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INTRODUCTION

One of the most famous Hindu temples in the world is at Tirumala crowning the seven hills, with Lord Venkateshwara as presiding deity. Millions of pilgrims visit the shrine every year.Tirumala has well laid out parks, accommodation and a free bus service between various locations in the temple town. Amidst the thickly wooded hills in Chittoor district lays the temple town of Tirumala with Tirupati at the foothills.

The range of hills is said to resemble a snake with Tirumala forming the hood.Tirupati and Tirumala today are modern destinations of pilgrim tourists. Not only the bliss of a divine 'darshan'but added attractions provided by nature make them the ideal pilgrimage cum holiday destination.

ORIENTATION

Tirupati is situated in the Southern region of Andhra Pradesh of Chittoor district and is at a height of 3200 ft above sea level in the Eastern ghats.

HISTORY

Most of the major dynasties of the Southern region of India like Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas and Vijayanagara pradhans visited this temple of Lord Venkateshwara and offerd prayers. But soon after the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire, it was visited even by other Kings from different parts of the country where along with prayers they also gifted valuables and precious ornaments. It was only after the Maharastrian commander, Raghoji Bhonsle there were regular pujas performed in the temple and in the year 1933 a special statutory authority was appointed to administer the temple under the instruction of the Madras government.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

The Brahmosavam festival

This festival falls in the month of September during which the images of the god are taken in a chariot around the temple with a colourful procession of dance and bhajans leading. During which images of the god are taken around the temple in procession with dance and bajans leading them.

During Adika Masam, which comes in every third year a grand and a major Brahmotsavam is celebrated followed by a car festival 'Rathotsavam'on the third day. These festivals attract thousands of pilgrims from various parts of the country.

PLACES OF INTERESTS

Akasa Ganga

This is about 3km north of the main temple and is a perennial stream that is said to flow through the deity. The Akasa Ganga as it is called is considered sacred as the vedas describe it as flowing from the feet of Lord Vishnu. The water from here is used for the daily rituals in the temple.

Lord Venkateshwara Temple

The temple at Tirumala hills is famous all over the world and millions of pilgrims from across the globe visit the temple annually. The main temple is an excellent example of ancient Indian temple, architecture, particularly from South India.

Sri Padmavathi Devi temple

This temple is also referred by other names like Tiruchanoor and Alamelumangapuram which is at a distance of about 5km from tirupati.This temple houses the deity of Goddess Lakshmi and the consort of Lord Sri Venkateswara.It is strongly believed that a visit to this temple is a must on your way back from Tirumala.

Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami

This temple is located at a distance of about 40 km from Tirupati and the presiding deity worshipped here is Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami.The vicinity of this temple also includes other temples like Sri Padmavathi Ammavari temple, Sri Andal Ammavari temple, Sri Sita Lakshmana Sameta Ramulavari temple, and Sri Ranganayakula Swami temple.

Kodandaramaswami Temple

This temple belongs to the 10th century AD and was built by a Chola King.Kodandaramaswami Temple is situauted in the heart of the town and the presiding deities here are Sita,Rama and Lakshmana.Just opposite to this temple is the temple of Anjaneyaswami.

Srikalahasti

Srikalahasti is very famous for it has the shrine of 'Vayu Deva' the Wind God which is the only one of its kind in India.This town belongs to the 16th century and it is at a distance of about 60-km from Tirupati on the banks of Swarnamukhi river. This temple has the most known 'Kalahasthisvara Temple' which houses the shrine of Shiva.

Silathoranam (Rock Arch)

Silathoranam is about 1km from Tirumala Temple and has a rare naturally formed arch. Believed to be the source of Lord Venkateswara's idol, the rocks resemble hood of a serpent, a conch and a discus. It is a geological wonder.

Papa Vinasanam Dam

This is a very beautiful dam at a distance of about 5km north of Tirupati.

