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.
sanjay agrawal says
Sir. What is the meaning of divya darshan
Prabhu says
Divya Darshan refers to the entry queue exclusively marked for pilgrims who reach tirumala from tirupati via footpath .
G MOULIDHARAN says
Hello Sir,
Myself this is my 1st time visit to Tirumala . I like to get climb Tirumala through Alipiri Foot path. One of my friend said before Praying Lord Venkatesha get dharshan from Lord Aadhi varagahaswamy & Nithya Pushkarani. So if come by alipiri foot path it is possible and one more doubt that two place located in tirumala or some other place. How can i plan my trip kindly help me.
Note: ill start nearly 3.00pm(19th April) to Climb Alipiri Foot path
Prabhu says
Om Namo Venkatesaya
Lord Aadhi Varagaswamy is situated on the tirumala mada street and adjacent to Pushkarani river. If u start climbing by 3 pm , u can reach the top around 8pm-9 pm . By that time varagaswamy temple might have been closed . but still u can take rest in yaatri sadan . take bath in pushkarani by 6am , have varagaswamy darshan at 7am and then enter the queue complex by 8am or so and come back by 1pm(approx) . some times u can have darshan in 2 hours or so . Its normal practice that we should bath in pushkarani , visit varahaswamy and then meet lord balaji but not compulsary . history says Varahaswamy is the owner of tirumala such that he gave place for balaji to settle n tirumala .
Have a pleasant and divine darshan .
Govindhaa Govindhaa
Alpa says
Om shri venkata…
Very useful blog. All the queries are cleared… But I want to know that if we go by walking for darshan, should we do darshan immediately? Actually we are going on 14 may and will stay there 3 days. We do have luggage… If ttd people send our luggage on top, when should we collect?
And one more query is , we want to join in three days padmavathi parinayam, but there is no online booking for this seva and call center people gave one phone number to ask….but no one picks …we are trying since last one month..
Pls guide…
Thank you very much
Prabhu says
Om Namo Venkatesaya .
While u walk through the steps , enroute u will be given a biometric token . From that time u should use it within 24 hours . it is the entry coupon for u to enter the pedestrian queue at tirumala . after elapsing of 24 hours , the coupon is invalid .
in the starting point itself , TTD collects the luggages and it is transported to top of the hill within 4 hours . u can get it after u reach the top .
Govindha Govindha
Santhosh Kannan says
1. I have query on Thiruppavada darshan how to get tickets for thiruppavada seva on Thursdays, Am I need to produce any ministers recommendation’s?
2. If I start walking thru Allipiri route at 7PM in the evening & if I reach the hilltop in between 2-4am in the morning at what time I can able to the Divya darshan.
Please clarify above both queries. Thanks in advance
Prabhu says
Om Namo Venkatesaya
For next month Arjitha Seva tickets , u have to book via online on previous month first friday at 11 am . seva tickets may vanish within 10 seconds due to huge demand . if u r proceeding with greater bandwidth and downloading facility u can try via online .
Alternatively go to CRO on the previous day ( wednesday ) before 5 pm and book via current booking system . that is lucky dip . lucky dip draw will be conducted at 6 pm and if u r selected u will get the sms . show the sms , pay the amount and get the ticket . this is applicable for all morning sevas( Suprabatham / Archana / Thomala / NPD / Tiruppavada / S.abishegam / APP etc / Kalyanotsavam etc ) .
Whatever may be darshan , its the time that lord balaji gives . Depending upon the rush u can get in 2 – 4hours . morning darshan starts by 7 am on sat / sun / mon ( after suprabatham / thomala / archana are over ) and by 9 am on rest of the days . if u enter the queue by 7 am , u can come out by maximum 10am – 11 am .
