Mallikarjuna Temple is a revered Hindu shrine located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and attracts pilgrims from across India. Traveling from Delhi to Mallikarjuna Temple is a popular route for devotees and tourists seeking spiritual experiences.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Mallikarjuna Temple from Delhi. You will find detailed information on train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical travel tips and step-by-step planning advice for a hassle-free journey.

Getting from Delhi to Mallikarjuna Temple – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a common and economical way to reach Srisailam from Delhi. Though there is no direct train to Srisailam, you can reach nearby stations and continue by road.

• Take a train from New Delhi Railway Station to Kurnool City or Markapur Road, which are the closest major stations to Srisailam. The journey covers around 1900 km and takes approximately 30 to 36 hours depending on the train.

• Popular trains include the Hyderabad Express and the Kacheguda Express, which run daily or several times a week, offering sleeper and AC classes for comfort.

• From Kurnool or Markapur Road, hire a taxi or take a local bus to Srisailam, which is about 90 to 100 km away and takes 2.5 to 3 hours by road.

• Train fares range from ₹600 to ₹2500 depending on class and train type. Booking through IRCTC in advance is recommended, especially during festival seasons when pilgrim traffic increases.

• Be aware of delays during monsoon months due to track maintenance or fog in northern India during winters, which can affect train timings.

Bus

Bus travel is suitable for budget travelers who prefer direct road connectivity. However, there are no direct buses from Delhi to Srisailam, so multiple changes are needed.

• Start with a Volvo or deluxe bus from Delhi ISBT to Hyderabad or Kurnool, which takes about 24 to 30 hours covering roughly 1500 km, with fares between ₹1000 and ₹2000.

• From Hyderabad or Kurnool, take a state transport bus or private taxi to Srisailam. Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) runs regular buses covering the 90-100 km stretch in about 3 hours.

• Buses from Delhi to Hyderabad depart frequently, but booking tickets in advance is advised to avoid last-minute rush, especially during weekends and festivals.

• Road conditions on NH44 are generally good, with toll plazas and rest stops offering food and refreshments. Night travel is common but be cautious of fatigue and road safety.

• During monsoon, some routes may experience delays due to waterlogging or landslides near the Western Ghats region, so check weather updates before departure.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Mallikarjuna Temple offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route. It is a long journey of about 1900 km via NH44.

• The route goes through major cities like Agra, Nagpur, Hyderabad, and Kurnool, taking approximately 32 to 36 hours of driving time without long breaks.

• Plan for multiple overnight stops in cities such as Nagpur or Hyderabad to avoid driver fatigue and ensure safety on highways.

• Fuel costs will vary but expect toll charges at various plazas on NH44, so carry sufficient cash or FASTag for smooth passage.

• Roads are mostly four-lane highways with good signage, but watch for heavy traffic near metro cities and occasional roadworks during monsoon season.

• Food options are available at highway dhabas and restaurants, but carry water and snacks for remote stretches. Mobile network coverage is good along the route.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to cover the long distance from Delhi to Andhra Pradesh, but there is no airport near Srisailam. The nearest airports are Hyderabad and Vijayawada.

• Book a flight from Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport to Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Flights are frequent and operated by multiple airlines.

• From Hyderabad airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Srisailam, which is approximately 210 km and takes around 5 to 6 hours by road.

• Alternatively, fly to Vijayawada Airport, about 250 km from Srisailam, and continue by road. Vijayawada has fewer direct flights from Delhi compared to Hyderabad.

• Flight fares vary widely, from ₹2500 to ₹7000 depending on booking time and airline. Booking early can secure better deals.

• Road travel from the airport involves good highways but plan for possible traffic delays near Hyderabad city, especially during peak hours.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Mallikarjuna Temple, ensuring a smooth and well-organized journey.

• Book your train or flight tickets well in advance using IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability during festivals.

• If traveling by train, choose a major station like Kurnool City for arrival, then pre-arrange a taxi or check bus schedules to Srisailam to avoid waiting times.

• For bus travelers, plan your journey in segments: Delhi to Hyderabad or Kurnool, then onward to Srisailam. Confirm bus timings a day before departure at the bus depot or online.

• If self-driving, map your route carefully using GPS apps and schedule overnight stops in safe hotels in cities like Nagpur or Hyderabad to rest adequately.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a power bank. Also, keep local currency handy for tolls and small purchases en route.

• On arrival in Srisailam, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for local travel to the temple and nearby accommodations to avoid overcharging.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded trains and bus stations, as pickpocketing can occur during busy travel times.

• Drink only bottled water and eat from clean, reputable eateries to avoid stomach issues during your journey.

• Book tickets online through official portals like IRCTC and APSRTC to ensure authenticity and avoid scams common at physical counters.

• Use local transport options such as auto-rickshaws or app-based cabs for short distances in Srisailam; negotiate fares or insist on meter usage.

• Carry minimal luggage for ease of travel, especially if switching between trains, buses, and taxis multiple times.

• During monsoon, check weather and road conditions before traveling as landslides or heavy rains can disrupt road and rail services.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Mallikarjuna Temple is during cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant. Summers can be very hot, and monsoon rains may cause travel delays.

Festival seasons like Maha Shivaratri attract large crowds, so plan your trip accordingly to avoid overcrowding and higher accommodation prices.

• Avoid traveling during peak festival days unless you want to experience the temple’s grand celebrations but be prepared for heavy traffic and limited accommodation.

• Monsoon months (June to September) may bring roadblocks and train delays due to waterlogging and landslides, especially near the Western Ghats.

• Early morning departures from Delhi can help you avoid city traffic and reach major transit points on time.

• Winter fog in northern India can delay trains and flights, so allow buffer time in your schedule during December and January.

Arrival at Mallikarjuna Temple & What to Expect

Upon reaching Srisailam, you will find several local transport options to reach Mallikarjuna Temple, which is located atop a hill. Prepaid taxis and shared jeeps are common and reliable.

Accommodation options are available near the temple and in the town, ranging from budget lodges to mid-range hotels. It is advisable to book in advance during festivals. Local eateries serve simple South Indian meals, and the temple area is well-maintained for pilgrims.

Conclusion

Among all options, traveling by train to Kurnool followed by a taxi or bus to Srisailam is the most balanced choice for cost, comfort, and convenience. Flights to Hyderabad combined with road travel offer speed but involve longer road journeys.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, considering seasonal factors, and preparing for multiple transport modes. With careful planning and awareness of local travel conditions, you can reach Mallikarjuna Temple from Delhi smoothly and enjoy a fulfilling pilgrimage experience.