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.
Ramesh says
Hi Mohan
You are giving very useful information to Lord devotees. Is there any tradition that devotees stay overnight on Hills either after darshan or before darshan? Hope you have information on this point. I am planning shortly to Tirumala but my schedule is after darshan to come back. Is it OK. No breaking of tradition? isn’t it?
Mohan says
Ramesh – according to my grand parent’s sayings, it is always better to stay for a day at the pilgrim destination. i am not sure whether it should be before or after darshan. Scientifically, the idea is to let the body adapt itself to a different kind of environment compared to the one where we usually live.
T.Narayanan says
Sir,
I have planned to go to tirumala this weekend by pedestrian path.
Pls inform thru email regarding the timings to start walking pedestrians.
Can i walk alone in pedestrian path at night 10 o clock.
It is safe for me. no one is coming with me.
But i really believe lord vishnu will help me always.
So pls guide the right path.
Hare krishna.
S.G.Jagadeesan says
Dear Sri. Narayanan you may commence your trekking by 10.00 PM. But do not go alone. Pl join any of the groups. It is safe.
vijai says
thanx for the information regarding divya darshanamn as iam planning this month end.thanx.
Y Srinivasa Babu says
mr.mohan, i am planing tirumala in july i am having few doubts please clarify
1.we are starting walk from alipiri at 2.pm is it ok how much time it takes.
2.my mother and aunty are 50 years they are not walking how to take divya darshan tickets for them.
3.i am expecting to reach 10.00 pm can i get rooms at tirumala at that time.
S.G.Jagadeesan says
Dear Srinivasa Babu, you can start your trekking by 04.00 AM. It will take 03.5 to 04.00 hours. Since you have elderly ladies with you it may take additional time. Tokens for Divya Darshan are issued only for those who are reaching by footpath. It is issued on the way during the course of your trekking. No one can confirm accommodation at Tirumala unless it is booked in advance. You may opt to take accommodation at Tirupathi.
s t jeyaprakash says
hi mohan
we are team of 5 planing to have darshan of lord balajee on 04.06.12 want trek through sri vari metu i want to know the route to reach sri vari metu from coimbatore plls let me know the route map reach
udayasri says
Hii, we have planned to go to tirumala this weekend by pedestrian path , so pls suggest me the period of time it takes for darshanam.
Kumaran says
Hi to all, Yesterday (27th June) i have returned from Tirumala, Please don’t go without prior plans to Tirumala for few days (upto School Starts) becos the Darshan time takes minimum 8 hrs. for Pedestrians (Divya Dharsan) & 12-16 hrs. for Sarvadharsan (Free), For Rs. 300 (Seekra Dharsan) Ticket takes nearly 4-6 Hrs., For Rs.50 the ticket issued only effects after 24 Hrs and also the dharsan time is 3-4 Hrs. All tickets entrance are seen long Q, so take some water, foods, towels in your hand, avoid: Cell Phones, Camera, Umbrella, Heavy Luggage, Flowers, News papers, Polythene Covers, So please plan accordingly. Best Wishes
Dheenan says
Sir,
we have decided to use our own car for reaching tirupati from chennai and later we are going to take up foot path to reach tirumala, will we be getting any reliable drivers for this short distance (tirupati-tirumala) from any travel agencies ?? if so please inform me as soon as possible.
srinivas says
hi mohan,
its a nice blog from u. we are planing to visit tirumala in july 1st week. i am thinking to book online sudarshanam & rooms via ttdonline official website. we are planing of trekking from alipiri. my doubt is which way is it quick to have darshanam?? via sudarshanam token or via special darshan for those who are trekking???
along with us my ages grand parents are coming for darshanam. can u give info regarding special darshanam to senior citizens???
thanks in advance.
Menaga says
Hi Mohan,
I am menaga from coimbatore, We (group of 15 members) have planned to reach tirupathi on June 1st 2PM, 2012. And planned to climb hill on friday early morning (3 AM) to have dharsan on saturday morning. I heard, it takes 10 hrs for dharsan. Can you tell me the time it will really take for us to have the dharsan after reaching the temple? Also few people from our group have planned to climb hill by bus. Can i know the right time for them to start their dharsan. We planned for 4 AM. Is that corrcet. Or should they start earlier?
Thanks for your help
Menaga
Suresh says
Hi
I am planning to reach Tirupathi by 2AM tommorow morning by car, will thay allow me to goto Tirumala that time of the morning. If so, hw long will it take to get a Rs.300 ticket for darshan..
Kindly help me out friends..
S.Nagabhushana says
Dear Mohan
Thank You for your Information.