Govindha Govindhaa
Sasirekha says
We have one year female baby. Its possible for foot path walk and divya dharsan? Please tell me v plan to reach on April 3rd 12pm
Prabhu says
Om Namo Venkatesaya
Yeah . u can maam . u can walk via alipiri or srivari mettu . due to summer climate , its better to start walking by 5pm and u can reach the hill top by 11pm or midnight . have rest in the yaatri sadan( near to CRO office ) or book the room and take rest . enter the divya darshan queue by mrng 6 am or so . u can come out by maximum 12 noon ( sometimes u can exit in less than 2 hours or so – its the darshan lord balaji decides ) . alternatively u can enter the supatham entry ( for less than 1 year baby – age proof needed ) at 9 am . registration is by 9 am and entry is by 11 am . but this may be cancelled if its huge rush .
Govindha Govindha
Kavyashree says
Hello sir,
Am planning to take alipiri pedestrian pathway to reach tirumala, and I heard tat now they won’t allow from 6:00pm -6:00am. Is it so? Is there any timings to enter the doorway. Plz provide with more information
prabhu says
Om Namo Venkatesaya
Alipiri path is open 24 hrs . Srivari mettu is open from 6am to 5pm . Alipiri path has 3550 steps and takes 5-6 hours . Srivarimettu has 2400 steps and takes 2 hours . Most commonly used path is Alipiri path with majority of pilgrims choosing this path . Lot of refreshments available all through d alipiri path than Srivari mettu .
Govindha Govindha….
Deivasigamani says
I have read your post and thanks for putting it up. Since you are an expert in tirumala i thought of sharing my plan with you to check whether its feasible
We (4 adults plus one children) are planning to visit Tirumala on March 12 and 13. Here is what i have in mind as of now.
March-12 (Saturday)
1.) Start from Coimbatore at 6 Am in morning by car. (Take salem-vellore-chitoor route). Reach tirupathi around 2 P.m
2.) Visit Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple – Alamelu Mangapuram
3.) Visit sri-kalahasti temple
4.) Night halt at hotel in tirupathi.
March-13 (Sunday)
1.) Goto sri vari metu as early as possible (around 7 A.M) . Trek the hills
2.) Get Divya Darshan tokens on the way and have darshan of lord sri balaji
3.) Get down by afternoon-evening depending on the darshan timings and drive back to coimbatore
Is this plan doable and whether anything needs to be modified?
I have the following queries
1.) Can we drive in our car till sri vari metu and park somewhere there? If not what is the best way to reach there?
2.) Should i visit sri kalahasti first and then sri padmavathi ammavari temple on saturday?
3.) Anyother suggestions u have in mind for a visiting Tirumala? Also can we visit tirumala first on saturday evening and then see other places on sunday?
Ullas Kumar says
Hi
I m reaching chennai airport on 27 Feb 2016 at 00.45 am on saturday
darshana ticket is reserved at 12:00 am
A mutt at tirumala agreed to accommodate me, i am alone.
i will return back on monday morning flight from chennai airport 4am
from saturday 1 am to monday morning 3 am i have to make plans to get the best
1. what should i carry for 2 days and what should i wear ( lungi or other)
2. airport to tirumala car/bus(is there bus at 1 am if yes can i book online ) ?
3. is there any chance of getting in to early morning darshan.
4. before visiting main temple should visit first Balaji’s Consort Padmavathi’s Temple) ?
5. after main darshan, offerings, prasadam what should i do.
saturday:
chennai airport -> tirumala -> our mutt -> main temple -> our mutt -> other places -> our mutt -> take rest/sleep.
sunday :
visiting main places -> our mutt ->at night to chennai airport ->Home
i have gone through many blogs and yours was one of the best.
my main concern is travelling from airport early morning and catching bus without wasting time to be present at the darshan ticket timings and returning back at night on sunday to reach airport early morning monday at 3 am before flight.
Thanks in Advance
Ullas Kumar
Prabu says
Om Namo Venkatesaya
1. what should i carry for 2 days and what should i wear ( lungi or other)
// Be in Indian Traditional dress – For 300 Darshan White Dhothi or White Pyjama Kurta only will be allowed . To roam around in another places than darshan u can be in ur own comfort dresses .
