How To Reach Ahobilam From Chennai

[Deven]

Many people travel to Ahobilam from Chennai, which is a distance of around 350km. Ahobilam is located in Karnool which is in the Andhra Pradesh district and is famous for the nine shrines of Lord Nrisimha along with another famous temple of Prahaladavarada Varadhan.
All the different nine shrines are across a distance of 5km from the main temple, which means when visiting the temples some trekking has to be done. During the month of February and mid March Brahmothsavam is celebrated.

To reach Ahobilam from Chennai there are three ways, which is by car, train and bus. As mentioned above the distance from Chennai to Ahobilam is 350km this roughly would take between 7 - 10 hours depending on the mode of transport.

How to reach Ahobilam from Chennai by bus
There is a direct bus which goes from Chennai to Ahobilam and the journey is around six hours. The bus arrives at the Ahobilam bus stand and for those who need to go to the city centre they would need to get other means of transport such as an auto, taxi or another bus. The bus cost from Chennai to Ahobilam is around Rs225.

How to reach Ahobilam from Chennai by train
Trains are also available from Chennai to get to Ahobiam but the journey is not direct, the journey lasts for nine hours which is three hours more than a bus or car journey. To travel by train you need to take a train from Chennai to Guntakal which would be the station you get off from. From Guntakal you need to take a bus or taxi to Ahobilam that is 190km away. Cost of traveling by train would be between Rs2850 - Rs3500.

How to reach Ahobilam from Chennai by car
Taking a car from Chennai to Ahobilam would take around seven hours and you would need to take the NH5. If you traveling as a family this would be the most convenient way of traveling.
The average cost of taking your own vehicle from Chennai to Ahobilam would be between Rs2200 - Rs3200.
If you hire a taxi the cost would be between Rs9000 - Rs11000.

 

[jnorth88]

I wish I had this information when I went. Would you recommend the train? I would think that is the most scenic and easiest way to travel. driving can be a hassle, especially during a vacation.

 

[Admin]

Updated Guide: How to Reach Ahobilam from Chennai (2025)​

Ahobilam, a sacred pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Narasimha, is located in the Nallamala Hills of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the most revered Narasimha Kshetras, attracting devotees from across India.
If you’re planning a trip from Chennai to Ahobilam, here are the latest and most convenient travel options:

By Train (Best Option)​

The nearest railway station to Ahobilam is Nandyal Junction (NDL), located approximately 68 km away.
Trains from Chennai to Nandyal:

Train Name & No.	Departs from Chennai	Arrives at Nandyal	Travel Time	Frequency
Tuticorin-Howrah Express (12665)	18:10 (Chennai Egmore)	02:00 (Nandyal)	~7h 50m	Daily
Chennai Egmore - Hyderabad Express (12603)	16:45 (Chennai Egmore)	00:15 (Nandyal)	~7h 30m	Daily
Kacheguda Express (17651)	17:35 (Chennai Egmore)	02:20 (Nandyal)	~8h 45m	Mon, Wed, Sat

From Nandyal, you can take a bus, taxi, or auto to Ahobilam. APSRTC buses and private cabs are available outside the station.

By Bus (Budget-Friendly)​

Direct buses from Chennai to Ahobilam are not frequent, but you can take a bus to Allagadda (the nearest major town, ~25 km from Ahobilam).
Bus Route:

• Chennai → Allagadda (APSRTC or private buses)
• Allagadda → Ahobilam (Local bus or auto)

Approximate Bus Fare: ₹500-₹900 (varies by bus type)
Travel Time: 10-12 hours

By Road (Self-Drive or Taxi)​

Distance from Chennai to Ahobilam: 365 km (~7-8 hours drive)
Best route: Chennai → Kanchipuram → Chittoor → Kadapa → Allagadda → Ahobilam
Road conditions: Mostly good, but some stretches near Ahobilam are slightly hilly.
Cab Fare (One-Way Estimate): ₹5,500 - ₹7,000 (sedan), ₹8,500+ (SUV)

Local Transport in Ahobilam​

Ahobilam is divided into Lower Ahobilam and Upper Ahobilam. Jeeps and autos are available to reach the temples in Upper Ahobilam. Trekking is required for some shrines like Jwala Narasimha and Pavana Narasimha.

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️ Where to Stay in Ahobilam?​

Accommodation is available in temple choultries, guest houses, and a few private lodges. Popular options:

• Ahobilam Mutt Guesthouse (Budget stay)
• Haritha Hotel (AP Tourism) (Decent amenities)
• Private lodges near the temple

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Pro Tips for Your Ahobilam Trip​

Best time to visit: October – March (pleasant weather)
Temple Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Food: Mostly vegetarian South Indian meals are available at temple eateries and small restaurants.

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Hope this guide helps! Let us know if you need more travel tips or updates. Safe travels!