The holy town of Tirumala, located in the Tirupati district, is highly renowned for its rich cultural heritage. It has a variety of tourist sites that offer visitors an insight into the town’s philosophy and religion, making it a sacred region. Tirumala is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site worldwide because of its many tourist attractions, which include temples and breathtaking landscapes.
Popular Tirumala Tourist Places to Visit
- Swami Venkateswara Temple
One of Andhra Pradesh’s most famous sights is the holy temple known as Swami Venkateswara Temple. The Lord Venkateswara, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, is the focus of the temple. Millions of pilgrims visit the more than 2000-year-old temple every year and only a select few know the secrets of this temple and the idols residing in there. On top of the Tirumala Hills is where the temple is situated. The 16.2-acre temple complex is home to several exquisite paintings and sculptures that provide insight into Tirumala’s culture. Inside the temple complex, there is a highly uplifting, quiet environment that encourages serenity.
Swami Venkateswara consistently finds a place in home temples for devoted followers, whether in one form or another.
- Akasa Ganga
Situated approximately 3 km from Tirumala Bus Station and 5 km from Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple, Akasa Ganga is a highly regarded waterfall at the base of Venkatadri Tirumala. It is allowed for the Tirumala Nambi family to carry holy water from the waterfall to the main Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Shrine, which is around 5 kilometers away. In Tirumala, it’s a popular tourist spot.
This holy theertha is described in the Vedas, and it is believed that Lord Venkateswara’s lotus feet are where Akasa Ganga Teertham first began. The water used to be brought to the temple in the early morning hours by the temple priests from this part of the jungle.
- Wildlife Sanctuary of Sri Venkateswara
Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Tirumala’s most popular tourist spots. The Sanctuary’s varied fauna includes wild boars, tigers, leopards, deer, and elephants. The Sanctuary’s magnificence is another well-known quality. Additionally, the area offers fruitful opportunities for bird watching. Popular bird species found in the sanctuary include doves, parrots, kingfishers, and peacocks.
The park is plenty with beautiful places to visit. For those who enjoy the great outdoors, the area is excellent for walking and camping. In Tirumala, there are many of fun things to do at the wildlife park.
- Sila Thoranam
The distance between Sila Thoranam and the main temple is three kilometers. It’s a naturally occurring rock arch not far from Teertham Chakra. “Sila” and “thoranam” are terms that allude to rocks. The arch measures 3 meters (9.8 feet) in height and 8 meters (26.2 feet) in breadth. It developed organically. A common name for it is Rock Garden.
This natural stone arch was found by archaeologists in 1980 while they were excavating this site. This natural arch is composed of two different types of rocks that are connected.
- Museum of Sri Venkateswara
In Tirupati, one of the most significant collections of Hindu sacred art and artifacts is the Sri Venkateswara Museum. Preserved items include geological rocks, sculptures, musical
instruments, coins, ceramics, and inscriptions from various religious rituals conducted within the temple. The displays are arranged chronologically and provide a comprehensive picture of Hindu art and cultural history.
A great place to learn about the background and architectural design of the Tirumala temple is the Sri Venkateswara Museum. It is next to the Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple and just a kilometer away from the Tirumala Bus Station. It is adjacent to Vaikunta Queue Complex 2 of the Lord Venkateswara Temple. It’s one of the most popular attractions in Tirumala. Established in 1980, the Museum wing is home to a number of religious artifacts, including puja items and classic works of art and architecture.
- Srivari Paadalu
The first place that Lord Venkateswara set foot on Earth was the holy location of Srivari Paadalu. It is five kilometers from the city center and near Sila Thoranam. Even now, one can still see Lord Vishnu’s footprints at the temple complex. A panoramic perspective of the temple that provides visitors with breathtaking views of the entire holy site may be obtained by climbing Narayanagiri Hill. This is a sacred site for Hindus, and hundreds of pilgrims come here every year.
- Pushkarni
The Sri Venkateswara temple and Pushkarini, a large lake nearby, are one kilometer apart from Tirumala Bus Station. Several visitors take a swim in Pushkarini before entering the main shrine.
The Pushkarini was once in Vaikuntam and belonged to Sri Maha Vishnu. It was put on Earth by Garuda for Sri Venkateswara’s sport. On Mukkoti Dwadasi, which is the twelfth day of the Dhanur Masa fortnight, Swami Pushkarini’s mukkoti—the union of over three crore teerthams—occurs. Because of this, it is believed that bathing in the Ganges on this day is analogous to taking a dip in the Swami Pushkarini.
