Tirupati is in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh in India and is world famous for the temple of Tirumala Venkateswara. Located in the picturesque Eastern Ghats, this is one of the oldest cities, and millions of pilgrims visit every year to be blessed by Lord Venkateswara, another name for Vishnu. Tirupati has religious and historical value, tourist attractions, and scenic beauty like temples, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuary. The gay and breezy festivals, colourful rituals, and cordiality add beauty and charm to the city, and that is why Tirupati should be on the bucket list of every tourist who is on the spiritual journey.

Best Places To Visit In Tirupati

This blog will take you on the journey of various attractions in Tirupati. People love to visit this historical place. Delve into the details of each spot and know its importance. Let’s look into a few of the best places to visit:-

1. Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

The front facade of Tirumala temple, the first & the best place to visit in Tirupati

Image Credit: Nikhilb239 for Wikimedia Commons
The Tirumala Temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, is among the most sought-after and most affluent Hindu temples globally. It is situated on one of the seven peaks of the Tirumala Hills, with an altitude of around 3,000 feet, with a view to solely pay reverence to Sri Venkateswara, who is an incarnation of Vishnu. While the temple’s history goes back over 2000 years, the current structural layout was shaped during the Vijayanagara kingdom in the 16th century when the temple was expanded significantly. The temple attracts millions of devotees from all over India and abroad, including Southeast Asian countries, during annual fairs like Brahmotsavam to have a darshan of the magnificent black stone image of Venkateswara Swamy.

The donations received by the temple are more than Rs.600 crores per annum, and they are under the control and administration of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams trust. Starting right from the golden gopurams adorned with beautiful carvings on the stones or the exterior that depicts various deities to the bazaars outside the Tirumala Temple that sell delicious prasadam Laddoos and Chunduris, the temple is indeed one of its kind that represents the religious and the architectural beauty of temples in India.

Location: Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
Best Time to Visit: During the winter season, from September to February.
Tips: Plan your visit early in the morning or late at night to avoid long queues.

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2. Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple

The scenic & spiritual bliss of the temple and the Sarovar, truly one of the best places to visit.

Image Credit: Bhaskaranaidu for Wikimedia Commons

The Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple is another venerated shrine which is situated in Tirupati in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh; the deity worshipped here is goddess Sri Padmavathi also referred to as Alamelumanga. Located on the southern part of Andhra Pradesh’s Sri Venkateswara district, it is one of the famous temples for Goddess Lakshmi. This is a very old temple which was built in 6th century A.D and it has the Dravidian architectural style. A large gate and the five-storied pyramidal structure gopuram lead into the temple complex, which has several small shrines and the inner sanctum, which enshrines the utsava murtis of the presiding deity and Lord Vishnu as Srivari Venkateswara.

The temple also performs many festivals like Navratri, brahmotsavam, and Kalyanotsavam that depicts the marriage of Padmavathi with Lord Venkateshwara. The temple kitchen also provides uyirappa, laddus and mysore pak prepared from the cooked grains to the devotees who visit the temple. The serene look, the beautiful architectural style, the legends associated with it and the peaceful environment makes the Padmavathi temple an important and must visit temple in Tirupati.

Location: Tiruchanur, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
Best Time to Visit: During festivals like Navratri, Brahmotsavam, and Kalyanotsavam, from October to December.
Tips: Early in the day to avoid crowds.

3. Kapila Theertham

The kalyanam (idols) of Lord Shiva & Maa Parvati in Kapila theertham, one of the best places to visit in Tirupati for a spiritual experience.

Image Credit: Rajasekhar1961 for Wikimedia Commons

Kapila Theertham is a quaint Saivite Temple and Theertham in Tirupati. It is also held in high esteem being an angelic bathing place for Lord Vishnu who took bath here after the Narasimha incident. It is believed that the sage Kapila performed severe penance for many years in a city tank known as Bilvakanne or Bilvatal, where he sat under a Bilva tree while performing his penance. The lake here is clear as crystal, and the water is sweet, and there is a never-ceasing mountain stream here to feed the water. On the walls of the tank there are 8 small temples of SRI Rama, SRI krishna, Lakshmi Devi, Anjanaveya Swamy etc.

