The Sri Venkateswara Temple, also known as Tirumala Temple or Tirupati Balaji Temple, is a famous and sacred temple dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara. The temple attracts millions of devotees every year and is known for its stunning architecture and scenic surroundings. It is advisable to reach early as the temple is crowded, especially on festival days. There are free bus services operable to and fro from Tirupati city to the temple areas.
The Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple is another famous and revered temple located nearby the Sri Venkateswara Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Padmavathi, the consort of Lord Venkateshwara, the temple is believed to fulfill the wishes and grant blessings of the worshipper. Besides the main temple, there are also several other ancient deities located in the temple complex. The temple function from 6 AM to 8 PM every day.
The Chandragiri Fort is a historical and architectural marvel situated just outside the city of Tirupati. The fort was built in the 11th century by the Yadava Rayas and later renovated by the Vijayanagara Emperors. The fort is renowned for its intricate carvings and murals, especially in the Raja Mahal palace complex, that are testimony to the grandeur of the bygone era. The fort opens at 10 AM and closes at 5 PM on all days.
Reaching Tirupati is easy via buses, trains or flights, places like Chennai or Bengaluru connection are preferred airports, but the Tirupati airport services some of the cities in India. Visitors can take the free bus services operated by the temple board or hire a taxi to reach the temple and other nearby attractions.
For inter-city travel, tourists can use public transportation or hire taxis, which are readily available outside the hotels or call cabs.
The estimated travel costs depend on the mode of transportation opted by the travelers and range between INR 150 to INR 1000.
If you have fewer days, it is recommended to visit the Sri Venkateswara temple and the Chandragiri Fort. In case of further additions, the Talakona Waterfall, Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple, and Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Temple are highly recommended.
On the last day of the trip, it is recommended to start early from Tirupati to avoid the rush-hour traffic and reach the airport/station/bus stand well in time. Also, a traveler must plan according to the season and the weather as April to June is is comparatively hot and humid, while November to January experiences colder weather.
Tirupati Airport (TIR) is the airport serving the city of Tirupati. It is located around 15 km southwest of the city center and is well-connected to major cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. From the airport, tourists can easily hire taxis or take local buses to reach the city center or their hotels.