Chandragiri Palaces and Fort

History states that Chandragiri was the capital of Vijayanagar Empire and has a fort which is built on a 180m high rock. This palace along with the 'Raja Mahal' and the 'Rani mahal'is very well maintained. The Museum in Raja Mahal contains Chola and Vijayanagara bronzes.

Sri Venkatesvara Zoological Park

This park houses 56 species of animals, birds and reptiles with a total of 500 animal specimens.

SHOPPING

Shopping is quite interesting in Tirupati for they include woodcarvings, whitewood toys and kalamkari.One can also look for the Madanapalli famous Tanjore style Gold Leaf paintings which are famous for their mythological motifs and themes. Apart from the handicrafts items the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam also publishes a number of books and periodicals based on the treatises of Hindu religion. Shopping list in Tirupati also includes religious items such as photographs and idols of various Gods and Goddesses, brass lamps, rangoli stickers, and vermillion in garish boxes etc.Lepakshi Emporium is run by the TTDC which has all the collections of handicrafts items.

EAT OUTS

1.Hotel Mayura
209, T.P Area,
Tirupati-517501,
Andhra Pradesh

2.Palace Cafe
45, G Car Street,
Tirupati-517501,
Andhra Pradesh

3.Hotel Bliss
Near Ramanuja Circle,
Renigunta Road,
Tirupati-517501,
Andhra Pradesh

4.Hotel Sindhuri Park
14-2-118 / 119, T.P. Area,Opp. Govindaraja Swamy Temple
Pushkarini,
Tirupathi

5.Manasa Fast Food
213 B, Prakasam Road,
Tirupati-517501

6.Pongali Restaurant
(A.P.Tourism) Srinivasam, Tirupati

7.Pulse Multi Cuisine Restaurant
K.T.Road, Tirupati

8.Andhra Spice
Opp Krishna Plaza, Tirupati

9.Annamayya Restaurant
Tirumala, Tirupati

10.Annadaanam Dining Hall
Tirumala-Tirupati Road
Tirumala

ACCOMMODATION

1.Hotel Kalyan Residency
Tirupathi, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh
0877 2259780‎

2.Ramee Guestline Hotel
14-37 Karakambadi Road,
Post Box No. 9, Akka,
Tirupati, 517507
0877 2280800

3.Sindhuri park hotel
Tirupathi, Chittoor
Andhra Pradesh
0877 2256430

4.Hotel BLISS
near ramanuja circle,
renigunta road,
tirupati, a.p, india.
0877 2237773

5.Sri Venkateswara Dharmasala
opposite the Tirupati Railway Station
0877-2225144

6.Bhimas Residency
Near RailwayOver Bridge
Renigunta Road, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
0877 2237371

7.Hotel Mayura
209, T.P.Area
Tirupati, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
0877 2225925

8.Kalyan Residency
#177, T.P. Area,
Tirupathi - 517501
Andhra Pradesh
0877-2259780

9.Ramee Guestline Hotel
14-37 Karakambadi Road, Post Box No. 9, Akka
Tirupati, 517507
0877 2280800

10.Tirumala Residency Hotels
19-3-39,Near Railway Over Bridge
Renigunta Road,
Tirupati -517502
0877-2258025.

HOW TO REACH

By Air

Tirupati airport is located at Renigunta, which is about 15 km away from the city. Regular flights are available from Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore to Tirupati.Nearest International airport is Chennai, which is connected to all major cities in India and many cities abroad.

By Rail

Tirupati Railway Station is connected by trains from Bangalore, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Madurai and Mumbai. A major railhead nearby is Renigunta, which is 15 km away. Renigunta is located in Trivandrum – Delhi route, which is connected to all cities in India by rail.

By Road

APSRTC buses connect all towns in Andhra Pradesh with Tirupati. Tamil Nadu public transport corporation buses connect many cities in the state with Tirupati. KSRTC buses connect many cities in Karnataka with this holy city. Many tourist service providers arrange package tours to Tirupati from Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad.