Istakameswari Temple Tickets Online Booking: Sri Istakameswari Devi Temple, located in the heart of Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, is a revered pilgrimage destination for devotees across India. Nestled deep inside the Nallamala Tiger Reserve (NSTR), this sacred temple is part of the “Nekkanti Jungle Ride,” offering not just spiritual fulfillment but also a unique adventure through lush forests. If you are planning a visit, understanding the ticket booking process is essential, as daily tickets are limited and highly sought after.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Istakameswari Devi Temple |
| Location | Deep inside Nallamala Tiger Reserve, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh |
| Jungle Ride Name | Nekkanti Jungle Ride |
| Ticket Availability | Limited to 120 tickets per day |
| Advance Booking | Recommended; opens 15 days before the visit |
| Offline Tickets | Available at Shikharam counter from 8:00 AM for next-day visit |
| Required Documents | Aadhaar card |
| Jungle Ride Timing | Reach by 8:30 AM; ride takes 30–45 minutes + short trek |
| Distance from Srisailam Temple | ~21 km |
| Transportation | Forest-department operated jeep/authorized vehicle |
| Physical Readiness | Bumpy ride + short trek; not ideal for severe back issues |
| Rules & Guidelines | No plastic, modest clothing, stay silent, follow forest rules |
| Best Time to Visit | November to March |
| Special Notes | Limited parking; guided tours available |
Istakameswari Temple Ticket Price
| Ticket Type | Price (₹) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Istakameswari Jungle Ride Ticket | ₹1,000 per person | Forest Jeep Safari (2.5 hours) + Temple Visit |
Key Ticket Rules:
- Tickets are mandatory for everyone above 8 years.
- Seats are very limited—only around 16 online tickets/day.
- The ticket includes up & down jeep ride + temple visit.
What’s Included in the Istakameswari Ticket
| Included | Details |
|---|---|
| Jeep Safari (Round-trip) | Mandatory forest jeep ride to the cave temple and back. |
| Forest Entry Permission | Access to protected Nallamala forest area. |
| Driver & Guide Support | Forest-trained drivers and basic guidance during the ride. |
| Temple Visit Access | Entry to the Istakameswari Cave Temple for darshan. |
| Safety & Monitoring | Forest department supervision throughout the journey. |
Istakameswari Temple Tickets Online Booking – Step-by-Step Guide
Online tickets can be booked only through the NSTR (Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve) official website.
How to Book Online:
- Visit the official booking link (NSTR website).
- Select Nekkanti Jungle Ride – Istakameswari.
- Choose your date and available time slot.
- Enter pilgrim details:
- Full name
- Age
- Gender
- Aadhaar or valid ID number
- Complete the payment through the available modes.
- Download the ticket and carry a printout + original ID on the day of the ride.
Important Note:
Online tickets sell out within minutes, so booking early in the morning on release day is recommended.
Nekkanti Jungle Ride Experience
The temple journey is part of an adventurous jungle ride:
- Distance from Main Temple: Approximately 21 km from Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple.
- Transport: Managed jeep ride through Nallamala forests.
- Trek: A short walk is required to reach the temple after the jeep ride.
- Physical Readiness: The ride is bumpy; may not suit individuals with back issues.
- Rules: Maintain silence, avoid plastic, and follow forest department instructions.
- Dress Code: Modest clothing recommended to respect the sacred environment.
Nearby Attractions in Srisailam
| Attraction | Distance from Istakameswari Temple | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Mallikarjuna Srisaila Swamy Temple | 21 km | 14th-century Shiva temple, Jyotirlinga |
| Srisailam Dam | 18 km | Scenic dam and reservoir views |
| Bhramaramba Devi Temple | 21 km | Shakti Peetha, spiritual experience |
| Mallela Theertham | 30 km | Natural waterfall in Nallamala hills |
| Sakshi Ganapathi Temple | 22 km | Famous Ganesh temple |
| Akka Mahadevi Caves | 25 km | Historical cave temple |
Venue
Visitor Instructions
- Arrive at the counter on time.
- Follow all forest department rules.
- Carry water, snacks, and personal essentials.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for the ride and trek.
- Respect the temple and forest environment.
Special Events & Instructions
| Event / Occasion | Typical Date / Month | Instructions / Tips for Visitors |
|---|---|---|
| Maha Shivaratri | February / March | Arrive early, book tickets in advance, carry valid ID, follow temple dress code, expect heavy crowd. |
| Navaratri Celebrations | September / October | Advance booking recommended for Nekkanti Jungle Ride, maintain silence during rituals, respect forest rules. |
| Bhramaramba Devi Utsavam | December / January | Participate in special poojas, wear modest attire, avoid plastic and outside food, reach Nekkanti Jungle Ride counter on time. |
| Daily Darshan via Nekkanti Jungle Ride | All year (8:30 AM start) | Tickets required for entry, carry Aadhaar ID, reach ride counter early, follow forest department guidelines during jungle ride. |
| Special Prasad Distribution | During Festivals | Maintain queue discipline, follow instructions from temple volunteers, do not litter. |
| Forest Awareness & Eco-Tourism Events | Selected Dates | Respect nature trails, avoid touching flora and fauna, use designated paths, maintain silence. |
FAQs
How can I book tickets for Istakameswari Temple?
Tickets can be booked online via the Nallamala Tiger Reserve (NSTR) official website at https://nstr.co.in/booking/. Look for the “Nekkanti Jungle Ride” section.
Is advance booking necessary?
Yes, due to limited daily tickets (around 120), advance booking is strongly recommended. Online bookings usually open 15 days before the date of darshan.
Can I get tickets offline?
A limited number of offline tickets may be available at the Shikharam counter from 8:00 AM for the next day’s visit.
What documents are required for booking?
Visitors need a valid Aadhaar card for identification during booking and entry.
What is the schedule for the jungle ride?
All ticketed visitors must reach the Nekkanti Jungle Ride counter by 8:30 AM. The ride operates daily, subject to weather conditions.
Is the jungle ride suitable for everyone?
The ride involves a vehicle journey through the forest and a short trek to the temple. Visitors with back problems or mobility issues should take precautions.
Are there any rules during the visit?
Visitors must follow forest department rules: no plastic, maintain silence, dress modestly, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
How far is Istakameswari Temple from Srisailam town?
The temple is approximately 21 kilometers from the main Srisailam temple.
Can I hire a guide for the temple visit?
Yes, guided services can be arranged through travel operators or tour packages if needed.
What is the best time to visit?
November to March is ideal for pleasant weather and calm forest conditions. Avoid monsoon months (July–September) due to rough paths and potential ride cancellations.
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