12 Places to Visit Near Tirupati

The Indian civilisation is one of the oldest in the world and it goes without saying that it is a rich storehouse of spirituality and traditions. India is a fascinating country that is pulsating with energy and life and is full of destinations that elicit a sense of togetherness amidst a spiritual and calm ambience. Among the numerous destinations that call to the devout, heading south on a Tirupati tour package is perhaps one of the most interesting plans that tourists and travellers tend to have. However, when planning a trip to Tirupati, which literally translates to the “sacred abode of Vishnu”, you should definitely take some time out for paying a visit to some other places near Tirupati; that’s because there is a lot that this region has to offer.

From spectacular beaches like Nettukuppam and Elliot’s Beach to the Nagari hills, a hill station near Tirupati, based on your interests, there are some amazing places that you can explore after you imbibe the positive energy that Tirupati has to offer.

To get you started on planning the perfect itinerary, here are some of the best places to visit near Tirupati that you can consider: -

1. Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park

This is one of the most diverse zoos in Andhra Pradesh and is home to the Talakona Waterfall, the highest waterfall in the state, which again is one of the three significant waterfalls you can see here at the zoo (Gundalakona and Gujana being the other two). The Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park is also home to the slender loris, wild dogs, tree shrew, the crested serpent eagle, kingfishers, and the Indian roller. One of the most well-known places around Tirupati, this zoo is at a distance of 10 km from the town and offers you the chance to get close to nature in every regard. It is the perfect example of Mother Nature’s creations and always worth a visit when you are nearby. If you are on the lookout for tourist places near Tirupati within 100 km, this zoo should definitely be on your list.

2. Vedadri Narasimha Swamy Temple

The Vedadri Narasimha Swamy Temple was constructed by Sri Krishna Deva Raya and it is believed that this was the site where the battle between Lord Vishnu and the rakshasa Samakadu was fought where Lord Vishnu was victorious and managed to take over the vedas from the rakshasa.

With great mythological importance, this is undoubtedly one of the most important tourist places near Tirupati within 100 kms. The temple is dedicated to five shrines of Lord Narsimha who is said to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu himself. When visiting places around Tirupati, this temple should definitely be on your list.

3. Mallimadugu Reservoir

When you are searching for the best tourist places near Tirupati within 100 kms, the Mallimadugu Reservoir may not be the first place that you think about. However, despite being the site for an architectural marvel that is the Mallimadugu dam and reservoir, the area has quite a serene view to offer. It is a bit off the trodden track which means you will be guaranteed some peace and quiet. With the enchanting voice of the lapping water and the cool bite of the breeze that flows to you over the reservoir, this is definitely one of the places to see near Tirupati that you should not miss.

4. Nagari Hills

Another amazing gem that you can add to your itinerary, this is one of the most scenic tourist places near Tirupati within 100 kms. Nagari Hills are in the Chitoor region and a very beautiful hill station that is visited by people from all over the world. The key attraction of this hill is a towering mellow point that is also called Nagari Nose as it bears a lot of similarity to a human nose. The cliff of the hill is at a height of 855 m above sea level and is better known as Nagari Murkonda in the region. This is a hill station near Tirupati that is at a distance of hardly 65 km and is very easy to reach. If you crave for a vacation atop a hill after exploring all the temples and spiritual regions of Tirupati, the town of Nagari is where you should head to.

5. The Gurramkonda Fort

Another one of the well-known places to visit near Tirupati, the Gurramkonda Fort was built more than 500 years back. It is a well-known heritage site in India and a haven for all the history lovers out there. The fort is located at a distance of about 72 km from Tirupati and promises a beautiful architecture that will leave you completely spellbound. This is, in fact, one of the most popular nearby places to visit in Tirupati as it was originally built as a mud-and-rock construction under the rule of the Vijayanagar Kingdom. Later on, the fort was taken over by the Maratha, Tipu Sultan, and even by the British. In that sense, the fort is home to a deep history and heritage and is a must visit for experience seekers and history buffs alike.