2. airport to tirumala car/bus(is there bus at 1 am if yes can i book online ) ?
// Buses are not so frequent from airport . Try Cabs from airport .
3. is there any chance of getting in to early morning darshan.
// High risk in case of free darshan . if u enter by free darshan compartments by 4 am , if u r lucky enough u can get the darshan on or before 9 am or so but being saturday it will be a risky one . or u can get the outpass and come out of the free compartments and join the already booked 300 darshan queue .
4. before visiting main temple should visit first Balaji’s Consort Padmavathi’s Temple) ?
// Yes . Visit Tiruchanur Temple and Govindarajaswamy Temple in Tirupaty and Varahaswamy temple in Tirumala ( near pushkarani ) and proceed to main temple .
5. after main darshan, offerings, prasadam what should i do.
// u can visit the near by places like papavinasam ,silathoranam etc . private jeeps will be available covering these places…
shukrath says
what are the free amneties we get when we climb alipiri metu, like can we get free rooms in tirumala, bcoz after climbing 3550 steps and 2-3 hrs darshan we might exhaust to start journey back and also enlighten us about other places to visit like papanashanam
Prabu says
Om Namo Venkatesaya !
Free rooms , 50 rs rooms , 100 rs rooms , 500 rs rooms , 1000 rs rooms are available at tirumala . the availability will be announced via public addressing system throughout the footpath and also at tirumala . rather than staying at tirumala , better option is to stay at tirupati ( sreenivasam complex or at vishnu nivasam complex ) and proceed to tirumala . because depending upon the rush in tirumala , u have to wait for longer time to get rooms . after that finding rooms is rather difficult . so my advise is carry minimum dresses with u and once u reach the top , get yourselves refreshed in free bathrooms and enter the compartments . there are free transportation of luggages from srivari mettu to tirumala , but it will take minimum 4 hours to reach tirumala . but u will be reaching tirumala via srivarimettu in 2 hours . u have to wait for 2 hours to receive the luggage .
interesting fact is once u reach the top via footpath , u wont feel the tiredness of walking all through the way . u will be provided with free drinking water , free bathrooms/toilets all along the footpath .
u will be given a photo biometric coupon at 1200th step and the same will be stamped at 2090th step ( srivarimettu ) . without this coupon u cant enter the divya darshan entry compartments. 1 laddoo will be given free for this token – on the waiting compartments u can get 4 laddoos for 70 rs .
there are lot of private jeeps which take u to papavinasam , silathoranam , museum etc from tirumala . they charge 40 rs or so for it . i havent tried that till now . so no more idea about that .
Govindha Govindha…
muthu dr says
sir,
we 5 persons are reaching tirupati- 02-03-2016 by train . we plan to take rooms in bhima residency- refresh, to visit alamelumangapuram before 8 p.m .
after a bit of sleep we want to start by 4 am , to climb by steep route- srivaripettu-6 am .
my queries 1. is the above plan ok ? 2. we want to have rs 300 rs dharshan . 3. how to book tickets . we want to catch return bus from tirupati- 5 p.m
Prabu says
Om Namo Venkatesaya .
Srivarimettu is open by 6 am…It will take max of 2-2.5 hours with freq rests inbetween.. since u will be having divya darshan tokens , y u want to go for 300 tickets ? for quick darshan ? – its not the darshan we fix , it the darshan lord gives..some times 300 rs darshan will make us to wait for 3 – 4 hours in line/compartments , same time free darshan / divya darshan will be of wait for 1-2 hours . so dont underestimate divya darshan that it will be late than other mode..its only the lord who fixes the time to meet us .
Do remember there will be a break in darshan due to kalyanotsavam from 11pm-12noon . that time u have to wait in compartments either in divya darshan or in 300 darshan… to be on safer side , book the 9am / 10 am time slots in 300 rs darshan..
