Tirupati is a pilgrimage destination that all the devotees dream to visit at least once in their life time. This godly city is in the Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh boasts of having many important temples in the world. However, if you are wondering what to see in Tirupati, then you can take a look at our complete list of the most popular tourist places to visit in Tirupati.
Sri Venkateswara Temple:
Famous in Tirupati Balaji Temple or Tirumala Temple, this temple is one of the most visited pilgrimages by Hindu devotees. The world’s richest temple, Tirupati Balaji Temple, is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Sri Maha Vishnu. It is located on the seventh hill of Tirumala Hills, called Venkatachala or Venkatadri Hills. This temple and its legends have been mentioned in many Hindu scriptures such as Rig Veda and Asthadasa Puranas.
Silathoranam:
Silathoranam is located only 1 km from Tirumala Temple, Silathoranam is a natural rock formation of great archaeological and religious significance. According to geologists, these rocks date back to the Precambrian era and are believed to be nearly 1,500 million years old. It consists of two sets of rocks that are only connected together by an extremely thin link.
Sri Venu Gopala Swamy Temple:
Sri Venu Gopala Swamy Temple is located on the way to Papavinasam, which is 5 km from Main Srinivasa Temple Tirumula. Lord Sri Krishna is the main deity here and is maintained by the Swamy Hathiramji Mutt. Every pilgrim visiting Tirumala should visit this temple and seek the blessings from Venu Gopala Swamy.
Japali Theertham / Japali Anjaneya Swamy Temple:
Japali theertham is the most widely known holy theertham which is being visited by most pilgrims. The prime attraction here is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman (Anjaneya swamy).
The Anjaneya swamy temple at Japali Theertham, is one of the least known and most worthy places of visit in Tirumala. Japali Aanjaneeya swamy temple, which is located in Tirumala 7 kms from Sree Venkateswara swamy (Lord Balaji) temple. The spot is on the way to Akasa Ganga from Tirumala. From road we have to walk nearly 1 km inside the forest. It is said that Lord Rama with his consort Sita and brother Lakshmana stayed here along with Lord Hanuman. There is a perennial pond, called as “Rama Kund”, in the temple premises that was said to be the source of drinking water, during their stay here. There is a water source flowing to this place and it is not known where the water comes from.
Swami Pushkarini:
A sacred lake of fresh water, Swami Pushkarini is a place to visit in Tirupati. According to legends, Sri Maha Vishnu with his beloved wife bathed in the waters of Swami Pushkarini. It is believed that the holy water of this lake has the power to cleanse the devotees of their sins.
Akasa Ganga:
Akasa Ganga is located near Tirumala Temple, Akasa Ganga is an impressive waterfall. Its holy water which is believed to fall from the feet of the Lord Venkateswara is used for the various tasks related to the temple. Its natural beauty captivates everyone. Even Lord Venkateshwara Swami’s every morning abhishekam water is taken from this waterfall.
Talakona Waterfall:
Talakona Waterfall is located about 49 km from Tirupati Temple and is considered one of the largest waterfalls in the country. Falling from a height of 270 feet, the Talakona waterfall has an impressive natural beauty to admire. It is also believed that by taking a dip in this waters, people can be cured of various ailments.
TTD Gardens:
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam or the TTD Garden is another place to see in Tirupati. This vast 460-acre garden is home to more than 200 species of flowers that have been cultivated in an aesthetic way, creating a fascinating view. These TTD Gardens flowers are used in all temples of Tirupati and surrounding areas for garlands, mandapams, pandals and other decorations.
Srivari Museum Tirumala / SV Museum:
For those who wish to understand the history of tirumala, you can visit the Srivari Museum. Located near Karnataka Choultry, this museum presents various writings, pictures and paintings as well as several sculptures, all representing the history of the temple and its architecture.
Papa Vinasanam Dam:
Papa Vinasanam is also known as Papanasam. The holy waters of Papa Vinasanam attract almost all the devotees to Tirupati, for it is said that their water has the power to wash away all the sins of devotees. This place also boasts an exceptional scenic beauty; its waterfall is worth a look.
Sri Varahaswami Temple:
Another temple of great religious significance is the Sri Varahswami Temple, dedicated to one of Sri Maha Vishnu’s avatars in the form of a Wild boar. This temple was also mentioned in Brahma Purana, a venerated scripture for Hindus. The devotees visit this temple and offer their prayers before visiting the temple of Tirupati. According to legend, Sri Varahaswamy lived in the hills of Tirumala, however, when Lord Venkateswara arrived, he gave the land to the Lord, so the Lord blessed him so that the devotees would worship him and offer him prayers even before the Lord Venkateswara.
Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy temple / Srinivasa Mangapuram Temple:
Located in Srinivasa Mangapuram, 12 km west of Tirupati, this temple is considered an alternative for worshipers who can not visit the Tirumala Temple for several reasons. According to legends, Lord Venkateswara Swamy after his marriage to the goddess Padmavati remained at the Ashram of saint Agasthya, where they went to seek their blessings. Satisfied and happy about his stay, Lord Venkateswara before returning to Tirumala Hills, blessed that anyone who can not visit Tirumala because of his health and age can visit the Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy temple and seek the blessings of the Lord.
Sri Rukmini Satyabhama Sametha Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple:
Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple is located in KarvetiNagaram, 48 km from Tirupati City. Being the only temple around Tirupati that is dedicated to Lord Shri Krishna in his childhood avatar, Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple is visited by most devotees. The temple also has idols of the goddess Rukmini Devi and goddess Satyabhama Ammavaru, placed on the side of the statue of Lord Krishna.
Sri Vari Padala Mandapam Temple:
Sri Vari Padala Mandapam is located in Alipiri, it is also a main temple of Tirupati, dedicated to Sri Padala Venkateswara Swamy. The legend behind the temple says that every night when Lord Venkateswara Swamy meets his wife, the Goddess Padmavathi Devi, he leaves his shoes at Alipiri Padalu, known as Alipiri Padala Mandapam before going to Tiruchanoor
SriVari Padalu:
SriVari Padalu is located in the hills of Narayanagiri, this is where Lord Venkateswara stepped in for the first time. This hill is the highest among the seven hills of Tirumala. This place has been mentioned in many sacred scriptures of the Hindu religion.
ISKCON Temple Tirupati:
Tirupati ISKCON Temple is one of the largest ISKCON temples in the world, the temple of ISKCON Tirupati is another must in Tirupati. Its hypnotic architecture and decoration as well as the magnificent idolst Srila Prabhupada, who sprouted in 1974.
Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple:
Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple is one of the most important temples of Tirupati, this temple not only has immense religious importance but also presents a magnificent architectural excellence. Dedicated to Lord Govindaraja Swamy, who was the older brother of Lord Venkateswara Swamy. It is said that he organized the grand wedding of Lord Venkateswara and the goddess Padmavathi by wisely using the riches he had obtained from King Kubera. It is believed that by seeking blessings in this temple, devotees can increase their wealth and maintain it.
Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple:
Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple also known as Alamelu Mangapuram Temple or Alamelumangapuram, is another important temple in Tirupati that is dedicated to the goddess Padmavathi, wife of Lord Venkateswara, who would have arrived on Earth in a golden-colored lotus flower . Devotees visit this temple before visiting the Temple of Tirupati Balaji. According to legend, he went in search of the Goddess that Lord Vishnu had come down to earth in the form of Lord Venkateswara.
Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple:
Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Kodanda Rama Swamy Varu (Sri Rama), Lord Lakshmana and the goddess Sita Ammavaru, this temple is maintained by TTD and one of the important temples in Tirupati. This temple has also been mentioned in various Puranas. It is believed that Lord Rama with his wife the goddess Sita and brother Lord Lakshmana stayed there for one night as they returned after 14 years of exile.
Kanipakam Sri Varasiddhi Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple:
Kanipakam Temple is also known as Swayambhu Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple, built during the Chola rule in the 11th century, this temple is located in Kanipakam village of Chittoor district. Dedicated to Lord Vinayaka, it is believed that the idol of the Lord Self manifests and grows daily as he overcame the armor offered to the Lord 50 years ago. At present, devotees can see Lord’s knee and abdomen.
Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple/ Kapila Theertham Swayambhu:
The name of a very revered saint Maharishi Kapila, who was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Satisfied with his devotion, Lord Shiva and the goddess Parvati had given him divine darshan. It was then that Kapila Shiva Linga manifested herself. As it is a self-manifested lingam, it is also mentioned by the name of Swayambhu. This temple was developed and renovated by many empires such as the kings of Pallava, the kings of Vijayanagara and the mahants of Tirumala.
Srikalahasti Temple / Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple:
Built in the 10th century under the reign of Chola and improved during the Vijayanagar Empire, the Srikalahasti Temple is located on the banks of the Swarnamukhi River and about 36 km from Tirupati. This Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, in the form of one of the primary elements of nature which is Air (Vayu), as it is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, some temples that worship Lord Shiva as a representation of the primordial elements of nature. It is also said that the holy Vayu-linga in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple is self-manifest and has miraculous powers.
A trip to Tirupati offers the devotes an opportunity to visit many important temples, as well as to discover the natural beauty of several waterfalls. What makes the visit even better is the location of Tirupati. It is well connected to all major cities of India by roads, railways and airways.
