Ahobilam in one day

Ahobilam is traditionally regarded as the place where Vishnu in the form of Narasimha killed the rakshasa Hiranyakashipu in order to save his devotee Prahlada. The legend says that Narasimha emerged from a rock pillar to kill the rakshasa. The moment is represented in a number of the murti in the various temples. Also, Garuda prayed for a vision of Narasimha in the form of Avatar, to fulfill his wish, and settled in nine forms across the hills in Ahobilam. It is considered as Navanarasimha kshetra. So, let's see how you can cover this Navanarasimha kshetra in one day if you are traveling from Hyderabad.

Day 0:

By 17:30 leave from Hyderabad. You will reach Nandyal by 22:00. Today you can have a night stay at Nandyal.

Day 1:

Try to leave Nandyal by 5:00. You will reach Ahobilam by 6:00. To take accommodation in Ahobilam you have 3 options,

1. Ahobila Mutt

2. Guesthouse by TTD

3. Haritha resorts.

I usually prefer Ahobila mutt because it has good rooms and you can have breakfast and lunch here for free.

After your fresh up, leave for Eguva Ahobilam. Try to reach Eguva Ahobilam by 8:00. After reaching there start trekking.

Here is the route map for trekking.

First, reach Varaha Narasimha Swamy. Then from there trek 4 km uphill and reach Jwala Narasimha Swamy. This is the place where Narasimha Swamy killed Hiranyakashyap. If you are a good mountaineer, Trek 1 km uphill and reach Ugrastambham. Ugrastambham is the place Narasimha Swamy came out from the pillar. Then trek 4 km downhill and reach Malola Narasimha Swamy temple. Then trek 1.5 km downhill and reach Ahobileswar temple. If you skip Ugrastambham, the total trek time will be 3 hrs. If you include Ugrastambham, total trek time will be 4 hrs. Plan accordingly and try to leave the Ahobileswar temple by 12:00. Now you will reach to mutt by 12:30. Enroute visit Karanja Narasimha Swamy temple. Till noon you can complete 5 Narasimha kshetras out of 9.

Have lunch and take some power nap. By 14:00. Take a local Auto and reach, Bhargava Narasimha Swamy, Chatravata Narasimha Swamy, and Yogananda Narasimha Swamy temples. After visiting these three you will reach your mutt by 16:00. Now have darshan at Diguva Ahobilam.

Try to leave Ahobilam by 17:00.

Now head towards Mahanandi.

Have darshan at Mahanadi temple. By 20:00 leave Mahanadi.

The legend says that Nanda one of the Kings of Nandyal once wished to perform Abhisekam to Lord Siva, with milk. He ordered for the supply of milk for Pooja. One of the cowherds of Gopavaram village, who in charge of this duty observed that one of the cows coming empty every day. In order to find out what is happening to the milk of this cow, he followed the cow to the forest and hide in a thick bush. The cow as usual reached an ant-hill grazed around for a while and began to empty its milk. A young lad was sucking the milk. The cowherd who was astonished at this sight conveyed the news to the King. The King was amazed and decided to ascertain the fact. The next day, he followed the cow-herd and hide in the thick bush. As usual, the cow began to give her milk on the ant-hill. The young lad began to drink the milk, when the King was over enjoyed at the sight, God disappeared immediately and the cow in its hurry trampled the ant-hill. The hoops of the cow are deeply marked on the anthill. Lord Siva appeared in the dream of the King and told him to worship him at that place. The King constructed a temple.

Enroute visit Nandi park on your way to Kurnool. 

Route: Mahanandi - Nadyal - Kurnool.

You will reach Kurnool by 22:00. Take rest and have a night halt at Kurnool. 

Day 2:

Start from Kurnool as early as possible. You can reach Hyderabad by 7:00.

Things to remember before you visit Ahobilam and Mahanandi:

1. Check the condition of your car.

2. Keep a Stepney and a tool kit.

3. Aadhar card is mandatory.

4. Book the tickets for darshan and all your accommodations before the start of your trip.

5. For the accommodations in Kurnool and Nandyal, call them just one hour before you reach your hotel and remind them regarding your booking.

6. Try to carry a sleeping bag in case if your accommodation is canceled.

7. Carry hiking poles during the trek. Try to hire a guide before you start your trek.

8. There will be a lot of monkeys in Ahobilam. So, please take care of your belongings.

9. From 19:00 - 20:00, there will be  Nijaroopa darsana of Mahanandeeswara Swamy. If you are planning to visit Mahanandi, remember this point.