Pune, a bustling city in Maharashtra, is well connected to many pilgrimage and tourist destinations across South India. Srisailam, located in Andhra Pradesh, is a revered temple town famous for the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga and beautiful natural surroundings. This route is popular among devotees, weekend travelers, and nature lovers seeking a spiritual retreat or a scenic getaway.

This guide covers all practical ways to travel from Pune to Srisailam, including train, bus, car, and flight options. You will find detailed travel times, ticket costs, route tips, and advice to help you plan your journey confidently and comfortably.

Getting from Pune to Srisailam – Main Options

By Train

Train travel is a preferred option for many due to its affordability and comfort, though there is no direct train connecting Pune and Srisailam. You will need to combine train and road travel for the last leg.

• Nearest railway stations:

  The closest major railway station to Srisailam is Markapur Road (MYP) or Nandyal (NDL). From Pune, you can take trains to Hyderabad or Nandyal, then proceed by road. Pune to Hyderabad trains take around 14–16 hours.

• Train options and ticket fares:

  Trains like the Pune–Hyderabad Hussainsagar Express or Pune–Hyderabad Swarna Jayanti Express offer daily or frequent services. Sleeper class fares range from ₹400 to ₹900, while AC classes cost ₹1,000 to ₹2,000.

• Connecting road travel:

  From Nandyal or Markapur Road, Srisailam is about 90–110 km by road, taking 2.5 to 3 hours via NH765. Buses and taxis are available at these stations.

• Booking tips:

  Book tickets via IRCTC well in advance, especially during festival seasons like Maha Shivaratri when Srisailam sees a surge in visitors.

• Seasonal considerations:

  Train travel is comfortable year-round, but monsoon rains can cause delays on some routes. Avoid last-minute bookings during peak pilgrimage periods.

By Bus

Buses offer a direct and economical way to reach Srisailam from Pune, though the journey is long and may require changes. This mode suits budget travelers and those preferring overnight travel.

• Bus routes and operators:

  Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) run buses connecting Pune to Hyderabad and then to Srisailam. Direct Pune–Srisailam buses are rare; a change at Hyderabad or Kurnool is common.

• Travel time and fares:

  Pune to Hyderabad by bus takes around 12–14 hours, costing ₹700 to ₹1,200 depending on AC or non-AC. Hyderabad to Srisailam takes 5–6 hours, costing ₹200 to ₹400.

• Bus types and comfort:

  Volvo and deluxe AC buses are available on Pune–Hyderabad routes, offering better comfort. APSRTC buses from Hyderabad to Srisailam include non-AC and AC options.

• Booking and boarding tips:

  Book tickets online via MSRTC and APSRTC portals or apps. Board buses early in the morning or late evening to avoid city traffic and ensure seat availability.

• Road conditions:

  The Pune–Hyderabad route uses NH65, a well-maintained highway with multiple tolls. The Hyderabad–Srisailam stretch on NH765 passes through forested areas; travel cautiously at night.

By Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Pune to Srisailam is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want flexibility. The distance is approximately 800 km and takes around 14–16 hours depending on stops.

• Recommended route:

  Take NH65 from Pune to Hyderabad, then NH765 to Srisailam. This route passes through Solapur, Hyderabad, and Kurnool, offering good highway conditions.

• Road and traffic conditions:

  NH65 is a four-lane highway with toll plazas and decent amenities. NH765 is narrower and passes through forest areas; drive carefully, especially after dusk.

• Rest stops and fuel:

  There are multiple fuel stations and eateries along NH65 near Solapur and Hyderabad. Plan breaks at places like Solapur and Kurnool for refreshments and refueling.

• Permits and tolls:

  Ensure your vehicle has valid permits for interstate travel. Expect toll charges totaling around ₹600–₹800. Carry cash or FASTag for smooth passage.

• Best time to start:

  Begin early morning to avoid Pune city traffic and reach Srisailam by evening. Avoid night driving in forested stretches due to wildlife and limited lighting.

By Flight

There is no direct flight to Srisailam, but flying to Hyderabad or Vijayawada and then traveling by road is a fast alternative for those short on time.

• Nearest airports:

  Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (HYD) is the closest major airport, about 213 km from Srisailam. Vijayawada Airport (VGA) is another option, approximately 250 km away.

