Location, Access, Pricing & Visiting Hours of Shiva Temple, Srikalahasti
Lord Shiva Temple,
Srikalahasti,
Tirupati District,
Andhra Pradesh – 517644, India.
Explore the Top 10 Routes to Srikalahasti: Travel Times, Costs, and Tips
1. Chennai:
Catch a direct fast train like the Sapthagiri Express from Chennai Egmore to Srikalahasti in about 4 h 30 m. Tickets cost ₹200–₹800, making it a costly & effective option with AC and sleeper coaches and a comfortable ride.
2. Chennai (Budget Option):
Take an ordinary express train from Chennai to Srikalahasti in 5 h–6 h for ₹100–₹300, a cheap & effective choice. Trains run frequently through AC/sleeper classes, and platforms are well connected.
3. Bangalore:
Board an APSRTC overnight bus from Bangalore to Srikalahasti (via Tirupati) in around 9–10 h. Fares range from ₹500–₹800, a cheap & effective route with regular service and basic AC seating.
4. Bangalore (Train + Bus):
Take a direct train from Bangalore to Renigunta in about 8 h, then catch a local bus to Srikalahasti (~30 m). Total time ≈ 8 h 30 m; cost ₹350–₹ 1200, a cheap & effective combo with AC/sleeper options and easy bus connections.
5. Hyderabad:
Hop on an overnight express from Hyderabad to Renigunta (~10 h) and then a 30 m bus to Srikalahasti. Overall ~10 h 30 m, costing ₹400–₹1400—cheap & effective with AC/sleeper coaches and reliable schedules.
6. Mumbai:
Travel by train from Mumbai to Renigunta (~15 h) and transfer to a 30 m bus to Srikalahasti. Total journey ~15 h 30 m, ₹500–₹1800, an effective & mid‑range option with sleeper and AC classes plus frequent bus shuttles.
7. Delhi:
Catch a long‑haul train from Delhi to Renigunta (~24 h) and then a 30 m bus ride to Srikalahasti. Takes ~24 h 30 m; costs ₹800–₹2500, an effective & mid‑range route offering 2‑tier/3‑tier AC coaches and straightforward bus transfers.
8. Kolkata:
Take an express train from Kolkata to Renigunta (~22 h) followed by a 30 m local bus. Total ~22 h 30 m, ₹700–₹2200—effective & mid‑range, with AC 2‑tier/3‑tier and sleeper classes plus reliable bus links.
9. Pune:
Board a train from Pune to Renigunta (~18 h) then a 30 m bus to Srikalahasti. Total ≈ 18 h 30 m; fare ₹600–₹2000, effective & mid‑range, featuring AC/sleeper coaches and frequent onward buses.
10. Visakhapatnam:
Take a direct express from Vizag to Srikalahasti in about 5 h, costing ₹150–₹600—cheap & effective. Trains run daily with both AC and sleeper options, and you step off right at Srikalahasti station.
Cost of Entry and Services
| Service | Fee |
| Darshanam | Free |
| Special Entrance | ₹50 |
| Ashtothra Archana | ₹25 |
| Sahasranamarchana | ₹200 |
| Thrishathi Archana | ₹125 |
| Abhishekam | ₹25 – ₹1,116 |
| Rahu-Kethu Pooja | ₹300 – ₹1500 |
| Ekantha Seva | ₹100 |
| Vahana Puja | ₹20 – ₹100 |
| Spl. Ashirwada Darshanam | ₹500 |
| Gopuja | ₹50 |
| Nitya Kalyanam | ₹501 |
Visiting Hours
| Morning Timings | Evening Timings |
| 5:30 AM – 5:30 PM | 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM |
Where to Stay During Your Visit to Lord Shiva Temple, Srikalahasti
Many devotees who visit the famous Lord Shiva Temple in Srikalahasti prefer to stay in nearby hotels for a short time. Since the temple is open from early morning till late night, people often book a hotel room to freshen up, rest, and offer prayers at their own pace. Some families even stay overnight to attend special rituals like Rahu-Ketu pooja, which requires specific timings. Most hotels are located very close to the temple, some even within a 5-minute walk, which makes it convenient for visitors, especially those coming from other towns or cities.
Travelers who come to Srikalahasti as part of a longer trip, like visiting Tirupati or Chennai, sometimes choose separate hotels in each place. While some book a single hotel for their whole journey if it covers nearby areas, many prefer booking a local hotel in Srikalahasti to avoid long travel hours. This allows them to fully focus on the temple visit. However, better and more luxurious hotel options are available in nearby cities like Tirupati, which is just around 40 kilometers away. People who want extra comfort and more amenities sometimes stay there and travel to Srikalahasti just for the darshan.
If someone does not plan to stay overnight but needs food, there are local vegetarian eateries and tiffin centres near the temple. Additionally, the temple runs Annadanam (free food service) daily from around 11 AM-3:30 PM and 7:30 PM-8:30 PM, serving meals like rice, sambar, rasam, curd, curry, pongal, and pickles.
Top Hotels Near Lord Shiva Temple, Srikalahasti – each within a 5-10 minute walk of the temple:
| KPR RESIDENCY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0) |
| HOTEL MGM GRAND | ⭐⭐⭐ (3.8) |
| HUBHANGA (SHUBHANGA) RESIDENCY | ⭐⭐⭐ (3.7) |
| HOTEL VIJAYA GRAND | ⭐⭐⭐ (3.9) |
| BRIGADE HOTELS AND RESORTS | ⭐⭐⭐ (3.7) |
| HOTEL GMR PEARLS | ⭐⭐⭐ (3.9) |
| THE LOTUS PARK | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3) |
Official Links
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for visiting Lord Shiva Temple, Srikalahasti
How to reach the temple from Tirupati?
You can take a bus, taxi, or train; it takes about 1 hour.
Can we book Rahu-Ketu pooja online?
Yes, online booking is available on the temple’s official website.
Are mobile phones allowed inside the temple?
No, mobiles and cameras are not allowed inside the inner sanctum.
What is the best time to visit the temple?
October to March is the best time due to pleasant weather.
Is Srikalahasti Temple as crowded as Tirumala Venkateswara Swamy Temple?
No, Srikalahasti Temple is less crowded than Tirumala temple, but it can get busy on special days and weekends.