It was my mother’s wish to visit Tirumala during Srivari Brahmotsavam. We have been visiting Tirumala Tirupati Venkateshwara temple quite often since my childhood. But it was only once before with family members taking the pedestrian path to reach the Tirumala hill top from Tirupati foot hills. But when I go with friends and cousins, I prefer to take this pedestrian path since it is as good as any other trekking experience along with a bit of spirituality! The temple of Lord Balaji is located atop one of a range of seven hills – Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushabadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri. The pedestrian path covers only 2 of these hills and the distance to be covered is around 9 kms.
This post is all about taking pedestrian path to reach the hilltop from Alipiri. I plan to cover the amenities provided by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) for such pedestrian pilgrims. Hope this will help when you plan to visit the temple next time :). Tirupati city is well connected with all forms of transport modes via road, train and flights. If your wish is to take the pedestrian path, you should reach a place called ‘Alipiri’ – which is the starting point, well connected by local transport from airport, railway station and bus stations. If you are driving on your own, you can park your vehicle at Alipiri and proceed towards entrance point towards the steps.
At the very beginning itself you have a free luggage carry counter operated by TTD. In this counter, you may opt to drop your belongings in locked baggage that you wish not to carry while taking the pedestrian path. Ensure to carry only wallet, camera, water bottles and any other valuables if you feel necessary with you. The luggage will reach Tirumala in less than 2 hours usually and the same can be collected by the pilgrims once they reach the hilltop upon producing the receipt obtained while depositing the luggage. Walking will usually take 2 to 4 hrs depending on your fitness.
I would suggest you start taking the pedestrian path without any foot ware since this entire place is considered holy and sacred. There is an advantage in going barefoot here. Most of the path is made of long stone slabs which are firmly cemented. When you walk on such stone slabs with not so smooth and flat surface, your feet will experience the acupressure treatment in all the pressure points there. There by it rejuvenates all those parts of your body which are controlled by the pressure points in your feet. Climbing the initial 1000 steps would be a real testing time if you aren’t regular at exercising. These initial steps are very steep and you can always relax for a while by looking at the beauty around! There are so many variety of trees through out the either sides of pedestrian way. You can take the support of railings to halt and proceed. Most of the path is covered with concrete roof, so you need not worry about sunlight or rains. TTD has done a great job by making this path so easy to keep going.
There are a number of statues of lord in various incarnations all through out at regular distance. Also, there is potable water supply and toilets in the way at convenient distances all along. Once you reach a place called ‘Namala Konda’, TTD has set up a separate darshan registration facility. They take your biometrics and give you darshan tickets. Forget not to collect the tickets as this facility is set up specifically for pedestrian pilgrims and you don’t need to wait in the compartments too long unlike others. This wasn’t there before and the TTD seem to have started giving priority for pedestrians. ‘Namala Konda’ is very much visible with brightly illuminated florescent lights in the night from most of the places in Tirupati city and nearby villages/highways. Once you are at this elevated place, forget not to see the full view of the Tirupati city. Soon after this, there are many shopkeepers who sell refreshments including snacks and light tiffin at a nominal cost. If you are too tired, take a break for sometime here and then proceed. From this point onwards the walk would be much more easier for next 6+ kms since the path is more or less flat and you wouldn’t feel the steepness.
On the way there are many interesting places amidst the forest range. Few to name include the deer park and the tall statue of Hanuman. If you wish, you can feed the deers with carrots! On our way we were able to spot many cats, rats and bhors. Also there is a stretch of forest which has Red Sandalwood trees. Keep an eye on both the sides of the pedestrian path for the information on some of the wild animals that have been spotted in this forest range. Often you will see a bunch of security guards through out the pedestrian path to ensure safety of the pilgrims. Right now they allow pedestrian pilgrims to take this path between 4am and 12am, it remains closed for the remaining 4 hours in a day. To enjoy the nature better and to avoid day time temperature, I suggest you to start the walk either in the early morning around 5 or in the evening after 6. Most preferred time would be morning as you get to enjoy the nature better in the early day light. After walking a couple of kilometers from the Hanuman staute, another ticket checkpoint is set up. There you need to show your earlier obtained darshan tickets and get it stamped with officials. If you don’t have this stamping, you will not be entertained for the special darshan being offered for pedestrians.