If u want to book 300 darshan tickets u can book via online at “www.ttdsevaonline.com” . alternatively u can go in person with ur id proof and book from ttd edarshan counters situated near ur city . u can check the updated edarshan counters address list from ttd helpline 0877-2233333 , 0877-2277777 , .0877-2264252 .
Normally my suggestion would be like depart by 1pm or 2 pm from tirupati , reach tirumala via footpath by 4-5pm and then u can enter the divya darshan complex and u can come out at the max by 9-10pm . some times that is during weekdays , by evening it will be direct line without any waiting time in compartments .
Govindha Govindha
Pallavi says
Hi, We are planning to go to Tirupathi on Saturday night. Reaching there by 10pm or even late. Is it safe to walk through night to reach Tirumala by walk ? Is it safe for girls ? Is there bus facility from Tirupathi bus stand to Alipiri base even after 10pm. Please do reply. Thanks in advance.
Prabu says
Om Namo Venkatesaya…
from tirupathy central bus stand , board the buses going to tirumala and get down at alipiri . u have to get bus ticket for alipiri ( approx 15 rs per person ) from the counters available in bus stand and then only u can board any tirumala bus as last passenger only as the passengers to tirumala will be given seat preference in the bus . buses with conductors will give u tickets in the bus itself.being weekend board the bus as last passenger..alipiri path is open 24 hours .. round the clock security is available in the path and in bus stand etc..nothing to worry about security in tirupaty / tirumala…Lord balaji is there with all his devotees who came to see him…being weekend there will be huge pedestrian pilgrims via alipiri..so need not worry..chant govindha govindha always
Prabu says
TTD’s Free buses are available in day time . but going via APSRTC buses to alipiri is the best option..if u are reaching tirupaty in day time , u can go via TTD free buses but it will be crowded..auto may charge 70-100 depending upon bargain..u can take hand luggage with u and lock ur other luggages with slippers and deposit in the counters at footpath starting point..remember only locked luggages are accepted in the luggage counters else u have to carry with u..u can carry mobile phones with u during footpath journey….Govindha Govindha
KUMARAN says
Yes, it is safe to walk through night, enroute you can see the securities and so many peoples are walking 24hrs. If you have time, you can take rest for couple of hours and then start climbing. It is good for health starting in the early morning around 3 to 4 am. Yes you can get the bus to Alipiri from Tirupati Bus Stand as well as from Railway Station expect between 12 am to 3 am.
shivaraj says
Sir I need to know the timing of issuing tokens and the DARSHAN TIMINGS .we have planned to reach tirupathi by 10pm and start climbing the steps so pls guide us
Thank u⛄?
Prabu says
In alipiri path , tokens will be issued through day and night without any break..if u start at 10pm from alipiri u can reach tirumala by 4am – 5 am.. after getting refreshed u can enter the Queue compartments..depending on rush it can take 2-4 hours or more..some times direct line..its the darshan which lord balaji gives…
Padma says
Hi I am planning to come 1st week of February.I tried to book online tickets but I could not get may be because of weekened. I am NRi accompanying with my family members 2 who lives in India. What is the best way to see Lord Venkatswara.
Prabu says
For NRI there is a privileged darshan…it can be availed at SUPATHAM entry near the temple..for NRI’s u have to come with passport for all the persons and this entry will be open at particular timings only and will be closed without any intimation if huge crowd is there..better take 50 rs darshan or 300 rs darshan ticket which will be hassle free..300 rs darshan tickets can be get 1 day before tirupaty..for ex., for saturday – u can get ticket on friday…for more details contact 0877-2233333 , 0877-2277777 , .0877-2264252
Varsha says
Hi,v have planned to climb the hill with my 4yr old daughter.. on 18jan.. how many hours approx will it take to get lords darshan after climbing the hill..
