Tirupati

Tirupati is a city located in the Chittoor district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is known for its famous Sri Venkateswara Temple, which is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world. The temple is located on the seventh peak of the Tirumala hills and is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Apart from the temple, Tirupati is also known for its rich culture and heritage, with many historical sites and monuments located in and around the city. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Tirupati include the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple, and the Talakona Waterfalls.

Tirupati is well-connected to other parts of India by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is the Tirupati Airport, which has regular flights to major cities in India. The city is also well-connected by rail, with several trains passing through Tirupati Railway Station.

How to reach

Tirupati is well-connected to other parts of India by road, rail, and air. Here are the different ways to reach Tirupati:

1. By air: The nearest airport to Tirupati is the Tirupati Airport, which is located about 15 km from the city center. It has regular flights from major cities in India, such as Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bangalore. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Tirupati.
2. By train: Tirupati Railway Station is well-connected to major cities in India, such as Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Mumbai. Several trains pass through Tirupati, including superfast and express trains. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the city center.
3. By road: Tirupati is well-connected by road to major cities in South India, such as Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. You can take a bus from these cities to reach Tirupati. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) operates regular bus services to and from Tirupati.
4. By private vehicle: You can also reach Tirupati by private vehicle. The city is located about 150 km from Chennai, 250 km from Bangalore, and 550 km from Hyderabad. The roads are well-maintained, and the journey can be quite scenic.

What does it signify?

Tirupati has been home to many saints since time immemorial. Lord Venkateshwara is the presiding deity of the place. On average, 30,000 devotees visit the sacred shrine of Lord Venkateshwara every day. The Venkateswara Temple enshrines Venkateswara or Vishnu and has a vibrant past. Its glory has been sung by the saints of earlier times. Devotees have to wait for hours to have a glimpse of the lord. It is the Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam that sees to the matters of the temple. The town has an important religious significance. Even the early Tamil literature bear references to Tiruvenkatam.

What beckons devotees?

Venkateshwara Temple

It is this Venkateshwara Temple by which Tirupati has known the world over. The shrine is located on the Seven Hills of Tirumala. The temple stands in dedication to Venkateshwara, the Lord of the Universe. A huge crowd of fervent devotees congregate here every day to pay homage to the Lord and to seek blessings from him.

Swami Pushkarini

The tank of Swami Pushkarni lies adjacent to the temple. Devotees take bath here before entering the sacred shrine of Lord Venkateshwara.

Vaikuntha Teertham

Vaikuntha Teertham is yet another attraction for the devotees. It is located at a distance of 3 km northeast of the temple.

Sri Padmavati Temple

Sri Padmavati Temple is located at Tiruchanoor, at a distance of 5 km from Tirupati. The temple attracts a huge number of devotees and worshippers from all across.

Sri Kodandaramaswami Temple

Sri Kodandaramaswami Temple is located in the centre of the town. The temple bears the idols of Sita, Rama and Lakshmana. The temple is not to be missed while at Tirupati.

Asthana Mandapam

AsthanaMandapam is the place where devotional programmes like discourses, music concerts and Bhajans are held. The programmes are conducted by the Dharma Prachara Parishat.

Brahmotsavam

Brahmotsavam is a popular festival in the town of Tirupati. It is believed that Brahma himself celebrated the festival to honor Lord Venkateshwara. The festival is organized during the months of September and October. The town records the most number of devotees during this sacred festival.

What is the best time?

September to February is the best time to pay a visit to the sacred town of Tirupati. However, the town experiences a tropical climate and remains hot for most part of the year.

Things to do

Tirupati offers a unique blend of spiritual, cultural, and natural experiences for visitors. Here are some things to do in Tirupati:

1. Visit Sri Venkateswara Temple: The Sri Venkateswara Temple is the most popular tourist attraction in Tirupati. It is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and is known for its stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and rich cultural heritage. You can witness the various rituals and traditions that take place at the temple and also enjoy the scenic beauty of the Tirumala hills.
2. Explore the Padmavathi Ammavari Temple: This temple is dedicated to Goddess Padmavathi, the consort of Lord Venkateswara. It is located in the town of Tiruchanur, about 5 km from Tirupati. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture, serene surroundings, and the annual Brahmotsavam festival.
3. Visit the Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple: This temple is located in Srinivasa Mangapuram, about 12 km from Tirupati. It is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and his consort, Goddess Padmavathi. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture, serene atmosphere, and the annual Kalyana Utsavam festival.
4. Explore the Chandragiri Fort: The Chandragiri Fort is a historical monument located about 12 km from Tirupati. It was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and is known for its beautiful architecture, intricate carvings, and rich cultural heritage.
5. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Talakona Waterfalls: Talakona Waterfalls is located about 50 km from Tirupati and is known for its natural beauty, serene surroundings, and picturesque landscapes. You can enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool waters or go trekking in the nearby forest areas.
6. Explore the local markets: Tirupati is known for its traditional handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. You can explore the local markets and shop for unique items like Kalamkari fabrics, wooden toys, and brass idols.

These are just a few of the many things to do in Tirupati. The city has something for everyone, from the spiritually inclined to the culturally curious and nature lovers.

Where to Stay

Tirupati offers a wide range of accommodation options for visitors, including budget-friendly hotels, mid-range hotels, and luxury resorts. Here are some popular places to stay in Tirupati:

1. Sri Venkateswara Guest House: This guest house is located near the Sri Venkateswara Temple and offers comfortable and affordable accommodation options for pilgrims and tourists.
2. Ramee Guestline Hotel: This hotel is located near the railway station and offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and other amenities.
3. Fortune Select Grand Ridge: This luxury hotel is located on the Tirupati – Tirumala road and offers a range of amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, and a restaurant.
4. Marasa Sarovar Premiere: This luxury resort is located on the banks of the Swarnamukhi River and offers a range of amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, and a restaurant.
5. Bhimas Deluxe Hotel: This mid-range hotel is located near the bus stand and offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and other amenities.
6. Pai Viceroy Hotel: This mid-range hotel is located in the city center and offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and other amenities.

These are just a few of the many options available for visitors to Tirupati. It is advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons, to avoid any last-minute hassles.