Swarnagiri Temple, also known as Swarnagiri Venkateswara Swamy Temple or Yadadri Tirumala Devasthanam, is an architectural marvel and one of the largest Balaji temples in South India. Located on the scenic Manepally Hills in Bhuvanagiri district, Telangana, this temple is a growing center of devotion and spirituality. At just about 47 kilometers from Hyderabad, it offers city residents and tourists an ideal spiritual getaway.
If wondering how to reach Swarnagiri Temple from Hyderabad, this guide covers every aspect of your journey — from transport modes to distance, routes, and local tips — ensuring a smooth and hassle-free visit in 2025.
Distance and Location Overview
Swarnagiri Temple is situated on Manepally Hills in the Bhuvanagiri district, Telangana, approximately 47.3 kilometers (about 30 miles) northeast of Hyderabad city. The temple address is Manepally Hills, Bhuvanagiri, Telangana 508115. It is easily accessible due to its proximity to Hyderabad and lies along the NH163 highway connecting Hyderabad to Bhongir and Warangal.
Best Modes of Transport from Hyderabad to Swarnagiri Temple
1. By Road (Car, Taxi, or Bus)
Traveling by road is the most flexible and popular way to reach Swarnagiri Temple from Hyderabad. The well-maintained NH163 highway provides a direct route to the temple area. Here is how you can plan your road trip:
- Approximate Distance: 47 to 70 kilometers depending on the route taken and departure point in Hyderabad.
- Estimated Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours by car or taxi.
- Route: Starting from Hyderabad, take NH163 towards Bhongir. Continue via Bhongir and follow signs to Manepally Hills and Swarnagiri Temple. The journey passes through scenic landscapes, making for a pleasant drive.
- Buses: There are frequent TSRTC buses running between Hyderabad and Bhuvanagiri or Bhongir, from where you can take local transport (auto-rickshaws or taxis) to the temple. Bus service is economical but less convenient compared to private taxis for temple access.
Tip: If traveling in a group or with family, hiring a taxi or driving a private vehicle will ensure flexibility on timing and stops. The temple has ample parking space for private vehicles.
2. By Train
The nearest railway station to Swarnagiri Temple is Bhongir Railway Station, about 10 kilometers from the temple premises. Bhongir is well connected with Hyderabad through frequent local and passenger trains from major stations like Secunderabad and Hyderabad Deccan.
- Distance from Hyderabad to Bhongir: Approximately 44 kilometers.
- Train Duration: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour by train.
- From Bhongir Station to Temple: Auto-rickshaws and taxis are available for a 15-20 minute ride to the temple.
Taking the train offers a scenic and comfortable alternative to road travel, especially during peak traffic hours in Hyderabad.
3. By Air
For visitors coming from distant locations and passing through Hyderabad, the nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad.
- Distance from Airport to Swarnagiri Temple: Approximately 63 to 76 kilometers by road.
- Travel Time: About 1.5 to 2 hours by taxi.
- Taxi and Car Rentals: Available at the airport for direct transfers to the temple.
Usually, air travel combined with a car rental or taxi from Hyderabad airport is preferred by travelers visiting Telangana on spiritual tours or pilgrimages.
Detailed Road Route from Hyderabad to Swarnagiri Temple
Depending on your start point in Hyderabad, you can take either of the two main bus stands/locations as landmarks:
From Mahatma Gandhi Bus Stand (MGBS), Hyderabad:
Follow NH163 towards Bhuvanagiri. The distance is roughly 57 kilometers. Continue straight past Bhongir and head towards Anantharam Rural near the Manepally Hills where Swarnagiri Temple is located.
From Jubilee Bus Stand (JBS), Hyderabad:
The distance is slightly shorter, around 55.8 kilometers via NH163. Stay on the same highway and follow signs to the temple entrance after Bhongir town.
Both routes offer good highway conditions and moderate traffic outside peak hours.
What to Expect Once You Reach Swarnagiri Temple
Swarnagiri Temple sits majestically atop a hill surrounded by lush greenery. Visitors often climb 108 steps leading to the temple, which is famous for its majestic 12-foot tall black granite statue of Lord Venkateswara, said to be the largest in Telangana. The temple complex features four beautiful Rajagopurams, large mandapams, and a five-story Vimana Gopuram crowning the sanctum sanctorum.
The tranquil surroundings and architectural grandeur have made the temple a burgeoning spiritual and tourist destination. You can also visit the nearby 120-foot Hanuman Mandapa and marvel at one of India’s largest bronze bells located here.
Best Time to Visit Swarnagiri Temple
Swarnagiri Temple can be visited year-round, but the best seasons are:
- Monsoon Season (July to September): The surrounding landscape turns lush and vibrant, lending the temple a celestial charm.
- Winter (November to February): The weather is cool and perfect for sightseeing and temple visits.
Visiting during major festivals, especially the Bramhotsav held between March and April, gives an immersive spiritual experience with large-scale celebrations.
Traveler Tips for Visiting Swarnagiri Temple from Hyderabad
- Start your day early to avoid Hyderabad’s traffic and reach the temple comfortably.
- Book taxis or car rentals in advance during festival seasons to ensure availability.
- Carry water, modest clothing, and comfortable footwear for climbing temple steps.
- Do participate in temple rituals and try to explore the detailed carvings and mandapams.
- There are good eateries and resting spots near the temple complex offering vegetarian meals.
Conclusion
Reaching Swarnagiri Temple from Hyderabad is straightforward and convenient, with multiple transport options to suit different traveler preferences and budgets. Whether by road, rail, or air, devotees and tourists alike can experience this architectural masterpiece and serene hilltop temple within a few hours of city travel.
Swarnagiri Temple offers a perfect blend of spirituality, history, and nature, making your trip from Hyderabad not just a journey but a soulful experience. Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the divine aura of Lord Venkateswara at Swarnagiri Hills.
