Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, nestled in the Nallamala Hills. It is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva and attracts pilgrims from all over India. Traveling from Mumbai to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is a popular route for devotees seeking spiritual solace.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga from Mumbai. You will learn about different transport options, travel tips, and what to expect on arrival, making your pilgrimage planning easier and more confident.

Getting from Mumbai to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a preferred option for many pilgrims due to comfort and affordability. Mumbai has multiple railway stations with good connectivity to Andhra Pradesh, though reaching Srisailam requires a combination of train and road travel.

• Mumbai’s major stations like Mumbai CST, Dadar, and LTT offer trains to Nandyal or Markapur Road, the nearest railway stations to Srisailam, with journey times ranging from 16 to 22 hours depending on the train chosen.

• Train fares vary from INR 500 to INR 1500 for sleeper and AC classes, making it economical for pilgrims; booking tickets via IRCTC well in advance is recommended due to high demand during festival seasons.

• From Nandyal or Markapur Road station, you need to hire a taxi or take a state-run bus to Srisailam, which is about 90 to 110 km away, taking approximately 3 to 4 hours on hilly roads.

• Trains run daily but can be crowded during Maha Shivaratri and other festivals; booking early and choosing night trains can help avoid peak crowding and ensure a comfortable journey.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and budget-friendly way to reach Srisailam from nearby cities, though there is no direct bus from Mumbai to Srisailam. You will need to break your journey at Hyderabad or Kurnool.

• From Mumbai, take a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) or private bus to Hyderabad, which takes about 12 to 14 hours, with fares ranging from INR 600 to INR 1200 depending on the bus type.

• From Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) runs regular buses to Srisailam, covering around 213 km in 5 to 6 hours; fares are affordable, usually between INR 200 and INR 400.

• Alternatively, from Kurnool, which is well connected by bus from Hyderabad, you can get direct buses to Srisailam; this route is popular among pilgrims and offers frequent services.

• Bus travel can be tiring due to long distances and hilly terrain near Srisailam; night buses are common but may be crowded during festivals, so booking tickets in advance is advisable.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is a flexible option for those who prefer comfort and control over their schedule. The route covers approximately 900 km via NH 48 and NH 44.

• The journey takes around 16 to 18 hours depending on traffic and stops; the route passes through Pune, Solapur, Hyderabad, and Kurnool before reaching Srisailam, offering good highway conditions for most of the way.

• Toll plazas are present on NH 48 and NH 44, with toll charges totaling around INR 800 to INR 1200; plan cash or FASTag payments accordingly to avoid delays.

• There are several rest stops and dhabas along the highway, especially near Pune, Solapur, and Hyderabad, where you can enjoy local cuisine and refreshments during breaks.

• Driving through the Nallamala forest area near Srisailam requires caution, especially after dark, due to narrow roads and wildlife; avoid night driving in this stretch for safety.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Srisailam. However, flying to Hyderabad or Vijayawada and then continuing by road is a faster alternative for travelers with limited time.

• Mumbai to Hyderabad flights are frequent, with a flight time of about 1.5 hours; fares range from INR 2500 to INR 6000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Hyderabad, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Srisailam, which is approximately 213 km and takes 5 to 6 hours by road.

• Vijayawada is another airport option, about 250 km from Srisailam, but road connectivity is less frequent compared to Hyderabad; taxis are available but more expensive.

• Booking flights early can secure better fares; also, consider the time needed for road travel from the airport to Srisailam when planning your itinerary.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga. It helps you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets well in advance through IRCTC or airline websites to secure seats, especially during festival seasons when demand is high.

• If traveling by train, select a train to Nandyal or Markapur Road and plan your arrival time to match the availability of taxis or buses to Srisailam for minimal waiting.

• Arrange local transport from the railway station or airport to Srisailam in advance using trusted taxi services or APSRTC buses to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a first-aid kit, as facilities on the route, especially near Srisailam, can be limited.

• Check weather and road conditions before departure, particularly during monsoon or winter fog seasons, to prepare for possible delays or alternate routes.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a bottle of safe drinking water and avoid roadside vendors selling unpackaged food to prevent stomach issues common during long Indian journeys.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for local travel in Hyderabad or Nandyal to ensure fair pricing and safety.

• Keep your IRCTC or bus tickets handy and confirm bus timings a day before departure, as schedules can change during festivals or due to road conditions.

• Travel light and use sturdy luggage with locks; roads near Srisailam can be dusty and rough, so protecting your belongings is important.

• During monsoon (June to September), expect delays due to landslides or waterlogging on highway stretches near the Western Ghats and Nallamala Hills; plan extra travel time.

• For safety, avoid traveling alone at night in remote areas and keep emergency contacts and local police numbers saved on your phone.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and roads are safer. Summers can be hot and uncomfortable for travel, while monsoons bring heavy rains and slippery roads.

Planning your journey outside major festivals like Maha Shivaratri can help avoid overcrowding and difficulty in accommodation and transport.

• Avoid traveling during Maha Shivaratri and other major festivals unless you want to experience the vibrant crowd and are prepared for packed trains and buses.

• Monsoon rains from June to September can cause delays and roadblocks, especially in the hilly stretches near Srisailam; check weather updates before traveling.

• Early morning departures from Mumbai help avoid city traffic and allow you to reach Hyderabad or Nandyal by evening, making onward travel easier.

• Winter fog in December and January can reduce visibility on highways, so drive carefully or choose daytime travel during these months.

Arrival at Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Srisailam, you will find a well-developed pilgrimage town with several accommodation options ranging from budget lodges to mid-range hotels. The temple complex is situated on a hill, requiring a short uphill walk or use of local transport.

Local transport options include auto-rickshaws and shared taxis. Prepaid taxis are available at major points, but negotiating fares beforehand is advisable. Many pilgrims prefer walking up to the temple to experience the spiritual atmosphere fully.

Conclusion

Traveling from Mumbai to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is a fulfilling journey combining long-distance travel and a spiritual experience. The train and flight plus road combination are the most efficient options, balancing comfort and time. Planning ahead, especially for tickets and local transport, will make your pilgrimage smooth and enjoyable.

With this guide, you can confidently choose the best travel mode suited to your preferences and budget. Remember to consider seasonal conditions and festival crowds while planning. Your journey to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga from Mumbai will be memorable and spiritually rewarding with proper preparation.