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When talking about pilgrimage experiences in Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati is undoubtedly the most popular destination that draws in millions of devotees every year. Home to the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Tirupati is a must-visit spiritual destination. Once you finish your pilgrimage, there are several places to visit near Tirupati that you must consider visiting to further enrich your travel experience. There are historical forts, nature retreats and a variety of modern cities that need to be part of your travel plans. As you plan your next vacation from Tirupati, there are several destinations you shouldn’t miss out on.
Top 10 Places To Visit Near Tirupati
If you want to carry on with the religious spirit or want to shop in a big city, there are numerous places to visit near Tirupati.
1. Srikalahasti
Photo: రవిచంద్ర / Wikimedia Commons
If there’s one destination nearest to Tirupati that you can’t afford to skip, it is Srikalahasti. The main attraction there is undoubtedly the Srikalahasti temple, which is also known as the “Kailash of the South.” The main allure of this temple is the Shiva Lingam inside, which is in the form of Vayu Lingam, the only one in India. Beyond the legends and folklore, you can also immerse yourself in the stunning architecture of the temple. Another spot in Srikalahasti that’s an absolute must to visit is the Veyilingala Kona Waterfall where the water reportedly has healing properties.
Distance From Tirupati: 36 km
Major Attractions: Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple, Vayu Linga, and Veyilingala Kona Waterfall
2. Talakona Waterfalls
Photo: K A UDAY / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the best places to visit near Tirupati is the Talakona Waterfalls. It is located inside the Sri Venkateswara National Park and is surrounded by dense forests. Given that it falls from a height of 270 feet, it is the tallest waterfall in the region. Not just for photography, the area surrounding the waterfall is ideal for hosting picnics and for exploring the nature trails. You might also spot wildlife around the waterfall including spotted deer, ibex, and sloth bear.
Distance From Tirupati: 58 km
Major Attractions: Talakona Waterfalls, Trekking Trails, and Wildlife spotting
3. Kanchipuram
Photo: Kamakshi subramani / Unsplash
A popular city in Tamil Nadu, Kanchipuram is also known as the “City of Thousand Temples.” So, one of the main attractions there is the wide range of temples that you can explore around and the most alluring temple in the city is the Kamakshi Amman Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. To witness the intricate architectural marvel, visit the Varadharaja Perumal Temple and one of the 108 Divya Desams. A few of the other temples you must visit are Devarajaswami Temple and Kailasanathar Temple.
Distance From Tirupati: 108 km
Major Attractions: Kamakshi Amman Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Devarajaswami Temple and Kailasanathar Temple
4. Kanipakam
Photo: Ramya Srivastav / Wikimedia Commons
Kanipakam is one of the best places to go near Tirupati, which is renowned for the Swayambhu Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Vari Devasthanam. The Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. There are legends associated with the temple and some beliefs suggest that the idol of Lord Ganesha inside the temple is growing inch by inch every day. Beyond that, if you wish to witness the charm of nature, consider visiting Kaigal Falls, which is located nearby as well. You can also plan your visit to Kailasakona Waterfalls, which is located nearby.
Distance From Tirupati: 67 km
Major Attractions: Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple, Kaigal Falls, and Kailasakona Waterfalls
5. Horsley Hills
Photo: ronen abudi / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
For some respite and relief from your daily life, Horsley Hills is one of the places to visit near Tirupati. It is one of the most peaceful hill stations in Andhra Pradesh and is home to several sightseeing spots, including the Horsley Hills Zoo. You can also soak in the views and charm of the hill station from one of the many viewpoints around including Gali Bandali or Whisper Wind Viewpoint. You can also explore a few of the temples nearby including the Chennakesava Temple and Mallamma Temple.
Distance From Tirupati: 147 km
Major Attractions: Horsley Hills Zoo, Gali Bandali, Whisper Wind Viewpoint, Chennakesava Temple and Mallamma Temple
6. Chennai
Photo: Saravanan Narayanan / Pexels
From spiritual and religious experiences to adventure and natural wonders, there’s a lot to explore. You can visit the Mylapore Musings Kapaleeshwar Temple for a spiritual tour or visit Elliot’s Beach to witness a stunning sunrise. If you are in the mood for adventure, head to Muttukadu to explore water activities. For the shopaholics, you can visit Pondy Bazaar to shop till your heart’s content. Also, don’t miss out on cultural and scientific exploration by visiting the Birla Planetarium and the National Art Gallery.
Distance From Tirupati: 133 km
Major Attractions: Mylapore Musings Kapaleeshwar Temple, Muttukadu, Elliot’s Beach, and Pondy Bazaar
7. Nagalapuram
Photo: Shanmugamp7 / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the good places to visit near Tirupati is Nagalapuram, which is reportedly a peaceful and quiet city. Located amidst the Nagala Hills, this city beckons travellers with several tourist attractions, especially the beautiful Nagalapuram Falls. Beyond that, the city is also renowned for the Sri Veda Narayana Swamy Temple. One of the main attractions inside the temple is the Surya Puja, which happens for three days in March. Also, if you are visiting Nagalapuram Falls, prepare yourself to embark on an extensive trekking expedition, with a potential overnight camping experience too.
Distance From Tirupati: 62 km
Major Attractions: Nagalapuram Falls and Sri Veda Narayana Swamy Temple
8. Vellore
Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons
Beyond being the epicentre of medical tourism, Vellore is also home to numerous tourist attractions. One of the main attractions of the city is the Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, which is also known as Sripuram Golden Temple. To explore the history of the place, consider heading to Vellore Fort. The city was constructed during the 15th century by Channa Bommi Nayaka and Thimma Reddy Nayaka. They were the Chieftains and constructed the fort from scratch. You can also visit St. John’s Church, which is reportedly one of the oldest churches in the city.
Distance From Tirupati: 107 km
Major Attractions: Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, St. John’s Church, Vellore Fort, and Archaeological Survey of India Museum
9. Pulicat Lake & Sanctuary
Photo: Aranyaparva / Wikimedia Commons
The Pulicat Bird Sanctuary is another one of the places to travel near Tirupati, especially if you want a break from the religious tour. Spread across an area of 759 sq. km, the sanctuary is surrounded by Pulicat Lake, which is the second-largest brackish water ecosystem. The site’s main attraction is the Greater Flamingos with their bright orange colour. Some of the other common bird species you might spot in the sanctuary include storks and pelicans. Some reports suggest that the lake might disappear within 100 years due to silt.
Distance From Tirupati: 88 km
Major Attractions: Native and migratory bird species like Greater flamingos, pelicans, and storks
10. Balamurugan Temple
Photo: RAJUKHAN SR RAJESH / Wikimedia Commons
Balamurugan Temple, also known as Arulmigu Murugan Temple is a 14th-century temple that you must visit from Tirupati. It is dedicated to Lord Murugan and you can find mentions of this temple in the poems of Arunagirinathar. It is believed that wherever there is a hill, Lord Murugan resides in that particular area as a superior power. One of the main architectural significance of this temple comes from the huge tower. Also, there are two forms of the deity worshipped inside – Lord Thirukkolam and Lord Gurukkolam.
Distance From Tirupati: 114 km
Major Attractions: The architecture of the temple, and multiple shrines inside the temple
The area surrounding Tirupati is filled with major tourist attractions of varying interests and once you are done exploring the Balaji temple and the nearby destinations, you can then take your time to explore the places near Tirupati as well. This enables you to immerse in the rich culture and heritage. Plan a trip with TripXL for a seamless vacation.
Cover Photo: Sreehari Devadas / Wikimedia Commons
