Location : Andhra Pradesh
Tourist Attractions : Venkateswara Temple, Padmavati Devi
Temple
Local Tongue : Tamil, Telugu, Hindi
STD Code : (91) - 8574
Best time to Visit : October to March
About Tirupati
Situated on top of the Tirumala hills in the southern part of Andhra
Pradesh, Sri Venkateswara Temple is the richest temple in the world. While
the holy city of Tirupati is laden with temples in its every part, the
Venkateswara temple has assumed special significance amongst the devotees as
it is considered to be the sacred abode of Tirupati, the Lord of Goddess
Laxmi. The popularity of this centre of rever can be gauged from the fact
that it even pushes the Vatican city behind when it comes to the number of
visitors each day. The ancient temple has been a prominent religious spot
for centuries, finding mention even in Hindu epics written thousands of
years ago.
Climate & Best time to Visit
Tirupati experiences tropical climate with the weather remaining hot
throughout the year. Winter season, from October to March is pleasant,
especially on the Tirumala hills, and the best time for a visit.
Religious Attractions in Tirupati
Venkateswara Temple
Also known as the Balaji temple, Sri Venkateswara temple is one of the
busiest and most beautiful pilgrimages in the world. Constructed in a
typical Dravidian form of architecture, the temple has proudly stood for
centuries with its exquisitely carved towering gopuram being visible from a
long distance. A peculiar feature about the place is that men shave their
heads and offer the hair to the lord, as such an act is believed to fulfill
one's desires.
Padmavati Devi Temple
Situated at Tiruchanur, just 5 km from Tirupati, the Padmavati Devi Temple
is another important pilgrimage, dedicated to the consort of Lord
Venkateswara, goddess Padmavati. The reason for the temple being situated at
a large distance from the Balaji temple can be found in Hindu mythology,
according to which, goddess Padmavati was cursed to stay away from her
husband.
Govindrajswami Temple
The entire city of Tirupati is laden with exquisitely crafted temples. Sri
Govindrajswami temple is another beautiful architectural marvel situated
next to the Balaji temple. The ancient temple was founded in 1130 AD by
saint Ramanujcharya.
Kapileswarswami Temple
Three kilometers north of Tirupati amidst quaint environs lies the only
temple in Tirupati dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple draws numerous
devotees while the surrounding waterfalls are a favored hangout spot for
tourists and holidaymakers.
Kalvana Venkateswarswami Temple
Sri Kalavana Venkateswarswami temple is built at the place where Lord
Balaji and goddess Padmavati came to stay after their marriage. A festival
held every year honours the lord and his consort. The temple is situated 12
km from Tirupati city.
Stay At
Tirupati is frequented by both pilgrims and tourists in large numbers. A
number of hotels have sprung up all over the place which provide luxury and
comfort for its guests. The best hotels in Tirupati include Hotel Maurya (3
star, situated in T.P. Area just 15 km from airport, 0.5 km from railway
station & 0.5 km from bus stand), Fortune Kences Hotel (3 star, situated
on Renigunta Road just 17 km from airport, 0.5 km from railway station &
0.5 km from bus stand), Kalyan Residency (3 star, situated in T.P. Area just
18 km from airport, 0.5 km from railway station & 0.5 km from bus
stand), Hotel Sindhuri Park (3 star, situated in T.P. Area just 14 km from
airport, 0.5 km from railway station & 0.5 km from bus stand), Hotel
Bliss (3 star, situated on Renigunta Road just 15 km from airport, 0.5 km
from railway station & 0.5 km from bus stand), Hotel Guestline (3 star,
situated on Karakambadi Road just 17 km from airport, 3.5 km from railway
station & 3 km from bus stand) and Temple Valley Resort (3 star
equivalent, situated just 15 km from airport, 0.5 km from railway station &
0.5 km from bus stand).
Getting There
By Air : Tirupati airport is located just 15 km from the
city at Renigunta. Indian Airlines and other private operators provide
regular services between Tirupati and other major Indian cities including
Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad. Taxis and buses are easily available to
reach Tirupati from Renigunta.
By Rail : Tirupati railway station is located in the main
city. Regular trains connect the city with all the major Indian cities
including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad.
By Road : Well built state and national highways link
Tirupati with other cities in Andhra Pradesh. State transport buses operate
regularly between Tirupati and the rest of south India. Sri Venkateswara bus
station is located just outside the railway station.
Distance from Major Cities
- Bangalore : 247 Km
- Chennai : 152 Km
- Mysore : 386 Km
- Pondicherry : 317 Km
- Vijayawada : 409 Km
