Ahobilam is a small settlement in the Nallamala forest of the Eastern Ghats, in Allagadda mandal of Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh. It is a pilgrimage centre for Narasimha, the man-lion form of Vishnu, and is counted among the 108 Divya Desams because the 9th-century Tamil poet Thirumangai Alvar sang of it. Nine shrines, the Nava Narasimha temples, are spread between the lower village and the forested ravine of Upper Ahobilam, about 8 km further east.
The trip is really two trips. Lower Ahobilam has the 16th-century Prahladavarada temple, a gentle village atmosphere and three or four shrines that can be reached over short stretches of road. Upper Ahobilam has the old cave shrine of Ahobila Narasimha and, beyond it, the forest shrines of Kroda (Varaha), Malola and Jwala Narasimha, which are reached on foot, with palanquin bearers reported for those who cannot manage the climb. Pavana Narasimha lies deeper in the forest and is usually reached by a rough jeep track.
History here is layered. Kakatiya and Reddi patrons, and then the Vijayanagara kings, supported the shrines, and Krishnadevaraya is recorded as a visitor. The Ahobila Matha, a Vaishnava monastic order, grew out of this place. The temples were raided in 1579 by a Golconda commander, and they have been looked after, rebuilt and repainted many times since.
For families and older travellers this is a destination that needs honest sorting. The lower temples and Upper Ahobilam's main cave shrine are manageable in a day by road. The full nine-shrine circuit is a long forest walk with steep, rocky sections and is best done with local guidance, in cooler months and in good health. Facilities are modest, so most visitors base themselves in Nandyal or Allagadda or in simple pilgrim lodgings, and plan the day around the temple opening hours.
Before you plan
Ahobilam at a glance
- Best months
- November to February is the most…November to February is the most comfortable for walking; Brahmotsavam usually falls in February to March. April to June is very hot, and the monsoon months make forest paths slippery.
- Ideal trip length
- 1 day for the lower temples and…1 day for the lower temples and Upper Ahobilam's main shrine; 2 days if you want the forest shrines as well
- Airport
- KurnoolKurnool (Orvakal) Airport (KJB), about 54 km from Nandyal on NH 40; the onward road journey to Ahobilam is a couple of hours more. Bengaluru and Chennai are the larger gateways.
- Railway station
- Nandyal JunctionNandyal Junction (NDL), about 60 km away by road; Allagadda, on NH 40, is the usual road junction for Ahobilam
- Getting around
- Hire a car or take a bus to AhobilamHire a car or take a bus to Ahobilam; on site, local jeeps serve the road-accessible shrines, and the forest shrines are on foot. Sri Ahobila Math is reported to run a free bus to the upper temple entrance.
- Daily budget
- Modest: the main costs are getting hereModest: the main costs are getting here, a vehicle for the shrines and where you stay. Confirm current jeep and guide arrangements locally.
- Senior comfort
- Mixed: Lower Ahobilam and the main…Mixed: Lower Ahobilam and the main Upper Ahobilam shrine are manageable; Jwala Narasimha, Ugra Sthambham and Pavana involve steep, rough ground or jeep tracks
- Language
- Telugu locallyTelugu locally; Hindi and some English are understood at the larger temples
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Ahobilam: January, February, November, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Ahobilam itinerary
One good day
1 day in Ahobilam
Start early from Nandyal or Allagadda so you reach Lower Ahobilam when the Prahladavarada temple opens. Visit it first, then use a local jeep or your own vehicle for the nearby road-accessible shrines such as Yogananda, Chatravata and Karanja Narasimha. Drive up to Upper Ahobilam after a lunch break, allowing for the afternoon closure, and visit the cave shrine of Ahobila Narasimha, with its gopuram at the entrance. Leave the forest shrines for another trip unless you have a guide and a strong reason to go.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Ahobilam
Begin at the Prahladavarada temple in the lower village, then visit Yogananda and Chatravata Narasimha. Take a jeep for Bhargava Narasimha, which is reached over a track and a short climb, and stop at Karanja Narasimha on the way up. Finish at the Ahobila Narasimha cave shrine in Upper Ahobilam if time allows.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Ahobilam
Arrive and settle in. Visit the Prahladavarada temple in the lower village in the evening, when the temple is open again, and walk the village at an easy pace. Rest early.
Day-by-day plan →
