Things to Do in Tirupati: Tirumala Darshan, Hill Walks & Nearby Temples

Have darshan at Sri Venkateswara Temple

The temple's golden vimana (Ananda Nilayam) rises above the sanctum, and the darshan itself lasts only a few seconds after hours of queuing. Options include free darshan, special entry darshan booked online, and various sevas. Waiting times range from a couple of hours to more than a day at peak times.

A strict dress code applies: traditional clothes such as dhotis or kurta-pyjamas for men and saris or churidars for women. Phones and cameras must be deposited.

Time needed

Half a day to a full day

Good to know

Book darshan and rooms on the official TTD portal

Walk up the footpath

Many pilgrims climb to Tirumala on foot. The Alipiri footpath, about 9 km with thousands of steps, takes around four to six hours; the Srivari Mettu route is shorter and steeper. Both are covered and have water points. Walkers can receive a divya darshan token, subject to current rules.

Best time

Early morning or evening

Good for

Fit pilgrims

Offer hair and collect the laddu

Offering hair (tonsure) at the Kalyana Katta is a common vow. The Tirupati laddu, a sweet with a GI tag, is given as prasadam and can be bought in extra quantities at counters.

See Akasa Ganga and Papavinasanam

Akasa Ganga, a waterfall about 3 km from the temple, is said to provide water for the deity's rituals. Papavinasanam, a little further, is a sacred waterfall and dam where pilgrims bathe to wash away sins.

Time needed

2 hours

Visit the Silathoranam

The Silathoranam, a natural rock arch near the temple, is a rare geological formation believed to be very ancient. It is set in a small garden.

See the Sri Vari Museum

The TTD's museum at Tirumala has exhibits on the temple's history, rituals and art, including models and old artefacts.

Visit the Padmavathi Temple

The Padmavathi Temple at Tiruchanur, about 5 km from Tirupati, is dedicated to Venkateswara's consort. Tradition says a pilgrimage to Tirumala is complete only after visiting her.

Bathe at Kapila Theertham

Kapila Theertham, at the foot of the hills, is a Shiva temple with a waterfall and a holy pond, especially lovely after the monsoon.

See the Govindaraja Swamy Temple

The Govindaraja Swamy Temple, in the centre of Tirupati, has a tall gopuram and is one of the town's oldest temples.

Visit Srikalahasti

Srikalahasti, about 36 km away, has an important Shiva temple with the Vayu (wind) lingam, one of the five elemental lingams. It is also the centre of Kalamkari, hand-painted textile art; workshops can be visited.

Time needed

Half a day

See Chandragiri Fort

Chandragiri Fort, about 15 km away, was a later capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Its Raja Mahal palace houses a museum, and a sound and light show is held in the evening.

See Talakona Falls

Talakona, about 50 km away in the Sri Venkateswara National Park, is one of the highest waterfalls in Andhra Pradesh, with a forest walk to the falls.

Best time

After the monsoon

Brahmotsavam (September or October)

The nine-day Brahmotsavam festival brings grand processions of the deity on different vahanams (vehicles) and enormous crowds.

Vaikuntha Ekadasi (December or January)

A special entrance, the Vaikuntha Dwaram, is opened, and devotees throng the temple.

Summer holidays

April to June is very crowded with school holidays and hot. Weekdays outside holidays are calmer.

What are the best things to do in Tirupati?

Have darshan at Tirumala, walk up the footpath, visit Akasa Ganga, Papavinasanam and the Silathoranam, the Padmavathi Temple and Kapila Theertham, and visit Srikalahasti and Chandragiri Fort.

How do I book Tirumala darshan?

Through the official Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams website or app, well in advance.

How long does it take to walk to Tirumala?

The Alipiri footpath takes about four to six hours; Srivari Mettu is shorter.

What is the dress code for Tirumala?

Traditional dress: dhoti or kurta-pyjama for men, and sari or churidar with dupatta for women.