From this point onwards, the pedestrian path converges with the descending vehicles road path. This is for about a kilometer. The scene of the nature and forest area from this point is picturesque! I would suggest you spend few minutes here before heading for the final steep hill of steps. This is really exhaustive and be prepared to climb another 1000 steps and that is it! You are done with a walk of 9 kms and 3550 steps. Head on to collect your luggage from the counter and then to free amenities complex to get hair tonsured if you wish and then for bathing. Don’t expect this complex to be very clean since so many thousands of people use it on a daily basis.
You have an option to either safeguard your luggage in this complex or near the queue complex where you enter into the darshan compartments. There is a free bus to drop you at ‘Vaikuntam Queue Complex 2’ where the final leg of journey towards ‘Ananda Nilayam’ (God’s sanctum sanctorum). Before getting into this queue, better safeguard your mobiles, camera or any other electronic equipments with lockers provided by TTD only just before entering any of the queue complexes. This is a must for everyone’s security.
From here on you will be let into compartment #13 or 14. You may have to wait for a max of 2 hours in these compartments before getting into the moving queue to reach ‘Ananda Nilayam’. Free Laddu prasadam tickets (One per head) will be given in the queue itself. Collect prasadam in exchange of these tickets after darshan. Upon coming out of the temple, collect all your belongings from luggage/mobile counters. If you are still energetic, feel free to take the pedestrian path else you have the buses plying every 2 minutes to get back to ‘Alipiri’ I am planning to write separate articles on various other temples in Tirumala and Tirupati with the help of my friend Chakri. More to follow soon.
j bala prasada rao says
i am interested in climbing through alipiri, just i want to know is it compulsary to visit free darsan immediatly on the day of climbing by pedastrain or we can avail free darsan pass on the following day. are they give according to our interest. please clarity.
sompal says
Thanks to Moahn and all other who posted. I visited on 06 Nov11 by walk. Post was very helpful. Details follows :-
sompal , Mumbai
sompal says
Hello Mohan Ji and
Hello every one –
I am planning to visit tirupati balaji on 06 Nov 11 and thinking to go
by walk via Alipiri to Tirumala Hill. I am 49 yrs old. Please tell me about free darshan token and from which area or point I have to enter using this token. Will I get any privilage to get accomodation at Tirumal. I will be reaching Tirupati at 1600 Hrs so let me when I should start my walk. in the evening or early morning. Also any more inside info for help, Thanx
thazhalan says
Every hindu should use the pedestrian path at least once in a year
Srinivas says
Hi Mohan,
Thanks for the informative post! I have done the climb on quite a few occasions, but then I was quite young! I’m planning a trip to Tirumala on foot to fulfill a “Mokku”. I will be flying in from Vancouver and drive down straight from Chennai. I’m also planning to offer my obeisance by rolling around the sanctum Sanctorum. Are you aware of any timing restrictions for this form of obeisance? If so then please let me know.
Thanks in Advance
Srinivas
Madhu says
Hi Mohan…
Am planning to climb the hill after 8pm with my brother. Is it really safe or not
g.d. says
Hey, Mohan (and Srinivas) Awesome posts! I am a western (non-Indian) convert to Gaudiya Vaisnavism, and I am making my first trip pilgrimage to Tirumala in two weeks. I have been getting many recommendations from Indian friends about “break darshan” and other ways to queue. However, I very much would like to approach the deity by foot from Alipiri. Any idea as to whether I can get a queue ticket at Namala Konda? I have heard something about foreigners needing to sign declaration of faith in Lord Venkatesvara at some facility in order to qualify for darshan. Thanks for any additional insight you can provide.
g.d. says
I took Balaji darshan last week. Completely wonderful experience. I followed through on my plan to ascend via foot path, beginning at 5:30 AM from Alipiri. Path is excellent, and free darshan tickets are offered as blog entry describes. Darshan wait time was only 1-2 hours or so, but I heard that crowd was *very* small that day due to Ganesh immersion in major cities and towns. I saw no other western pilgrims at all, but nobody questioned my entry to temple. I am now distributing laddu prasad to friends in USA.
kalaivannan says
hi may i know the time limits to walk in foot path
Aishwarya says
hi.. can i find any tourist who take us for pedestrian?
