Friday, October 04, 2019

How to reach Kanha Shanti Vanam from Hyderabad

There has been a steady flow of visitors to Kanha Shanti Vanam Meditation Centre, located about 50 km away from Hyderabad city. This is mainly due to a lot of events happening throughout the year.

Here is an attempt to comprehensively view the transportation options and staying facilities available for visitors.

Kanha Shantivanam Address: D. No: 13-110, Kanha Village, Nandigama Mandal, Ranga Reddy District, Telangana, India PIN 509325 Tollfree: 1800-121-3492; Mobile: +91-91333-18626 (9 am – 7 pm) Email: welcome@heartfulness.org Website: https://kanha.sahajmarg.org/

Visiting Hours: Mon to Sat 10 am to 1 pm; 2 pm to 5 pm; Sun 10:30 am to 1 pm

Note: Casual visitors are required to visit the 'Welcome Desk.' Name, mobile number and govt issued Identity Proof will be required for the entry.

For Visitor registration (non-Events, for overnight stay) register at the link given below

Those who carry Heartfulness/Mission Id’s are permitted to stay overnight. Please proceed to the comfort dorms directly (except during the Birth Anniversary Celebration/ Bhandara days) and do registration in comfort dorm-B in G1 room.

Kanha Transport Inquiry: Volunteers are available on +91-91333-18636 (9 am to 7 pm) to answer queries and guidance for reaching Kanha on all days. Email: transport@heartfulness.org For permission to stay overnight please call +91-91333-18626 or write to welcome@heartfulness.org

Road Distance
Secunderabad to Kanha – 58 km (Taxi: Rs 1,400, 90-120 min)
Hyderabad to Kanha – 52 km (Taxi: Rs 1,400, 80-110 min)
Kacheguda to Kanha – 51 km (Taxi: Rs 1,200, 80-110 min)
Airport to Kanha  - 34 km (Taxi: Rs 1,050, 40-60 min) Via Bangalore Highway (NH44)
Kanha to Airport drop (Taxi: Rs 900, 40-60 min)
Note:  Take the Timmapur road to Chegur to Kanha. No need to take Nagarguda Shamshabad route, now. See under “Car/Taxi Travel” at the end.
Shamshabad to Kanha – 28 km (Taxi:  Rs 700, 30-40 min)
Thimmapur to Kanha – 12 km (Taxi: Rs 400, Auto: Rs 200-250, 25-35 min)
Note: Road from Timmapur at the railway crossing is open now. Take this route by car or bus to reach Kanha. No need to go via Kothur now. 
Kothur to Kanha- 11 km (25-35 min)
Maddur to Kanha – 6 km (Taxi: Rs 200, Auto: 100. Both difficult to get. Call transport for pickup Rs.200)
Chegur to Kanha - 1.5 km
Shadnagar to Kanha – 18 km (Taxi: Rs 500, Auto: Rs 350, 30-40 min)
Vikarabad to Kanha – 50 km (Taxi: Rs 1,400, 90-120 min)


Map to reach Kanha

Location of Kanha Shantivanam wrt Hyderabad and Vikarabad

This map displays various important landmarks on the map that will help one to understand the distance and time required to reach Kanha Shanti Vanam Heartfulness Meditation Centre from various entry points of Hyderabad City e.g., Hyderabad Railway Station, Secunderabad Railway Station, Mahatma Gandhi Bus Stand (MGBS), Afzulgunj Bus Stand, etc.

Google Map:

Index 
Airport to Kanha
Secunderabad Railway Station to Kanha
Hyderabad (Nampally) Railway Station to Kanha
Kachiguda Railway Station to Kanha
Shadnagar Railway Station to Kanha
Vikarabad Railway Station to Kanha
Car/Taxi Travel
TSRTC Bus
Railway Trains
Metro Trains
Inside Kanha Shanti Vanam Ashram

Airport to Kanha
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) has one integrated Terminal for domestic and international arrivals and departures. RGIA Customer Care 24x7: +91-40-66546370.

People who visit Kanha from/to Hyderabad RGI Airport are using taxis (Ola, Uber, Private taxis). Fare is Rs 850-1,050 Travel time 45-60 min. Distance 33 km. Up to four passengers can share the taxi.

