Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is tucked away in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh. It’s one of the twelve special Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. People worldwide come here, drawn by its spiritual importance and the sense of peace it offers.
The temple showcases classic South Indian architecture that reflects the area’s rich cultural history. It’s not just a place for prayer; many also visit for peace and personal reflection. The temple is set in a lush forest by the Krishna River, adding to its mystical feel. This makes it a perfect spot for devout followers and tourists seeking a unique spiritual experience.
| Mode of Transport | Route/Details | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| By Air | Nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (approx. 190 km). | From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Srisailam. |
| By Train | Nearest railway station is Markapur Road (approx. 85 km). | Regular buses and taxis are available from Markapur Road to Srisailam. |
| By Bus | APSRTC (Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) runs regular buses to Srisailam. | Buses are available from major cities like Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Guntur. |
| By Car/Taxi | Srisailam is well-connected by road. Drive via NH44 from Hyderabad, or via NH765 and SH5. | It is about a 4-hour drive from Hyderabad. The route includes a scenic journey through forests. |
| By Boat | A boating service is available across the Krishna River from Nagarjuna Sagar to Srisailam Dam. | This is a scenic route, but limited service is available, so check timings in advance. |
How to Reach Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga by Air
Nearest airport
The nearest airport to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad. It’s about 217 kilometers from the temple in Srisailam. This airport connects to big cities in India and around the world. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to Srisailam. The drive usually takes four to five hours, depending on the traffic. Many choose to fly because it’s convenient. Direct flights come from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. This makes it easier for pilgrims and tourists to visit this holy place.
How to Reach Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga by Train
Nearest railway station
When heading to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga by train, the best station to get off at is Markapur Road Railway Station, also known as MRK. It’s the central station for travelers going to this holy site. Markapur Road has good connections to big cities with regular train services. You can find local and express trains here, so getting there is straightforward no matter where you’re coming from.
The station has all the basic facilities you need, making sure you’re set for a comfortable trip. Whether alone or with friends or family, starting your journey to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga from Markapur Road Railway Station is an intelligent choice.
Distance and connectivity options
Once you get off at Markapur Road Railway Station, you’re about 85 kilometers from the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple. You’ve got several easy ways to cover this distance. Taxis and buses directly from the station are probably the most straightforward option—they offer a good mix of convenience and comfort. You can rent a car at the station if you’d rather drive yourself.
Or, if you’re looking to save money, local buses are a cheaper choice. They run frequently, timed to match up with the train arrivals. These travel options make it straightforward to get to the temple, so you can concentrate on your spiritual journey without worrying about complex travel plans.
How to Reach Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga by Road
Major cities connected by road
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is easily accessible by road, linking it to major cities like Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Vijayawada. These cities are critical points in Southern India, connected by good highways. From Hyderabad, you’re looking at a drive of about 217 kilometers on NH44. It should take you around 4 to 5 hours. If you’re coming from Bangalore, it’s a bit longer, about 415 kilometers, and the journey might take 8 to 9 hours.
Heading from Vijayawada? That’s roughly 315 kilometers, and you’ll be on the road for about 6 to 7 hours. These roads make sure you can get to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga without much hassle. Plus, the drives themselves are pretty scenic, adding to the experience.
| City | Distance (in km) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Hyderabad | 213 km | Via NH44 and NH765; approx. 4-5 hours by road. |
| Vijayawada | 272 km | Via NH65; approx. 5-6 hours by road. |
| Guntur | 232 km | Via NH167; approx. 5-6 hours by road. |
| Markapur | 85 km | Nearest railway station; approx. 2 hours by road. |
| Kurnool | 180 km | Via NH40 and SH5; approx. 3.5 hours by road. |
| Tirupati | 435 km | Via NH40 and SH5; approx. 8-9 hours by road. |
| Bangalore | 540 km | Via NH44 and NH40; approx. 9-10 hours by road. |
| Nagarjuna Sagar | 90 km | Via NH565 and Srisailam road; approx. 2-2.5 hours by road. |
Bus and taxi services
If you’re heading to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga by road, plenty of bus and taxi options exist. State buses and private coaches run from big cities like Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Vijayawada straight to Srisailam. You can pick a bus that fits your budget and style.
Also, you can easily hire a taxi from these cities if you prefer a more personal ride. Taxis and buses take scenic routes, so you’ll see some great views on the way to this holy place. With these dependable road transport choices, getting to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is easy and flexible.
Conclusion
Visiting Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is a deep and meaningful experience. It’s in the beautiful hills of Srisailam. This place isn’t just about spirituality; it’s also where you see stunning nature and impressive buildings. You can get there by plane, car, or train. Each way of traveling shows you different beautiful scenes and experiences. If you want to find peace or learn about India’s religious traditions, going to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is something you won’t forget.
Deepak Sharma is a passionate writer and avid traveler who specializes in uncovering the beauty and history of India’s attractions and temples. A graduate of Delhi University, Deepak has a deep-rooted love for his country and its rich cultural heritage.