Package highlights
- Pickup and return to Vijayawada the same day
- Private vehicle options: sedan, SUV or MPV, and larger vehicles for groups where available
- Five Pancharama temple destinations across three districts
- Itinerary planning, with realistic limits explained below
- Fare quotation on request. We do not publish a fixed price
The Pancharama Kshetras are five ancient Shiva temples in Andhra Pradesh. Legend says a single lingam of the demon Tarakasura was broken by Kumaraswamy into pieces that fell at five places, which became the Pancharama Kshetras. Historical accounts attribute the temples to the Eastern Chalukyan king Chalukya Bhima I (around the 10th century), so the legend and the documented history differ, and both are part of why devotees visit.
Can you really do all five in one day?
Technically yes, but it is a very long day. The temples are spread from Amaravati in the west to Samalkot near Kakinada in the east. Using public route data, the full loop from Vijayawada is roughly 550–700 km, and the state road transport corporation’s own circular tour of the five is described as about 700 km over 24 hours. That means about 13–16 hours of driving, plus roughly 45–60 minutes at each temple and a meal break, so 18 to 21 hours in total.
Many temples close for several hours in the afternoon, and we have not been able to verify timings. A fast schedule that reaches a temple while it is closed will miss that darshan. We cannot guarantee darshan at every temple, and queues, traffic and road works can change everything. If anyone in your group is elderly, unwell or travelling with small children, choose the two-day plan below.
The five temples: itinerary overview
| # | Temple (Kshetra) | Town and district | Suggested visit | Travel note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sri Amaralingeswara Swamy (Amararama) | Amaravati, Palnadu | 60–75 min | On the Krishna. The nearest to Vijayawada, so do it first |
| 2 | Sri Someswara Janardhana Swamy (Somarama) | Bhimavaram, West Godavari | 45–60 min | About 117 km from Vijayawada on a direct road |
| 3 | Sri Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy (Ksheerarama) | Palakollu, West Godavari | 45–60 min | Only about 22–24 km from Bhimavaram |
| 4 | Sri Bhimeswara Swamy (Draksharama) | Draksharamam, Konaseema | 60–75 min | The longest leg from Palakollu, route-dependent |
| 5 | Sri Kumara Bhimeswara Swamy (Kumararama) | Samalkot, Kakinada | 45–60 min | About 40 km from Draksharamam; the temple is about 1 km from Samalkot town |
The order above avoids backtracking: it goes west to east, then returns along the main highway. It starts with Amaravati because that is the one temple off the Godavari side, and finishes at Samalkot so the long return to Vijayawada begins from the east end.
One-day schedule (indicative)
This timetable shows what the day would look like if every temple were open and queues were short. It is a guide, not a promise.
- About 4:00 amPickup in Vijayawada, drive to Amaravati.
- About 5:00–6:15 amAmararama, Amaravati.
- About 6:30–10:00 amDrive to Bhimavaram (about 155 km from Amaravati by public route data), with a breakfast stop.
- About 10:00–11:00 amSomarama, Bhimavaram.
- About 11:45 am–12:45 pmKsheerarama, Palakollu, then lunch.
- About 1:00–4:00 pmDrive to Draksharamam (roughly 85–110 km, route-dependent). Check whether the temple is open on arrival.
- About 4:00–5:00 pmDraksharama.
- About 5:15–7:15 pmKumararama, Samalkot (about 40 km on).
- About 7:30 pm–12:30 amReturn to Vijayawada (roughly 190–215 km). Actual arrival may be later.
Meal and rest breaks are built into these gaps, but not much slack. Actual completion depends on temple schedules, queues, traffic and the time spent at each temple.
A more comfortable alternative: the two-day plan
For most families we recommend splitting the circuit. A suggested plan:
- Day 1Vijayawada to Amaravati, then on to Bhimavaram and Palakollu. Overnight in Bhimavaram or Palakollu (roughly 220 km of driving).
- Day 2Palakollu to Draksharamam and Samalkot, then back to Vijayawada via Rajahmundry (roughly 330–360 km).
Other overnight bases such as Rajahmundry are also common. Accommodation, meals and temple donations are excluded unless confirmed in your quotation, and we do not have hotel partnerships to promise.
Vehicle options
- Sedan: small families.
- SUV or MPV: families who need more space on a very long day.
- Larger vehicles: groups, subject to availability and legal passenger capacity.
On a day this long, comfort matters. Our vehicle comparison guide explains the trade-offs, and you should also ask how driver rest will be managed on a day of this length.
Fare enquiry
The quotation depends on vehicle type, total distance, trip duration, driver allowance, tolls, parking, applicable taxes, and any waiting or detours. Because the day is long, ask specifically about extra-hour and night charges if you return late. See our one-way versus round-trip guide for the terms to look for. We do not publish fixed prices.
Why enquire with Best Car Travels?
We are a Vijayawada-based taxi service with routes across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. You can ask us for a plan that fits your group, the vehicle options for your date, and a clear list of what the quoted fare includes. We do not have special temple permissions and cannot promise darshan. Read how we describe our outstation service on the car travels page.
Frequently asked questions
What are the five Pancharama temples?
Amararama (Amaravati), Draksharama (Draksharamam), Somarama (Bhimavaram), Ksheerarama (Palakollu) and Kumararama (Samalkot).
Can I visit all five temples in one day from Vijayawada?
It is possible but very long, roughly 18–21 hours in all, and temple closing hours may prevent a visit to some. Two days is more comfortable.
What time should I start?
Around 4:00 am for the one-day plan, so you reach Amaravati early.
What is the approximate round-trip distance?
Roughly 550–700 km depending on the route. A state-run circular tour of the five is described as about 700 km.
What is the taxi fare?
It depends on the vehicle, distance, duration, driver allowance, tolls, taxes and waiting time. Request a quotation.
Can I book a sedan or SUV?
Yes, subject to availability. An SUV or MPV is more comfortable on a day this long.
Are tolls and driver allowance included?
Ask for each to be stated in your quotation.
Can senior citizens join the trip?
We recommend the two-day plan for senior citizens, with a proper rest stop each day.
What happens if darshan takes longer than expected?
Later temples may be missed or the return delayed. Tell the driver your priorities in advance, and ask how extra hours are charged.
How do I book a taxi with Best Car Travels?
Tap the WhatsApp button on this page or call +91 81215 93159.
Sources and what to confirm
- Temple list and districts: Wikipedia (Pancharama Kshetras), and the West Godavari district website for Bhimavaram and Palakollu.
- Distances: public route guides and a travel portal figure of 117 km from Vijayawada to Bhimavaram; Amaravati to Bhimavaram and Draksharamam to Samalkot figures from a pilgrimage guide. The ~700 km state circular tour figure is from a government cultural portal page on Kumararama.
- Not verified: temple opening hours and darshan arrangements. Please confirm directly with each temple.
Related services: car travels and outstation tours and how to book a taxi in Vijayawada.