Although i have a Doubt that, Me and My family Members around 15 memebers as planed to visit to Tirupathi on 25 May 2012 Friday by start with pedistrains. But every one told me that theres is no safe in the night time but the Call centre of TTD told that pedistrains are from 24 Hrs Around the Clock pleas tell me is it safe on night time B,coz we plan to make darshan on 26 saturday morning so we plan to climb hill on friday night. please tell me useful information, B,coz i have little bit Scare that every one told me that night time is not allowed. But my plans and room bookings are like that only please tell me i waiting for your reply the time is very low
Kumaran says
Pedestrian path remains open for 24 Hours.
Mohan says
Well, it is absolutely safe, but do ensure to walk in groups. I suggest you start either by evening 6 or by morning 4 so that you don’t need to worry about safety.
Srikanth Matrubai says
Mr.Nagabhushana Sir,
It is absolutely safe to trek the hills at night.
In fact, I always have been trekking the hills at night.., starting at exactly 12 and sometimes even at 1am….and I have found nothing to fear.
And since you are 15 members in group, then its absolutely safe.
For your information, sometimes, just 2 of us have trekked starting at midnight.
Please carry on your plan. Lord Venkateshwara will bless you.
Kumaran says
Hi Mohan, Good Job! Keep it up and update us regularly. 4 times i took the Pedestrian Path, Your info’s are correct and i got more from you, thanx… I planned to visit the Tirumala on 26th, i booked the tickets for Darshan (50/-) & Accomadation (100/-) in Pondicherry TTD Centre. For Accomadation: is it easy to get the accomadation in the early morning at Tirumala and where to contact for the accomadations, past i have visited with my frendz so they take care about this, but now i m going with my family and i am new for this procedures, could you help me?
Imp: Last time in the Pedestrian path, my 3 years old daughter walked good along with me and my wife, it is better to take this path at the early morning time (from 3 am is so great)
Thanx
Chander says
Hi, could you pl. provide me the information regarding how much time does it take through divya darshan tickets and sahasra deepalankarana seva tickets. As iam planning to visit Tirumala next week. And where would i get the seva tickets in Tirumala. pl. reply.
Ugandhar says
Hi Mohan,
Great work by keeping us informative. I am planning to walk to reach Tirumala on 23 rd May 2012. I will be reaching Tirupati at 2 pm and planning to walk in the evening. My concern is that, i have planned this trip suddenly and didn’t book an accomadtion in Tirumala. My question is that what are the chances to get the free accomodation when we go by walk. Do we need to join in the CRO Queue complex to avail it? Please let me know on this
Mohan says
Hi Ugandhar – since you are planning to visit on a weekday, you shouldn’t have much difficulty in getting accommodation. Have a blessing darshan of the lord.
Priya says
Hello Mohan,
thnx. for making such good blog….it will help a lot..for those who r unknown to south.
i m a residence in mumbai and visiting tirupati in next week….if possible please help me out to know the accomodation done in tirupati can be done in advance. if yes please do let me know the procedure….
Regards,
Priya
Mohan says
Hi Priya, there is Central Reservation Office (CRO) in tirumala to help you with accommodation. You can use this link [+] to book the accommodation and other sevas online. But I doubt if you can get it online for next week. You should have planned it in advance!
surya says
I am Surya. I am visiting Chennai in July. How long does it take to walk from Madras/Chennai to Tirumala? Is there a group or pilgrims who do that?
Mohan says
Hi Surya, the distance between Chennai and Tirumala is about ~160kms. I am sure there will be a number of people who walk between the mentioned places as I have seen people walking all the way from Bangalore to Tirupati. They usually walk about 30-40 kms a day.
surya peddainti says
Sir,
Thank you very much. Is there a group with whom I can walk, I am visiting Madras from Chicago on July 24th and I plan to walk from Madras to Tirumala by 1st week of August or Late July. With Lord’s help I believe I should able to cover the distance from Ambattur to Tirumala approx 140 Kms in 3 days to 4 days. Any information or assistance will be of much help.
Regards,
Surya Peddainti
dr ramesh says
dear sir
I am a strong follower of Lord Venkateshwara , and i visit tirumala every year.
This year i am planning to go by walk from alipiri along with my wife
i have 2 kids 8 years and 5 years , my children will be coming by bus with my aged parents
my parents will avail the darshan for senior citizens, myself and my wife will take the divyadarshan
my doubt is can my kids join me for divyadarshan without walking
C Sivakumar says
Dear Dr Ramesh,
Hare Krishna. Please accept my personal greetings and the blessings of the Lord.
