Most routing algorithm in wireless sensor networks uses the energy efficient path that consumes less energy. A single best path puts extra load to a specific node causing lower lifetime. If all the traffic is routed through minimum energy path, nodes of that path will depleted their battery power quickly. So instead of using single minimum cost path after some amount of transmission redirect the flow through alternate path. This paper proposes an energy efficient maximum lifetime routing algorithm. It is based on a greedy heuristic technique to maximize lifetime of the system. For achieving maximum system lifetime proposed algorithm uses the energy cost of links for constructing energy efficient path. Simulation results show that EEMLR algorithm balanced the energy for entire network as well as increases the lifetime of the network and gives the better result than AODV routing algorithm.