Meru : +91-40-44224422; Sky Cabs : +91-40-49494949. Ola, Uber, Zoom Car and Pre-paid taxis are available at the airport car park. 25% night surcharge is applicable between 2300 hours to 0500 hours.

This system is working well. Regular visitors have mobile numbers of taxi operators. Possibly we can enhance this by making a list of known/good taxi operators and sharing it discreetly with functionaries of the Mission. 

Short Stay Facility at Airport – in case you reach early, or departure is at odd hours:

1.     Airport Lodge: It has a dormitory, rooms, and special rooms both ac and non-ac. Cloak Room, toilet and bathroom with Geyser. It’s simple, hygienic and value for money. The rate for dormitory stay per 6 hours  - is Rs.300/- non-ac; Rs.450/- for ac. They provide a cot with a bedsheet and pillow. It’s located on the 1st floor, PTC (Passenger Transportation Centre) Building. Contact no.+91-40-24008371 Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/22SThUc5ehV9hZyC8

It is located just outside the airport. About 650 meters – 10 min walk from RGIT departure terminal. All buses drop/pick up the travellers from this point. This is like a bus stand. Sky cabs/taxi operates from this place. You can see some autos also. It has a cafeteria, free shuttle bus service to the airport and free parking.

2.      Plaza Premium: This transit facility offers passengers with Nap & Shower facility at the Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International airport, which provides a comfortable place for passengers to relax before or after a flight. Passengers can avail of a wide choice of food and beverages here. The Lounge is located opposite the car park and below the airport village area. It comprises 28 rooms with a shower and a TV, a lounge with a seating capacity for 44, two meeting rooms, a business centre, four shower rooms, a massage room with four seated massage chairs, a TV viewing area and a 24-hour bar. Left luggage facility. Contact number: +91-40-66603131 / +91-40-66603141

Secunderabad Railway Station to Kanha
Bus 539 leaves daily for Kanha at 6:40 am (note changed timing). Boarding is Opp Railway Station Platform 1, Metro Express, near Alfa Hotel. Fare Rs.40/- 60 km. 3 hours. Bus route: Secunderabad, Nampally (Hyderabad Rly Stn), Afzalgunj, Shamshabad, Thimmapur X Road, Kothur, Kanha.

One can take Bus or Rickshaw to Kacheguda (KCG) Railway station (6 km, 20 min). Don’t take Blue Metro – it’s not worth it. From Kacheguda several trains are available to Timmapur. Following two trains from Secunderabad goto Timmapur via Kacheguda. 



Take a Taxi or Auto Rickshaw to reach Kanha from Timmapur. One can get down at Kothur or Shadnagar also.

If you wish to avail of cab/taxi services or use your own transport, please find below the details of the routes to be followed. Kanha ashram is about 58 km from the station.
  • From the Secunderabad Railway Station, take Ranigunj Street Number 2, Lower Tank Bund Road and Telugu Talli Flyover to NH7 in Ambedkar Colony, Hyderabad.
  • Follow Hyderabad Elevated Expressways and continue on the Bangalore Highway till Thimmapur which is approx. 19 km from the airport.
  • Traveling in the direction of Bangalore, from the Thimmapur Checkpost, take a right to reach Chegur village.
  • At a distance of approx. 3 km, take a left from the railway crossing and continue straight to Kanha.

Hyderabad (Nampally/Deccan) Railway Station to Kanha
Bus 539 coming from Secunderabad passes through Nampally daily to Kanha at around 7:00 am and 6:50 pmFare Rs.40/- 60 km. 80-100 min. Bus route: Secunderabad, Nampally (Hyderabad Rly Stn), Afzalgunj, Shamshabad, Thimmapur X Road, Kothur, Kanha.

One can take Bus or Rickshaw to Afzalgunj or MGBS Bus stand. Distance 3 km. Travel time 10-15 min. Three buses go to Kanha from MGBS and Afzal Gunj bus stand. Details are under “TSRTC Bus.”

One can reach Kacheguda Railway Station by Rickshaw (Distance 4.5 km. Time-20 min.). A number of trains are available from Kacheguda to Timmapur and Shadnagar.

One can take Red Metro from Nampalli to MGBS (3rd stop) or Malakpet (4th stop). But, note that Malakpet Railway and Kacheguda Railway stations are 1.1 km and 3.1 km from Malakpet Metro Station. So, going by Metro may not be the best option. Most trains from Kacheguda going towards Timmapur stop at Malakpet railway station.

