9 Must Visit Places To Visit In Tirupati

Tirupati, located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India, is a renowned pilgrimage city famous for its ancient temples and rich cultural heritage. It is best known for the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, dedicated to Lord Venkateswara (a form of Lord Vishnu), which attracts millions of devotees from across the world every year.

The city is nestled in the foothills of the Tirumala Hills, part of the Eastern Ghats, and offers scenic beauty with lush greenery and rolling hills. Tirupati has a significant religious and historical importance and is a key hub for the Hindu community.

In addition to its religious significance, Tirupati is also known for its educational institutions and has a growing economy driven by tourism and local industries. The city offers a mix of traditional South Indian culture and modern amenities, making it a vibrant and important destination in the region.

# Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple

This prominent temple is a cornerstone of Tirupati and holds the title of the richest pilgrimage site globally. Remarkably, the salaries of its priests are comparable to those of employees at multinational companies. The temple draws between 50,000 and 100,000 visitors daily. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who incarnates to safeguard humanity, the temple is a significant destination where devotees offer their newborns' hair. The Seva fee starts from Rs. 25.

# Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple

An iconic sanctuary in Tirupati, the Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple was established in 1130 AD by Saint Ramanuja. Legend says that the god used King Kubera’s wealth to facilitate the grand marriage of his younger sibling, Lord Venkateswara, and Padmavathi Ammavaru. Pilgrims visit this temple in hopes of divine blessings to prosper and manage their wealth. The temple, with its stunning Dravidian architecture, charges a Seva fee starting from Rs. 10.

# Ammavari Temple

Dedicated to Goddess Padmavathi, the consort of Lord Venkateswara, this temple is considered essential to visit before going to the main temple. Devotees believe it is important to pay respects here first. The Seva fee begins at Rs. 25, and it is located close to Tirupati’s main temple area.

# Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple

Known as Kapila Theertham, this temple is the principal Shiva shrine in Tirupati and one of the 108 sacred Theerthams on the Tirumala Hills. According to legend, Kapila Muni meditated here before a Shiva idol, giving the site its name. The self-manifested Shiva lingam and the sacred waterfall nearby are believed to cleanse sins.

# Srikalahasti Temple

Srikalahasti’s temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of South India’s most revered sites. Carved out of a single hill, it is part of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, where Lord Shiva is worshipped as the embodiment of the natural element of air. The ever-burning lamp in the temple’s sanctum symbolizes the presence of Lord Vayu.

# Sri Venkateswara National Park

Covering around 354 sq. km, Sri Venkateswara National Park boasts verdant valleys, waterfalls, diverse flora, and wildlife. Established in 1989 and officially designated a national park in 1998, it is home to rare and endangered species such as Nilgai and Golden Gecko. The best time to visit is from November to February.

# Deer Park Tirupati

Deer Park in Tirupati offers a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers. The park is frequented by deer, which visitors can feed by hand. It provides a peaceful escape from the city, perfect for relaxing amidst nature.

# Talakona Waterfalls

At 82 meters high, Talakona Waterfalls is one of India’s tallest cascades. The water, believed to have healing properties due to its medicinal plant content, is located within Sri Venkateswara National Park, which has been a biosphere reserve since 1989. The area’s lush forest adds to the site’s allure.

# Srivari Padala Mandapam

Located at the base of the Tirumala Hills, Srivari Padala Mandapam is a key stop for pilgrims taking the Alipiri path to the Tirumala temple. Visitors stop here to pray to Padala Venkateswara Swamy, known as the feet of Lord Venkateswara. Notably, the temple features large padukas (footwear) offered by devotees.