There are only 16 online tickets available per day for Istakameswari Temple. They sell out within minutes of release — sometimes within seconds on popular dates. This is not a standard temple where you drive up, park, and walk in. Istakameswari Devi Temple sits 21 km inside the Nallamala Forest — one of India’s largest tiger reserves. The only way to reach it is through the Nekkanti Jungle Ride — a managed jeep journey through dense protected forest, followed by a short trek to the temple. If you want to visit Istakameswari, the booking step is everything.
Please Subscribe on Youtube
💡 Quick Answer Online tickets per day: Only 16 — extreme demand Sells out: Within minutes of release — sometimes same day Booking: NSTR (Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve) official website Ticket includes: Round-trip jeep ride + temple visit Distance from main Srisailam temple: 21 km inside Nallamala Forest Who can visit: All devotees | Children above 8 years need tickets
2026 Update: Istakameswari Temple tickets are managed by the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department through the NSTR portal. Only 16 online tickets available per day — all other access is strictly prohibited. Tickets include the Nekkanti Jungle Ride (managed jeep). Forest rules apply — no plastic, maintain silence, follow forest department instructions. Source: dubaiuae.in April 2026.
Istakameswari vs Srisailam Main Temple — Two Different Places
This is the most important clarification for pilgrims planning a Srisailam trip.
| Istakameswari Temple | Mallikarjuna Srisailam Temple | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | 21 km inside Nallamala Forest | Srisailam town — main temple |
| Access | Managed jeep ride only | Road accessible |
| Tickets | 16 per day — NSTR portal | srisailadevasthanam.org |
| Type | Forest jungle temple | Main Jyotirlinga + Shakti Peetha |
| Experience | Jungle ride + spiritual | Traditional temple darshan |
| Physical demand | Moderate — bumpy jeep + trek | Minimal |
Most visitors come to Srisailam for the main Mallikarjuna temple. Istakameswari is a separate, rarer, and far more limited experience — done in addition to the main temple, not instead of it.
Istakameswari Temple — At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Sri Istakameswari Devi Temple |
| Goddess | Istakameswari Devi — form of Goddess Durga/Shakti |
| Location | Inside Nallamala Forest, 21 km from Srisailam town |
| Forest | Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) |
| Access | Nekkanti Jungle Ride — managed jeep only |
| Daily tickets | 16 online (extremely limited) |
| Ticket includes | Round-trip jeep + temple entry |
| Children | Above 8 years need tickets |
| Booking | NSTR official website |
The Nekkanti Jungle Ride — What to Expect
The journey to Istakameswari is part of a package called the Nekkanti Jungle Ride — managed by the AP Forest Department.
| Stage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Starting point | NSTR base camp near Srisailam town |
| Jeep ride | Through Nallamala Tiger Reserve — 21 km |
| Forest type | Dense, protected — tigers, leopards, deer, peacocks |
| Duration | ~45 minutes one way |
| Terrain | Bumpy, unpaved forest track |
| Trek after jeep | Short walk to reach temple |
| Total time | 3–4 hours round trip |
Physical note: The jeep ride is bumpy and may not suit individuals with serious back problems or pregnant women. The short trek after the jeep drop-off is manageable for most fitness levels.
How to Book — Step by Step
Only official booking method: NSTR (Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve) portal
Step 1 — Search “NSTR Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve online booking” — go to official AP Forest Department portal
Step 2 — Find “Nekkanti Jungle Ride — Istakameswari Temple”
Step 3 — Check available dates — 16 slots per day
Step 4 — Select date and time slot
Step 5 — Enter visitor details — name, Aadhaar, age (above 8 for tickets)
Step 6 — Pay online
Step 7 — Download ticket — carry printed copy + original ID on the day
Most important tip: Tickets release on specific days/times. Check the NSTR portal for the release schedule. On release day, be on the portal exactly at the opening time — tickets vanish within minutes on popular dates.
Forest Rules — Strictly Enforced
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| No plastic | Strictly prohibited inside the forest |
| Maintain silence | Forest area — loud noise disturbs wildlife |
| No littering | Heavy penalties |
| Stay in jeep | Do not exit the vehicle during the ride unless instructed |
| Photography | Check with forest guide — some areas restricted |
| Dress code | Modest clothing — no revealing outfits inside temple |
| Follow instructions | Forest department guides accompany all groups |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Condition |
|---|---|
| October – February | Best — pleasant weather, wildlife more visible |
| March – May | Hot but manageable |
| June – September | Monsoon — forest lush and beautiful but some days closed due to rain |
Check NSTR portal for any seasonal closures before booking.
