Tirupati

Situated on the Tirumala Hills, the second oldest rock mountains in the world, the city of Tirupati is known as the 'Spiritual Capital of Andhra Pradesh'. Scattered with ancient temples and shrines, Tirupati is famous for the world's richest Vaishnavite temple. The intricate designs and marvellous architecture of the several temples influenced by several dynasties, traditions and religion is an evidence of the Heritage city's rich history. The city is fascinating for tourists who wish to explore and know more about Hinduism. The tranquil and serene ambience of the city imparts a natural calmness to the conscience and is a rejuvenating experience for the mind and soul.

The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is a very popular tourist destination, believed to attract almost 60,000 to 100,000 pilgrims every year and receives in donations a sum of Rs.650 crores annually. Located on the hills of Tirumala in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, it is undeniably one of the most visited pilgrim locations in the world. It is believed that the construction of the temple began in around 300 AD. Built in the Dravidian architecture, most of the ruling dynasties of South India contributed generously to its construction over the years, dedicated to Sri Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. If you wish to visit and be a part of this beautiful homage, you need to plan well in advance.

It is also a good idea to book the tickets online for the Tirupati Darshan - Tirumala Tirupati Devasathanams (TTDs), in advance. The tickets cost INR 300, and special options are available for the senior citizens and physically handicapped. The tickets can be booked up to 3 hours before the darshan, subject to availability, but it is a good idea to book it in advance. The bookings can be done a maximum of 60 days before. Digital photo and any one ID proof (PAN, Aadhar, Passport, Voter ID) is required for booking the tickets online. More information, including the daily schedule and timing of activities, and booking options can be accessed through the official site - http://www.tirumala.org/Home.aspx.

The most popular legend associated with the temple is that it is the abode of Lord Vishnu, who shall guide his devotees to the end of the present Kali-yuga age. The Lord does this for the emancipation of the troubles of mankind, along with the Goddesses Lakshmi and Padmavati. Lakshmi resides on the left side of his chest, and Padmavati on the right. It all started when the sage Bhrigu decided to visit the Trimurtis (Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) during the Kaliyuga age. When he visited Lord Vishnu, the Lord did not give him immediate attention which angered the sage who kicked the Lord on his chest, where Goddess Lakshmi resided. This angered her and she left for meditation to the Tirumala hills. The Lord followed her to appease her in the human form of Srinivasa.Lords Shiva and Brahma accompanied Him in the form of a cow and a calf. Goddess Lakshmi saw them and handed the cow and calf to the ruling Chola king. However, the cow would only provide milk to Srinivasa daily. The cowherd saw this and tried to injure the cow, but Srinivasa intervened and bore the injury. Angered by this, he cursed the Chola king to be born as a demon.Upon hearing the king's plea for mercy, Srinivasa said that the king would get redemption when he would marry his daughter Padmavati with Srinivasa. Thus when the marriage was going to take place, Goddess Lakshmi heard about this and confronted Vishnu. Lore has it that the Lord turned into stone when thus intercepted by both Lakshmi and Padmavati. However, Lords Brahma and Shiva intervened and explained Lord Vishnu's ultimate motive - the Lord's desire to end his people's perpetual troubles during the Kaliyuga by being present on the hills. Hearing this, both the Goddesses also turned into stone deities to be with their Lord.

One will find instances of Tamil, Andhra and Hyderabadi cuisines on the town's platter, giving the visitors a flattering number of choices for food. However, Tirupati, being a site of much religious significance, offers only vegetarian food. One can find garnishing and distinct flavors of Peppers, Cinnamon, Chili, Peanuts, Oil, Tamarind and coconut in the preparations here.
The popular items of Tirupati are Sweet Rice, Dosas, Rava Khichdi, Tomato Rice, Lemon Rice as well as sweets like Halwa, Payassam, Sheermal, Ladoo, Kaja and lots more. The town is also known for a number of refreshing beverages such as Badam Milk, Masala Paal, Mango Lassi
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Start off your tour with the darshan of Lord Balaji in the Venkateswara Swamy Temple early morning. It's best to have e-booking done before reaching Tirupati, otherwise, the queues are typically very long and it might take a whole day just to visit this temple. If time and energy permits, you can visit other temples in the nearby region including Kapila Teertham which has a holy waterfall too.

Hot and humid climate, water crunch in few sectors of the city. Very crowded, especially during the festive seasons. Very difficult to get darshan or getting inside the temple without online booking or VIP access.

Tirupati is a heritage city of immense religious importance. This attracts pilgrims from all corners of the country.