Reaching the Ashram · By Road
By Road
Puttaparthi is located approximately 160 km north of Bengaluru, with convenient road access via NH44. The final stretch through the scenic Chitravathi valley offers a pleasant and peaceful approach to the Ashram.
With major new highway corridors being developed in the region, Puttaparthi is poised to become an increasingly well-connected destination. The upcoming Bengaluru–Kadapa–Vijayawada greenfield expressway corridor passes through the Puttaparthi region, further strengthening connectivity between Bengaluru and the important cities of Andhra Pradesh.
The expanding network of high-speed highways around Bengaluru and Andhra Pradesh will make the journey to Prasanthi Nilayam even more convenient for visitors travelling by road from across South India.
How far is it?
- Bengaluru: roughly 3 hours from city centre (about 2h 15m from the airport). NH44 north, exit at Penukonda → SH33.
- Hyderabad: roughly 7h 15m from the airport, 8 hours from the city. NH44 south through Kurnool.
- Chennai: roughly 7h 30m. Via NH48 to Bengaluru then NH44, or via Dharmavaram on NH16 then inland.
Set your navigation to "Prasanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi". The ashram is in the centre of town and well-signed from the approach roads. Tolls apply on NH44.
By public transport
APSRTC (Andhra Pradesh), KSRTC (Karnataka), TSRTC (Telangana), and TNSTC (Tamil Nadu) run regular express services to Puttaparthi from Bengaluru (Majestic terminal), Hyderabad (MGBS terminal), and Chennai (CMBT). Buses drop at the Puttaparthi bus stand, a few minutes' walk from the ashram gate.
By rented cab or app cab
Ola, Uber and local aggregators operate from all three cities. Pre-booking one-way ensures a fixed fare. Several agents near Bengaluru Majestic specialise in ashram trips and include waiting time.
By your own vehicle
Parking is available inside and near the campus. The gate you use depends on your vehicle type. See the gate information below.
Which gate to use
There are two entry points to the ashram:
- Main Gate (Gopuram Road): for pedestrians and devotees arriving on foot, by bus or by auto-rickshaw. Two-wheelers also enter here.
- Culvert Gate: all visitor vehicles and taxis must enter through the Culvert Gate, not the main gate. This applies to cabs, private cars and hired vehicles bringing guests. Follow signs from Puttaparthi town centre. Culvert Gate on Google Maps
At the security check
Every visitor and piece of luggage passes through the security counter at the gate. The process is quick and orderly. Have your photo ID ready: Aadhaar for Indian citizens, passport for overseas visitors. Bags pass through an X-ray scanner. Mobile phones may be checked but are permitted on campus (not inside Sai Kulwant Hall). Once inside, follow signs to the Accommodation Office near the N-9 block.
Map data: OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL · Click the map to scroll