Tirumala, a holy town in the Tirupati region, is well known for its voluminous culture and extensive history. As a sacred area, it provides a wide range of tourist attractions that give visitors a glimpse into the town's religion and philosophy.
The abundance of visiting places in Tirumala, which range from temples to magnificent landscapes, make it a well-liked Hindu pilgrimage site on a global scale.
Popular Tirumala Tourist Places to Visit
1. Swami Venkateswara Temple
One of Andhra Pradesh's most famous sights is the holy temple known as Swami Venkateswara Temple. The Lord Venkateswara, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, is the focus of the temple.
Millions of pilgrims visit the more than 2000-year-old temple every year and only a select few know the secrets of this temple and the idols residing in there.
On top of the Tirumala Hills is where the temple is situated. The 16.2-acre temple complex is home to several exquisite paintings and sculptures that provide insight into Tirumala's culture.
Inside the temple complex, there is a highly uplifting, quiet environment that encourages serenity.
For loyal devotees, Swami Venkateswara always finds a spot in home temples in one form or the other -
2. Akasa Ganga
Akasa Ganga is a revered waterfall on the foothill of Venkatadri Tirumala, about 3 km from Tirumala Bus Station and 5 km from Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple.
The main Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Shrine is located approximately 5 kilometers from the waterfall, and the Tirumala Nambi family is permitted to transport holy water from the waterfall to the temple. It is a well-liked tourist destination in Tirumala.
The Vedas describe this sacred theertha, and it is thought that Akasa Ganga Teertham originated at the lotus feet of Lord Venkateswara.
In the past, the temple priests transported the water in the early morning hours from this area of the jungle to the temple.
3. Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the top tourist destinations in Tirumala is the Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary. Elephants, deer, tigers, leopards, and wild boars are among the diverse fauna that live in this Sanctuary.
The Sanctuary is also well known for it's splendour. The park also provides successful chances for bird observation. The sanctuary is home to popular bird species, including peacocks, kingfishers, parrots, and doves.
There are several picturesque locations throughout the park. The area is also great for outdoor enthusiasts to go camping and trekking. Numerous entertaining activities are available in the wildlife park in Tirumala.
4. Sila Thoranam
Three kilometers separate Sila Thoranam from the main temple. It is a naturally occurring rock arch that is close to Chakra Teertham.
The words "sila" and "thoranam" both refer to rocks. The arch's dimensions are 8 m (26.2 ft) in width and 3 m (9.8 ft) in height. It is naturally formed. It is frequently referred to as Rock Garden.
Archaeologists discovered this natural stone arch in 1980 while excavating this location. This natural arch is made up of two kinds of rocks linked together.
5. Sri Venkateswara Museum
The Sri Venkateswara Museum in Tirupati is one of the most important repositories of Hindu holy art and artifacts.
Geological rocks, sculptures, musical instruments, coins, ceramics, and inscriptions from religious rituals performed throughout the temple are all preserved. The displays offer a thorough overview of Hindu art and cultural history and are presented chronologically.
The Sri Venkateswara Museum is a fantastic venue to learn about the history and architecture of Tirumala temple. It is only one kilometer from Tirumala Bus Station and is located adjacent to Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple. It is next to the Lord Venkateswara Temple's Vaikunta Queue Complex 2.
It is one of Tirumala's most well-liked attractions. The Museum wing, which was established in 1980, is home to several religious objects, including puja items and classic works of art and architecture.
6. Srivari Paadalu
The sacred site of Srivari Paadalu is where Lord Venkateswara first foot on Earth. It is close to Sila Thoranam and 5 kilometers from the city center. Lord Vishnu's footsteps may still be seen at the temple complex today.
Climbers may reach the summit of Narayanagiri Hill for a panoramic view of the temple, which offers visitors awe-inspiring views of the entire sacred site. Hindus hold this location in high regard, and thousands of pilgrims visit each year.
7. Pushkarni
Pushkarini, a sizable lake next to the Sri Venkateswara temple, is located one kilometer from Tirumala Bus Station. Before going into the main temple, some pilgrims dip in Pushkarini.
The Pushkarini belonged to Sri Maha Vishnu and was originally in Vaikuntam. Garuda placed it on Earth for Sri Venkateswara's sport.
