Surrounded by the arid and rocky hills bordering Karnataka, Puttaparthi, the seat of Prasanthi Nilayam (the ashram of Sai Baba) is located 400 km from Hyderabad. Despite of being a tiny locale in the sate of Andhra Pradesh, Puttaparthi has gained global appreciation as a centre of religious excellence. It is known for its spiritual and cultural roots. Apart from this religious attraction, the Chitravathi River adds some more beauty to the town.

This abode of Sri Satya Sai Baba is a stunning edifice of contemporary Indian Religion. Satya Sai Baba is believed to be the re-incarnation of Sai Baba of Shirdi. He is highly appraised for his noble ideology of universal religion. His teachings are based on the principles of truth, peace, righteousness, love and non-violence.

Fascinating Features
Certainly not rich in the splendorous vistas of nature, Puttaparthi became a major tourist site after the establishment of Prasanthi Nilayam, in 1950.

The most visited place in the ashram of Satya Sai Baba is the museum, which is located on the nearby hillock. It exhibits models of various temple structures including the Golden Temple of Amritsar, the Mecca mosque, etc. The life story of Satya Sai Baba, from his birth to the time he attained Nirvana, is also depicted through pictures. You can also find a detailed, fascinating display on the major faiths with illustrations and quotations from their sacred texts, punctuated by Sai Baba's comments.

The ashram has now been extended with planetarium, school, hospital, recreation centre, guest houses, canteens, shops, library, assembly hall etc.

The Sri Satya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences became operational in November 1991. Serving as a major cardiac hospital, it runs its services free of charge, irrespective of caste, creed, nationality, and status.

Other Attractions

Puttaparthi is a land of numerous attractions. You can also visit places like:

• Sathyabhama Temple (dedicated to the consort of Lord Krishna)
• Sri Raju Kalyana Mandapam (used for marriages in the village)
• Anjaneya Swamy (Hanuman) Temple
• Kalpa Vriksha (Wish Fulfilling Tree)
• Samadhi (the Samadhi of Sai's parents - Sri Pedda Venkappa Raju and Smt. Easwaramma)

Accommodation
Tourists mostly stay at the ashram, which offers comfortable guest houses with all the facilities. Except in the case of families, accommodation is strictly demarcated by sex.

How To Reach

By Air
Sri Satya Sai Airport (4 km) is the local airport of the town, which is connected to Mumbai and Chennai with bi-weekly flights.

By Rail
Sri Satya Sai Prasanthi Nilayam railway station connects the town with the major cities of India, including Hyderabad, Vishakhapattanam, Bhubaneshwar, Mumbai and New Delhi. The station is 8 km from the ashram. Another nearest railway station is Dharmavaram (45 km).

By Road
Travelling by road is also convenient. Ananthapur (84 km), Hyderabad (472 km) and Bangalore (156 km) are well-connected to the town by APSRTC buses.