Telangana Maha Shivaratri 2026 Travel Guide: 2,243 Special Buses, Temple Routes & Srisailam Itinerary

2,243 Special TGSRTC Buses | Temple-Wise Routes | Hyderabad–Srisailam Itinerary | Darshan Tips

Maha Shivaratri 2026 in Telangana is set to witness massive pilgrim footfall as devotees travel to sacred Shaivite temples across the state. To ensure smooth transportation, TGSRTC will operate 2,243 special buses from February 14–16, connecting 43 major Shiva temples. 

This complete travel guide covers:

• Temple-wise bus allocations

• Hyderabad departure points

• Srisailam itinerary

• Darshan planning tips

• Travel safety advice

TGSRTC Special Bus Services for Maha Shivaratri 2026

Total Special Buses: 2,243

Dates: February 14–16, 2026
Coverage: 43 Shaivite temples across Telangana

Temple-Wise Bus Allocation

Temple	Special Buses
Srisailam	781
Vemulawada	416
Edupayala	249
Keesaragutta	326
Vemulawada (additional sector)	127
Kaleshwaram	71

Additional services to:
Komuravelli • Alampur • Umamaheswaram • Palakurthi • Ramappa • and others.

Fare & Booking Information

• 1.5x special fare applies only for special services.

• Regular services continue at normal fares.

• Free bus travel for women (State Govt scheme) continues.

Major Shiva Temples to Visit in Telangana

1️⃣ Srisailam – Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga

• One of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India

• Located in Nallamala forest range

• Also houses Bhramaramba Devi Shakti Peetha

2️⃣ Vemulawada – Rajarajeshwara Temple

• Known for Kodemokku ritual

• Major Shivaratri celebrations

3️⃣ Keesaragutta

• Popular near Hyderabad

• Accessible for one-day pilgrims

4️⃣ Edupayala

• Temple surrounded by seven streams

• Unique natural setting

5️⃣ Kaleshwaram

• Famous for Mukteswara Swamy Temple

• Located near Godavari confluence

Hyderabad → Srisailam Pilgrimage Guide

Distance & Travel Time

• ~220 km

• 5–6 hours by road

• Scenic ghat section through Nallamala forest

Boarding Points in Hyderabad

• MGBS

• JBS

• CBS

• I.S. Sadan

• KPHB

• BHEL

1-Day Express Plan

3–4 AM: Departure from Hyderabad
9–10 AM: Reach Srisailam
Morning: Mallikarjuna & Bhramaramba Darshan
Afternoon: Pathala Ganga visit
Evening: Return to Hyderabad

Ideal for short pilgrims.

2-Day Spiritual Retreat Plan

Day 1

• Main temple darshan

• Evening aarti

• Temple corridor exploration

Day 2

• Pathala Ganga ropeway

• Srisailam Dam viewpoint

• Forest scenic drive (restricted zones apply)

Overnight stay recommended.

Spiritual + Nature Experience

Srisailam offers:

• Dense forest landscapes

• Krishna River valley views

• Night-long Shivaratri Jagaran

• Bhajans and special rituals

It is both a pilgrimage and a nature retreat.

Best Time to Visit

• Maha Shivaratri (February)

• October–March for pleasant weather

• Monsoon for greenery (travel cautiously)

Festival Travel Tips

• Book bus tickets early

• Carry ID proof

• Expect long queues

• Stay hydrated

• Follow crowd control guidelines

• Avoid night forest halts

Why Telangana Is a Major Shivaratri Destination

Telangana uniquely combines:

• Jyotirlinga shrine (Srisailam)

• Historic Kakatiya-era temples

• River-based Shiva shrines

• Forest pilgrimage routes

• Accessible road connectivity

With 2,243 buses deployed, the state ensures structured and safe pilgrimage movement.

FAQ & People Also Ask (PAA)

How many buses are running for Maha Shivaratri in Telangana?

TGSRTC is operating 2,243 special buses from Feb 14–16, 2026.

Is free bus travel available for women?

Yes, free travel continues under the Telangana Government scheme.

How many buses are allocated for Srisailam?

781 special buses have been allocated.

What is the special fare?

1.5x fare applies only to special services.

From where do Hyderabad buses depart?

MGBS, JBS, CBS, I.S. Sadan, KPHB, and BHEL.

What is the distance from Hyderabad to Srisailam?

Approximately 220 km.

Final Thoughts

Maha Shivaratri 2026 in Telangana is not just a festival—it is a statewide spiritual movement. With thousands of devotees traveling to sacred Shaivite temples, TGSRTC’s large-scale transport deployment ensures accessibility, safety, and smooth pilgrimage flow.

Whether you are planning a one-day visit to Keesaragutta or a two-day spiritual retreat to Srisailam, this guide helps you plan efficiently and travel responsibly.