Srinivas says
Aishwarya, your question is not clear to me. Anyway if you meant that are there anybody to provide you assistance for you to climb the hill, then this would be my reply. Tirumala Hill is a popular place and thousands of pilgrims climb the hill by foot. But there are no exclusive services that are offered by the temple or any other groups in this regard(BUT FOR TRANSPORTING YOUR BAGGAGE FREE OFCOST). To be on the safer side, please try to befriend some co-climber if you dont have a group of your even. I presume that you are not climbing alone and even if you have one another person with you, go ahead. You can easily do it. If you can be more specific with your question,I think I can (or even our Mohanji, the blog owner) provide spme more information. NAMO VENKATESHA
VIshwanath says
Hi Mohan,
Thanks for a informative blog. I got all the info. Thank you very much.
I am planning this weekend visit to Lord by trek.
Let me know if you need any photos which you can upload and make it more helpful to all the followers of LORD.
Hare Krishna
hariharan says
All of you, Thank you so much!! For ur valuable information!!!
A S Murali says
I have two kids which are in 9 and 10 years ,can i reach tirumala by walk
srinivas says
Off course yes. Take a few breaks here and there and you can definitely do it. Try to start your trekking by 5 or 6 in the morning. All The Best. The Lord will certainly help you. NAMO VENKATESA
Srinivas.
Srinivas says
Murali ji,
Kids have lot more energy than what you and I think! I’m sure by now you have completed your spiritual trek. If not, then trust me, they will really enjoy the trek.
Srinivas
A.sasidhara says
Thank You for all the valuable information You have provided in this article.
I am planning to Visit Tirupati Balaji Temple in a couple of days.
I pray for Balaji to answer all your prayers.
Have a Blissful 2011!
Kind Regards
A.sasidhar
Vandana says
@Mohan: Great artical mohan. very imformative. Thanks.:) I would love to know more about SRI VAARI METTU . If you can give info about it, it would be useful.Thanks again
Mohan says
Glad you found the article informative. Sure, I will write about it sometime soon.
srinivas says
Mohan ji, with your kind permission i take the opportunity and liberty to reply to Vandana ji. Thank you& Regards.
Vandana, Srivari Mettu is about 1km from Srinivasa Mangapuram and Srinivasa Mangapuram is 11 km from Tirupati. There is a beautiful temple of Lord Srinivasa at Sri Srinivasa Mangapuram. The Lord’s idol here is almost a replica of the idol that is glowing at Tirumala. There are ample buses from Tirupati to Srinivasa Mangapuram and for the benefit of those climbing the hill thru Sri Vari Mettu free bus service is available from Tirupati. The trekking distance from Sri Vari Mettu to Tirumala is about 2 km or so and this route reaches you to the rear side of the main temple. Unlike the Alipiri route where you climb steps and also walk on relative flat surface, Sri Vari Mettu has only steps and the steps are somewhat steep also. But with a couple of breaks people with normal fitness can complete the trek in about 90-100 minutes. These days TTD has been offering a quick Darshan facility to those who climb the hill by foot on either routes. A bio-metric system ticket is issued free of cost in the a special counter located mid-hill by which the climber can join the Darshan queue directly without any waiting period. This facility is available for all pilgrims climbing by foot on both Alipiri and Sri Vari Mettu routes. However, if you prefer SriVariMettu route please make your own arrangements for food and water and try to trek in groups with sizeable number of people. OM NAMO VENKATESHAYA.
Mohan says
Dear Srinivas, thanks for stepping in to provide detailed information. Appreciate the help you have offered here.
ratnam says
i have two childrens.one is 7 yrs&5 yrs.not very fit- meaning I have Knee problem. Are the steps too steep? Will I be able to do it?
srikanth says
thanks for writing this……you done a good jobyour idea about this is bless by swamy grace..
Deviprasad K says
This was very useful…
Thanks a Ton.
Mohan says
Glad it was useful to you. Have a blessing darshan!
sahithi says
i felt like im at tirupati while i was reading this article… nic info.. vry helpful..
Mohan says
Glad you liked it.
