How to Reach Medaram — Sammakka Jatara 2028
Mulugu District, Telangana · No direct rail or air access · Road is the only way in
Medaram is a remote tribal village in the Eturnagaram forest of Mulugu District, Telangana. Under normal circumstances it is home to a few hundred residents. During the biennial Sammakka Saralamma Jatara, it transforms into one of India's largest pilgrimage destinations — drawing over 1 crore (10 million) devotees across just four days.
Reaching Medaram requires planning ahead. There is no railway station and no airport within the village or nearby. The nearest major railway hub is Warangal Junction (90 km), and the nearest international airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad (280 km). All pilgrims must travel the final leg by road — through narrow, winding forest routes that become intensely congested on peak Jatara days.
This guide covers every transport option — TSRTC special buses, car routes, train connections, and where to stay along the way — to help you plan a smooth Jatara visit in 2028.
Distance from Major Cities
| City / Origin | Distance | Drive Time | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyderabad | 260 km | ~3.5 hrs | NH163 via Warangal |
| Warangal | 90 km | ~2 hrs | Via Mulugu |
| Karimnagar | 150 km | ~2.5 hrs | Via Warangal |
| Nagpur | 400 km | ~6 hrs | Via Adilabad or Chandrapur |
| Vijayawada | 250 km | ~4 hrs | Via Khammam |
| Bengaluru | 680 km | ~10 hrs | Via Hyderabad |
| Mumbai | 850 km | ~13 hrs | Via Nagpur |
Drive times are estimates under normal traffic. During peak Jatara days (Days 2–3), add 1–3 hours for the final 30 km forest road.
Transport Options
🚌 Bus (TSRTC Jatara Specials)
TSRTC (Telangana State Road Transport Corporation) operates hundreds of dedicated Jatara special buses during all four days of the festival from Hyderabad, Warangal, Karimnagar, Khammam, Nalgonda, and other major Telangana cities. These are the most popular and affordable option for most pilgrims. Book or queue early — demand far exceeds supply.
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Nearest major stations: Warangal Junction (WL) — 90 km — and Kazipet Junction (KZJ) — 85 km. Both are well-connected to Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Nagpur, and Vijayawada. From the station, take a TSRTC Jatara special bus directly to Medaram during the festival. Outside the Jatara season, buses to Mulugu operate from Warangal Bus Station.
🚗 Car or Hired Cab
The most flexible option for families. Drive NH163 from Hyderabad to Warangal, then follow the state highway toward Mulugu and Tadvai. Be aware: the last 30 km of forest road is narrow and very congested during peak Jatara days. Leave before 2 AM on Day 3 to avoid multi-hour traffic jams. Park only in designated areas — no vehicles beyond the marked parking zones.
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Nearest airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), Hyderabad — 280 km from Medaram. From HYD, hire a cab directly to Medaram (4–5 hours), or take a shared cab / Telangana bus to Warangal, then continue to Medaram. Book your cab from the airport well in advance during Jatara season.
TSRTC Jatara Special Buses — What to Know
The Telangana State Government deploys over 3,000 special bus services across all four days of the Jatara — making TSRTC specials the most efficient option for the majority of pilgrims. Buses run around the clock from major departure points in Hyderabad (MGBS, Jubilee Bus Station, LB Nagar, and Uppal depots), Warangal, Karimnagar, Khammam, Nalgonda, and Nizamabad.
- Fares: ₹80–300 depending on origin city and bus type (ordinary / express / AC).
- Departure points: Government bus stations in each city — check the TSRTC enquiry counter or the official TSRTC website for Jatara-specific services closer to the event.
- Round trip: Most special buses are return-trip tickets valid for the same day or the next morning.
- Crowd note: On Day 3, boarding at designated stands starts before 4 AM. Arrive at the bus station 1–2 hours early to secure a seat.
- Pilgrim buses from Karnataka and Maharashtra: Many private tour operators from Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Nagpur run chartered pilgrimage buses. Check with local temple committees or pilgrimage associations in your city.
The Forest Road: Tadvai to Medaram
The final 30 km from Tadvai to Medaram passes through protected Eturnagaram forest. This section is a single-lane road with passing bays — beautiful on a normal day, and a logistical challenge when tens of lakhs of pilgrims are converging simultaneously.
The Telangana Police and district administration implement strict one-way traffic management on Jatara days. Incoming vehicles use one set of forest roads; returning vehicles use separate corridors. Entry is staggered by vehicle type. All private vehicles must park at designated zones before the main festival area — the final 1–3 km walk is on foot, on forest tracks.
The road is in good condition up to Mulugu. Beyond Mulugu, the forest road becomes narrower. Prepare for dust or mud depending on season. There are no petrol stations inside the forest — refuel at Mulugu before entering.
Accommodation Options
Permanent hotels do not exist in or near Medaram village. For the four days of the Jatara, accommodation is a combination of government-run temporary tent shelters, dharamshalas organised by community groups, and private homes in surrounding villages offering basic boarding.
Medaram (at site)
Government temporary shelters — basic but convenient. Bring a sleeping mat, blanket, and extra clothing. Pre-register through the Mulugu District Collectorate portal before the Jatara.
Mulugu Town (35 km)
Small hotels and lodges in the district town. Fills up months in advance for Jatara dates. Budget: ₹600–1,800 per night. Book the moment dates are announced.
Warangal (90 km)
Best hotel range and connectivity. TSTDC Haritha Hotel, Hotel Ratna, Hotel Suprabha, and many private hotels. Ideal base for day-trip pilgrims.
Essential Tips for 2028 Pilgrims
- 🕓 Start early: Leave your base city before 4 AM on Day 3 to reach Medaram before the peak crowd surge.
- 💧 Carry water: At least 2 litres per person. The government supplies drinking water points, but queues are long on peak days.
- 💵 Cash only: ATMs and UPI connectivity are unreliable near Medaram. Carry sufficient cash for transport, offerings, and food.
- 👟 Comfortable footwear: The last 1–3 km is on foot over forest ground and uneven terrain. Rubber slippers or sturdy flat shoes are best.
- 📱 Download offline maps: Mobile data can be weak or absent in the forest zone. Download the Medaram/Tadvai area on Google Maps before leaving.
- 🎒 Travel light: No heavy bags or suitcases. Bring only what you can carry for several hours of walking in dense crowds.
- 🔒 Keep ID handy: Police checkpoints are in place on the forest road. Carry a government-issued photo ID.
- 🏥 Medical facilities: The government sets up first-aid and medical camps throughout the Jatara grounds. Note the location of the nearest camp when you arrive.