Tirupati, a historic city in Andhra Pradesh, is known for its temples, which attract visitors from all around India. If you’re thinking about going on a pilgrimage, Tirupati could be a terrific place to go. It is well-known among pilgrims for its century-old temples. The Tirumala Hills, located in Tirupati, are the world’s second-oldest rock mountains. Though there are numerous locations to visit in Tirupati.
Here are 9 must see attractions that will make you feel like you’ve visited the famous pilgrim hub.
Sri Venkateswara Temple
Sri Venkateswara Shrine, located on the seventh summit of Tirumala Hill, is the most well-known historical temple. The huge temple takes up 2.2 acres of ground. The temple is situated on the banks of the Swami Pushkarini River to the south. When people of a certain faith come here, they feel at ease. It is thought to be divine. It is the second most visited shrine in the world, following the Vatican. It is also the world’s richest temple.
TTD Gardens
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam is the institution that oversees the activities of Sri Venkateswara Temple. It also includes a magnificent garden adjacent to the temple’s main edifice, which spans 460 acres. The garden’s magnificent array of more than 200 species of flowers in all colours and shapes is a pleasure to behold and appreciate. The garden also features a number of tanks and ponds that serve as a supply of water for both the people and the temple. It is one of Tirupati’s most prominent tourist attractions. Every day, the flowers from this garden are used to decorate the god and the temple. Other temples receive flowers from the garden as well.This garden produces approximately 500 kg of flower on average. This garden is one of Tirupati’s most renowned tourist attractions.
Talakona Waterfalls
The Talakona Waterfall, Andhra Pradesh’s highest, cascades down from a height of 270 feet. The waterfalls are 30 kilometres into the jungle. The waterfalls are reached after a nearly two-kilometer hike from the base. The views from this vantage point are breathtaking. The best time to visit the area is during the rainy season. The water is crystal clear and freezing. A boat ride is an option. The 240-meter canopy rope walk would be thrilling.
Sri Vari Museum
Sri Vari Museum is located across from one of Tirupati Balaji Temple’s Queue Complexes and covers an area of 1.25 lakh square feet. It is one of the most intriguing destinations to visit in Tirupati for a variety of reasons. In fact, it is situated in such a way that it matches the majestic temple’s surroundings, which also include the TTD garden. This museum has a large collection of Vaishnavism, Tirumala Traditions, and Hinduism.
This museum contains around 6000 historical artefacts ranging from archaeology to current objects. There are also significant antique materials like as a copper inscription by Varahaswamy, original copper plates by Annamayya, and so on.
Deer Park
TTD, or Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, maintains this natural park. The garden has much more than deers and is one of Tirupati’s most popular tourist attractions. Deer Park is home to a diverse array of vegetation and fauna, including deer. Although the park has a great quantity and type of deer, the enclosures are fenced. Nobody is permitted to enter the enclosures. The deer park is engulfed in and surrounded by nature in all of its splendour. Not only will you be able to see many sorts of deer, but you will also be able to witness a true piece of nature in action.
Sri Govindarajaswami Temple
Sri Govindarajaswami Temple is an important shrine in the country and an ancient temple. Lord Parthasarathy and Lord Govindaraja’s idols can be found here. In 1130 AD, Saint Ramanujacharya is reported to have laid the foundation for the temple. There are a few additional shrines on the temple grounds as well. Lord Balaji’s elder brother is Sri Govindarajaswami. As a result, the functions and festivals held here are comparable to those held at Lord Balaji’s temple.
Kanipakam
It is one of the temples that has not yet been completed, despite the fact that building began in the 11th century during the rule of the Chola Dynasty. Even the presiding deity’s idol isn’t finished yet. The temple is currently under construction, which is a compelling reason to make it one of Tirupati’s top tourist attractions. At the moment, worshipers can only see the idol’s abdomen. The idol is enshrined in a well that never runs dry. Devotees are given holy water from this spring. The temple has excellent transportation links to the rest of the state.
Srikalahasti
On the banks of the Swarnamukhi River, Srikalahasti is located. It is one of the most well-known pilgrimage locations. Vayu Linga is the name given to Shiva Linga at this temple. Vayu is the Sanskrit word for air. Air is one of the Universe’s five elements, along with water, earth, fire, and space. In the sanctum, one oil lamp flickers incessantly, while other lamps remain stationary.
Chandragiri
Chandragiri, about 15 kilometres from Tirupati, is an ancient town that served as the Vijayanagar Kingdom’s fourth capital. It is a famous Andhra Pradesh heritage site and one of the most popular tourist destinations near Tirupati. There are numerous sights to view here, including a majestic fort and two splendid palaces erected by the Vijayanagara emperors. At a height of 183 metres, the fort is perched atop a massive rock. On the southern side of the castle, there are sturdy walls and a ditch to keep invaders away. The fort contains eight temples, all of which are in ruins. It is one of Tirupati’s most well-known landmarks, with a long and illustrious history.