One can go to Secunderabad Railway station from here. Take rickshaw. Distance 9 km. Time - 30 min.

If you wish to avail of Taxi/cab services or use your own transport, please find below the details of the routes to be followed. Kanha ashram is about 52 km from the station.
  • From the Hyderabad Deccan/Nampally Railway station, take NH7/NH 9 to Hyderabad Elevated Expressways.
  • Follow Hyderabad Elevated Expressways and continue on the Bangalore Highway till Thimmapur which is approx. 19 km from the airport.
  • Traveling in the direction of Bangalore, from the Thimmapur Checkpost, take a right to reach Chegur village.
  • At a distance of approx. 3 km, take a left from the railway crossing and continue straight till Kanha.

Kacheguda Railway Station to Kanha
From Kacheguda there are several trains during the day to reach Timmapur. Most trains stop at Malakpet (MXT) which is reachable on the Red Metro line from Nampalli and MGBS.

Kanha is about 12 km from Timmapur. Take a Taxi or Rickshaw to Kanha from Timmapur.


If you wish to avail taxi/cab services or use your own transport, please find below the details of the routes to be followed. Kanha ashram is about 45 km from the station.
  • From the Kacheguda Railway station, Follow Kacheguda Station Rd to NH163 in Tirumala Arcade.
  • Follow Hyderabad Elevated Expressways and continue on the Bangalore Highway till Thimmapur which is approx. 19 km from the airport.
  • Traveling in the direction of Bangalore, from the Thimmapur Checkpost, take a right to reach Chegur village.
  • At a distance of approx. 3 km, take a left from the railway crossing and continue straight to Kanha.

Shadnagar Railway Station to Kanha
Some trains coming from Bangalore halt at Shadnagar. Transport from Shadnagar to Kanha is better. Between 7:30 am and 7:30 pm every 1 hr 30 min, there is a bus to Kanha. Auto costs Rs.350 (capacity: 6 passengers).

If you wish to come to avail of taxi/cab services or use your own transport, please find below the details of the routes to be followed. The distance to Kanha is 18 km.
  • Traveling in the direction of Hyderabad, from the Thimmapur Checkpost, take a left to reach Chegur village.
  • At a distance of approx. 3 km, take a left from the railway crossing and continue straight to Kanha.

Vikarabad Railway Station to Kanha
Certain trains coming from Mumbai (e.g., Hussain Sagar) stop here. One saves about 2 hours train journey to Hyderabad. Kanha is about 51 km. But transport options are limited at Vikarabad.

Go left for 5 min to reach the bus stand. Take the bus to Chevella. Take the 1:15 pm bus to Shamshabad but get down at Maddur. Kanha is 5 km from Maddur. Take an auto to Kanha or call the Transport desk for help.


Car / Taxi Travel
While coming from the city or outside get on to National Highway 44 (Bangalore Highway) and take the road to Chegur via Timmapur Railway crossing. Head towards Chegur Village and you will reach the main gate of Kanha Shativanam (Gate-1). On Google Maps search for “Main Entrance, Kanha Shantivanam Ashram”

Note: The road from Timmapur at the railway crossing is open now. Now, there is no need to reach Kanha via Kothur.

While coming from Hyderabad City there is an alternate route via Nagarguda Shamshabad Road via  Vardhman College of Engg and SRCM Farms (Maddur). If one is following GPS navigation one may see it as a faster and shorter (by 5 km) route. This road leads to the Gate No 4 West Gate entrance of the Kanha Shantivanam. Entry is generally not permitted from this entrance and one has to enter from Main Gate No 1.


TSRTC Bus
Afzalgunj (CBS) and Secunderabad bus timings mentioned below are as of 1-Sept-2023. Bus fare could be different in 2023.

Bus timings are subject to change. Please check with the Transport department at Kanha.

From

To

Timing

Fare, Distance, Time, Route

Afzalgunj Bus Stand (CBS)

Kanha

5:30 AM, 11:20AM, 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 6:30 PM

Rs.35/- 2-2.5 hour.
Bus no.455 (5:30 am, 6:30 pm).
Bus No.539 (11:20 am, 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm)

Shamshabad

Kanha

3:30 PM

1.5 hours. Shamshabad, Thimmapur X Road, Kothur, Kanha

Secunderabad Note: Boarding is Opp Railway Station 1, Metro Express, near Alfa Hotel.

