Tirupati, one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in India attracts millions of devotees every year. People who visit Tirumala also visit other tourist destinations nearby. Tirupati offers many more places to explore than just the Tirumala temple. This detailed guide will help you explore some of the nearby locations that are close to Tirupati / Tirupati Railway Station.
Sri Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala
Distance from station: Around 15 km
How to reach:
TTD-run buses are frequently available from the bus station near Tirupati Railway Station. Buses are operating every 15 minutes. At a reasonable price, taxis, autorickshaws, and safaris are also available. It takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to get to the temple.
Places to visit:
– Main temple: Located on the seventh peak of the Tirumala Hills is the magnificent temple devoted to Lord Venkateswara. It is one of the world’s richest temples. The deity is open to darshan for devotees. During busy times, people are unable to figure out how long it would take to get the darshan.
– Vaikuntam Complex: The Vaikuntam Complex is home to fewer shrines besides the enormous flagstaff, Ranganayaka Mandapam, and Bali Peetam.
– Sacred Pushkarini: Before entering the main temple, travelers bathe ritually in five sacred water tanks. The bath timings vary, however, when we went they were open from 6 AM to 5 PM.
– Venkatadri Theatre: Outdoor theater that hosts cultural events and religious plays.
– Chakkiliya Medu: Pilgrims circumambulate the seven sacred hills of Tirumala on foot through this route, around 14 km long.
– Kalyanakatta: Mass wedding arrangements are made here 4 times a year for underprivileged couples.
– Srivari Mettu: Footpath leading up the hills lined with shops selling pooja items, books, and eatables. It has around 2400 steps and takes 2-3 hours to reach the temple.
– Alipiri Mettu: With 3550 steps, this pathway also climbs upwards. About four to five hours is required to go to the temple.
– Sri Padmavati Temple: This temple to the goddess Padmavati is situated halfway up the hills.
Main activities include visiting the main temple for darshan, taking a dip in the holy Pushkarini tanks, enjoying cultural events and performances, shopping for pooja items, and enjoying the beauty of nature.
Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple
Distance from station: Around 3 km
How to reach:
You can reach by Tirupati city bus or walk. Auto-rickshaws/taxis can be rented from the railway station. Once you exit the railway station and head toward the bus stop, the temple gopuram is visible.
Places to visit:
– Main Temple: The 800-year-old Main Temple is situated in the center of the city. The presiding deity is Lord Govindaraja, an avatar of Lord Vishnu.
– Thousand Pillared Hall: Built during the rule of Vijayanagara, this exquisite hall has a thousand pillars along with artworks on them.
– Ranganayaka Mandapam: Sacred hall built on a hill behind the temple with exquisite carvings.
– Gopurams: Imposing four-storied entrance towers of the temple complex.
– Temple gardens: Well-maintained gardens surround the temple premises.
– Sri Kurma and Sri Varaha Shrines: Small temples located nearby honoring Vishnu’s Kurma and Varaha avatars.
Major attractions are temple darshan during specific hours, admiring the artistic carvings, strolling around the gardens, and shopping within the temple complex.
Sri Kodandaramaswamy Temple, Vontimitta
Distance from station: Around 90 km
How to reach: Taxis/private vehicles are accessible from Tirupati. The nearest railway station is Dharmavaram Junction (50 km).
Places to visit:
– Main Temple: Situated in a remote village, this temple is over a millennium old and dedicated to Lord Rama. Scenes from the Ramayana are portrayed in granite carvings.
– Veena Teertha: Sacred tank behind the temple where Lord Rama is believed to have played Veena.
– Panakala Veedhi: A long area filled with shops selling food, flowers, and pooja supplies.
– Ravana Ki Jamini: A nearby natural water spring named after Demon King Ravana.
– Natural Scenic Beauty: The Temple is situated amidst rural Andhra countryside with an exquisite landscape.
