Places To Visit In Tirupati, The Spiritual Capital Of Andhra Pradesh

If you are looking for places to visit in Tirupati, Tirumala Temple, Govindaraja Temple, Sri Venkateswara Temple, Sri Vari Museum, Talakona Waterfall, Tirumala Deer Park Reserve, Srikalahasti, Swami Pushkarini, etc are the places you should look for.

While making a list of the best places to visit in Tirupati, you will be accurately spoilt for choices provided the different religious sites the place has to propose. Apart from boasting world-famous temples, Tirupati is also a favorite travel destination of wayfarers, pilgrims, naturalists, and history fanatics.

The most decorated pilgrim site is the Venkateswara Swamy Temple also prevalently known as the Tirupati Balaji Temple which draws traffic of approximately 1,00,000 every day. Another proficient religious site worth your visit is the Kapila Theertham.  Whether you are on a pilgrim tour or vacation there is a richness of places to see in Tirupati for all aged travelers. 

Each one of these places stands apart in its history, magnificence, cultural value, or scenic charm. Venkateswara National Park is one such place in Tirupati where you can spot interesting flora and fauna at their natural best. Talakona Waterfall is another natural gem in Tirupati where you can celebrate a weekend trip with family and friends against the backdrop of a gushing waterfall.

Places To Visit In Tirupati

Kapila Theertham

A Shaivite temple, Kapila Teertham is a well-known pilgrimage in the city. The temple is situated at the entrance of a mountain cave at the foothills of Tirumala Hills and is a marvelous example of Dravidian architecture. The presiding divinity is Lord Shiva who is locally better known as Lord Kapileshwara. The idol of the deity was fitted by Kapila Muni.

If you are looking for spots for exploration in Tirupati, then Kaipa Theertham is a great choice. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and is situated at the entrance of a mountain cave. This temple is not only a prevalent sacred place but is also better known for the stream flowing near it. Do pay a visit to this exclusive temple in Tirupati.

Tirumala Temple

The principal attraction of Tirupati tourism centers around the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam which is one of the most admired sites of Hindu pilgrimage. Its governing deity is Lord Balaji or Venkateshwara or Vishnu whose effigy is ornamented with extravagant jewelry and is considered the wealthiest shrine in India.

The temple is situated atop the Seshachalam Range of Seven Hills in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. Tirumala temple is measured as one of the most acclaimed places to see in Tirupati as Lord Venkateshwara grants every wish of his followers made in this holy site. In return, devotees donate their hair to the deity as a mark of appreciation. 

Akasaganga Teertham

Akasaganga Teertham is a waterfall in Tirupati, situated at a distance of 3 km from the major temple. The waterfall has water flowing throughout the year and holds enormous religious significance. Pilgrims can also pay homage to the Devi temple located very close to the waterfall. Throughout the monsoons, the waterfall is an attractive sight to the eyes.

ISKCON Temple

ISKCON temples are spread not only around this country but around the complete world. ISKCON Tirupati is another one of the tourist places in Tirupati that are visited by supporters from all around the country. ISKCON can be seen sitting on the foothills of Tirumala Hills and proposes a sight to behold.

It was in the year 1974 that Srila Prabhipada proposed that his teachings from the holy Bhagwat Geeta be broadcasted. This center called ISKCON was then constructed to spread knowledge about what Bhagwat Geeta says. It is considered a way to carry peace and harmony to this world.

Chandragiri Fort

Chandragiri Fort & Palace is an 11^th-century monument constructed by the Yadav Naidu Kings and is also linked with the Vijayanagara Kingdom. The spectacular structure is an accurate example of Vijayanagara architecture. Tourists are drawn by its amusing history and heritage value. The lure has fortnightly light and sound displays and the annual celebration of Madras Day.

Sri Venkateswara Temple

Sri Venkateswara Temple is possibly the most commended religious place to visit in Tirupati which is overcrowded by tourists and pilgrims around the year. The temple comprises different complexes inside its premises all of which are enthusiastic to Lord Venkateswara/Vishnu/Balaji who is the governing deity of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. 

The temple is situated on the 7^th peak of the Venkatachala hill and is enthusiastic to Lord Venkateswara. The temple is also better known as the Temple of Seven Hills. The temple complex is vast and has different shrines and Mandapams. There are also different water tanks and gardens in the complex. 

The temple which dates back to the 12th century is measured as one of the wealthiest and most perforated temples in the world meeting rough traffic of 50,000 pilgrims every day. Owing to such enormous traffic entering the Venkateswara temple is an elaborate procedure. Visitors have to pass through a series of consistent holes that lead to the major sanctum. The activities of the temple involve hair tonsuring, proposing prayers, prasadam, hundi, tulabharam, and arjitha seva. 

Srikalahasti

For the supporters of Lord Shiva, Srikalahasti is one of the most emphasized places to visit in Tirupati for a 2-day trip. It is situated at a distance of nearly 36 Km from the major temple. The Srikalahasti Temple was constructed in 1516 by the eminent ruler of the Vijaynagar Empire, Krishnadevaraya.

