When to go to Tirupati

Tirupati is crowded throughout the year due to the many pilgrims that visit it throughout the year as a pilgrimage, however, if you intend to visit the sacred temple it is best to visit it during the cooler months after the rains between September to January. The climate is then ideal as the chances of rains are much lesser and the temperature is much cooler.

How to reach Tirupati

The ideal way is by rail — a rail line to Tirupati Railway Station takes you to the temple town directly. The rail line is well linked with major railway stations like Chennai, Bangalore, Madurai, Mumbai, and Vishakapatnam. There is also the Reniguta railway station which is only 15 km from Tirupati. As far as flights are concerned, you can get flights for Tirupati from all the cities. Like if you are looking for a hyd to Tirupati flight you will have to deboard at Chennai airport, the nearest to Tirupati, and from the airport will have to travel 98 km more via vehicle to reach the temple town.

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Tirupati temple

The temple was built for Vishnu worshippers and is dedicated to his seventh incarnation, Venkateshwara. It is also nicknamed the temple of the seven hills. The mythology of the temple states that the temple was built because Balaji who hailed from Kubera took a loan of  1 crore and 11.4 million coins in gold for his marriage with Padmavati. To pay back the loan, the temple was established so devotees could offer donations to pay the loan back.

Tirupati Temple is the Richest Temple in the World

The temple receives the largest donations from its pilgrims who come for pilgrimage from all around the world. It has been regarded to be the richest temple in the world. The temple also earns a fair income from selling the devotee’s hair offered in donations around the world.

How to go about Tirupati Darshan

In older days, you had to do it physically which involved standing in a long queue or hiring the service of a middle man to do the needful for you, they usually charge a fee for the service and there have been complaints of people charging exuberant rates for such services however now, you no longer have to deal with all those challenges as one can now easily book a slot for darshan online in the Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams official website.

Tirupati Darshan Booking

You will have to register online at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, the website will then guide you with registration, you will have to select the darshan and Seva, preferred time slot, and the number of people traveling with you for the darshan. After providing the details of the individuals and completing the payment procedure. All that’s left is to attend the darshan.

The Legendary Tirupati Laddus and Vada

If you are traveling to Tirupati for pilgrimage or simply to soak in the spirituality the place offers, you cannot leave without trying the famous Tirupati laddus. Served as prasad to devotees, the laddus are prepared inside the kitchen of the temple and are known as potu by the temple board. The temple also offers vedas in some sevas and both prasadams are available for purchase at the prasadam counter in the temple.

A Shopper’s Paradise

The outside of the temple is a thriving town with a large marketplace that is a dream for every shopaholic. You can a wide variety of souvenirs and snacks native to the temple town for your friends and family back at home and all at very reasonable prices. Make sure to always bargain before purchasing anything.

Beautiful places of sightseeing in Tirupati

Though, most people know Tirupathi mainly for the Tirupati temple, there are several other equally beautiful tourist destinations for sightseeing in the city. These include beautiful grand temples like the Sri Govindarajaswami temple, Srikalahashti, and the Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, etc. Outside of temples, there is the beautiful and serene Talakona waterfall, which is Andhra Pradesh Highest waterfall. If you like visiting the zoos and seeing our four-legged friends up close, the deer park which is maintained by TTD which is the temple board of the Sri Venkateshwara Temple is a perfect place. There also is the garden outside the Sri Venkateshwara temple which is visited by hundreds of tourists daily.

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Things to know before visiting Tirupati

Tirupati is a temple city and one of the most sacred in the entire nation, as such there are certain things one must know before visiting the temple.

*Dress code: when it comes to dressing codes, though ethnic wear is most preferable, it is alright to come in other dresses that are simple and do not show a lot of skin.

*It is recommended to have your accommodation booked beforehand. Due to the popularity of the place, it tends to stay packed most time of the year and often you will be left without accommodations if you were to book late hotels late into your plans.

*Carry water bottles and light snacks for the long wait in queues as it will get tiring. Hydration is a must.

*Mobile phones are not allowed when the Darshan is going, so it is best left at home or deposited in the luggage counter for safekeeping.

*People above the age of 60 and those with babies can attend a special darshanam. It is very well organized and one has to only show their government identity proof to gain entry.

Places to stay in Tirupati

There are several hotels one can book for accommodation in the city, the TTD also has accommodations arranged for devotees which they charge per day. As of date, there are six, TTD accommodation which one can get the details from TTD official website and get it booked. The rates are quite cheap with the lowest coming at 300 Rs for a non-AC room, while the AC suits will come around 1300 Rs. It is highly sought by devotees and travelers to the city, so make sure you have asked in advance on the availability of rooms to avoid being stranded.

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