and convenience.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport will help you have a smooth and fulfilling pilgrimage experience. With this guide, you can confidently prepare for your journey to one of India’s most revered Jyotirlingas.