Kanha

06:40 AM 06:30 PM

Bus No.539 or 8. Rs.40/- 60 km. 3 hours. Secunderabad, Nampally (Hyderabad Rly Stn), Afzalgunj, Shamshabad, Thimmapur X Road, Kothur, Kanha


Hyderabad City to Kanha

From Afzalgunj bus stand buses are there for Timmapur (31 km) and Maddur Bus Stand (39 km). From Thimmapur Kanha is 10-12 km. Take Auto. From Maddur Kanha is 5 km. If getting auto to Kanha is difficult, contact the Transport desk and they will arrange for pick up. Cost about Rs.200/-

From MGBS take a bus to Thimmapur (32 km) or Kothur. There is one bus every hour. During peak hours there is a bus every half an hour. Ordinary bus stop at Thimmapur Check Post. Express bus stop at Kothur, however on request it may stop at Thimmapur Checkpost. Take an auto from Kothur.

Note:
Afzalgunj is preferable over MGBS because direct buses to Kanha are there and also more options are available.


Kanha to Hyderabad City

Bus timings shown below are as of 13-Feb-2023. Bus fares could be different in 2023.

From

To

Timing

Fare, Distance, Time, Route

Kanha (boarding near Comfort Dorm & Dining Hall)

Afzalganj

4:00 AM

2-2.5 hours

Secunderabad

4:30 AM

3 hours (Rly Pf 1, Alpha Hotel)

Shamshabad

7:20 AM

1.5 hours

Afzalganj/MG Bus

9:00 AM

2-2.5 hours

Afzalganj/ MG Bus

1:00 PM

2-2.5 hours

Secunderabad

3:30 PM

3 hours (Rly Pf 1, Alpha Hotel)

Kothur

5:15 PM

1 hour

Note: Bus timing change frequently. It is advisable to check current bus timing with Transport Desk one or two days before the actual visit date.


Railway Trains

Note: The information given below is as of 2020. So please check the latest information as mentioned below.

Web search "indiarailinfo <station>" gives a wealth of information about <station> and its trains, including local trains at indiarailinfo.com. The website search is also good. They have mobile app also.

"indiarailinfo <train-no> <station-1> <station-2>" gives trains (and possible chains) between <station-1> and <station-2>.

Hyderabad City to Kanha
There are 2 trains from Secunderabad (SC) and several trains from Kacheguda (KCG) to reach Timmapur and Shadnagar. Most trains stop at Malakpet (MXT) which is reachable on the Red Metro line from Nampalli and MGBS. So, one may board the train at Malakpet.

Timmapur comes first and then Shadnagar. Transport facilities are better at Shadnagar, as Timmapur to Chegur road is under construction. For passenger (DEMU) trains there is no reservation. One has to just buy the ticket from the counter and sit anywhere.


From Timmapur Kanha is 12 km. Take Taxi (about Rs.400) or Auto Rickshaw (about Rs.200) to Kanha. One can get down at Shadnagar (12th Station, 52 km, Travel time 60 min) because Auto and Bus connectivity is good to Kanha.

From Nampally one can take a Rickshaw to Kacheguda Railway Station. Distance 4 km. Time 15 min. There are several trains from Kacheguda to Timmapur.

Kanha to Hyderabad City


For passenger (DEMU) trains there is no reservation. One has to just buy the ticket from the counter and sit anywhere.

Metro Trains
Since 2017 two Metro lines have started reaching about 48 stations. Blue and Red lines cover the Hyderabad city area. They are not useful to people who wish to reach Kanha Shantivanam. One can use Redline to reach MGBS from Nampalli but Metro station and Bus stand are not very nearby. One will have to walk some distance. Even from Nampalli Railway station, Nampalli Metro station is located some distance away.


Inside Kanha Shantivanam Ashram

As you enter the main gate (no.1), after about 300 m, you will be in a circle with a pillar. On the right side, there is a ‘Welcome desk.’ This facility is for new seekers who intend to know about the ashram and activities of the meditation centre.

For moving around, there is an internal transport system through an electric vehicle during the day. Also, cycles are available.