It is also signified as the Kailasa/Kashi of the south as both are predominant pilgrim sites of the Shaivites. The intricately engraved interiors and bejeweled gopurams of Srikalahasti Temple are a living testimony of Chola architecture. The temple characterizes one of the 5 earth elements i.e. Vayu (air).

Here the shrine of Lord Shiva is adored in a form of Vayu linga as a representative of Vayu (wind). It is supposed that the place where the temple stands is where Lord Shiva condensed salvation to Kannappa, one of the 63 Shaivite Nayanars. The divine ambiance inside the sanctum of Srikalahasti Temple, bejeweled shrines, and somber rituals functioned by the deity will definitely submerge you into a spiritual trance.  

Rock Garden

The Rock Garden is one of the best places to visit in Tirupati which is measured as sacred among the supporters of Lord Vishnu. It is also well known as Silathoranam as it has a Natural stone formation in the form of an arch. The Precambrian natural stone creation of the Rock Garden is the only one of its kind found on the continent. Therefore, the site has paramount importance among geologists.

However, according to prevalent belief Lord Vishnu also better known as Lord Venkateswara walked over this arch when he was on his manner to Tirumala from the Vaikunth Dham. Another belief says the height of the governing deity of the Tirumala Temple is the same height as that of the spiritual arch in the Rock Garden.

The arch is worshipped as a heavenly statue and is proposed daily aarti by its believers twice a day. The heavenly arch is a safeguarded monument that fascinates thousands of visitors around the year to see this natural site. 

The colourful and divine ritual of flowers, Pushpayagam was performed with religious fervour in Tirumala temple on Tuesday evening. pic.twitter.com/ySx1FRBwra

— Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (@TTDevasthanams) November 2, 2022

TTD Gardens

Scattering over an area of 460 acres, the TTD gardens in Tirupati are better known for their ornately decorated and trimmed flower gardens. Alongside its lush green beauty, the garden also involves Alwar Tank, Mangalabhavi, and Ananthapalligunta.

Flowers to all the temples in Tirupati are abounding from this garden. They have an annual horticulture show and Pushpa Yagnam wherein interesting flowers are displayed for the visitors.

Talakona Waterfall

Waterfalls are undeniably the best blessing of mother nature. These attractive marvels are as refreshing and enchanted as they can get. Another one of the places to visit in Tirupati is the Talakona Waterfall which leaves the jaws released to the ground.

The tranquility and peace spread in the surrounding is, indeed, something that one should squeeze. Talakona is sitting in Sri Venkateswara National Park and is supposed to procedure medicinal properties. It is a countless spot for a picnic or relishes trekking.

Tirumala Deer Park Reserve

Deer Park is one of the most prevalent tourist places in Tirupati. Situated near the base of the Tirumala Hills, this park is home to a large number of deer, peacocks, and several other animals. Travelers can stroll through the park, feed the animals, and celebrate the scenic views. The deer park also has a great playground and a few small shops. The great part is that it is just 15 min away from the city center. You can grasp or rent a taxi or bus to reach there.

Govindaraja Temple

The Govindaraja Temple situated at a distance of nearly 20 Km from the world-famous Venkateshwara Temple is one of the most emphasized places to visit in Tirupati. It is an admired pilgrim site among the Vaishnavites whose governing deity is Lord Vishnu. Carried the number of followers visiting the temple every day, the pomp of rituals, and the brilliance of Dravidian architecture it presents, Govindaraja Temple is an architectural marvel to behold.

The rich history of the Govindaraja Temple dates back to the 12th century by the great saint Ramanujacharya. From the shrine of the temple, you can get sweeping opinions of the Tirumala Hills, Padmavathi Temple, and Kapila Teertham.

Best Time To Visit Tirupati

Tirupati is jam-packed throughout the year; however, the best time to visit Tirupati is from September to February when the climate is comparatively balmy with intermittent showers. The summers with their scorching weather and clamminess make Tirupati less ideal to visit. Winter months are perfect for sightseeing and also visiting the shrine, and the weather is enjoyable.

The town gets jam-packed by September which is the onset of Brahmotsavam, one of the promising festivals of Tirupati. For temple bounding, the best season is again winter due to festivals like Navratri and Dussehra falling in October. Circumvent visiting Tirupati during April and May as the temperature is torrid and agonizing.

How To Reach Tirupati? 

Tirupati is situated in the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It has an airport and is well-connected to foremost cities such as Chennai and Bangalore by road, rail, and air. Here is how to reach Tirupati:

By Air

The nearest airport is Tirupati airport. Tirupati airport is situated at Renigunta, 15 km away. Unvarying flights are accessible from Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru to Tirupati.

By Train

The closest railway station is the Tirupati Railway station. Tirupati is linked with all the foremost cities. It is just 5 hours by rail from Chennai and Bengaluru.

By Road

Tirupati is linked with all the foremost cities. It is just 5 hours by rail from Chennai and Bengaluru.

Conclusion 

When it comes to the best places to visit in Tirupati and neighboring, there are a host of choices accessible to travelers. If you own a car in the city, you can drive to any and all of these places; otherwise, the next best choice is to utilize the car rentals in Tirupati by different service providers. With this service, you can travel to all of the destinations cited above and even more throughout the weekends and tick off some items from your travel bucket list.

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