Arun says
Appreciable job,
Kindly, Add some notes on Timings of Pedestrian allowed, and on Booking timings for Sudarshan. Is 300/- ticket counter is available at Tirupati? would like to know more on booking tickets. i m planning by walk this weekend…
Many thanks in Advanced
Arun
Guruprasad says
I am planing to visit tirumala in April with my friends (26 ppl) and I have decided to go by walking, could you please tell me whether it is safe after 6.00 p.m and at what time i will reach the temple.
and also what are the darshan time at night so that I can book it in advance.
srinivas says
Before I reply to Guruprasad I wish to thank Mohan for giving me a little space here. April is a very hot month and I presume all the 26 of you are physically fit. Anyway the best time to start trekking is 4am. The fitter people can complete the trek maximum by 8am and the less fitter people with a couple of extra breaks may take an hour more. As the day progresses it gets more hot and may drain you out faster. Further, for those who trek the hills exclusive FREE DARSHAN is provided by the temple for which you are given free coupons in mid hills along with suitable instructions. The coupon is authenticated at a point one km away from where it is originally issued to you just to ensure that the coupon is used only by the eligible person. eligible person means ensuring that you have climbed the hills by foot only since this is a special privilege given only for those climbing the hills by foot. The coupon entitles you to directly join the Darshan queue and depending upon the length of the queue you can have your Darshan. Abundant food and water is available enroute as also toilet facilities. This Free Darshan facility is also available for those who climb the hills in the Srivari Mettu route also. The trekking distance by the normal route i.e. through Alipiri gate ( Tirupati) is 8km and from Srivari Mettu route it is about 8km. Srivari Mettu is about 1km from Srinivasa Mangapuram and Srinivasa Mangapuram is 11 km from Tirupati. Please make your own arrangements for food and water if you prefer to climb the Srivari Mettu route. OM NAMO VENKATESHAYA.
srinivas says
SORRY, a small typing mistake. The trekking distance on the Srivari Mettu route is 2(Two) km and this route reaches you to the rear side of the main temple. OM NAMO VENKATESHAYA
nilay says
hello sir, i wanted to knw i m planning for both trek to temple and then join the free darshan line. As i m going for the first time ever, pls let me knw the hours spent at free darshan, as my motive is to get dharma darshan only. Condition inside free darshan quene ! As i m bit afraid after reading about sabrimala incidence! I m a 25 yr old, thanking u
nilay says
hello sir, my name is nilay anand, i m a mbbs student from nepal. I have never been to tirupathi ever, but i will make my visit once i get my degree. I have planned a trip alone, ur blog has provided lot of information. I wanted to ask u that , i have been planning to enter free darshan line as soon as reach the temple for first time! Please let me knw if i start frm alpgiri( as quated by u) in morning, then how much time it wud take to get darshan of lord in free line. Secondly what time of year is advisable. I m really worried aftr sabrimala incidence that occured few days back,how advisable is free darshan line?
Thanking u , nilay
DN says
I’ve heard it’s not safe to climb the steps anymore. How true is that and also can you let us know about accomodations for NRIs? Thanks.
Srikanth Matrubai says
Dear DN Sir,
What you have heard is untrue. It is very safe to climb even at midnight. I just had been there last Saturday midnight. It was very safe, cool, divine experience. You have to climb once, you will love doing it every time.
Best of luck,
Srikanth matrubai
MANIKANDAN says
thanku
ur messages is very informative.
kep it up god bless
Jayashree says
Namaste Srikanthji
Thank You for all the valuable information You have provided in this article.
I am planning to Visit Tirupati Balaji Temple in a couple of days.
I pray for Balaji to answer all your prayers.
Have a Blissful 2011!
Kind Regards
Jayashree
Srikanth Matrubai says
Thank you Jayashree Madam,
May God bless everyone and particularly you and your family.
Regards,
Srikanth matrubai
sankar says
Dear Srikanth,
Thanks a lot for your well written notes. This is really very very useful for many of us, who want to know more info on ‘pada yatra’ from Alipiri to Tirumala to fullfill our prayers.
Must say, people like you are like lighthouses. I have been searching all the websites for more info walking from down to tirumala, but the details you gave is never been there in any other sites. Great Work and a Great Deed indeed !!
Thanking you,
sankar sv
Ravindra says
hi..
he one you wrote was very good and will be useful to everyone.. i hav a dought on it that there is another way for pedestrains from sreenivasa mangapuram.. which will reduce the steps.. if we opy for that.. can we get the dharshan tickets on that root?/ and the free luggauge carry team is available from that??
