Sri Venkateswara Temple, also known as the Tirumala Temple, is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, and it attracts millions of visitors every year from all over the world. The temple is located at the top of a hill, and devotees have to climb approximately 3500 steps to reach it. Alternatively, there are buses and cars available to take visitors to the top as well. It is recommended to reach the temple early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid long queues. The darshan can take up to a few hours, and there are special tickets available for those who wish to avoid the crowds.
Chandragiri Fort is a historical fort located in the town of Chandragiri. It was built in the 11th century and served as the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire in the 16th century. The fort has several structures, including the Raja Mahal, Rani Mahal, and the ruins of the ancient market. The Raja Mahal has now been converted into a museum that houses artifacts and exhibits from the Vijayanagar period. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding hills and forests from the fort. The fort is open from 10 am to 5 pm every day except Friday.
If you have more time, you can visit other temples in and around Tirupathi, such as Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple and Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami Temple. You can also visit the Talakona Waterfall, which is approximately 50 km from Tirupathi. If you have less time, you can skip the Chandragiri Fort and spend more time exploring the Sri Venkateswara Temple. Keep in mind to check the opening and closing times of all places before planning your itinerary.