Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Tirupati is a leading pilgrimage destination, renowned for the Tirumala Temple. However, Tirupati district in Andhra Pradesh is also home to a variety of other sightseeing spots that you must add to your travel plans. Among the many places to visit in Tirupati, the key is to have a diverse travel plan that allows you to immerse in the spiritual aspect and also let you explore the natural wonders and the rich biodiversity that thrives in the city. So, as you plan your next vacation to Tirupati, the key is to include top spots that are popular and underrated among the tourists.
10 Places To Visit In Tirupati
The beauty of Tirupati isn’t contained to its religious spots only. There are a variety of other places to visit in Tirupati to be explored, including national parks, deer parks, and more.
1. Tirumala Venkateswara Temple
Photo: Nikhilb239 / Wikimedia Commons
The first stop on your visit to Tirupati has to be the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, also known as the Tirumala Balaji Temple. Located on top of the Tirumala Hills, it features a pristine white exterior and traditional Dravidian-style architecture with towering gopurams and intricate carvings. The golden dome in the centre of the temple further adds to the charm of the temple. Inside the temple complex, there are multiple shrines, halls and water bodies (Pushkarini), increasing the spiritual significance. The main attraction is the inner sanctum where Lord Venkateswara lies, adorned with a diamond crown. Getting to witness Tirupati Balaji’s idol is considered one of the most spiritually uplifting experiences.
Location: S Mada St, Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517504
Timings: 24*7
2. Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple
Photo: Ashokashokshanmugam / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the most important tourist attractions in Tirupati that you can’t miss out on is the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple. Dedicated to the consort of Lord Venkateswara, Goddess Padmavati, this temple has to be on your list. Your trip to Tirupati is incomplete if you don’t visit this temple. Inside the temple, getting a glimpse of the Goddess is believed to be quite empowering. Inside the middle of the temple is the Padmasarovaram—the temple tank, which is where Goddess Laxmi emerged on a lotus in the form of Padmavathi Devi.
Location: Sannidhi St, Tiruchanur, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517503
Timings: 7 AM – 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM – 6 PM and 7 PM – 9 PM
3. Sri Venkateswara National Park
Photo: Adityamadhav83 / Wikimedia Commons
To immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity, wildlife and flora around Tirupati, planning a visit down to Sri Venkateswara National Park is an absolute must. Spread across an area of 353 sq.km, it is a haven for nature enthusiasts. The most accessible way to explore the national park is via jeep safari which lets you witness the beauty of the dense forests. Also, the Talakona Waterfalls are a must-visit spot inside the national park. Apart from these, you will encounter a variety of endangered species. Besides safaris, you can also embark on guided treks to explore the surrounding natural pathways.
Location: Tirupati and Annamaya districts, Andhra Pradesh, India
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
4. Talakona Waterfalls
Photo: K A UDAY / Wikimedia Commons
Talakona Waterfalls is the highest waterfall in Andhra Pradesh, falling from 270 feet. Located inside the Sri Venkateswara National Park and surrounded by dense forest, it adds to the charm of the place further. The name “Talakona” is derived from the Telugu words “Tala” (head) and “Kona” (hill), indicating its position at the head of the Seshachalam Hills. There are a few legends and folklore that suggest that the water from this waterfall has healing properties. You have to embark on a short and easy trek through the national park to reach the waterfalls. This is one of the best tourist places in Tirupati.
Location: Chittoor District, Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh 516101
Timings: 6 AM – 7:30 PM
5. Chandragiri Fort
Photo: Commonsklik / Wikimedia Commons
If you are interested in unfolding more of the history of Tirupati and the surrounding areas, Chandragiri Fort is one of the best tourist places in Tirupati. The historical and ancient fort is located in Chandragiri, which is where it derives its name from. Constructed in the 14th century during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire. Later in 1460 AD, Odra Gajapati Kapilendra Dev succeeded and captured the fort under his control. The fort complex includes a royal palace, now converted into an archaeological museum, which displays artefacts, sculptures, and historical documents from the Vijayanagara period. Also, there are separate Raja Mahal and Rani Mahal inside the fort.
Location: tpt road, Chandragiri, Reddivaripalle, Andhra Pradesh 517102
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (closed on Friday)
6. Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple
Photo: YVSREDDY / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Narayanavanam, Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple is another one of the religious destinations that you must visit in Tirupati. It is another important temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. This temple is believed to be the place where Lord Venkateswara resided after his marriage to Goddess Padmavathi. It is believed that the devotees who are old or have physical disabilities, who can’t visit the original Tirumala temple due to those restrictions, can visit this temple instead. You can consider visiting the temple during the annual Brahmotsavam Festival.
Location: New St, Varadaraja Nagar, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517501
Timings: 5:30 AM – 10 AM and 5 PM – 8 PM
7. Tirupati Deer Park
Photo: IM3847 / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the best places to visit in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, is the Tirupati Deer Park. It offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, enabling you to witness and interact with the deer from up close. Located on the outskirts of the city, it is surrounded by forests, nature, well-maintained gardens and pathways. You can find a few different types of deer in the park including spotted deer, sambar, and barking deer. The park also provides educational opportunities, with information boards detailing the various species of deer and their habitats.
Location: Tirumala Foot Trl, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517507
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
8. Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park
Photo: iMahesh / Wikimedia Commons
If you are interested in learning more about biodiversity, Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park is another one of the best places for a Tirupati trip. Spread across an area of 22.39 sq.km, it is one of the largest zoos in Asia. One of the highlights of this zoo is that they focus on mimicking the natural habitats for all their resident wildlife to ensure that they are comfortable in their respective spaces. The park’s layout is thematic, with sections dedicated to different ecosystems such as the Indian plains, wetlands, and rainforests, further adding to the charm of the place.
Location: PO, Pudipatla, SV Zoo Rd, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517505
Timings: 8:30 AM – 4:45 PM
9. Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple
Photo: Koundinya90 / Wikimedia Commons
Your trip to Tirupati is incomplete without visiting the Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple. Located on the foothills of the Tirumala Hills, it is a must to be added to your Tirupati tourist places list. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is named after Sage Kapila, who reportedly visited the temple and meditated there. Besides the shrine and the temple complex, the main attraction there is the Kapila Teertham, which is a waterfall located inside. The waterfall has healing properties and is believed to absolve one’s sins.
Location: Avilala Rd, Ambedkar Colony, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517501
Timings: 5 AM – 4 PM and 4:30 PM – 9 PM
10. Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple
Photo: Balaji Srinivasan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple is another one of the prominent tourist places in Tirupati that one should visit. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s brother, Lord Govindaraja, the design and architecture of the temple is reminiscent of the grandeur of the Chola and Vijayanagara dynasties. Inside the temple, the idol of the God is in a reclining position on the serpent. The temple is a centre of Vaishnavite worship, and its annual Brahmotsavam Festival attracts thousands of devotees as well. You can also relax and unwind inside the massive temple complex, further adding to the comfort of the visit.
Location: North Mada Street, Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517504
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
With so many places to visit in Tirupati, having a solid plan is quintessential. You must ensure that you include all the significant temples and religious and spiritual destinations. Besides that, the natural wonders are worth exploring too. Be it the rich biodiversity or the national park, varied experiences are waiting to be explored. Plan and book your trip with TripXL for the ultimate vacation exploring the city.
Cover Photo: Eclicks by Bunny / Wikimedia Commons