Visha says
Dear Srikanth,
How long will it take to reach the top? Walking is no problem for me as it is- But climbing stairs is. Are there stairs or is it a pathway?
Srikanth Matrubai says
It should take you about 3-5 hours depending on your agility.
There are both stairs as well as pathway.
Give it a try.
You will thank me.
Visha says
Me & my daughter aged 17 want to climb to Tirumala by foot. I am 57 years of age & not very fit- meaning I have Knee problem. Are the steps too steep? Will I be able to do it?
Srikanth Matrubai says
Dear Visha,
The steps are steep on the 1st hill and later on, it is virtually very very easy.
And because of the initial enthusiasm every one will be normally make the 1st hill.
Yes, as you get nearer and nearer to the top of the 1st hill, it may seem difficult, but the effort is certainly worth it.
Give it a try and you will not regret it.
Best of luck,
Srikanth matrubai
M K Raghavan says
Mohan,
The travelogue was very informative. I along with my wife and brother-in-law are attempting the trek up the hill for the first time in next couple of days. With the blessings of Lord Balaji we will have a great trek and darshan. Is footwear not allowed during the trek, is it necessary to walk barefoot. Please clarify.
Mohan says
Dear Raghavan,
You can walk with foot ware, however I suggest you to walk barefoot for feeling the divine power. Drop it at base luggage counter along with your baggage, TTD will carry it for you. Have a blessing darshan.
Venkat says
Hi,
Thanks for the information you are providing. I’ve a couple of questions here. If I want to climb the hill via srivari mettu, is it going to be a tough path or is it renovated now and is like Alipiri(I am planning to climb with my wife)? Do I have to carry any food supplies or is there availability of food and water along the path? And finally, which place in Tirumala will I reach if I take srivari mettu.
Would appreciate any information you can provide for my Questions.
Thanks in advance.
Srikanth Matrubai says
I have been climbing the Tirumala all these years only via Alipiri route. I do not much about Srivari Mettu.
But, whatever I have heard about this….is that the route is tougher than Alipiri and yes, there is very little or NIL food/water availability along the way.
Surya says
It was nice reading your blog, Mr Mohan. I was just searching for the distance from Alipiri to Tirumala Hills via the pedestrian path when I chanced upon this very information blog. Nice of you. You are indeed being a guiding spirit for the many trekkers.
lakshmi says
Hi Everyone,
I am Planning to visit Tirumala this november (2010).
I have a question for you.
what are the timings of alipiri foot path.
I mean is there any timing for the piligrims to start climbing the hill?
More clearly, If I reach alipiri between 4PM and 6AM is it possible to take the footpath to climb the hill at that time.
Thanks.
Chakri says
Lakshmi, there you are.
Following the other comments, I think you would have got one point certainly – ITS NOT SAFE AND NOT RECOMMENDED TO CLIMB THE HILL AT NIGHTS. Forget about the official timings. Planning to start climbing the hill after 6pm is definitely a risk. It all depends on you & your group stamina. For a common man (here let me take it as a very normal man with out any body exercise), on an average, needs 5 hrs of time to reach the shrine. And a guy with considerable stamina, can make it in 3.5 hrs minimum. So, if u plan to start climbing after 4pm, you ensure yourself that you can reach Tirumala atleast by 8pm. Consider these factors before you fix the plan.
If you want to climb only after 4pm, I suggest another path way to use. It will not start from Alipiri. Its name is “SRI VAARI METTU” 18kms from Tirupati town. From here, you can reach the shrine in just 2 hours. Again, NOT RECOMMENDED TO USE THIS PATH AFTER 6PM AS PEOPLE FLOATING BECOMES THIN. From bus-stand and railway station, there are busses to commute and frequency should be 1hr (I don’t remember exactly; don’t opt taxi – it just costs you anything). This was the original path way to Tirumala used by Lord Venkateswara, Sri Krishanadevaraya and other kings – for that matter many of our ancestors. Path way from Alipiri was made only in early 19th centuary by ALWARs from Tamil Nadu.
The only problem using this path is, you need to carry your baggage or you need any person to carry them to Tirumala by bus (I hope by this time this arrangement would been done by TTD – not sure; better make your own arrangements).