Varsha says
Is it better to have divya darshan or 300rupees darshan..
A L YADAV says
From 1991 Sept. till today more then 60 times I have MEET with Lord Venktesh.Every time I feel there some new with holy feelings.
On 6 Jan 2016, I want to reaching in feet of Balaji.
A L Yadav,Firozabad
Kumar says
Mr.Mohan
Very useful post. Very much in detail. Thanks for the information.
Kumar
Sara says
I understand from google that the “Divya Darshan” tokens will not be given on weekends. (i.e. Friday midnight to Sunday Midnight).
Is it true?
We are planning to walk up on 17th Jan, 2016 (Sunday). In my family all are NRIs and holding valid visa and passports. However my kids and wife are in India for the last 8 months for their studies. Are they allowed to use NRI Queue?
Please advise.
Lata Ravichander says
Planning to climb on foot from Alipiri on nov 1st 2015with my friends from Australia and newzealand.i have gone same route twice earlier ..have booked online darshan.
Are there clean toilets enroute?dont remember seeing them earlier
Kumaresan C says
Please give details about timings of tirumala walking and also tell me about pedestrian allowed or not for divya dharshanam in sundays(18.10.2015)
Naga says
Sir I have a small doubt with regards to 70rs token and where it will be given by the ttd. On on Q line or in out side and also one thing is it only for pedestrians or every one will u please explain
Nambivalavan says
Two days before i went to Tirumala by Alipiri gate footsteps i started walking from 12.30am and reach to top by 4 am . Looks like they are allowing 24 hrs nowadays. Adavantage if u come to Tirumala by walking in footsteps means for Rs 20 u can get 2+1(free) laddus and for Rs 70 u can get 4+1(free) laddus. Finally i got darshan only at 4.30pm . But crowd management could have done better at the entrance of temple were everybody will push you madly.
ChandraSekhar says
Hi,
I am looking for information of car parking places in Tirupathi.
I am planning to reach Tirupathi by car, park it there till my stay is completed.
Expected to stay for 3-4 days. What is the best option for safe parking of my car in Tirupathi.
B Arvind Kumar says
Planning to visit Tirupati around last week of November, 2015 with our family consisiting of around 30 members. Need suggestions how do I plan for accommodation. Around 20 members of us will be going to tirumala by walk.
technophilo says
Hello Aravind,
You can book accommodation online. In tirumala it will be booked quickly as soon as reservations are open. It will be open for reservation 60 days in advance so plan accordingly. You can see availability in http://www.ttdsevaonline.com
Since number of people are more you can take up four or five room either in tirupati or tirumala. As I see today still rooms are available in tirupati. Make reservation in advance to enjoy hassle free darshan of lord balaji.
regards,
technophilo
ps: you can create multiple user accounts using your co-travellers id cards(of course informing them ;-)). In ttd website only a single booking is allowed for 60 days.
Santosh says
Very useful information, thanks to Mohan and others who provided valuable information.
SURESH.L says
hi, iam suresh, i plan to tirupati by walk, so leave chennai by night, and i hope i will reach in mid night, so is this possible to start walking in mid night, i want to know clearly wheather the steps is closed in mid night or not.
Kuzhali says
Mid night walk is not advised I think
M Saravanan says
@Kuzhali
we have trekked Tirumala during the night only. It was 5 years back and we started at 1.00 AM and completed by 6.00 AM.
m purushotham says
planing to reach by trekking to tirumala from renigunta railway station which pedestrian route is best ? shall i start at 3 pm woth my 2 kids ? after reaching shall i go for darshan next day mornig taking rest at night
Vidya Kumar says
I wanted to go to Tirupati walking. I had vowed for my son many years ago.
Just wanted to complete it.
I am planning to on 17th and return on 20th Sept’15.
which is the best way ?
Planning to go by flight.
Where way is best and easy ?
1) Going to chennai
2) Going to Hyderabad
3) Going to Bangalore
4) Any other option left.
