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A renowned town in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati doesn’t require any introduction. The place has been a source of supreme divination for millions of pilgrims who visit the renowned Tirumala temple annually. However, not just limited to temples and spiritual experiences, there are several things to do in Tirupati that are bound to leave you intrigued. From exploring the Sri Venkateswara National Park to unveiling history at Chandragiri Fort, a lot is waiting to be unravelled. As you sketch up the plan for your next Tirupati trip, having a well-rounded itinerary in place should make it easier for you to have a memorable vacation.
10 Things To Do In Tirupati
Tirupati is a bustling pilgrimage destination that offers visitors a unique blend of religious fervour, natural beauty, and historical significance. Here are the best things to do in Tirupati:
1. Visit The Sri Venkateswara Temple
Photo: iMahesh / Wikimedia Commons
One of the best things to do in Tirupati is to visit the Sri Venkateswara Temple. Alternatively known as the Tirumala temple and Tirupati Balaji temple, it is the most significant attraction in Tirupati, experiencing a footfall of millions. The temple is located atop Tirumala Hills and is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu. With its rich Dravidian architecture and intricately designed interiors, the temple is spiritually charged and quite empowering to the devotees. The sheer magnitude of the temple complex, coupled with the unwavering devotion of devotees, creates an unforgettable experience during the darshan.
Location: S Mada St, Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517504
Timings: 8:30 AM – 7 PM
2. Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple
Photo: Chandan Parihar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Another one of the must-visit religious spots in Tirupati is the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple. The temple is located in Tiruchanoor, a few kilometres from Tirupati and is dedicated to Goddess Padmavathi, the consort of Lord Venkateswara. It is said that if you are visiting Tirupati Balaji temple, you should visit the Padmavathi Ammavari temple without fail, to complete your pilgrimage. This temple is an important pilgrimage site for devotees, particularly women seeking prosperity and marital bliss. The annual Brahmotsavam festival, celebrated here, is a major highlight, drawing large crowds. Legends suggest that Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy performed 12 decades of penance before he could see Goddess Padmavathi.
Location: Sannidhi St, Tiruchanur, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517503
Timings: 5 AM – 1 PM, 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
3. Explore The Tirumala Deer Park
Photo: Its David Wilson / Wikimedia Commons t
For nature and wildlife enthusiasts, one of the fun things to do in Tirupati is visit the Tirumala Deer Park. The sanctuary is located near Tirumala temple and is home to a variety of wildlife, including spotted deer and peafowl, in a picturesque forest setting. The deer park is essentially on the way towards the temple, so you can plan to spend a few hours at the park on a later day. Also, the reserve allows the visitors to interact with the deer in a friendly way, which adds to the experience. You can feed them and even take photographs from a distance while the deer graze and explore their surroundings freely.
Location: Tirumala Foot Trl, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517507
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
4. Explore Chandragiri Fort
Photo: Commonsklik / Wikimedia Commons
For some adventure and historical exploration while in Tirupati, consider heading to Chandragiri Fort. The fort is roughly 15 km from the main Tirupati Balaji temple and is a historic site that dates back to the period of the Vijayanagar Empire. The fort complex includes the Raja Mahal, Rani Mahal, and several temples. Despite it being constructed back in 1460 CE, the fort stands as an example of the intricate architecture of the period back then. Some reports depict that Sage Vyasatirtha used to reside in this fort when he was the spiritual advisor to King Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya and conducted the worship at Tirumala temple.
Location: TPT road, Chandragiri, Reddivaripalle, Andhra Pradesh 517102
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Friday closed)
Cost/Person: ₹20 for adults, ₹10 for children
5. Immerse In The Beauty Of Talakona Waterfall
Photo: K A UDAY / Wikimedia Commons
While many visit Tirupati for their pilgrimage, they are often not aware of spots like the Talakona Waterfall, which is located on the outskirts of the city. The waterfall is roughly 50 km from the Tirupati Balaji temple and is the highest waterfall in Andhra Pradesh. With dense forests and nature trails in the surroundings, the waterfall creates a fairly mesmerising view for the visitors to immerse themselves in. The waterfall cascades down from a height of approximately 270 feet, creating a stunning visual spectacle as well. You can trek around the waterfall or you can also enjoy a picnic experience at the base of the waterfall.
