Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. This pilgrimage spot attracts devotees from all over India, including Maharashtra, making the route from Pune to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga a popular spiritual journey.

This guide covers the best ways to travel from Pune to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, including train, bus, car, and flight options. You will find detailed travel tips, step-by-step plans, and advice on the best time to visit for a hassle-free pilgrimage experience.

Getting from Pune to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a practical and economical choice for pilgrims going from Pune to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga. While there is no direct train to Srisailam, nearby stations offer convenient access.

• Nearest railway stations:

  The closest major railway stations to Srisailam are Markapur Road (MYP) and Nandyal (NDL), both well connected from Pune via Hyderabad or Guntakal junctions. From these stations, local transport is available to Srisailam.

• Travel time and cost:

  The journey from Pune to Hyderabad by train takes around 14–16 hours, costing between ₹600 to ₹1500 depending on class. From Hyderabad, connecting trains or buses to Markapur Road or Nandyal take 4–6 hours.

• Train frequency and booking:

  Multiple trains run daily between Pune and Hyderabad, including the Pune–Hyderabad Express. Booking via IRCTC well in advance is recommended, especially during festival seasons.

• Last-mile connectivity:

  From Markapur Road or Nandyal, taxis and buses are available to Srisailam, approximately 90–100 km away. Road conditions are decent but expect winding ghats near Srisailam.

• Seasonal tips:

  Trains can get crowded during Maha Shivaratri and other festivals. Booking early and choosing sleeper or AC classes ensures comfort.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and budget-friendly option for pilgrims traveling from Pune to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga. However, the journey is long and may require multiple changes.

• Route and operators:

  Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) operates buses from Pune to Hyderabad, and Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) runs buses from Hyderabad to Srisailam.

• Travel duration and cost:

  Pune to Hyderabad by bus takes around 12–14 hours, costing ₹700–₹1200. Hyderabad to Srisailam takes an additional 5–6 hours, costing ₹200–₹400.

• Bus types and comfort:

  Volvo and deluxe buses operate on the Pune–Hyderabad route offering better comfort. APSRTC buses to Srisailam are mostly ordinary or deluxe with basic amenities.

• Booking and frequency:

  Advance booking on MSRTC and APSRTC websites is advisable. Buses run daily but frequency to Srisailam may reduce during off-season.

• Road conditions and stops:

  The Pune–Hyderabad highway (NH65) is well maintained with multiple rest stops. The route from Hyderabad to Srisailam includes hilly terrain; avoid night travel here.

Car/Self-Drive

Driving from Pune to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga offers flexibility and the chance to explore scenic routes. This option suits travelers comfortable with long-distance driving.

• Distance and route:

  The road distance is approximately 900 km via Pune–Solapur–Hyderabad–Kurnool–Srisailam. The journey takes about 16–18 hours depending on traffic and breaks.

• Highways and road conditions:

  NH65 connects Pune to Hyderabad with good road quality. After Hyderabad, NH44 and state highways lead to Srisailam. Some ghat sections near Srisailam can be narrow and winding.

• Fuel and rest stops:

  Multiple fuel stations and eateries are available along NH65 and NH44. Recommended stops include Solapur, Hyderabad, and Kurnool for meals and rest.

• Driving tips:

  Start early to avoid city traffic in Pune and Hyderabad. Avoid night driving in the ghat sections near Srisailam for safety.

• Tolls and permits:

  Expect toll plazas on NH65 and NH44. Carry a FASTag for smooth toll payments. No special permits are required for this route.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to cover the long distance between Pune and the region near Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, but it requires additional road travel to reach the shrine.

• Nearest airports:

  The closest airports to Srisailam are Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) and Vijayawada Airport (VGA). Pune has direct flights to Hyderabad.

• Flight duration and cost:

  Pune to Hyderabad flights take about 1.5 hours, with fares ranging from ₹2500 to ₹6000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From airport to Srisailam:

  From Hyderabad airport, you can hire taxis or take buses to Srisailam, which is about 215 km and takes 5–6 hours by road.

• Booking tips:

  Book flights early to get better prices. Use local taxi apps like Ola or Uber from Hyderabad airport for reliable transport.

• Seasonal considerations:

  Flights are frequent year-round but may be costlier during festival periods. Road travel from Hyderabad to Srisailam can be affected by monsoon rains.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This simple itinerary is designed for first-time travelers from Pune to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, ensuring a smooth and comfortable pilgrimage.

• Book your tickets in advance:

  Whether by train, bus, or flight, secure your seats early, especially during festival seasons like Maha Shivaratri to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Start early from Pune:

  Begin your journey early in the morning to avoid city traffic and reach your transit points comfortably, particularly if traveling by road or train.

• Plan your transit at Hyderabad:

  If traveling by train or flight, Hyderabad is the key transit hub. Allocate buffer time here to switch transport modes and refresh before continuing.

• Arrange last-mile transport:

  From Markapur Road, Nandyal, or Hyderabad, pre-book taxis or check bus schedules to Srisailam. Local autos may not be reliable for long distances.

• Carry essentials for the ghat journey:

  The final stretch to Srisailam involves hilly roads; pack water, snacks, and light clothing. Avoid traveling late evening on this route.

• Check accommodation in advance:

  Srisailam has limited lodging options. Booking rooms near the temple or in the town center ensures convenience after your journey.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety on ghat roads:

  The roads near Srisailam are narrow and winding. Avoid night travel and drive cautiously if self-driving. Use local guides if unfamiliar with the terrain.

• Food and water:

  Carry bottled water and light snacks during the journey, especially on the last leg to Srisailam where options are limited. Stick to hygienic eateries in Hyderabad and Kurnool.

• Booking platforms:

  Use IRCTC for train tickets, MSRTC and APSRTC websites for bus bookings, and trusted airline portals or apps for flights to ensure genuine tickets.

• Local commute:

  In Srisailam, use prepaid taxis or auto-rickshaws for temple visits. Avoid unmetered vehicles to prevent overcharging.

• Luggage advice:

  Pack light and carry only essentials for the pilgrimage. Secure your belongings during transit, especially on crowded trains and buses.

• Seasonal warnings:

  Monsoon rains can cause landslides and roadblocks near Srisailam. Check weather updates and local advisories before traveling.

Best Time & Conditions

The best time to visit Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga from Pune is during the cooler months from October to March. This period offers pleasant weather and safer road conditions.

Avoid traveling during peak summer months (April to June) due to intense heat and during heavy monsoon (July to September) because of slippery roads and possible delays.

• Avoid peak traffic hours in Pune and Hyderabad, typically early mornings and evenings, to reduce travel time.

• Plan your journey to avoid major festivals in Pune and Hyderabad to prevent overcrowding on trains and roads.

• Depart early in the day to maximize daylight travel, especially on the ghat roads near Srisailam.

• Check weather forecasts before traveling during monsoon to avoid landslides and road closures.

Arrival at Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga & What to Expect

Upon arrival in Srisailam, pilgrims are greeted by a serene temple town nestled in the Nallamala Hills. The temple complex is well maintained, with facilities for devotees including accommodation and eateries.

Local transport includes prepaid taxis and auto-rickshaws available near the temple and bus stands. Nearby attractions include the Srisailam Dam and scenic viewpoints. Staying near the temple or in the town center is recommended for easy access.

Conclusion

Among the travel options, taking a train from Pune to Hyderabad followed by road transport to Srisailam balances cost, comfort, and convenience. This route is popular among pilgrims for its reliability and connectivity.

With proper planning, early bookings, and awareness of road conditions, you can confidently embark on this spiritual journey from Pune to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga. The divine experience awaiting you makes every effort worthwhile.