Key attractions are experiencing the serenity of ancient temples, admiring centuries-old sculptures, and walking through the scenic surrounding countryside.
Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple, Kalahasti
Distance from station: Around 52 km
How to reach: State/TTD buses run frequently from Tirupati Bus Station (52 km). The nearest railway station is located 3 km away at Srikalahasti Road Railway Station.
Places to visit:
– Main Temple: The main temple, built in the first century and devoted to Lord Shiva, is a center of spiritual energy.
– Tiru Teertham: SA sacred tank where sins are cleansed off by bathing located inside a temple premise.
– Veerabhadra Swamy Temple: A small granite temple featuring a ferocious form of Lord Shiva.
– Sri Chakra Raja Goru: A unique, sacred hill situated adjacent to a temple.
– Papavinasam Forest: This dense forest is believed to provide redemption for sins.
– Ekambareswarar Cave: Natural cave where Shiva is worshipped in the form of stone Shivalinga.
The lively temple with ancient sculptures, the holy bathing in Tiru Teertham, and walking in the nearby hills and dense forests are the main attractions. Perfect for renewal and pilgrimage.
Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary, Tirupati
Distance from station: Around 30 km
How to reach: Tirupati city buses ply frequently. You can also hire a taxi or auto from the station.
Places to visit:
– Jungle Tracks: Wide-spread forests crisscrossed by nature pathways which are ideal for walks and spotting wildlife.
– Spotted Deer Park: A deer sanctuary with habitats of Indian gazelles, sambars, and spotted deer.
– Natural Scenic Views: Picturesque scenery of lush greenery, hills, and reservoir backwaters.
– Watch Tower: A 360-degree tower offering panoramic views of the entire sanctuary landscape.
– Picnic Spots: Open grasslands and bamboo groves to relax and enjoy nature.
– Flora and Fauna: More than 150 varieties of plants, insects, birds, snakes, and mammals, including leopards.
Major attractions include trekking on nature trails, seeing wildlife from a lookout tower, outdoor photography amidst greenery, and connecting with nature in pleasant environs.
Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Srinivasa Mangapuram
Distance from station: Around 40 km
How to reach: Take the Tirupati city bus or hire a car/auto. The nearest railway station is Srikalahasti Road Railway Station.
Places to visit:
– Main Temple: Ancient hill temple situated amidst lush landscapes.
– Holy Pushkarini: A sacred water tank where pilgrims take a ritualistic dip before darshan.
– Rural Settings: Take in the vibrant village culture against a scenic background of hills that are covered in forests.
– Trekking Routes: Hiking trails leading through forests, farms, and fields offering fabulous views.
– Sri Swamy Vari Pilgrim Home: Modest accommodation for pilgrims visiting the remote temple.
– Nature Trails: Stroll through vast farmlands and acres of coconut trees.
Top attractions include visiting a serene temple bounded by stunning landscapes, trekking via beautiful villages, and exploring local food. Overall, it is an ideal quick rural retreat.
Other places to visit near Tirupati include.
Other notable places near Tirupati Railway Station that can be covered as day trips include:
- Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park, Tirupati
- Sri Venkateswara Museum, Tirumala
- Renigunta Railway Station Heritage Museum
- Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple, Thotapalli
- Chandragiri Fort Palace Complex
- Sri Kurmam Temple, Chandragiri
- Talakona Forest Waterfalls
- Friday park or Sukravaarapu thota, Tiruchanoor
- Kapileswara Swamy Temple, Tirupati
- ISKCON temple, Tirupati
- Sri Padmavathi ammavari temple, Tiruchanoor
- Sri Srinivasa Swamy Temple, Tiruchanoor
- Sri Kanipakam Vinayaka swamy temple, Kanipakam
- Sri Vedanarayana swamy temple, Nagalapuram
- Sri Soumyanatha Swamy Temple, Nanduluru
- Lakshmi Hayagreeva/Narasimha Swamy temple, Tirumala
You can plan your visit any time of the year.
