Are you trying to find the best places to visit in Tirumala? If so, Tirumala has a lot of exciting locations to see.
Tirumala, the abode of Lord Venkateswara, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage destinations. The city is located in Andhra Pradesh.
In Tirumala, there are many exciting sites to see. But these are 15 of the best.
Tirumala is one of the holiest Hindu sites in the world and home to one of India’s most popular pilgrimage destinations.
History Of Tirumala
Tirumala is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage centers in the world. The hilltop shrine, also known as Venkateswara Temple, draws millions of worshipers annually.
The origins of Tirumala Temple are still unknown, with different stories circulating about its origin. Some believe that the sage Agastya built it.
Others say Lord Vishnu himself erected it. The hill is believed to be Lord Venkateswara’s abode, one of Vishnu’s ten avatars.
The town of Tirumala is located about 3 kilometers (1.9 mi) from the foothills of the hill and houses the world’s second-most visited temple complex after the Taj Mahal.
The temple complex covers an area of 161 acres (63 ha) and includes a 108-foot-tall (32 m) statue of Venkateswara made out of polished granite.
Why Should You Visit Tirumala?
1. Perhaps you are looking for a spiritual experience. Then Tirumala is the perfect destination.
The temple complex is home to several important Hindu deities, and pilgrims worldwide come to pay their respects.
2. The natural scenery of the Western Ghats is also worth seeing if you’re visiting Tirumala.
3. Finally, if you’re in India during the winter, don’t forget to visit Tirumala!
The temperatures can be pretty cold. But there’s always a festive atmosphere in the temple complex.
15 Best Places To Visit In Tirumala
Here are top 15 of the best places to visit in Tirumala:
1. Lord Venkateswara Temple
The Lord Venkateswara Temple is one of India’s most popular pilgrimage destinations. It is situated in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, and is devoted to the Hindu deity Vishnu.
The shrine is one of the world’s largest and most complex Hindu temples and attracts millions of devotees annually. The temple’s architecture and decoration are considered some of the finest examples of Rajasthani art.
The Lord Venkateswara Temple was built in 1053 by King Bhoja II, a Vishnu devotee. The temple complex covers an area of over 110 acres and includes many sacred lakes, gardens, and shrines.
The temple’s principal deity is Vishnu lying on a snake bed with Lakshmi and Brahma on his sides.
2. Sila Thoranam
Sila Thoranam is the only arch-shaped natural rock structure of its sort in Asia. It is located 2 km from Tirumala Bus Station and 2.5 km from Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple.
This is adjacent to Srivari Paadalu, Narayanagiri’s highest peak, which is situated nearby. One of the most significant sites to visit in Tirumala is Sila Thoranam.
Sila Thoranam roughly translates as “rock garland.” Therefore, it is often referred to as Rock Garden.
Archaeologists discovered this natural stone arch in 1980 while excavating this location. This natural arch is made up of two distinct kinds of rocks that are linked together.
The best time to go to the arch is between 6 and 8 in the morning or sunset when the light makes it look even more mysterious and impressive.
3. Srivari Paadalu
Srivari Paadalu, also spelled Srivari Palu, is an important Hindu pilgrimage site in Andhra Pradesh. It is located in the Tirumala district, about 38 kilometers from the town of Tirupati.
The temple complex at Srivari Paadalu consists of a sacred hilltop shrine, twelve “prakaramams,” and numerous other shrines and temples. The deity worshiped at Srivari Paadalu is Lord Venkateswara, one of the nine forms of Vishnu.
Pilgrims visit the site to pray to him for help and guidance in their lives.
4. Akasa Ganga
At the base of Venkatadri Tirumala lies a holy waterfall called Akasa Ganga. The Tirumala Nambi family has permission to take holy water from the waterfall to the temple, which is 5 kilometers away.
The Vedas describe this sacred theertha, and it is said that Akasa Ganga Teertham originated at the lotus feet of Lord Venkateswara.
During the monsoon, when more greenery and white water is pouring out of the rocks, this place is at its most beautiful.
5. Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary
Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary is one of India’s oldest and most revered wildlife sanctuaries. It spans an area of 1,500 square kilometers and is located in the Tirumala Hills near Tirupati.
The sanctuary houses various flora and fauna, including several endangered species. The refuge is open to visitors from October to May each year.
It offers a unique opportunity to witness some of India’s most precious wildlife in its natural surroundings.
6. Tirupati
Tirupati, the abode of Lord Venkateswara, is one of India’s most popular pilgrimage destinations. The temple complex is located in Andhra Pradesh and covers an area of about 120 square kilometers.
Tirupati derives from Tiru, meaning “hill,” and Patti, meaning “footprint.” According to legend, Vishnu’s left foot rested on the hill as he was lying on the ocean.
The temple complex consists of concentric walls with a vast central sanctum or “garbhagriha.” Inside are depictions of scenes from Hindu mythology, as well as images of Venkateswara himself.
The main attraction is a 108-foot-high statue of Lord Venkateswara. It is made out of black basalt and weighs approximately 250 tons.
7. Chakra Theertham
Near Sila Thornham, a water body called Chakra Theertham is home to intriguing mythology. Lord Vishnu created a hole with his Sudarshana Chakram so Lord Brahma might worship there.
It is a well-known tourist destination in Tirumala.
It is said that visiting this spot is equivalent to touching the Lord’s lotus feet. During the Brahmotsvam festivities, the idol of Lord Venkateswara is transported to this magnificent waterfall.
8. Pushkarni
Large lake Pushkarini is next to Sri Venkateswara temple. Before going inside the main temple, some pilgrims dip in Pushkarini.
The Pushkarini belonged to Sri Maha Vishnu and was originally in Vaikuntam. Garuda placed it on Earth for Sri Venkateswara’s sport.
Swami Pushkarini’s mukkoti (merging of 3 crore teerthams) occurs on Mukkoti Dwadasi (the twelfth day of the fortnight of Dhanur Masa). Taking a plunge in the Swami Pushkarini on this day is like bathing in the Ganges.
9. Sri Varahaswami Temple
The Sri Varahaswami Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu at Tirumala. The temple is situated atop the Tirumala hills, which are considered to be sacred by Hindus.
The temple complex contains numerous shrines and temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses. The temple’s presiding deity is Lord Vishnu, worshipped as Varaha or Kesava.
10. Sri Bedi Anjaneya Swamy Temple
The Sri Bedi Anjaneyaswami Temple is one of Tirumala’s most famous pilgrimage sites. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Anjaneyaswami, Maha Lakshmi.
The temple complex is located in Tirumala village, about 10 kilometers from Tirupati. Entry into the temple grounds is free, and pilgrims can visit anytime or night.
The main shrine houses an image of the goddess Anjaneyaswami, and several other shrines are devoted to different deities across the grounds.
Sri Bedi Anjaneyaswami Temple is a popular pilgrimage site for people of all ages and religions.
11. Talakona Waterfalls
Talakona Waterfalls are a must-see attraction in Tirumala. This beautiful waterfall is located on the edge of a forest.
The surrounding area is filled with serene beauty. Several small streams feed the falls, and they cascade down a cliff into a deep pool below.
There’s also an observation deck, which offers beautiful views of the falls and the surrounding countryside.
12. Papa Vinasam
Papa Vinasam is a charming little waterfall whose waters are revered and have therapeutic properties. As the name suggests, all devotees congregate at Papavinasam, hoping that a holy bath may atone for their sins.
Both men’s and women’s changing areas are accessible.
The waterfall has a picturesquely spectacular appearance since it pours down from a hilltop. Your excursion is pretty pleasurable because of the gravel trail that leads to these beautiful falls.
The adjoining dam’s reservoir, which limits water flow into the pond, is another beautiful location. The picturesque surroundings’ attractiveness is attributed mainly to a well-kept park and garden.
