🛕How to Reach Tirumala, Travel Budget Guide
“May Lord Venkateswara guide every step of your sacred journey.”
📍 Where is Tirumala?
Tirumala is a hill town located 23 km from Tirupati city in Andhra Pradesh, famous for the world-renowned Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple. The temple is placed between the Seshachalam Hills, making the route both scenic and spiritual. The temple stands on the Seshachalam Hills, around 7 hills collectively called Sapthagiri, which represent the serpent Adisesha himself. The main shrine, located on Venkatadri hill, is over 2,000 years old, with deep historical, spiritual, and mythological roots.
🚌 How to Reach Tirumala
✅ From Chennai (approx. 140 km)
- Train to Tirupati: 3–4 hours (₹100–₹400 depending on class)
- Bus: APSRTC/Private, 4–5 hours (₹250–₹400)
- Taxi: ₹3,000–₹4,000 approx.
✅ From Bangalore (approx. 250 km)
- Train: 5–6 hours (₹200–₹600)
- Bus: KSRTC/Private, 6–7 hours (₹400–₹600)
- Taxi: ₹5,000–₹6,000 approx.
✅ From Hyderabad (approx. 550 km)
- Train: 12–14 hours (₹400–₹1,000)
- Bus: TSRTC/Private, 12–14 hours (₹800–₹1,200)
- Flight: 1 hour to Tirupati Airport (₹2,500–₹5,000) + taxi to Tirumala
✅ Final Stretch: Tirupati to Tirumala
- Ghat Road: 23 km, well maintained, 45 minutes by bus/taxi
- APSRTC Buses: every 10–15 minutes from Tirupati Bus Stand (₹60–₹100)
- Shared Jeeps: ₹100–₹150 per person
- Footpath routes (Padayatra):
- Alipiri: ~3,550 steps, 9 km walk
- Srivari Mettu: ~2,400 steps, 2 km climb
- Free luggage transport available for pilgrims on foot
🏨 Accommodation & Budget
✅ TTD Cottages & Guesthouses
- Basic: ₹100–₹300
- Standard: ₹500–₹1,000
- Premium: ₹1,500–₹2,500
- Book through TTD Online Portal
✅ Food
- Annadanam at the temple: Free
- Local hotels: ₹100–₹250 per meal
✅ Darshan Ticket Options
- Free Darshan: no charge, but long queues (Sarva Darshan)
- ₹300 Special Entry Darshan
- ₹500–₹1,500 for other Sevas
✅ Approx Budget for 2 Days
| Expense | Cost (approx) |
|---|---|
| Travel | ₹1,000–₹3,000 (depending on city) |
| Stay | ₹600–₹2,500 per night |
| Food | ₹300–₹600 per day |
| Darshan | ₹0–₹300 |
| Total | ₹4,500–₹6,000 per person (average) |
📍 Nearby Places to Visit
–Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Tiruchanur
- 5 km from Tirupati
- Consort of Lord Venkateswara, blessings for prosperity and marriage
- Peaceful, beautifully decorated temple with a golden Gopuram
–Kapila Theertham & Shiva Temple
- Mystical waterfall that never dries up
- Formed when Lord Brahma washed Vishnu’s feet with Ganga water from heaven
- Devotees take holy dip before darshan (opens only at 7AM daily)
–Silathoranam (Natural Stone Arch)
- 1 km from the main temple on Tirumala
- Rare rock formation resembling a serpent’s hood
- Locals believe it marks the spot where the Lord stepped onto the hills
-Tumburu Teertham
- Secret meditation cave mentioned in Puranas
- Sage Tumburu performed penance here
- TTD’s exclusive meditation center (prior permission needed)
–Talakona Waterfalls
- 50 km away, inside the Seshachalam forest
- Andhra Pradesh’s tallest waterfall (about 270 feet)
- Surrounded by trekking trails and a small Shiva temple
🧳 Travel Tips
✅ Carry Aadhar ID for temple booking
✅ Follow temple dress code (traditional wear)
✅ Avoid heavy luggage
✅ Keep water & snacks if climbing on foot
✅ Watch out for monkeys on the hills
✅ Book accommodation in advance during festivals
🕉️ Conclusion
Whether you come by train, road, or on foot, Tirumala offers a deeply spiritual and unforgettable experience. With proper planning, you can visit peacefully and on a budget — soaking in the blessings of Lord Venkateswara and the beauty of Andhra Pradesh.
🕉️ Tirumala – Where Faith Meets the Hills – bharatyatra
