Ahobilam

After a quick stop at Yaganti, we headed to our main destination, Ahobilam. Ahobilam is around 340 km from Bengaluru and 78 km from Yaganti. Including our stop at Yaganti and several breaks along the way, it took us about 10 hours to reach Ahobilam.

Prasad Anna had already arranged our stay, so we checked into our hotel late in the evening. After freshening up, we had dinner at a nearby shop. Our plan was to start the trek early in the morning and cover all nine temples. The hotel staff suggested starting the trek after 5:00 AM.

After some rest, we started our trek at 5:00 AM.

Our first stop was the Prahlada Varada Narasimha Temple, the main temple in Lower Ahobilam. The temple was easy to reach and beautifully maintained. We spent some time here, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

Next, we trekked to the Yogananda Narasimha Temple, a short distance from the main temple. This temple is believed to be where Lord Narasimha taught Prahlada. The trail was easy and surrounded by nature.

After visiting the temples in Lower Ahobilam, we began our trek to Upper Ahobilam. This part of the trek was more challenging, with steep paths and rocky terrain. The Upper Ahobilam Temple is a significant site where Lord Narasimha is worshipped in a fierce form. The views along the way were stunning, with hills and valleys providing a beautiful backdrop.

Continuing our trek, we reached the Jwala Narasimha Temple, located in a cave. The cave's natural beauty and the spiritual aura of the temple made this a unique and memorable part of our journey.

After visiting the Jwala Narasimha Temple, we began our descent back to Lower Ahobilam. The trek down was easier, and we took our time, enjoying the scenery and reflecting on the day's experiences.

Got some good pics during our trek

1. Start Early: Begin your trek early in the morning to make the most of your day.

2. Preparation: Bring enough water and snacks. Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing.

3. Guides: Hiring a local guide can be very helpful, especially for the tougher parts of the trek.

4. Weather: The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant.

5. Respect Local Customs: Ahobilam is a holy site. Respect the local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting temples.

6. Jeep Ride: Some of the temples can be reached by road, and you have the option to hire a jeep.

7. Dolly: If you can't climb the hill, there are people who can carry you up in a dolly.

It’s better to plan a trek for two days to thoroughly enjoy the nature. A one-day trek can be very exhausting.

We completed our trek by 3:00 PM and headed back to Bengaluru.

Travel Tips

Distance from Bengaluru	-	340 KMs
Road Condition	-	Good
Nearest Town	-	Nandyal
Fuel Station	-	Nandyal
Near by places to visit	-	Yaganti

Yaganti

During our journey to Ahobilam, we decided to visit Yaganti as well. Yaganti is a charming town in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district, known for its ancient temples and beautiful surroundings.

Yaganti is nestled in the rocky Erramala Hills and is famous for its ancient temples, especially the Sri Yagantiswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. People visit Yaganti to explore its rich mythology and enjoy its natural beauty.

The distance from Bangalore to Yaganti is about 280 kilometers, and it took us nearly 5 hours to drive there, because of traffic and breaks. We took NH44 towards Hyderabad and followed signs towards Banaganapalli, which led us to Yaganti. We arrived in Yaganti around 5:00 PM, having left Bangalore in the afternoon.

The main attraction of Yaganti is the Sri Yagantiswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This ancient temple is known for its unique features, including a self-manifested lingam that is believed to grow over time. The temple's architecture and peaceful surroundings make it a must-visit for those interested in spirituality and history.

Apart from the temple, Yaganti is surrounded by lush greenery and the majestic Erramala Hills. Another highlight is Pushkarini, a sacred pond where devotees can take a dip before entering the temple.

Yaganti also boasts a large Nandi statue, carved from a single stone and believed to have been placed at the entrance by Sage Agastya. The serene ambiance and spiritual atmosphere of the temple attract devotees and history enthusiasts alike.

Besides its religious importance, Yaganti is blessed with stunning natural beauty. The Erramala Hills provide a dramatic backdrop to the town, which also features caves and rock formations.

- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Yaganti is during the winter months (October to February) when the weather is pleasant.

- How to Reach: Yaganti is well-connected by road from major cities like Hyderabad and Bangalore. The nearest railway station is at Banaganapalli, about 25 km away.

- Accommodation: While Yaganti itself is a small town, nearby places like Banaganapalli and Nandyal offer various accommodation options to suit different budgets.

Travel Tips

Distance from Bengaluru	-	280 KMs
Road Condition	-	Good
Nearest Town	-	Banaganapalli
Fuel Station	-	Banaganapalli
Near by places to visit	-	Ahobilam