- TTD Gardens
The 460 acres of the TTD Gardens in Tirupati and Tirumala are dedicated to a collection of floral, landscape, and ornamental gardens. The four nurseries of Tirumala, which are situated in the localities of Travelers Bungalow, Gogarbham Dam, Sri Padmavathi Guest House, and Divyaramam, propagate ten lakh plants every year. New hybrid varieties of crotons, hibiscus, and bougainvilleas have been introduced and given names derived from famous persons through hybridization and mutation.
It is said that these gardens were founded in the fourteenth century by Sri Ramanuja, a well-known Vaishnava acharya, and Sri Anandalwar, his student. Legend has it that Dasa Nambis, a Sattada Sri Vaishnava, managed the Tirumala flower gardens and made garlands of flowers for the temples at Tirumala-Tirupati.
- Papa Vinasam
The waters of the charming tiny waterfall Papa Vinasam are venerated and thought to have healing capabilities. It is situated five kilometers from both the Lord Venkateswara Temple and the Tirumala Bus Station. All devotees travel to Papavinasam, as the name implies, in the hopes that a holy bath can atone for their transgressions. There are separate changing areas for men and women. It’s one of the most popular attractions in Tirumala.
Because the waterfall is tumbling down a slope, it has a very beautiful and picturesque image. The gravel path that leads to this gorgeous waterfall enhances the fun of your excursion. Another amazing sight is the reservoir of the nearby dam, which controls the amount of water that flows through the area.
- Japali Teertham:
a beautiful waterfall situated amid a lot of greenery. The area is renowned for its peace, and the hike to Japali Teertham is thought to be a spiritual experience.
Best places to visit around Tirupati
An important pilgrimage site in Andhra Pradesh, India, Tirupati is situated in the Chittoor district and is well-known for the revered Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala. Although Tirumala is the primary attraction, the area surrounding Tirupati has a number of worthwhile sites to see. Here are a few noteworthy locations:
Chandragiri Palace and Fort:
Chandragiri Fort, a historical landmark with a palace complex, located roughly 12 miles from Tirupati. The Vijayanagara Empire used the fort, which was constructed in the eleventh century, as its summer palace.
Temple of Sri Kalahasti:
The well-known Lord Shiva temple of Sri Kalahasti is located about 38 kilometers from Tirupati. The Srikalahasti Rahu Ketu Pooja and the temple’s unusual setting between two hills are its main draws.
Vinayaka Temple at Kanipakam:
Near Kanipakam, around 70 kilometers from Tirupati, is renowned for the Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple. The temple draws a lot of followers because of its well-known self-manifested idol of Lord Ganesha.
Talakona Waterfall:
The tallest waterfall in Andhra Pradesh is called Talakona, and it’s about 58 kilometers from Tirupati. There is a thick forest all around, making it a great location for hikers and those who enjoy the outdoors.
Waterfall at Kailasakona:
About 68 kilometers from Tirupati, Kailasakona is a picturesque waterfall encircled by thick vegetation. It is a well-liked location for picnics and cool down periods.
Temple of Govindaraja Swamy:
Situated in the center of Tirupati, this historic temple honors Govindaraja Swamy, the brother of Lord Vishnu. The temple is a significant pilgrimage place with elaborate architecture.
Temple of Sri Padmavathi Ammavari:
Located approximately 5 miles from Tirupati in Tiruchanur, this temple honors Goddess Padmavathi, Lord Venkateswara’s spouse. For devotees, it is an indispensable place of pilgrimage.
ISKCON in Tirupati
In Tirupati, there is a temple devoted to Lord Krishna maintained by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The serene and spiritual ambience of the temple is well-known.
Tirupati’s Deer Park:
Approximately 3 km from Tirupati is a tiny deer park where guests can unwind in the tranquil company of the natural world. It’s a family-friendly location featuring a kids’ playground.
Theertham Kapila:
Kapila Theertham is a holy waterfall honoring Lord Shiva that is located at the entrance of Tirumala Hills. Believers claim that bathing in these waters atones for transgressions.
Teertham Tumbhuru:
Tumbhuru Teertham, a serene pond with a modest temple honoring Lord Kuber, the gods’ treasurer, is situated on the Tirumala Hills.
It’s a good idea to find out the most recent details regarding travel restrictions, entry costs, and opening hours before making trip plans to these locations. When visiting religious sites, it’s also advisable to take into account the customs and traditions of the area.