As regards your children, they can join you without any problem – since TTD rules permit children upto the age of 12 without any ticket. That means, if you have a ticket – any seva ticket, then your children less than 12 years can accompany you for the seva FREE OF CHARGE or without requirement of any band/biometric id etc.,
BUT, I would advise you to simply take the children along with you for trekking up the hill and they will certainly enjoy the walk. Of course, the usual complaints of leg pain, etc will be there!! You can buy them refreshments without any problem and give them rest and inspire/encourage them to do the trek up the hill.
My daughter who is 7 years and my friends son who is 4 years both accompanied our two families just a month back.
All the best!
geetha says
Hi mohan,
Me with my family planning to visit tirumala b the mid of june.13 people.9 of us planning to go by walk.Which is the best time to start from tirupati.We will be arrived at tirupati station from the how can we plan and abt accommodation also.
Can u pls give me some suggestions.
Mohan says
Please see my reply to Priya about the accommodation at tirumala. It is better to start early in the morning or around 5 in the evening to avoid sun and heat while walking up!
Bijender says
Namaskar. I’m planning to visit Tirumala for ‘darshan’ of Lord Vishnu in the last week of July this year with my wife and two children, probably on Sunday. Hope rains will not deter me and choosing Sunday for ‘darshan’ will not be a discomfort. Kindly enlighten me to keep away the fears.
Thanks.
Mohan says
Bijender – if the kids are below 10 years, i believe they are exempted from divya darshan tokens. But I suggest you check with TTD. May be other readers can also share their knowledge.
Rajamohan says
Dear Sir,
Thanks for many valuable information. I would like to know the working hours (open hours) of Srivari Metu path, I am planning visit Tirumala in 3 weeks time.
Regards
Eshwar says
Hi Mohan ji This is Eshwar from Hyderabad
I have also some Doubts can you pls clarify
1)Divya darshanam tickets we can get at gali goparam while going tirumala footway and this divya darshanm where exctly can go through at tirumala like VQC_1/VQC-2 pls clarify this
2) Where we can get on this token free accommodation at tirumala
*Thanks for your kind co-operation looking forward for your kind reply
Mohan says
1. Yes, Divya Darshanam ticket is issued at Gali gopuram, and stamped again on the foot path way just before mokalla mitta. Both are necessary for the darshan. Which VQC to take for darshan will be mentioned on the tickets.
2. There is a common amenities complex soon after reaching Tirumala by walk, here you can show your Divya Darshan ticket to claim free accommodation.
Ekaveera says
Thanks Mohan, Could you please Suggest some Good Hotels in Tirupathi . I have to Stay for 3 days…
Ekaveera says
Excellent Blog Mohan. You have Described Your Experience in such a way that, Without having Pedestrian darshan, People feel that they are Missing something in Life :).
I have couple of Queries…
1) Can I take Mobiles/Camera by Pedestrian Path
2) You told the Timings are from 4am-12 am. But one of my friend told that he had pedestrain path at 3am. Can you confirm this..
3)I am planning to start at 4am Exactly, is that ok??
Looking forward for your Suggestions.. Thanks
Mohan says
Thanks Ekaveera!
Here is the answers you are looking for –
1. Yes, you can take your mobile/camera while taking the pedestrian path. But the same is not permitted when you get into Darshan Queues.
2. Not sure about it. But as a safety precaution, i would suggest always walk in groups if planning to take this route during odd hours.
3. 4AM is absolutely fine!
Have a blessing darshan!
Nag says
Sir, can i check out at 4am from srinivasam complex/cottages, which are allotted by TTD in Tirupati, as i need to catch Krishna Express at 5.25am from TPTY Rlwy Stn. I want to know whether its possible to check out at early morning hours.. Or else i need to book a pvt.hotel.
Nag says
Hi Mohan, i have one doubt, if i got accommodated in Srinivasam/other cottages in Tirupati, can i check out at 4am morning from there. Is TTD staff will be available to process my check out procedure. Kindly clarify…
Mohan says
Hi All,
Along with a group of friends, I took the foot path from Alipiri to Tirumala on last saturday. Still whatever has been mentioned in the original article is still persists and you can avail all the amenities aforesaid.
Priya says
Wow.. you seem to be a regular visitor to this place. Hope the summer heat didn’t take toil on you after this trip.
hariom says
Hi mohan
its hariom here . Very good work you did and given the detail information abot the entire pedestrian path . I also went by this route 5 times . Just one more info i want to add that locker facility is also free .
Gorak says
Hi All,
I just spoken to TTD call center guys,I came to know that for Pedestrains Alipiri way will be open for 24Hrs.
Thanks
Gorak
Mohan says
Thanks for that info Gorak. It is always better to walk in groups no matter at what time you start.