Please suggest.
Veerendra P Khatawkar says
Dear Vidya,
You have not mentioned from where are you coming.
Any way, Flight options:
The nearest Airport is Chennai, from Which Thirupati is @ 150KMS. You can book taxi in advance : As OLA / MERU are operating in Chennai you can book thro on line well in advance. other option is to book train tickets from Chennai to Renigunta, from there you can take bus to one of the pedestrian paths i.e. 1.Shrivari mettu where you need to climb @ 2500 steps – initial 600 steps are easy non steep, later 1900 steps are steep, but we my self 46, wife 41 & daughter 18, climbed in 3 hrs, both myself and my wife are daibatic – I’m on insulin however did not find any problem- ensure you have Banana & water instead of any thing else.
2; Aleperi: this is nearby the car toll place to Thirumala entrance, here the steps are not steep but Nos are more this also takes 3-4 hrs.
Any way take pauses as many as you need & climb, no need to rush.
While you follow the path you will have pedestrian passes counter after half way, where no need of any identity card , they issue card with your photo as the counter is equipped with camera & printer.
Once you reach top there are bords in English/ Hindi & Telagu directing you to pedestrian special entry better use that as it is equally faster as Rs 300/- pass or even better some times.
Once you reach the main block thro pedestrian path way – some times extra longer some times you directly go inside a waiting hall! all depending on rush on the day_ I suggest you to avoid Saturday & Sunday & public holidays if you are not particular.
Then in the block there is queue for Laddu passes, take that as per your requirement(you will be spending @1 hr for this).
Then proceed for Darshan along with crowd.
After Darshan Laddu collection in que @ 30 mins.
While coming back use Thirumala bus to come back to Alipiri ( Whether you use Alepiri or Shrivari mettu for pedstrain entry).
Ask your driver to bring the car to Alepiri if you have taken Shrivarimettu. Return back to your place as per your plan.
You can take Chennai Thirupati flight as well. & follow the same procedure.
Brows mustseeindia.com & put Chennai to Tirupati for other possibilities to reach from Chennai to Thirupati.
Aishwarya Baskaran says
I heard there more than one pedestrian paths , which one is the hardest or the easiest path?
M Saravanan says
@ Aishwarya
There is no harder or easier path for visiting the abode.
However for your Information Alipiri Route has 3550 steps and is more popularly used . Pilgrims are allowed 24×7 in this route.
Sri vari mettu route is with 2500 steps.Pilgrims are allowed from 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM only in this route.
CRV says
On 9th August we preferred darshan by walk, on Mid day after 12 noon,the journey will Be comfort or tired
Veerendra Khatawkar says
Dear Mohan,
This is a great & complete information, which I was looking for, thanks for this informative blog, please continue this good work for other centers as mentioned in your blog.
RajaJayapal says
Hi Sir/Madam,
I am planning to visit Thirumala tonight . I could not get 300 rupees ticket via online booking(no tickets available). Could you tell me whether we can get Rs.300 ticket directly from Thirumala?, If so please let me know where to get it.
Thanks in advance.
Sandeep says
Sir,
You may try any of the post office at Tirupathi, Tirumala, you might get , there are no separate counters for 300 rupees in Tirumala, else you may have to walk by foot. Thanks
Priya Harunkumar says
Very thanks for your useful information… It will be more helpful for me… We too planned to go Tirupathi on Foot…. Once again thanks a lot… Sri Rama Jayam
Suresh & family says
We are family of 4 , planning to go by walk on 7th Aug morning.
Any family planing to go on the same day.. Lets walk together and help each other to make the day. Thanks
Lakshman says
Hi, Thank you for providing information. All the best for you too.
Vivek P says
Hey Mohan,
thanks for information. It’s really useful. I’m planning to go 0n 30th July 2015. This time will climb hill by walk. Your information is very useful for me. I will reach there at 4.30, at Alipiri at start climbing.