What ever may be the paths, try to be in safe location by 7:30pm to 8:00pm. Because, you pass by thick jungle which is prone to danger & risk. Its really thick – sometimes Pythons, Leopards and Tigers say hello to you. Moreover, need to be cautious about the most dangerous animal – Greedy Man!
vaidyakeshav says
Thanks to the attack of wild cat twice offlate, the board had stopped the trekking after 7pm till dawn
Srikanth Matrubai says
Hmm…. that’s bad news, Vaidya…
I hope the decision is reversed..
By the way, when do they allow in the morning…is it 5am or 6am…
Srikanth Matrubai says
Well, Mohan., you have still not clarified on my doubt. Is the night climbing not allowed????
Mohan says
Hi Srikanth, I spoke to a couple of known people over there. They say that there is no hard and must rule saying that one shouldn’t climb up in the night. But it is suggested as a general advisory that it is not safe to walk when there very less number of people for personal safety. Remember it is a forest range!! Sorry for the delay in reverting back to you.
vaidyakeshav says
No certainly not moreso after attack by wild cats twice in the trekking path last month. They have trapped two but not sure of the same or different. The competent authorities are examining the pug mark tallying. It will take some time
Srikanth Matrubai says
Well, Mohan..
I just have come back after trekking the Tirumala footpath…
It was a heavenly experience. Lover every minute of it.
My two kids 6 and 4….found the 1st hill very very tough, but later on enjoyed every second of the trek and were very very enthusiastic.
Darshan was good., so was the accommodation.
Aparna says
Great article… I found more info on your article than many other websites combined. Only info I would like is, how much time (total and just for the pedestrian path) would this take? Keep up the great work!! And, of course, for such a beautiful, beautiful blog, you deserve this.. Punardarshana Praapthirastu….
Mohan says
Weekends it would be usually a bit crowded. Nevertheless, darshanam would be pretty easy since you plan to take pedestrian path. It takes anytime between 2 to 5 hrs depending on your physical fitness. It would be ideal to start on a friday night and reach tirupati by 4 in the early morning of a saturday and start uphill by walk around 5.. that would be a good schedule.
By bus it takes about an hr for uphill and 40 mins for downhill. TTD has also introduced a new ‘Queue’ priced at Rs 300/- per head which lets you get the god’s darshan pretty fast (usually within 4 hrs depending on crowd again)
Barsa says
Hi mohan,
i have planned to go to tirupati on 14th of june 2012, i booked the sudarsan ticket, but advance booking for tirumala accomodation is not availabe, kindly guide me whether i will get the accomodation after reaching then an there, if yes let me know how. and Rs 300/- ticket where i will get, i am new to that place, kindly mention the place where i will get the tickets,
Srikanth Matrubai says
Truly spiritually enchanting post. Keep it up., Mohan.
I also have taken the Pedestrain path many times. Maybe at least 9 times. I used to do this every Shivarathri night. This way both my Shivarathri vrata of staying awake the whole night would be fulfilled and also my time would pass with devotional thoughts and work!!!!
However, sadly, due to mounting work pressure I could not do the same for the last 2 years.
I was shocked that the trekking (walking the pedestrain path) is not allowed between 12pm to 4am. How sad!!!!
Is this really true??. Have you verified???
Do confirm., my friend.
Thanks for the great post.
Srikanth Matrubai
Mohan says
Wow.. that is quite a feet! Good to know that you have been doing this year on year. Hope you retort to the good old habits 🙂
Well, that is the info I was given, I shall surely confirm on this and revert back with confirmed details soon.
Antarman says
I wanted to ask you one qusestion….Is there any special facility for wheel chaired people? any special timings ? or do they let the chair till the lat moment..or some distance one has to walk?
Mohan says
Yes, there is an option for such physically challenged devotees. More info here.
shraddha says
what a beautiful spiritual journey!a must for everyone..
the pictures are mesmerizing…
Mohan says
Thanks Shraddha. Please click on the images to see higher resolution bigger images. Glad that I was able to capture the images is best possible way 🙂
Radhika Ganesan says
Hi….going to Devasthanam through steps is still fresh in my mind…generally i have a very bad memory…but the place and the mystic aura is such that no one can forget that place !
Mohan says
That is the specialty of this place!
Antarman says
Beautiful info ! Thanks for sharing it !