6. Nettukuppam

This is one of the best places to visit near Tirupati within 200 kms is Nettukuppam, resting gracefully at the northern tip of Chennai. This is an adorable beach located at a distance of about 135 km from Tirupati and is known for the mesmerising beauty that it has to offer. Untarnished by huge crowds of tourists, this beach has quite a low footfall which makes it the perfect destination for people who are seeking some peace and tranquillity. And if you are interested in beautiful views, the beach also offers an amazing vantage point from where you can get a pleasant view of Chennai’s skyline. One of the best places to visit near Tirupati, there is also a local myth that states that the skyline is a broken bridge that was once built to be able to behold a dredger at the mouth of the creak. With myths and natural beauty, there is no doubt why this would be one of the best places to visit near Tirupati within 200 kms.

7. Horsley Hills

The Horsley Hills is located at a height of 1290 metres and can be an ideal destination for a weekend trip. A beautiful hill station near Tirupati, Horsley Hills is also an ideal spot for a road trip. This destination is the perfect amalgamation of the charms of the state of Andhra Pradesh and the sheer beauty of hill stations. Also known as Yenugulla Mallamma Konda, it is also the home of the oldest Eucalyptus Tree and the largest Banyan Tree.

At the same time, it is among the best places to visit near Tirupati within 200 kms for bird watchers as the dense forest areas of the Horsley Hills are filled with 113 species of birds. The picturesque landscape is also a great destination for activities and adventure sports, making it a complete getaway for travellers.

8. Yelagiri

Among the most preferred tourist places near Tirupati, Yelagiri is the perfect destination for trekkers and hikers. Located at a height of 1,111 metres above sea level, it comprises of 14 hamlets as well as a number of temples that are spread over miscellaneous hills. If you are planning to add this destination to your list of places to visit near Tirupati, you should try making a plan towards the end of May as that is the time for the famous summer festival that is conducted by the Tamil Nadu tourism development board at Yelagiri. With all that’s on offer, this is the perfect destination for some adventure, camping, and sightseeing.

9. Elliot’s Beach

Located at a distance of 153 km from Tirupati in Besant Nagar, Chennai, Bessie or Elliot’s Beach is another one of the most beautiful tourist places near Tirupati. The beach was named after the once Chief Magistrate, Superintendent of Madras, and Governor of Chennai, Edward Elliot. A famous attraction in the area, this is also one of the cleanest beaches in Chennai. It is said that during the times when the British ruled over the region, access to the beach was limited to white people only. Among the best places near Tirupati, Elliot’s Beach promises a relaxing time.

10. Mahabalipuram

Beautiful beaches with clear waters and astounding ancient architecture are what make Mahabalipuram one of the best places near Tirupati that you can add to your trip. Well-known as a beautiful coastal town, Mahabalipuram beautifully showcases the stone carvings and architecture from ancient times. If you have decided to add a few places to visit near Tirupati on your trip, Mahabalipuram is a town that you simply cannot miss.

11. Puducherry

It is a fact that Puducherry or Pondicherry might not be the first destination that you think about when you are considering places to visit near Tirupati, but it is also a fact that this small town is located at a distance of 229 km from Tirupati which makes it quite easy for you to club the two different yet equally enchanting destinations together. Puducherry is also one of the places near Tirupati that have their own spiritual element as Puducherry is home to Auroville, which is one of the most well-known spiritual centres in the world established by Sri Aurobindo Ghosh. But it is not just Auroville that makes Pondicherry worth a visit; it also has some of the best beaches surrounded by a unique French architectural history and exotic French cuisine.

12. Akkarai Beach

One of the most popular places to visit near Tirupati, Akkarai Beach located in Chennai is a very well-known beach amongst tourists and locals alike. The pristine blue waters that are perfectly accented by shimmering golden sands make Akkarai Beach one of the best places near Tirupati to visit for a serene and tranquil experience. There is no dearth of tourist places near Tirupati but this vast beach that stretches all the way from the coastline of Ennore to the southern end of Uthandi has quite a special experience to offer.

 

While the spiritual environs of Tirupati offer the unique chance to revel in peace and tranquillity, if you have the time, you should definitely consider adding some places to visit near Tirupati to your itinerary. Remember, when you are travelling, there are always new places to explore!