SURESH.L says
THANKS , I HOPE THIS INFORMATION WILL BE HELP FOR ME.
Latha says
We are group of 10 members. But 3 of us we are planing to reach tirumala by foot on 7 th august 8:00 Am after reaching tirumala can we go to our rooms and take bath. afte the refreshments can we go to our darshan.
Mallesh GM says
Yes, you can have a Bath and then go for darshan
Kripa says
Do they give darshan tickets in divya darshan token counter when we walk on Weekend?
D Venkitasen says
Yes in weekend also divya darshan tickets are available
Ravi says
Thank you Mohan! for sharing very useful information
Dinesh says
Friends, please suggest me iam climbing to pray swamy varu around 10.30 if security will allow us. And we also carrying our e-darshan tickets with us…..so if there is any interruption for pedestrain walk
vishwanath says
Been to tirupati yesterday and was a very nice experience visiting the lord.
After climbing the hilltop reached to top at 1 Am early morning. But had tuff time in reaching the Divya Darshan Vaikuntha Q 1, checked many temple security guys about the start point of the Q, but many looks like were in sleepy mode did not guide us , at last one security guy guided us to one Q. After joining the Q also checked with few guys they also pointed the same…. Only later to realise it was a free darshan Q. By that time it was good 3 hours into the Q and still waiting at last again i checked with one temple guy then he told us @ the rite Q. Then had to get off the Q and joined the correct Q. So my request to all the devotees to be double sure of the Q starting point.
Few poniters to people planning to climb the hill
1- From tirupati bus stand – Allipiri is 5KM away. U can reach the allipiri by auto. Auto’s will charge 60-70 rupees to reach.
2- All the luggages have to be properly locked, w/o locks luggage will not be taken. Better to carry a lock or u can buy the locks ear to luggage collection office.
3-
Vishwanath says
Planning to go to hilltop via Alipiri by walk, I did this in year 2011. We started at 9 in the night.. Now i want to know now a days can we still climb during night time – after 9 Pm and collect the darshan ticket at galigopuram.
Kindly let me know
D Venkitasen says
Ya in Alipiri route 24*7 tickets are available
Gopi says
Please give details about timings of tirumala walking way from alipiri. whether 24 hrs allowed or not.
Prabu says
11.45PM -3AM is d break time , due to security reasons . but if u start walking before 10PM and cross the check point , then no worries . during the 11.45PM-3AM the divya darshan token counter and ticket validation counters will be closed . hence u have to wait in those places to take tokens .
Vijay kumar says
Pilgrims may like to know that there is another short route which can be covered in one third of the time from Alipiri . 2350 steps
Venu says
I am planing to walk with my family and friends we are planing to start late night around 1130PM so i just wanted to know whether it is allowed to walk full night and how is the safety precautions now…
Mallannaa says
The authorities will not allow you to Walk after 11 PM
S.Ravikumar says
I am planning to go with my family.My daughter and wife would like to go by walk using ALIPIRI route. I am having BP and little bit sick but I loved to use pedestrian path and almighty Lord Srinivasa wishes would make it happen.
Naveen says
Thanks for a detailed post, very informative.
I plan to trek with my Wife and 2 kids (4.2 yrs and 2.5yrs). There will also be another male friend of 42 yrs. Can we achieve it? My younger kid also walks on her own.
Also is there any wild animal menace along the path esp the deer park path?
Like Leopards etc…?
Are you aware?
Thanks a ton!!
Naveen
VJ Ready says
Good and useful information for the pedestrian path pilgrims
DO n DONTs in the path will be highlighted for information
Vinayak says
Thanks for providing such a nice and detailed information. May Lord Balaji bestow his mercy upon you.
Manasa says
Very well-written! I wish I’d found your website before we took the trip! It would’ve prepared us for the strenuous climb up the Tirumala… Still, it felt nice to refresh my memory of the recent trip as I read your post.