Srisailam has no airport of its own. The usual gateway for the Mallikarjuna temple is Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, which is roughly 200 to 230 km away depending on the source and route. Kurnool Airport at Orvakal is listed as the closest airport, about 180 km away, but it has only a few routes, so most pilgrims fly to Hyderabad and continue by road.
Updated October 2026 · HappyFares
Srisailam sits in the Nallamala hills on the Krishna river in Andhra Pradesh. It is a long road journey from every airport, so it helps to pick the right gateway before you book.
Which is the nearest airport to Srisailam?
Kurnool Airport (KJB), also called Orvakal Airport, is described as the nearest airport to Srisailam at about 180 km. It is a domestic airport that began commercial operations on 28 March 2021. Recent public listings show IndiGo flying from Kurnool to Bengaluru, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, but small-airport schedules change often, so check current flights for your dates.
The nearest major airport is Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. Distances quoted by different sources range from about 200 km to 230 km. One reference gives 217 km to the airport, and the Kurnool district website gives roughly 210 km by road from Hyderabad city. Treat the figure as a rough guide and allow a full day for the journey.
Why do most pilgrims fly to Hyderabad?
Hyderabad is a large airport with a wide choice of airlines and flights from across India, which usually means more timing options and better odds of a reasonable fare. Kurnool has far fewer routes. For most travellers, the extra choice at Hyderabad outweighs the shorter distance from Kurnool.
From Hyderabad, the road journey to Srisailam typically takes several hours. One travel guide puts a taxi or bus trip at around 3.5 to 4 hours from the city, and the airport is further out, so traffic and road conditions matter. Build in time for a rest stop, and do not schedule a tight connection on the same day.
Is Srisailam both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha?
Yes, this is what makes the temple unusual. The Mallikarjuna temple at Srisailam is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Srisailam is also widely counted among the 18 Ashtadasha Shakti Peethas, where the goddess is worshipped as Bhramaramba. Lists of Shakti Peethas differ between traditions, so you will see other counts in other sources.
Many sources describe Srisailam as a place where both are found, with Shiva as Mallikarjuna and Parvati as Bhramaramba within the same temple complex. Pilgrims usually plan to see both shrines on the same visit.
What should you know about the road to Srisailam?
The route to Srisailam passes through the Nallamala forest area, which is part of the Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve. One reference notes that road travel to Srisailam is not allowed between 9 pm and 6 am because the roads run through the forest. Rules like this can be changed by the authorities, so confirm the current position before you plan a late arrival or a night drive.
In practical terms, aim to land in Hyderabad in the morning if you want to reach Srisailam the same day. If your flight lands in the afternoon or evening, staying overnight in Hyderabad and starting early the next day is often the safer plan.
A small aviation note: Kurnool’s airport is named after the freedom fighter Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy.
How should you plan your flights?
Start by searching Hyderabad for your dates and compare timings. Then check whether a Kurnool flight fits your city. If you are coming from Bengaluru, Vijayawada or Visakhapatnam, a Kurnool flight might save time, but only if the days and timings suit you.
Festival periods such as Maha Shivaratri draw large crowds to Srisailam, so book flights and stays early and expect heavier road traffic on those days.
Because the last leg is a long road transfer, many travellers book a return flight that leaves Hyderabad in the afternoon or evening rather than early morning. That gives you time to return from Srisailam without rushing. Keep your ID handy for the flight, and check the airline’s baggage allowance, since pilgrims often carry extra items such as prasad and puja items on the way back. Liquids and sharp objects follow the usual security rules for cabin baggage, so pack those in checked luggage where you can.
If you are travelling with elderly parents, ask the airline in advance about any assistance you may need at the airport. Special assistance is arranged through the airline, not through a booking site. Plan rest stops on the drive, and keep the schedule light on the day you arrive.
Common Questions
Does Srisailam have an airport?
No. The nearest airport is Kurnool Airport, about 180 km away, and the nearest major airport is Hyderabad.
How far is Srisailam from Hyderabad airport?
Sources give figures between roughly 200 and 230 km. One reference gives 217 km, so plan for a long road transfer.
Does Kurnool Airport have commercial flights?
Yes. It has had commercial operations since March 2021. Recent listings show IndiGo flights to Bengaluru, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. Check the current schedule before you plan around it.
Which district is Srisailam in?
Srisailam is a town in Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh.
Can I drive to Srisailam at night?
One reference says road travel is not allowed between 9 pm and 6 am because of the forest. Check the latest rule before you travel.
Is Srisailam a Shakti Peetha?
Srisailam is widely counted among the 18 Ashtadasha Shakti Peethas, alongside being a Jyotirlinga.
Heading to Srisailam? Search and compare flights to Hyderabad on HappyFares, with zero convenience fee on domestic bookings, and set a price alert if your dates are flexible.
Airline routes, road rules and timings change. Please verify current details with the airline, the airport or the temple authorities before you travel.
