The development of the Tirupati area was done back in the 6th century by the Pallava Kings. In the 11th century, the area got a lot of attention due to its rising popularity as a religious place. Prominent rulers of the time such as Krishna Deva Raya, Achyuta Deva Raya, and Tirumala Deva Raya played a huge role in the establishment of this beautiful heritage city. In the current times, the Indian government is planning to develop this city under the Smart Cities Mission. Widely known as the abode of Lord Vishnu, Tirupati is considered one of the most visited cities in India due to its religious significance. However, the city has emerged as one of those destinations where there is an abundance of natural beauty, temples, ancient architecture, and modern construction. This is why Tirupati tourism has flourished in recent times.
Famous Temples to Visit in Tirupati
- Tirupati Balaji temple
- Kapila Theertham
- Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple
Famous Places to Visit in Tirupati
- Sri Venkateswara National Park
- Akasa Ganga Theertham
- Bazaar Street
- Regional Science Centre
- Silathoranam
Famous Temples to Visit in Tirupati
Tirupati Balaji Temple
Tirupati Balaji Temple is one of the most famous temples near Tirupati. This temple is also known as Venkateswara Temple. It is a Hindu religious place where devotees visit to pay homage to Lord Venkateswara, who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Numerous ceremonies are organized at this place throughout the year. People from all around the country go on pilgrimages to Tirupati to visit this temple.
A visit to this place will allow you to learn the ancient scripts. The Lord Venkateswara statue is covered with seven hoods in the temple, which are believed to be sheshnaag. If you are planning to go for Tirupati Balaji Darshan, make sure to book the ticket online to avoid inconvenience.
Kapila Theertham
Kapila Theertham is yet another famous place in Tirupati. This place is located very close to the Tirupati railway station. It is a pristine waterfall situated inside Kapileswara Swamy Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The water falls from a mountain that is 100 feet high and joins the pond located on the temple premises.
According to the locals, Saint Kapila Maharishi meditated in the temple for several years, so the temple is named after him. The temple premise has many other shrines, including temples for Kamakshi, Vinayaka, Subhramanya, Agastheeswara, and Sri Krishna. This place is highly sacred, where many festivals such as Brahmotsavam, Annabhishekam, Maha Shivarathri, and Vinayaka Chaturthi are celebrated throughout the year.
Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple
Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple is one of the most famous places near Tirupati. Located in Tiruchanur, this temple is also known as Alamelu Mangapuram Temple or Alamelumangapuram. Every year, a huge number of tourists and devotees visit this holy place to pay their regards to Goddess Padmavati, who is synonymous with wealth and prosperity. This ancient temple is a delight for architectural geeks, as the intricate carvings of are in Dravidian style. The temple is known to have been built on the order of Tondaman Chakravarthi, the brother of Goddess Sri Padmavati.
Famous places to visit in Tirupati
Sri Venkateswara National Park
Tirupati is not just a religious destination; it has a lot to offer its visitors. Sri Venkateswara National Park is a shining jewel of Tirupati tourism in Andhra Pradesh. This place is rich in biodiversity, where a large number of endangered animals and plants take shelter. The national park and biosphere reserve is spread across a huge area. There are several endemic species, such as red sanders, Shorea thumburggaia, and sandalwood, present in this beautiful place.
Visiting here will surely be the highlight of your trip, as you can dive deep into nature’s beauty and spend your time bird-watching and jeep-riding.
Akasa Ganga Theertham
Located at the foot of the Tirumala Hills, Akasa Ganga Theertham is a famous waterfall in Tirupati. It is one of the best places to visit in Tirupati. According to the legends, the origin of Akasa Ganga Theertham is from the lotus feet of the god.
It is interesting to know that all the religious rituals are done in the holy waters of this place. To date, the Tirupati Balaji Temple rituals are conducted with the holy water of Akasa Ganga Theertham. Today, the water lines are laid for simplicity. However, earlier, priestesses used to carry water from the waterfall every morning to do temple rituals by walking on the rocky path of the jungle. Visiting this place will be a refreshing treat that will reconnect you with nature.
Bazaar Street
If you are a shopping person and want to buy traditional handmade clothes, then you must go to Bazaar Street in Tirupati. It is a highlight of Tirupati tourism and attracts a large number of tourists every year. You can buy handicraft merchandise, handlooms, home décor, and souvenirs at this place. There are several shops on both sides of the street with a ton of options for you. One of the most unique things that you can buy from Tirupati is Kalamkari-style paintings. These paintings have elaborate details and fabulous strokes of colour.
Regional Science Centre
This is one of those places that you should not miss on your Tirupati tour package. The Regional Science Centre is a planetarium that is the perfect tourist destination for people of all ages. It boasts a sky observation deck and a well-manicured park that offers a unique experience. The planetarium has state-of-the-art technology that is used to display a fabulous exhibition by the Science Centre.
Silathoranam
Silathoranam is one of the best places to visit in Tirupati. It is a natural rock formation located near Venkateswara Temple. This place was found by archaeologists back in the day. Today, it has great heritage value, and people visit here to admire this peculiar rock formation. An interesting fact about this rock formation that looks like garland is that there are only three such formations in the entire world. It is a great place to visit with friends and family to admire nature’s marvels.
How do I reach Tirupati?
By Train
You can reach Tirupati by train. The nearest railway stations are Renigunta, Tirupati Main, and Anantarajupet. It is one of the most economical and best ways to reach this famous tourist destination. You can make prior bookings for the train to ensure you get a proper seat reservation. The connectivity is excellent, and several trains operate on major routes.
By Bus
You can also reach Tirupati by taking a bus. This location is well connected to all the major cities in South India. The best places to board to reach Tirupati are Bangalore, Chennai, Vishakapatnam, and Hyderabad. The bus frequency is excellent in these cities. However, there are many buses that operate from other cities in Karnataka. So, you can check that as well.
By Flight
Flight is the most convenient and fastest mode of transport to reach Tirupati. Tirupati International Airport is located in Renigunta. You can take a cab from the airport to reach your destination in the city.
The Best Time to Visit Tirupati
Tirupati is a place in the heart of the Deccan Plateau that has three distinct seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter. You can visit this place all year round, as it totally depends on your preference. The summers in Tirupati are hot and humid; the monsoons are usually windy and receive ample rainfall; and the winters are chilly and cold. Monsoons are considered a shoulder season in this area, whereas winter is the peak season when the tourist influx volume is high.
There are numerous places to visit near Tirupati. You easily spend your days sightseeing, shopping, and exploring the regional culture of this gorgeous place.
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