It draws a lot of devotees for baptism and worship at the shrines of the god here. The Government of Andhra Pradesh has converted the place around Kapila Theertham into a park with gardens full of trees, well-laid-out pathways/footpaths and resting sheds for travellers. Theertham is a photographer’s paradise to capture the beauty as the Tirumala hills form the backdrop here.

Location: Tirumala Bypass Road, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
Best Time to Visit: During the monsoon season (June to September) when the waterfall is in full flow.
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the park and be cautious of slippery paths near the waterfall.

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4. ISKCON Tirupati

Front view of ISKCON

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It is situated in the temple city of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh and is one of the biggest branches of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The temple complex was constructed by the A.P capital region development authority in 12 acres of land and was dedicated in 2012. The principal temple in the complex is the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple followed by Sri Radha Govinda temple, a Govardhan Giridhari temple, Tulasi gardens, a temple hall which could accommodate 3000 devotees and accommodation facilities. The temples are elaborate and contain ornate detailed work in the carvings and structures of the temple. ISKCON Tirupati conducts daily puja rituals of the main deities Sri Venkateswara Swamy, Sri Radha Govinda, and Sri Giri Govardhan as per the Vedic customs.

It also conducts kirtans on a daily basis, discourses from scriptures, cultural events, distribution of prasadam , annadanam to pilgrims etc. ISKCON Tirupati has a free hospital where poor people can avail medicines and treatment at low cost; ISKCON Tirupati has an Annadata Sansthan where poor people can have food at a meagre price; ISKCON Tirupati also actively participates in social works such as blood donation camps and distribution of blankets to the poor. The organisation seeks to spread devotion through its prayer areas, classes, and services in Tirupati.

Location: Hare Krishna Road, Akkarampalli Post, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
Best Time to Visit: During major festivals like Janmashtami (August/September) and Radhashtami (September/October).
Tips: Check for the schedule of cultural events and prasadam distribution timings.

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Thus, Tirupati is a unique combination of religious faith, cultural heritage, and nature extravaganza, and it is a leading pilgrimage and tourist centre. This city has the famous Tirumala Venkateswara temple and a few other temples, such as the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari temple and Kapila Theertham. The beautiful, calm ISKCON Temple also supplements the spiritual allure of the city. Famed for its majestic temples, green hills and colourful festivals, Tirupati is a spiritually fulfilling experience and culturally enlightening for any visitor. For worship or for history, Tirupati continues to be a significant site of pilgrimage in India that one must add to his/ her list of must-visit spiritual places. During your next trip to Andhra Pradesh make sure to explore the beauty of Tirupati.

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Cover Image Credit: IM3847 for Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions About Tirupati

What is the appropriate time to visit Tirupati?

It is recommended to visit Tirupati from September to February because of the good weather conditions. Some of the significant festivals include Brahmotsavam, which occurs in September or October. People throng in large numbers.

Is there any hotel available to stay in Tirupati?

Yes, indeed, there are several hotel options available in Tirupati, including cheap hotels, luxury hotels, and guesthouses managed by the TTD trust.

How can I obtain the darshan tickets for Tirumala Temple?

Darshan tickets can be booked on their official website or at the counters in Tirupati. Within the temple, there are also provisions for special darshan tickets that allow for early or quicker darshan timings.

What other beautiful and important temples are there in Tirupati?

Apart from Venkateswara Temple the significant places of worship are Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Kapila Theertham and International Society for Krishna Consciousness – ISKCON temple at Tirupati.

What is the main attraction of Tirupati?

Tirupati is famous for the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, the richest and second most famous temple in the world. It is devoted to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu.

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