Mohan says
Thanks Antarman. Welcome to my blog and look forward to see you more often here 🙂
kavita says
Wow!!! What a wonderful, wonderful spiritual tour…… visiting Tirupati is in my wish list.The way you have described this post, i felt i was already there. I would love to walk bare foot as you have suggested. Thanks for sharing such a SPECIAL EXPERIENCE with us.
Mohan says
Thanks kavita. It is my pleasure to share the info about this great holy place. Keep coming back regularly, I am planning for 2 more posts on this place.
Mohan says
Even I wasn’t aware of this sometime back. Got to know this by reading one such information board on the pedestrian path. All I can say is “पुनर् दर्शन प्राप्थिरस्थु”
shruti says
so Nostalgic, the way you have drafted the experience!!!! I climbed the betta just before my marriage with my parents, and what a Experience!!!! We are planning for one more and am looking forward for it….
Thanks for naming the 7 hills, i never knew this:) informative
aparna says
That was indeed very helpful for people like us who have not been to Tirumala and Tirupati.
I did not know this could be done on foot. Thank you for sharing the information.
Mohan says
Hi aparna, thanks for dropping by and a warm welcome to you here 🙂
I am really happy that so many of you are liking this post and I feel it is a great honor to share this information about a holy place like Tirupati.
Look forward to see you here more often!
Ashwathy Nair says
Lovely images and write-up! Thanks so much for sharing. God bless !
Shravani says
I feel the same too. Good work on putting it all at one place. I will wait for your remaining two posts as mentioned.
Mohan says
Glad so many of you are liking this post. Certainly will try to cover the most in a much better way through the upcoming posts on this holy place.
Mohan says
Thanks Ash! Best to you too…
Shilpa Naik says
Very detailed write up Mohan. Thanks for putting it across 🙂
I heard there is one more path apart from the one you have mentioned to reach Tirumala. Any details or information you could share on that?
Mohan says
Hi Shilpa, Yes. There is one more path from ‘Chandragiri’ town area. I have never used that path, but I have heard that it is more shorter path to reach Tirumala from the foot hills. The only concern might be that the path is very steep all through out unlike the main path I have mentioned. I am sorry, but that is all the info I have.
Chakri says
Hi Shilpa, Iam the person whom mohan was refering to in the blog.
Mohan is very true about the other foot path to Tirumala. This path is not a regular path and suggested only when a huge group of people are moving; security being the reason. Also, the start of this path is away from Tirupati (almost 20kms from Rly Station). Commuting is a bit problem though TTD has taken certain care. Anyhow, we’ll try to cover this in coming articles.
Mohan says
Hi Chakri, thanks for jumping in and providing more clarity. Appreciate it 🙂
Sham says
Sir… namaskaara… 🙂
Very nice article. Just one change i would suggest in the article. Please interchange the positions of “Shankha” and “Chakra”. Chakra should be on the left of the “Naama” and Shankha on the right. That is the ideal position.
Regards
Mohan says
Hi Sham! welcome to my blog! Nice to see you here for the first time. I am glad you noticed those positions, I have changed them accordingly now 🙂
Richa Singh says
Wow! I never knew that Darshan can be so quick if we take the pedestrian path to reach Tirumala. Nice post Mohan!
Looking forward for the posts on various temples in and around Tirupati and Tirumala.
Mohan says
Thanks Richa. Yes, this special Darshan seem to be implemented for pedestrian pilgrims offlate. Even I don’t recall coming across such a facility when I took the pedestrian path last time.
lostworld says
Phew! I am done. 3550 steps.. Oh my goodness. But the maintenance seems impeccable. Thank God, otherwise going uphill would be an arduous task.
I bet it took you as long to write this down as it did for your journey up the Hill!
I have never been to Tirupati. Your post felt like a virtual tour.
This makes for good reference in case I visit in future ! Congrats on another pedestrian trip to Tirupati. Quite a feat I would say.
Mohan says
Initial 1 hour would be tough, but later on it would be very easy. Plan out sometime… you will enjoy for sure 🙂
True, it took a lot of time to think and write all those things, still I have missed a few! Infact this is one of the longest posts in my blog :D. Thanks and wish you a happy journey when you travel next time!
Kishore says
Very informative article Mohan. I never knew that there is a special queue for pedestrian pilgrims. Even the photos are cool. Thanks for sharing this info.
Mohan says
Thanks! Watch out for two more posts in the series that cover temples in Tirumala and Tirupati 🙂