Tirupati is a town in the Chittoor district of the Indian State of Andhra Pradesh. Containing famous temples, among them Tirumala Temple, and the 11th-century Chandragiri Fort and palaces, there is plenty to see and do here.
1. Tirumala Temple (Sri Venkateswara Temple)
Tirumala, the abode of Sri Venkateswara (also known as Balaji - an incarnation of Lord Vishnu), is one of the most renowned pilgrimage locations in India, attracting millions of devotees visiting every year. The Tirumala Temple is situated scenically above the Tirumala Hills, which entails seven mountains known as Sapthagiri, a place most frequented by the Hindus in India and around the world. The Tirumala shrine is a Dravidian architectural masterwork where the main temple comprises an awe-inspiring black idol of Sri Venkateswara. The most outstanding feature of this idol is its magnificent diamond crown, considered to be the most precious ornament in the world.
Sri Venkateswara Swamy Vaari Temple
Address: S Mada Street, Tirumala, Tirupati - 517504, Andhra Pradesh
Website: Sri Venkateswara Swamy Vaari Temple
2. Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple
Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple is an old Hindu Vaishnavite temple situated at Srinivasamangapuram. The temple is believed to be sacred like the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala. The temple is documented as an ancient shrine of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India. The best thing about visiting this temple is that it is not crowded and allows for quick veneration of the idol of Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy or Lord Balaji. Worshippers believe that idolization of Lord Balaji provides peace and a wholesome spiritual experience. Revering Lord Balaji provides divine and spiritual intervention, providing a holistic experience and hence, is a temple that you need to visit when in Tirupati.
Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple
Address: Srinivasamangapuram, NH205, Chitoor - 517101, Andhra Pradesh
Contact: +91 9666193982
3. Kapila Theertham
Kapila Theertham is a well-known Saivite temple and shrine, located at the foothills of Tirumala. In this shrine, the idol of Lord Shiva is believed to have been mounted by the ancient Vedic sage Kapila and hence the idol in this temple is commended as Kapileswara. The temple is located at the entrance of the mountain cave of Tirumala Hills and is the only holy shrine with a waterfall in Tirupati. The waterfall is situated right in the middle of the temple. A small Lord Venkateswara or Balaji idol was also installed in the fourth cave above the waterfall. A decent place to visit during the rainy season, as the waterfall looks spectacular in the backdrop.
Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple
Address: Ambedhkar Colony, Tirupati - 517501, Andhra Pradesh
Contact: +91 9962389721
Website: Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple
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4. Talakona Waterfall
The Talakona Waterfall is situated in Sri Venkateswara National Park in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. With an impressive 270 feet (83 meter) fall, the Talakona is the highest waterfall in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The waterfall is also well recognized for the proximity of the temple of Lord Siddheswara Swamy, built by a devotee named Appa Swamy in 1811 AD. The waterfalls are located within the thick forest enclosed by natural beauty and greenery. It is assumed that the water of Talakona Falls is enhanced with herbs with curative powers. The best time to visit the Talakona Waterfall is in the rainy season when the river helps in demonstrating the roaring power of the falls that can be heard miles away.
Talakona Waterfall
Address: Chittoor District, Tirupathi - 516101, Andhra Pradesh
Contact: +91 180042545454
Website: Andhra Pradesh Tourism
5. Papavinasam Theertham
As the name suggests “papa” meaning sins and “vinasa” meaning destroy, leading to an enthusiastic strong belief that dipping oneself in the holy waters of Papavinasam Waterfall will purify them of all their sins. Apart from its religious status, the Papavinasam Waterfall is a place with magnificent beauty that mesmerizes many a tourist from all over the world. Pure streams of water flowing down the hill makes for a captivating natural beauty. Walking through the rocky trail to the waterfalls passing the natural beauty of the promenade is a refreshing experience. There are several beautiful gardens near to the dam, where visitors can relax after the holy dip. It’s the best place for a family to visit on a weekday.
Papavinasam Theertham
Address: Sri Venkateshwara National Park, Papavinasanam Rd, Chitoor - 517504, Andhra Pradesh
Website: Papavinasam Theertham
6. Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple
The Padmavathi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Padmavathi or Alamelumanga, the consort of Lord Venkateswara. Goddess Padmavathi is believed to have originated on a golden lotus flower, hence the name Alar (Lotus), Mel (Top), Manga (Goddess) and Puram (Village). It is believed that worshipers must pay respect to Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple and seek the Goddess’s sanctification prior to visiting the Lord Venkateswara Temple of Tirumala.
