Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

Tirupati is a town in the Chittoor district of the Indian State of Andhra Pradesh. The Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati is the richest temple in the world.

Location: Andhra Pradesh
Tourist Attractions: Venkateswara Temple, Padmavati Devi Temple
Local Tongue: Tamil, Telugu, Hindi
STD Code : (91) – 8574
Best time to Visit: October to March

About Tirupati

Situated on top of the Tirumala hills in the southern part of Andhra Pradesh, Sri Venkateswara Temple is the richest temple in the world. While the holy city of Tirupati is laden with temples in its every part, the Venkateswara temple has assumed special significance amongst the devotees as it is considered to be the sacred abode of Tirupati, the Lord of Goddess Laxmi. The popularity of this center of rever can be gauged from the fact that it even pushes the Vatican city behind when it comes to the number of visitors each day. The ancient temple has been a prominent religious spot for centuries, finding mention even in Hindu epics written thousands of years ago.

Climate & Best time to Visit

Tirupati experiences a tropical climate with the weather remaining hot throughout the year. Winter season, from October to March is pleasant, especially on the Tirumala hills, and the best time for a visit.

Suggested Read: Andhra Pradesh – Culture and Tradition

Religious Attractions in Tirupati

Venkateswara Temple

Also known as the Balaji temple, Sri Venkateswara temple is one of the busiest and most
beautiful pilgrimages in the world. Constructed in a typical Dravidian form of architecture, the temple has proudly stood for centuries with its exquisitely carved towering gopuram being visible from a long distance. A peculiar feature about the place is that men shave their heads and offer the hair to the lord, as such an act is believed to fulfill one’s desires.

Padmavati Devi Temple

Situated at Tiruchanur, just 5 km from Tirupati, the Padmavati Devi Temple is another important pilgrimage, dedicated to the consort of Lord Venkateswara, goddess Padmavati. The reason for the temple being situated at a large distance from the Balaji temple can be found in Hindu mythology, according to which, goddess Padmavati was cursed to stay away from her husband.

Govindrajswami Temple

The entire city of Tirupati is laden with exquisitely crafted temples. Sri Govindrajswami temple is another beautiful architectural marvel situated next to the Balaji temple. The ancient temple was founded in 1130 AD by saint Ramanujcharya.

Kapileswarswami Temple

Three kilometers north of Tirupati amidst quaint environs lies the only temple in Tirupati dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple draws numerous devotees while the surrounding waterfalls are a favored hangout spot for tourists and holidaymakers.

Kalvana Venkateswara Swami Temple

Sri Kalavana Venkateswara swami temple is built at the place where Lord Balaji and goddess Padmavati came to stay after their marriage. A festival held every year honors the Lord and his consort. The temple is situated 12 km from Tirupati city.

Suggested Read: Kuchipudi Dance

Stay At

Tirupati is frequented by both pilgrims and tourists in large numbers. A number of hotels have sprung up all over the place which provides luxury and comfort for its guests. The best hotels in Tirupati include Hotel Maurya (3 star, situated in T.P. Area just 15 km from airport, 0.5 km from railway station & 0.5 km from bus stand), Fortune Kences Hotel (3 star, situated on Renigunta Road just 17 km from airport, 0.5 km from railway station & 0.5 km from bus stand).

Kalyan Residency (3 star, situated in T.P. Area just 18 km from airport, 0.5 km from railway station & 0.5 km from bus stand), Hotel Sindhuri Park (3 star, situated in T.P. Area just 14 km from airport, 0.5 km from railway station & 0.5 km from bus stand), Hotel Bliss (3 star, situated on Renigunta Road just 15 km from airport, 0.5 km from railway station & 0.5 km from bus stand).

Hotel Guestline (3 star, situated on Karakambadi Road just 17 km from airport, 3.5 km from railway station & 3 km from bus stand) and Temple Valley Resort (3 star equivalent, situated just 15 km from airport, 0.5 km from railway station & 0.5 km from bus stand).

Suggested Read: Telugu Language

Getting There

By Air:

Tirupati airport is located just 15 km from the city at Renigunta. Indian Airlines and other private operators provide regular services between Tirupati and other major Indian cities including Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Taxis and buses are easily available to reach Tirupati from Renigunta.

By Rail:

Tirupati railway station is located in the main city. Regular trains connect the city with all the major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.

By Road:

Well built state and national highways link Tirupati with other cities in Andhra Pradesh. State transport buses operate regularly between Tirupati and the rest of south India. Sri Venkateswara bus station is located just outside the railway station.

Distance from Major Cities

• Bangalore: 247 Km

• Chennai: 152 Km

• Mysore: 386 Km

• Pondicherry: 317 Km

• Vijayawada: 409 Km