Basara is about 123 km from Jagtial, roughly 3 hours each way by car. The round trip is about 250 km, so it fits in one day. A Baleno on the 24-hour tariff is Rs. 1200 (up to 250 km), a driver is on average Rs. 1200 to Rs. 1500 a day on top, and fuel (about Rs. 1400) and tolls are yours. We have not confirmed a direct bus from Jagtial, so ask at the bus stand if you want to go by bus.
We can run the whole day: pick you up at home early in the morning, drive you to Basara, wait while you do darshan, and bring you home the same evening. One booking, and nothing for you to organise.
About the Basara temple
The Gnana Saraswati Temple is in Basara, in Nirmal district, on the bank of the Godavari. It is one of the few temples in India dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. Lakshmi stands beside her in the sanctum, and a Mahakali idol is close to the main temple, which is why the place is called the home of the three goddesses.
The daily puja starts at 4am with the abhishekam, and the alankaram and aarti follow in the early morning. The temple is busiest around Vasant Panchami and during the ten days of Dasara Navaratri, so expect a long queue on those dates.
Akshara Abhyasam: a child's first letters
Many families come to Basara for Akshara Abhyasam, the ceremony where a young child is introduced to writing before starting school. The child writes the first letters, and the family offers books, pens and pencils to the goddess. If this is the reason for your trip, ask the temple about the booking and any fee before you go, and bring the child's new school supplies with you.
Jagtial to Basara by car
It is about 123 km each way, roughly 3 hours depending on traffic and the road. Basara is about 35 km from Nizamabad and about 70 km from Nirmal, the district headquarters. The nearest railway station, Basar, is a few kilometres from the temple. Check your map app on the morning of the trip for the best route and any road works.
By bus we have not confirmed a direct service from Jagtial, so ask at the Jagtial bus stand. A car takes you door to door and lets you leave and return when it suits you, which matters most with small children and older parents.
Leave early: a one-day plan
| Time | What's happening |
|---|---|
| About 5:00 am | We pick you up from your home in Jagtial |
| About 8:00 am | Reach Basara, freshen up and have breakfast |
| Morning | Darshan, and Akshara Abhyasam if you are doing it |
| Midday | Lunch, and a look at the Godavari by the temple |
| About 1:00 pm | Start back to Jagtial |
| About 4:30 pm | Home in Jagtial |
These times are a guide, and darshan can take longer on festival days. Leave earlier on those days.
Basara trip cost from Jagtial
The trip is about 250 km there and back in one day, so the car is on the 24-hour tariff, up to 250 km. That is right at the limit, so tell us if you plan extra stops.
Baleno for 24 hours, up to 250 km. Self-drive suits you if you are happy with the early start and the drive back.
Book this tripA day, on top of the car, depending on the trip. Pickup from your home, and home again after darshan. The driver's food is yours.
Book with a driverA guide for the round trip at 19 km a litre. You fill the tank yourself, and tolls are yours too.
Work out my priceThese are for a same-day trip starting in Jagtial. For the 7-seater, ask us for the price. Prices from other towns differ, so ask us first.
Tips for the day
- Dress modestly and keep shoes in the car, as at most temples.
- Avoid festival days if you want a quiet darshan, or leave very early on them.
- Carry water and snacks for children and older family members.
- Check the weather in the monsoon, when the road can be slower.
Looking for temples closer to home? See our guide to Kondagattu, Dharmapuri and Vemulawada. Coming from Korutla or Metpally instead? Ask us for the price from your town, or see the areas we serve.