Find the best routes to reach Sri Kalahasti Temple by road, train, and air from Tirupati, Chennai, and Bangalore. Includes distances, directions, and travel tips.
The Sri Kalahasti Temple, located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, is one of South India’s most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It lies on the banks of the Swarnamukhi River, about 36 km from Tirupati, and is easily accessible by road, rail, and air.
Whether you’re traveling from nearby cities like Tirupati, Chennai, or Bangalore, or visiting from other states, reaching Sri Kalahasti is simple and comfortable thanks to its well-connected transportation network.
🛣️ Distance from Major Cities
| City | Distance (km) | Approx. Travel Time | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tirupati | 36 km | 45 min | Road / Train |
| Chennai | 120 km | 2.5 – 3 hrs | Road / Train |
| Bangalore | 250 km | 4.5 – 5 hrs | Road / Train |
| Nellore | 95 km | 2 hrs | Road |
| Hyderabad | 520 km | 8 – 9 hrs | Train / Air + Road |
🚗 By Road – Smooth Connectivity
Sri Kalahasti is well-connected by road to all major cities in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
The roads are well-maintained, making it a comfortable journey by car, taxi, or bus.
🚍 From Tirupati
- Distance: 36 km
- Travel Time: 45 minutes
- Route: Tirupati → Yerpedu → Sri Kalahasti (via NH71)
- Bus Services: APSRTC operates frequent buses from Tirupati Central Bus Station and Srinivasam Complex.
- Fare: ₹40 – ₹60 (approx.)
🚕 Taxi / Cab Options
- Local taxis and autos are available near Tirupati Railway Station and Airport.
- Average taxi fare: ₹1000 – ₹1500 (one-way).
- Ola and private cabs are also available for round trips.
🚗 From Chennai
- Route: Chennai → Periyapalayam → Uthukottai → Nagalapuram → Sri Kalahasti
- Alternate Route: Chennai → Tada → Naidupeta → Sullurupeta → Sri Kalahasti
- Travel Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
🚆 By Train – Convenient & Affordable
The town has its own railway station:
🚉 Sri Kalahasti Railway Station (Code: KHT)
- Located 2 km from the temple.
- Connected to major cities like Tirupati, Chennai, Vijayawada, and Hyderabad.
- Trains run frequently between Tirupati and Sri Kalahasti — travel time around 30 minutes.
| Train Route | Approx. Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tirupati → Sri Kalahasti | 30–40 min | Local passenger & express trains available |
| Chennai → Sri Kalahasti | 2–3 hrs | Frequent trains from Chennai Central & Egmore |
| Bangalore → Tirupati → Sri Kalahasti | 6–7 hrs | Via Renigunta Junction |
| Vijayawada → Sri Kalahasti | 7–8 hrs | Overnight trains available |
Nearest Major Junction: Renigunta Junction (25 km) – connects to all national routes.
Autos and taxis are available from Sri Kalahasti Railway Station to the temple (₹50 – ₹100).
✈️ By Air – Nearest Airport
The nearest airport to Sri Kalahasti is Tirupati International Airport (Renigunta Airport).
| Airport | Distance from Temple | Travel Time | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tirupati International Airport (TIR) | 27 km | 35 – 40 min | Closest and most convenient |
| Chennai International Airport (MAA) | 115 km | 2.5 hrs | Ideal for international pilgrims |
✈️ Flight Connectivity
- Tirupati Airport has regular flights from Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Delhi, and Mumbai.
- From the airport, taxis and APSRTC buses are available to reach the temple.
Average taxi fare from Tirupati Airport → Sri Kalahasti Temple: ₹1000 – ₹1300.
🗺️ Temple Location & Directions
📍 Address:
Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple,
Srikalahasti – 517 644,
Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, India
📞 Temple Contact: +91 8578 222240 / 222399
📍 Google Maps Link:
Open Sri Kalahasti Temple in Google Maps
🚌 APSRTC & Government Bus Services
The APSRTC (Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) provides excellent connectivity between Sri Kalahasti and other pilgrimage destinations.
| From | To | Frequency | Approx. Fare (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tirupati | Sri Kalahasti | Every 15–20 min | 40 – 60 |
| Chennai | Sri Kalahasti | Every 1 hr | 200 – 250 |
| Nellore | Sri Kalahasti | Every 45 min | 100 – 150 |
| Bangalore | Sri Kalahasti | 2–3 services daily | 450 – 600 |
Tip: For an early darshan, take the first morning bus from Tirupati (starting around 4:30 AM).
🚶 Local Transportation in Sri Kalahasti
Once you reach the town, moving around is easy:
- Auto rickshaws available for short distances (₹30 – ₹100).
- Electric autos and cycle rickshaws for temple access.
- Parking available near East Gopuram and Bhudevi Complex.
🏨 Facilities for Pilgrims
Sri Kalahasti town offers all facilities for visiting devotees:
- Cloakrooms & luggage counters near temple entrance.
- Free and paid parking facilities.
- Lodges & guesthouses maintained by Devasthanam and TTD.
- Private hotels (₹500 – ₹1500 per night) within 1 km radius.
- Vegetarian restaurants near the bus stand and main arch.
🧭 Travel Tips for Devotees
✅ Best Time to Visit: October – March (pleasant weather)
✅ Avoid: Peak summer afternoons (April–June)
✅ Early Morning Visit: Ideal between 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
✅ Carry: Water bottles, light snacks, and cash for temple counters
✅ Language Help: Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi understood widely
“A journey to Kalahasti is not just travel — it’s a step closer to the Divine Breath of Lord Shiva.”
