''Tirupati'' is in Chittoor (district) Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh , India. It is most famous for its ''Sri Venkateswara Temple'' dedicated to Vishnu, also known as Balaji in North India and Govinda in South India. The temple is located on top of Tirumala hills, while the town is located on the foothills. The Tirumala hill has seven peaks ("Sapthagiri"), said to represent the seven hoods of Adisesha, the serpent under whose hoods Vishnu resides in Vaikuntha.
How to Reach Tirupati - Tirumala
By Foot
There are two paths to travel on foot from Tirupati to Tirumala.
- Alipiri Mettu - It originates at Alipiri, situated at the foothills of Tirumala. It is convert 11 km long and passes through Tirumala deer park.
- Srivari Mettu - It originates at Srinivasa Mangapuram, about 15 km from Tirupati. It is 2.1 km long. TTD ( Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam ) offers free bus service to Srivari Mettu From Railway Station and Main Bus Station.
- The pilgrims have to get to Alipiri toll gate ,where the steps to the Tirumala begins.They can then deposit their luggage at the T.T.D transport office and obtain a receipt.On reaching the top, they can redeem their luggage after producing this receipt. The foot way is 16 Kilometers in distance.It takes roughly between 3 to 4 hours to reach Tirumala by this way.
- APSRTC (Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) runs two free buses from the Tirupati Railway station to Alipiri, with a frequency of 30 minutes. Pilgrims who intend to walk up the hills to Tirumala can use these buses.
By Plane
- Nearest Airport is Tirupati International Airport, Renigunta. All major services from any part of the globe offers connecting services to Tirupati.
- One should travel to Tirupati to reach Tirumala as Tirupati is alighting point for Tirumala.
- After reaching Tirupati you can travel to Tirumala either by foot or by bus or by car or by bike.
By Train
- Alighting point is Tirupati.
- Tirupati is a major junction in South Central Railways. Indian Railways operates direct trains from near by metro cities - Bangalore, Chennai, Vijayawada, Hyderabad and other major Railway stations to Tirupati. Trains can be boarded at nearby cities - Renigunta (10 km from Tirupati) and Gudur (100 km) as well. Frequent bus service is available between Tirupati, Renigunta and Gudur.
By Road
- Alighting point is Tirupati.
- National Highway NH 205 passes through Renigunta and hence is accessible from Chennai (3-4hrs), Bangalore (5+ hours), Vijayawada (8-10 hours ) Hyderabad (10-12 hours) and other nearby cities.
- Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) - from Vijayawada or from within Andhra Pradesh.
- Tamil Nadu State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) - from Chennai.
- Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) - from Bangalore.
Note : Tirupati Tirumala Ghat Road is closed between 0000 - 0300 Hrs everyday.
Package Tours
- Many tours and travels offers packages to Tirupati-Tirumala from various parts from India. Some of the famous tour operators are listed below. Click the link to follow
Places To see
In Tirumala
In and Around Tirupati
Key Words : Srinivasa Mangapuram, Alamelu Mangapuram, Govindaraja Swamy
Temple, Kapila Teertham Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple, ISKON Sri Radha Krishna Mandir, Thondavada Temple, Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple, Nagalapuram, Chandragiri Fort, Kanipaakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple, Ardhagiri Sri Veera Anjaneya Swamy Temple