The best time to visit the temple is during the festivals of Navaratri and Dusshera to witness its true opulence, along with Theppotsavam (boat festival) and Vasanthotsavam (spring festival). During the month of Kartheeka (coinciding between the month of October and November), the Goddess incarnates as Sri Padmavati, whereupon gifts of saris, turmeric, basil and delicacies are presented to the Goddess on decorated elephants.
Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple
Address: Sannidhi St, Tiruchanur, Tirupati - 517503, Andhra Pradesh
Website: Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple
7. ISKCON Tirupati
ISKCON Tirupati is located at the foot hills of Tirumala, and is a popular spiritual philosophy, which has gained a reputation among theologians and devotees across the world. Spread in a sprawling complex, the temple is enormous, ornamental, superbly engraved and attracts a large figure of devotees and pilgrims from the world over. Inside the compound is the ISKCON guest house which is spotless and maintained with roomy and comfortable rooms. Noticeable features about this guest house, is that it has a special entry to the main temple, and close proximity to the temple hall guarantees soul comforting chants of the devotees, with the understated spirits of the ‘aarti’ and prayers reaching you inside your guest room. It’s worthwhile to book your place in advance, and for accommodation inquiries contact guesthouse.tirupati@pamho.net.
ISKCON Tirupati Guesthouse
Address: Near Alipiri Bus Stand, Hare Krishan Road, Vinayaka Nagar, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517501
Price: upon request
Website: ISKCON Tirupati Guesthouse
8. Sri Varahaswami Temple
Devoted to Lord Vishnu in his ‘Varaha’ (boar) incarnation, Sri Varahaswami Temple is situated on the banks of Pushkarini River, opposite the more prominent Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala. According to myth, Lord Venkateswara had to take consent from Sri Adi Varaha Swami to stay in Tirumala, which was formerly Adi Varaha. Hence, it is important to visit this temple and offer ‘naivedyam’ (special food prepared and offered to the deity) before visiting the famous Sri Venkateswara Temple.
Sri Varahaswami Temple
Address: North Mada Rd, Tirumala, Tirupathi - 517504, Andhra Pradesh
9. Sri Govindarajaswami Temple
Sri Govindarajaswami Temple is an important shrine and ancient temple located in the heart of the temple city in Tirupati. It has traditional the architectural style of Vaishnava, constructed during the 13th-century according to the vision received by Ramanujacharya. The rituals, festivals and functions in this temple are directed as with the rituals done at Srivari Temple in Tirumala. This temple is an extraordinary accomplishment of the ancient south Indian architecture, with its tall and extraordinary seven storied outer Gopuram (a large pyramidal tower) enriched with the handwork depicting the scenes from Baghavata, Ramayana and Lord Sri Venkateswara’s life, with 11 urns dating back to 14th and 15th-century.
Govindarajaswami Temple
Address: GS Mada St, Varadaraja Nagar, Tirupati - 517501, Andhra Pradesh
Contact: +91 9885950162
Website: Govindarajaswami Temple
10. Chandragiri Palaces and Fort
Chandragiri was the fourth capital of the Vijayanagar Empire and is most famous for its historical fort built in the 11th-century and the separate King and Queen’s Palaces within the compound. The location of the fort is picturesque, with dense forest and exploratory treks to the fort, making an interesting visit even after 1,000 years. The architecture of this fort is astonishing and so are their numerous hiding point created by the intelligence of the army of the King, designed to assist in the event of raids. The illumination system of the fort was also stunningly designed to allow the natural light to enter in clever and tactical methods, known only to officers and soldiers of the Kings army.
The Raja Mahal (King’s Palace) is currently an archaeological museum and is a glorious example of the Indo-Saracenic architecture of the Vijayanagar period. The articles displayed in the museum belong to the second century, barring a small armory displaying the war weapons like daggers, swords, bows, and knives of that time and headgear of the soldiers, belonging to the 11th-century.
Chandragiri Palaces and Fort
Address: Chandragiri - 517101, Andhra Pradesh
Opening Hours: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm
A memorable visit
A trip to Tirupati is highly suggested for those looking for spirituality and tranquility. With a soothing aura of spirituality, this peaceful town will infuse itself through your tough exterior and invigorate your soul, whilst gently cradling you in its arms. Words do not express far enough the experiences of this town.
History
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