• Flight options and fares:

  Pune to Hyderabad flights are frequent, operated by IndiGo, AirAsia, and others. Ticket prices vary from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 depending on booking time and season.

• Road transfer from airport:

  From Hyderabad airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Srisailam. The road journey takes about 4.5 to 5 hours via NH765.

• Booking tips:

  Book flights early to get better fares. Use apps like MakeMyTrip or Cleartrip and check for combo offers on flights plus taxis.

• Seasonal and timing advice:

  Flights are reliable year-round but book well ahead during festival seasons. Avoid late evening arrivals to ensure safe road travel to Srisailam.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This simple itinerary is designed for first-time travelers from Pune to Srisailam, balancing convenience and comfort.

• Book your train or flight tickets early:

  Use IRCTC for trains or airline websites/apps for flights. Early booking ensures availability and better prices, especially during festivals.

• Reach the departure point early:

  Arrive at Pune station or airport at least 1 hour before departure to avoid last-minute rush and complete security checks smoothly.

• Plan your connecting transport:

  If traveling by train, arrange a taxi or bus from Hyderabad or Nandyal to Srisailam in advance. Prepaid taxis or APSRTC buses are reliable options.

• Pack essentials for the journey:

  Carry water, snacks, and light clothing. Monsoon travelers should pack rain gear, and winter travelers should carry warm clothes for the cooler temple area.

• Use local apps for last-mile commute:

  Upon arrival in Srisailam, use Ola or local auto-rickshaws for short distances. Confirm fares beforehand to avoid overcharging.

• Stay informed about temple timings and local transport:

  Check Srisailam temple darshan timings online and plan your arrival accordingly to avoid long queues and crowds.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety on highways:

  Stick to NH65 and NH765 for better road conditions. Avoid night driving in forest areas near Srisailam due to wildlife crossings and poor lighting.

• Food and water:

  Carry bottled water and light snacks, especially on bus or train journeys. Prefer eating at well-known highway restaurants or clean eateries.

• Booking strategy:

  Use IRCTC for train tickets and official MSRTC/APSRTC websites for bus bookings to avoid scams. For flights, use reputed travel portals or airline apps.

• Local commute in Srisailam:

  Auto-rickshaws and shared jeeps are common. Negotiate fares before boarding or use prepaid taxi counters near bus stands and railway stations.

• Luggage handling:

  Pack light as you may need to walk short distances in temple areas. Keep valuables secure and carry a small daypack for essentials during darshan.

• Seasonal travel warnings:

  Monsoon months (July–September) can cause slippery roads and occasional landslides near Srisailam. Winter mornings can be foggy on highways; drive cautiously.

Best Time & Conditions

The best time to visit Srisailam from Pune is during the cooler months from October to March, avoiding the intense summer heat and monsoon rains. This period offers pleasant weather for travel and temple visits.

Traveling during festivals like Maha Shivaratri is spiritually rewarding but expect heavy crowds and higher accommodation prices. Plan accordingly if you prefer a quieter experience.

• Avoid peak traffic hours in Pune, especially morning and evening rush, to save time on departure.

• Monsoon rains can delay road and train travel; plan extra buffer time if traveling between July and September.

• Early morning departures help avoid city traffic and reach Srisailam before evening.

• Winter mornings can have fog on NH65; drive with caution and avoid night travel in forested areas.

Arrival at Srisailam & What to Expect

Upon arrival in Srisailam, travelers are greeted by a serene temple town nestled in the Nallamala Hills. The main attraction is the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple, drawing pilgrims year-round. The town has basic amenities, with several guesthouses and dharamshalas catering to devotees.

Local transport includes auto-rickshaws, shared jeeps, and taxis. Prepaid taxi counters near the bus stand and railway station help avoid fare disputes. Nearby attractions include the Srisailam Dam and the scenic forests of the Nallamala range.

Conclusion

Traveling from Pune to Srisailam is best done by a combination of train and road or by flight to Hyderabad followed by a road trip. Train travel offers affordability and comfort, while flights save time for those on a tighter schedule. Driving is ideal for adventure seekers who enjoy scenic routes and flexibility.

With proper planning, advance bookings, and awareness of road and weather conditions, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable journey to this sacred destination. Whether for pilgrimage or leisure, Srisailam welcomes you with its spiritual charm and natural beauty.