Location: Chittoor District, Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh 516101
Timings: 6 AM – 7:30 PM
Entry fee: ₹50
6. Visit ISKCON Tirupati
Photo: Shiva das / Wikimedia Commons
If you are curious about what to do in Tirupati after covering all the major sightseeing spots, consider adding ISKCON Tirupati to your itinerary. It is part of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, is a modern temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and is located in the heart of the city. With beautiful architecture and vibrant devotional activities, the temple is a perfect spot for the devotees to relax and unwind. You can immerse yourself in the laid-back, calm and spiritual ambience of the temple.
Location: Land, Hare Krishna Rd, Srinivasa Nagar, Vinayaka Nagar, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517507
Timings: 7:30 AM – 8:30 PM
7. Tap A Dip in Swami Pushkarini Lake
Photo: Gláuber Sampaio / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
As you make your way to the Tirupati Balaji temple, consider stopping at the Swami Pushkarini Lake first to bathe there and cleanse yourself before entering the main shrine of Lord Balaji. Legends depict that the lake is where Lord Vishnu and goddess Lakshmi bathed when they descended on Earth. This explains why the lake, located inside the Sri Venkateswara Temple, holds such a high religious significance. Before you go for the darshan of Lord Balaji, you can first bathe in this lake and then worship Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy and then head to the main sanctum of Lord Sri Venkateshwara Swamy.
Location: Pushkarini St, Tirumala, Tirupathi, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517504
Timings: 24*27
8. Witness The Beauty Of Nagalapuram Waterfalls
Photo: Shanmugamp7 / Wikimedia Commons
Another popular waterfall that you can consider visiting when in Tirupati is the Nagalapuram waterfall. It is a pretty long drive from the main city of Tirupati but 100% worth it. It is a scenic spot where you can witness cascading waters and picturesque surroundings. Beyond witnessing the waterfalls, you can also indulge in trekking and hiking explorations around the waterfall, which add to the adventure. The clear water pools at the bottom of the waterfall are suitable for swimming, provided that the weather and water levels are conducive.
Location: Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh 517001
Timings: 8 AM – 3 PM
9. Explore Sri Venkateswara National Park
Photo: Felix M. Dorn / Unsplash / Image For Representation Onlyt
Another one of the popular nature sites worth exploring when you are in Tirupati is the Sri Venkateswara National Park. It is both a national park and biosphere reserve spread across a 353 sq. km area. Beyond the flora and fauna in the national park, it is also home to a variety of waterfalls like the Talakona, Gundalakona and Gunjana. There is a dry deciduous mixed forest vegetation inside the national park and is home to 1500 vascular plant species too. Coming to the flora, there are 178 bird species in the national park and you can also find a variety of wildlife including Asian elephants, white tigers, leopards, wild dogs, Indian foxes, golden jackals, etc.
Location: Tirupati and Annamaya districts, Andhra Pradesh, India
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Cost/Person: ₹50 for adults, ₹10 for childrens
10. Seek Blessings At Srikalahasti Temple
Photo: Vijay Krishnawat / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Last on the list of things to do in Tirupati Andhra Pradesh is to seek blessings at the Srikalahasti temple. According to legends, this is the place where Kannappa was ready to sacrifice both his eyes to cover blood flowing from the linga before Shiva stopped him and granted him moksha. The temple is believed to represent the three fundamental aspects of existence – creation, preservation, and destruction, which is quite enchanting to learn about. You can visit the temple to admire the intricate architecture in the interiors as well. Also, the sculptures and murals inside the temple complex are worth seeing up close.
Location: Kondamitta, Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh 517644
Timings: 5:30 AM – 9 PM.
Tirupati offers an unforgettable experience to every traveller visiting. While pilgrimage is the main attraction in the city, there are several other tourist attractions and natural wonders that are worth exploring while you are there. You can explore the temples, immerse yourself in nature, and indulge in the local culture while in Tirupati. The only thing that you must prioritise is booking your vacation ahead of time with TripXL for a seamless travel experience.
Cover Photo: Commonsklik / Wikimedia Commons