Anbarasan M says
Hello sir, I like tirumala god and also seven hills. But one suggestion what means why you took SVBC (TTD) channel in DTH. Please give the channel in DTH.
sunil says
Very informative can you please let me know if there are any good hotels for stay near to Alipiri.
Rmakrishna says
Thanks. May god bless you
Senthil says
Superb thank you i am going to follow your instructions ЁЯЩВ
brajesh says
sir ur work is very good …and help most of the visitor…thank u thousand time sir
mallesh says
I highly appreciate the content of the blog.we have had a very good experience in
pedestrian path walk to reach the Tirumala . some while it happens what with renu.
but you are really interested in path walk, go by there in off season period, like June to
September. after all we are the visitor, we can’t blem the TTD for any inconvenience.
They are doing their best.
d srinivas rao says
Me (srinivas aged 44 yrs) with my colleage Karuna (aged 48 yrs) went from chengalpet to tiuparti. We reached Tirupati Busstand at 12.30 am on 26.01.2012. From there we went by walk to Alipiri. At 4.00 AM we started our walk and reached Tirumala at 8.00 AM. On the way we collected the Divyadarshan coupons. The walking was comfortable. This was the first experience for me going to tirumala by walk. At 10.40 AM we were in the queue and at 12.10 noon we got darshan. This was first time that I had a quick darshan with in 1 hour and 30 minutes. Your inputs for the pilgrims going by walk to Tirumala from Tirupati are useful and helped me a lot.
D. SRINIVAS RAO
CHENNAI.
Renu says
hello sir, me and my family went to tirumala by walk, we have been given sudarshan tokens which we were told that we will have sheegra darshan, we went at 7.30 pm but our chance came at 2’am, by that time my kids were crying and there was a lot of commotion in the compartments, people were fighting, shouting and pushing, and some just want to leave the place with seeing the lord, people who are aged just sat there in the compartments crying, i felt that we were caged, i got tears in my eyes as why all this was happening at that place where after travelling so many kilometers, then climbing up still we were just been pushed away from the lord, its just seemed like the management is just creating fear among pilgrims,of going to tirupati,they say oh!tirupati, it should not be like that and after that we get a glance of lord venkateswara for only 1sec, i feel strongly that something should be done so that the existing system should change, i don’t know how? but it should change,and i again want to see the lord but in peaceful atmosphere. so please think, &through your blog i want to know what are the steps to be taken so that the whole system can be changed.
Mohan says
Hi Renu, sorry to read about the not so good experience you had at the abode of Lord. I do empathize with your feelings and the kind of atmosphere around while trying to get a peaceful darshan. This usually happens when there is too much of pilgrims crowd. Rather than blaming everything on the temple authorities, let us start looking at how we can make it better. I am sure, we all can plan during off peak season/days for a blissful darshan. let us do our bit too!
balaji says
Thank You Sir, its more useful for the first time pedestrian path to reach the Tirumala pilgrims.
Mohan says
Thanks Balaji.
Siva says
Had a good trip. Some points:
1. Better to climb in the morning rather than later in the day – yes you do miss seeing much of the scenery – but you have less crowd and weather is more comfortable
2. For pedestrians, you have to join the queue in VQC-1 and then you get to keep your luggage (I wasted some time standing in the 300 queue to hand over the luggage + phones outside the queue complex). This is not the case for free, INR 50 and INR 300 pilgrims – they have to hand over the stuff before they join the queue.
3. The laddus are not free – you need to pay INR 20 for two laddus per head.
4. You can always buy more laddus @ INR 25
Rajesh Khanna says
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Anuradha Thakur says
This blog was very useful. I walked up on the 12th of December. I am 64 years and had prepared well for the walk. It took 5 hours. Our driver, Deodatta, was with me. the trick was to walk so slowly that you woun’t gasp for breath.
Some information should be more accurate. The total walk is 13 kilometers and not 9 kilometers.There are 2100 steps at the beginning. Then a slow climb, then almost 10 to 15 feet and 2/3 steps. In the end, there are almost 500 steps, which are steep and you are tired by the time you start there.
With grace of Lord Tirupati, I could make it . It was a divine experience. It is a once in a lifetime sort of experience, with hundreds of people walking barefoot, singing and the collective spirit is amazing.
Anuradha Thakur.
Pradeep Shirur says
11pm to 3am restriction is their only for the vehicles which goes from tirumala to tirupati and tirupati to tirumal. For people who wants to reach tirumala by steps( pedestrian path ) their is not timings. You can climb at any time you prefer.