Combine With — One or Two Day Srisailam Plan
Day 1 — Istakameswari + Main Temple
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Report at NSTR base — Nekkanti Jungle Ride |
| 6:00–10:00 AM | Jeep ride through forest + Istakameswari Devi darshan |
| 11:00 AM | Return to Srisailam town |
| 11:30 AM | Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple darshan |
| 1:00 PM | Bhramaramba Devi darshan (₹200) |
| Evening | Patalanganga cable car |
Common Errors + Fixes
Assuming Istakameswari is inside the main Srisailam temple complex → Fix: Completely separate — 21 km inside Nallamala Forest. Requires a separate NSTR-managed jeep ride. Must be booked independently through the NSTR portal.
Trying to walk or drive to Istakameswari independently → Fix: Entry into the tiger reserve without an authorised NSTR jeep is strictly prohibited and dangerous. Only managed Nekkanti Jungle Ride jeeps are permitted.
Booking too late and missing tickets → Fix: Only 16 online tickets per day. Book on release day — be on the portal at the exact opening time. Popular weekends and festival dates sell out in under a minute.
Bringing plastic inside the forest → Fix: Plastic is strictly prohibited inside Nallamala Tiger Reserve. Carry cloth bags, steel water bottles, and reusable containers.
Not carrying a printed ticket → Fix: Carry a printed copy of the ticket plus original Aadhaar/ID. Digital tickets on phone are accepted but a printed backup is recommended given forest terrain.
Istakameswari Visit Checklist
☑ NSTR portal booking — only 16 tickets/day — book on release day ☑ Carry printed ticket + original Aadhaar ☑ No plastic — cloth bags and steel bottles ☑ Physical check — bumpy jeep ride — not for severe back problems ☑ Children above 8 — tickets required ☑ Traditional modest attire for temple ☑ October–February — best season ☑ Allow 3–4 hours for full round trip ☑ Combine with main Srisailam temple same day ☑ Follow all forest department instructions
FAQ
How to book Istakameswari temple tickets online 2026?
Book through the NSTR (Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve) official portal — search for “Nekkanti Jungle Ride Istakameswari.” Select date, fill visitor details (Aadhaar, age above 8), pay, download ticket. Only 16 online slots per day.
How many tickets are available per day for Istakameswari Temple?
Only 16 online tickets per day — extremely limited. They sell out within minutes of release on popular dates. Check the NSTR portal for the ticket release schedule.
What is included in the Nekkanti Jungle Ride ticket?
The ticket includes the round-trip managed jeep ride through Nallamala Forest + temple entry. A short trek is required to reach the temple after the jeep drop-off.
Is Istakameswari temple the same as Srisailam main temple?
No — completely different. The main Srisailam temple (Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga + Bhramaramba Devi) is in Srisailam town. Istakameswari Temple is 21 km inside Nallamala Tiger Reserve — accessible only by NSTR managed jeep.
Can I walk or drive to Istakameswari on my own?
No — the Nallamala Tiger Reserve is a protected forest. Independent entry is strictly prohibited and dangerous. Only NSTR-managed jeeps are permitted, and all visitors must have a valid Nekkanti Jungle Ride ticket.
What is the best time to visit Istakameswari Temple?
October to February — pleasant weather, forest conditions ideal, wildlife more active. Check NSTR portal for any monsoon closures (June–September).
16 tickets. Per day. For one of the most unique temple experiences in Andhra Pradesh — a Goddess temple deep inside a tiger reserve, accessible only by a managed jungle ride. On release day, be on the NSTR portal before anyone else. Download your ticket. Pack a cloth bag. Leave the plastic at home. The forest is 21 km of protected wilderness. The Goddess at the end of it has been there for centuries — waiting for exactly this kind of devotee. Jai Istakameswari Devi!
Also Read:
- Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple Darshan 2026
- Kanaka Durga Temple Vijayawada 2026
- Srikalahasti Rahu Ketu Pooja 2026
- Tirupati Balaji Darshan Timings 2026