13. Sri Venkateswara Museum
Sri Venkateswara Museum is popularly known as the Tirupati Temple Museum. It is located in Tirupati, a town in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh.
The museum was opened for public on 4 October 1959. The museum has an area of 1,000 square meters and houses a rich collection of art and antiquities from all over India.
The museum’s main attractions are Venkateswara’s sculptures (the presiding deity) and his consorts, Yakshi and Durga.
14. Tumburu Theertham
In Thumburu Theertham, a Gandharva criticized his lazy wife. So the lady turned into a toad and lived in the pond until sage Agasthya and his disciples came.
The toad recovered her Gandharva form while the great sage was telling his followers about the sanctity of the pond, leading to the teertham’s gaining the name Tumburu teertham.
At a distance of 12 kilometers from Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple, it is among the most well-liked tourist attractions in the area.
From Papa Vinasanam & Kalyani Dam point, a 7 km (4.6 mi) walk through a stony trail is required. Each year during Phalguna Poornima in March, the road is often accessible to the public.
On the approach to this location, there are around five waterfalls.
15. Srikalahasti
Srikalahasti is located in the Tirumala hills of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is for the god Vishnu, and people come from all over the country to visit it.
The presiding deity is housed in a golden shrine that stands 29 meters high and weighs around 106 metric tons.
How To Travel Safely In Tirumala?
Traveling to Tirumala, the spiritual home of Lord Venkateswara, can be an exciting experience. However, you can do a few things to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Here are some tips:
1. Make sure you know the local customs. Don’t dress too extravagantly or out of character for the area.
In particular, don’t bring expensive jewelry or clothing items with you. Instead, keep your belongings simple and Zen-like.
2. Always be conscious of your surroundings. Be especially careful when walking around crowded areas or near religious sites.
3. Respect local laws and customs when traveling to religious areas such as temples and churches.
Is Tirumala A Costly Place To Visit?
Tirumala is a cherished destination for millions of devotees annually. The temple complex is one of the country’s largest and most visited tourist attractions.
However, with its high price tag, Tirumala can be a costly affair for visitors.
The temple complex covers an area of over 600 acres and includes 108 acres of gardens.
Entry into the temple complex costs Rs 1000 for tourists below 12 years and Rs 2000 for those above 12. For pilgrims from outside India, the cost is Rs 5000 per person.
Other than the entry charge, meals and transportation require money.
Accommodation costs should also be considered as no hotels near the temple exist.
A stay at nearby resorts would average tourists around Rs 1000 per night.
How Much Does The Average Hotel Cost In Tirumala?
Tirumala, India’s most famous pilgrimage destination, is home to various accommodation options for pilgrims. There are accommodations for every budget, from modest lodgings to five-star resorts.
Here is a breakdown of the average hotel prices in Tirumala:
- Budget hotels cost between Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000 per night.
- Mid-priced hotels cost between Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 per night.
- Luxury resorts can cost up to Rs 25,000 per night.
Best Time To Visit Tirumala
Tirumala is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in India. The temple is open from 6 am to 12 midnight every day.
But there are specific days during which the temple is busiest. Here are the ideal times to travel:
1) February–March: This is the peak season for pilgrims, and the weather is usually mild.
2) October–November: The temperatures are more relaxed, and there is less humidity, making it an excellent time to visit if you have allergies.
3) April-May: This is when most pilgrims come, and the atmosphere at the temple is festive.
4) September-October: The autumn colors at Tirumala are beautiful, and this month also has less humidity, which makes it easier to enjoy your visit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, suppose you’re seeking the ideal pilgrimage location. Go no farther than Tirumala.
The fascinating Lord Venkateswara Temple, the Sila Thoranam, and the Tirupati Temple are a few of the top 15 best places to visit in Tirumala.
These are some of Tirumala’s top tourist attractions, whether you organize a vacation for religious or touristic reasons.
Nayana is passionate about discovering the most magnificent places to visit in India! She also loves to uncover the most incredible sights and capture her experiences in her writing through TouristPanda.com.