Feel Free To Call This CallCenter Number: 0877-2277777 Ask Any questions they will help you. First 2 minutes you will here lord venkateshwara caller tune namo venakateshaya namaha after that you will will be connected to call center.
And one more thing you can easily climb the hill don’t worry about your health problems god will take care of everything. Enjoy the holy trip……..And Lord venkateshwara will bless all of us
Siva says
Nice and helpful post. Anyone has experience climbing during the daytime in December? Want to avoid the night travel and morning rituals at Tirupati. The bus brings me to Tirupati around 11:30. Wanted to check if this time is convenient for the climb. Thanks.
Mohan says
Siva – the walkway is closed between 12 in the night till 4 am.
Venkatesh says
Thanks a Lot Mr. Mohan. Your blog is really very helpful and informative. We are planning to visit Tirupathi this week by pedestrian path. Thank You very much.
Sanjay says
Hi Mohan, your blog was really helpful, I had earlier climbed 2 times. Now i am going with my wife on 30 dec 2011. Good to know they are giving to priority to people who climb the hill by walk. Because during my earlier trips there were no such facility.
Manju says
Thanks a lot Mr.Mohan, I’m from Sri Lanka. It has been my childhood dream to go by walk to Tirupathi. We have been planning for nearly 8 years & it is still pending. hopefully he will call us this time. I’m planning to go next week with my hubby & 2 boys 2yrs,4yrs. hope & pray i could make it. Thanks a lot for your info. very useful. Om namo Narayana.!!!
Manju says
with tirupathi narayana’s grace, me & my family went by walk & had a good dharshan. only 2hrs in the queue. my 6 year old son walked all the way. we took 5hrs to walk as we took rests with our boys. thanks for the info, it really helped me. i think we were very lucky, i heard that now it takes 10/12 hrs for dharshan. Govindha, Govindha.
TGS says
Thanks a lot for the blog. I and my wife are going to climb tomorrow morning (16th Dec 2011). We are in reasonable health and expect to complete the climb in 3.5hrs. I pray to the Lord to bless us and all devotees.
Govinda, Govinda, Govinda!
Ravi Sreevatsa says
I have gone atleast 25 times by the old route and recently 2 times by the new route viz. Srivari Mettu. The new route is just too good and so well done. Please try this. This also is a traditional route and the TTD has gone a long way and taken pains to provide a safe climb path. Dont miss it pl..
Rahul says
I am planning to go this weekend. This was very helpful
Ashok Baskaran says
Wonderful piece of information line to line.. tomorrow we are leaving to thirupathi, we are group of 12, am worried only about my mom who is 58 yrs old, she had taken a vow to climb up the hills… hope the lord makes the path easy for us to climb and see him !! the informations given here are very very useful, thanks to Mohan Ji and Chakri.we are starting at 6 from Chennai, so will be able to start walking from 10 am only I suppose… should have read the blog before hand, would have planned a early moring climbing as suggested… OM NAMO NARAYANA !! Help us climb !! OM NAMO NARAYANA !!
Anuradha Thakur says
Dear Mohan,
Thanks for the detailed information. I am climbing the hill on the 11th. I am 64 years of age and a regular walker. I was planning to walk for an hour and take a break for an hour. That way, I need 6 hours. Evenif I start at 8 am, I will reach the top by 1 pm.
From what you write, they close the path from 12 noon to 4 pm. How do I manage then? is there no way except starting at 5 am and climbing up?
I will be thankful to have your guidance. Thanks again and may God bless you.
Anuradha.
Mohan says
Dear Anuradha, they close in the midnight at 12 till 4 in the early morning. This shouldn’t be an issue for the plan you have in mind. Also, there is a special entrance for elderly citizens. Pls do check out that option if you can take that option for quick darshan of the god. I was there 2 days back and had a blessing darshan!
Anuradha Thakur says
I went walking up on the 11th of December. It was a divine experience. Hundreds of devotees walking bare foot, the camphor tablets burning on each step of the climb, the cleanliness, facilities on the path, the deer park, and above all, the collective spirit. I will never forget the experience, which one must get in a life time. I still wonder how I walked those 13 kilometers in 5 hours, with a break of 30 minutes and small 5 minutes breaks in between. The 2100 steps at the beginning and the 500+ steps in the end is a real test. It was Lord Titrupati who gave me the physical strength and determination to reach him , walking all the way. I surrender to him.
Anuradha Thakur.
Mohan says
Good to hear that. Thanks for sharing your experience.
sompal says
Hello Mr Rao – The ticket issed is valid for 24 Hrs from the time os issue so there is no worry you can have darshan at any time in between. It is better to start by 0600 hrs. GOD bless you. sompal