Main Entrance (Gate No.1)
Pillar with Meditation Hall in the backdrop

Welcome Desk

Kanha has been envisioned to be an integrated township (with residential colonies & a spiritual training & meditation center) for all those who are established in the Heartfulness meditation under the Sahaj Marg system.

Having spiritual service as the primary focus, the Kanha meditation centre extends across a sprawling 340 acres housing various buildings and facilities catering to both the spiritual as well as material needs of seekers. The Ashram is designed to facilitate extensive spiritual training & mentoring programs, promoting personal inner experience, and the opportunity to learn and contribute.

When fully developed, Kanha will be able to host spiritual gatherings of over 40,000 people meditating under one roof equipped with training & seminar halls, comfortable dormitories multi-day stay, healthy & hygienic food, dining areas, canteens, medical facilities, fully equipped children's centre, visual media centre, book stores, etc.

Currently, Kanha is under construction with Meditation Hall, Yatra Garden, regular dormitories, Comfort dormitory, The Pearl Hotel, Kitchen, Canteen facilities, and School getting ready.


Kanha Shantivanam
Kanha Meditation Hall



Everyday group meditation is scheduled at 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM (Monday-Saturday).
Every Sunday group meditation is scheduled at 9.00 AM and 5.00 PM. Note: Revised wef 18-9-2019.

Kanha Campus Layout 2022

In this layout, the Main entrance is on the left side and the east comfort dorm is on the right bottom side. 

Kanha Shantivanam Layout with landmarks
In this layout main entrance is on the bottom side and the east comfort dorm is on the top side.


Accommodation facilities at Kanha

General Dormitory Accommodation during celebrations


This provides a basic facility to stay. One needs to get his own bed. Common toilets and bathrooms are located nearby. 

General Dormitory Accommodation Photo-1

General Dormitory Photo-2


Comfort Dorm (East side)

This is a dormitory accommodation in four blocks (ABCD) two-storey high. It has double bunk beds. The common bathroom and toilets are on the same floor. Air-conditioned and regular accommodation is available. It is located opposite to dining hall. For booking, write to welcome@heartfulness.org




Hotel

The Pearl Hotel is located inside the campus near Comfort Dorm. It has about 43 rooms. Deluxe Room (one double bed) Rs.4,500/- and Suite (two double beds) Rs.7,500/- plus 12% GST (wef 1-Oct-2019). Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, Fully Air Conditioned, Mineral Water, Tea/Coffee Maker, Mini-fridge, Personal Locker, Extra Mattress, Meeting Room, Restaurant, Laundry Services, Gym facility, Bicycles, Free Shuttle Services. For reservation write an email to pearl.reservation@heartfulness.org or call +91-63027-50394. Visit https://heartfulness.org/kanha/pearl-hotel/  and read more info at https://www.facebook.com/The-pearl-hotel-2150382925017407/
Kanha Madhuvanam Apartments

Food
Dining Hall

The main dining Hall is located behind the Comfort dormitory block on Eastside. Simple and nourishing vegetarian food is served for Breakfast (8-9 am), Lunch (12:30-2 pm), Tea (3:30-5 pm) and Dinner (7:30-8:45 pm) for free. Food is prepared for 40,000 people in just 3 hours, using steam!







Canteen & Restaurant

The canteen serves vegetarian food at a reasonable cost. Timing: 6am-9:00pm. Above the canteen “Fastau’s Italiano Ristaurante” serves Italian food 11:30 am-1:30 pm; 6:30 am-8.30 pm Mon closed.
Kanha Canteen
Fastau’s Italian Restaurant


Eco-friendly Campus

Care is taken to make Kanha eco-friendly by extensive tree plantation, use of solar plant and water purification plant.  The campus is free of plastic, litter, and smoking. Note that the Supply of water is very limited. Use as little water as possible for bath, washroom etc.  Carry drinking water in a bottle. 


Solar Plant

Water Plant


Some places to visit

Book Store – Books, DVDs, Magazines, Photographs, Souvenirs 
Timing: Tue to Fri 9 am – 6 pm; Sat 9 am - 8:30 pm; Sun 10:30 am – 5:30 pm (Monday closed)

Heartfulness School - Pre-KG to Grade 8 (Age 3 - 13) ‘Open School’ (NIOS) Web: hfnschools.org

Yatra Garden
Children's Park

Children Park


Photo Collage








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