Ahobilam, tucked in Andhra Pradesh’s Nallamala Hills, is revered as the seat of the Nava Narasimha—nine manifestations of Vishnu as the Man-Lion. The landscape is as dramatic as the myth: gorges echo with waterfalls, trails braid through shola forest, and shrines cling to rocky ledges where legend says Narasimha vanquished Hiranyakashipu.

Devotees trace a sacred loop between Lower (Diguva) and Upper (Eguva) Ahobilam, visiting temples like Lakshmi, Malola, Jwala, and Bhargava Narasimha. The Ahobila Math, founded in the 14th century, still anchors monastic life here. Expect a pilgrimage that’s equal parts darshan and day-hike—sandals off for sanctums, trekking shoes on for canyons.

This 2-day itinerary is built for a quick Bangalore escape. You’ll arrive in the afternoon of Day 1, explore Lower Ahobilam’s accessible temples, then climb into the forests of Upper Ahobilam at first light on Day 2 before departing in the afternoon. Pack light, carry cash (ATMs are limited), and dress modestly. Monsoon months mean leeches; winter mornings are crisp and clear.

Ahobilam

Ahobilam is split between Lower Ahobilam (temple town, lodges, AP Tourism’s Haritha Hotel) and Upper Ahobilam (steeper trails, waterfalls, and cliff-hugging shrines). Pilgrims often aim to cover as many of the nine Narasimha temples as time and stamina allow.

• Top sights: Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple (Lower Ahobilam), Malola Narasimha, Jwala Narasimha, Bhargava Narasimha, Yogananda Narasimha, Karanja Narasimha, Ahobila Narasimha, Rakta Gundam theertham, Ugra Stambham viewpoint.
• Vibe: Sacred forests, rock-cut shrines, cool streams, conch blasts at aarti, and the soft clink of prayer bells at dusk.
• Good to know: Typical darshan windows are 6:00–13:00 and 15:00–19:30 (vary by temple and festival). Hire registered local guides for Upper Ahobilam trails; mobile signal can be patchy.

How to get to Ahobilam from Bangalore

• By car: 370–400 km via NH 44 and state roads, ~7–9 hours each way. Round-trip sedan with driver typically INR 10,000–14,000 plus tolls.
• By train: Overnight/early-morning trains from Bengaluru to Nandyal (NDL) take ~8.5–10 hours; Nandyal to Ahobilam is ~1.5–2 hours by taxi (INR 2,000–3,000 one way). Search and book on Trip.com Trains.
• By flight: Limited regional flights from Bengaluru (BLR) to Kurnool (KJB) or Kadapa (CDP) (~1 hour), then 3–4 hours by road to Ahobilam. Compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Where to stay

• Near the temples: AP Tourism’s Haritha Hotel Ahobilam (simple rooms, on-site veg restaurant), Devasthanam/Math guesthouses (book in advance; basic, but best location).
• Nandyal (more choice, 1.5–2 hrs away): Modern hotels with A/C and in-house dining—use these if you prefer city comforts and don’t mind extra drive time.
• Browse availability: VRBO Ahobilam, Hotels.com Ahobilam, VRBO Nandyal, Hotels.com Nandyal.

Eat & drink

• Temple prasadam: Hot pongal, puliyogare, or tamarind rice from the Devasthanam counters—fresh, affordable, and soul-satisfying.
• Haritha Restaurant (Lower Ahobilam): Reliable vegetarian thali, tiffins, and filter coffee—best dining option near the temples.
• En route or backup: On NH 44, highway veg restaurants and Andhra messes serve hearty meals; carry snacks and water from Bangalore for trek mornings.

Day 1: Bangalore to Ahobilam, Lower Ahobilam Temples and Evening Aarti

Morning: Depart Bangalore early (5:30–6:00 a.m.) by car for a 7–9 hour drive. Fuel up with classic tiffins at MTR – Lalbagh Road or Brahmin’s Coffee Bar (Basavanagudi)—idli-vada and a strong filter coffee travel well. Alternative: early train to Nandyal on Trip.com Trains (~9 hours), then taxi 1.5–2 hours to Ahobilam.

Afternoon: Check in (Haritha/guesthouse), drop bags, and begin with Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Lower Ahobilam—ornate gopuram, calm courtyards, and steady darshan lines. Continue by auto/jeep to Bhargava Narasimha (on a small hillock; minimal steps) and Yogananda Narasimha (linked to Prahlada’s penance). Grab a simple late lunch at Haritha or temple prasadam counters.

Evening: Visit Chatravata Narasimha amid tamarind trees, then return to the main temple for aarti (typically around dusk; check the day’s board). Stroll the bazaar lane for brass lamps and kumkum packets. Dinner at Haritha—ask for their fresh chapatis and dal fry; turn in early to prepare for tomorrow’s trek.

Day 2: Upper Ahobilam Forest Treks, Waterfalls, and Return to Bangalore

Morning: Quick breakfast (idli/upma) by 6:30 a.m., then drive 8–10 km up the ghat road to Upper Ahobilam. Hire a local guide (INR 500–1,500 depending on route) and carry 2L water per person. Aim to cover Malola Narasimha (beloved for its serene setting), then the rocky gorge to Jwala Narasimha and the blood-tinted spring of Rakta Gundam. Strong hikers can add the short but steep spur to Ugra Stambham for vast Nallamala views. Expect 3–4 hours with photo stops.

Afternoon: Descend, snack on bananas/peanuts, and visit Karanja Narasimha (enshrined under a karanja tree) or Ahobila Narasimha cave shrine if time allows. Return to Lower Ahobilam for a quick thali lunch at Haritha or prasadam. Depart by 1:30–2:00 p.m. for Bangalore; if driving the NH 44 route, stop at a highway vegetarian restaurant for filter coffee and mirchi bajji. Train travelers can head to Nandyal for an afternoon/evening departure via Trip.com Trains.

Evening: Most travelers reach Bangalore by late evening if driving. If you’re back in the city for dinner, consider late-night dosas near home or plan an extra day (see optional tours below) before you return to routine.

Optional: Add a Bangalore Day (Before or After Your Ahobilam Trip)

Arriving the previous day or staying after your return? These well-reviewed private tours help you see a lot without logistics headaches.

• Discover Bangalore Through the Ages — Guided Tour with Lunch

  

  Covers ISKCON Temple, Lalbagh, Vidhana Soudha, Bangalore Palace, and historic markets—ideal if you enjoy architecture and green spaces.

• Street Food walking tour in Bangalore with a food evangelist

  

  Vegetarian-friendly walk through a famed food street—think crispy dosas, holige, and chaat with the backstory behind each bite.

Packing and practical tips

• Trekking shoes with grip, a small daypack, rain cover (Jun–Sep), and leech socks in peak monsoon. Winters (Nov–Feb) are best for clear trails.
• Temple etiquette: modest clothing, no photography inside sanctums, and remove footwear at entrances.
• Cash is king in Upper Ahobilam; carry small notes for puja offerings, guides, and jeeps. Network is spotty; download offline maps.

How to book logistics fast

• Trains and flights: Trip.com Trains, Trip.com Flights, Kiwi.com.
• Stays near the temples or in Nandyal: VRBO Ahobilam, Hotels.com Ahobilam, VRBO Nandyal, Hotels.com Nandyal.

In two days, you’ll experience Ahobilam’s moving blend of devotion and wilderness—diyas flickering in rock caverns, the thunder of hidden falls, and temple bells threading through the forest air. It’s an unforgettable Bangalore weekend that leaves you lighter, steadier, and keen to return for the full Nava Narasimha circuit.