On Mukkoti Dwadasi, Swami Pushkarini's mukkoti (the merger of more than three crore teerthams) takes place (the twelfth day of the fortnight of Dhanur Masa).
As a result, it is thought that taking a dip in the Swami Pushkarini on this day is similar to taking a bath in the Ganges.
8. TTD Gardens
The TTD Gardens are a collection of floral, landscape, and decorative gardens span 460 acres in Tirupati and Tirumala. Ten lakh plants are propagated yearly in Tirumala's four nurseries, located in the Travelers Bungalow, Gogarbham Dam, Sri Padmavathi Guest House, and Divyaramam areas.
Through hybridization and mutation, new hybrid kinds of crotons, hibiscus, and bougainvilleas have been introduced and named after notable individuals.
The establishment of these gardens in the 14th century is credited to the famous Vaishnava acharya Sri Ramanuja and his pupil Sri Anandalwar.
According to legend, Sattada Sri Vaishnavas, by the name of Dasa Nambis, tended the Tirumala flower gardens and created flower garlands for the temples at Tirumala-Tirupati.
9. Papa Vinasam
Papa Vinasam is a cute little waterfall whose waters are revered and have therapeutic properties. It is located 5 kilometers from Tirumala Bus Station and 5 km from Lord Venkateswara Temple.
As the name suggests, Papavinasam is the location that all devotees go to in the hope that a holy bath can atone for their sins. Both men's and women's changing rooms are provided. It is one of Tirumala's most well-liked attractions.
The waterfall has a gorgeous, scenic appearance since it cascades down from a hill. The gravel trail that leads to this wonderful waterfall also adds to the enjoyment of your journey.
The reservoir of the neighboring dam, which limits the water flow in the area, is another magnificent sight.
10. Srikalahasti
As these three creatures are thought to have worshiped Lord Shiva at this location and obtained salvation, Srikalahasti's name is a combination of the terms "Sri," which means a spider, "Kala," which means a snake, and "Hasti," which means an elephant.
It is situated along the banks of the River Swarnamukhi, an important river in South India and a tributary of the River Pennar.
The three ancient epics, the Skanda Purana, Shiva Purana, and Linga Purana, mention the historic Shiva temple at Srikalahasti.
According to the Skanda Purana, Arjuna visited this location to worship Lord Shiva, Kalahasteeswara, and on top of a hill, he saw Rishi Bharadwaja.
One of India's most stunning Siva temples is Kalahasteeswara's temple. Over the main gate of this temple is a massive, historic gopuram that stands 120 feet tall.
A sizable stone hill's side has been completely chiseled away to create the temple.
11. Tumburu Theertham
The legend of a Gandharva who cursed his wife for her sloth is told in Thumburu Theertham, located 12 kilometers from Tirumala and 7 km from Papavinasanam.
According to mythology, the woman changed into a toad and was forced to live in the pond until the sage Agasthya and his students arrived. The toad recovered her Gandharva form when the great sage was teaching his followers about the sanctity of the pond, leading to the teertham's becoming known as Tumburu teertham.
It is one of the well-liked tourist destinations in Tirumala, located 12 kilometers from Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple. From Papa Vinasanam & Kalyani Dam point, you may trek 7 kilometers along a stony trail to get there.
Typically, the road is accessible to the public every year during Palguna Poornima in March. On the route to this location, there are around five waterfalls.
You should bring food and drink because there are no on the route to this location.
12. Talakona Waterfalls
Talakona Falls are located in Andhra Pradesh's Sri Venkateswara National Park close to Nerabailu Village of Yerravari Mandal of Chittoor district, 89 kilometers from Chittoor, 64 kilometers from Tirupati, 120 kilometers from Horsley Hills, 192 kilometers from Chennai, 241 kilometers from Bangalore, and 49 kilometers from Bakarapet.
The stunning waterfall is the tallest in Andhra Pradesh and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state, dropping from a height of around 270 feet deep into a valley. Another well-known waterfall close to Bangalore is this one.
The waterfalls are forested, surrounded by stunning scenery and vegetation. It is thought that Talakona Falls' water is infused with medicinal plants.
13. Kanipakam
One of the best sites in Andhra Pradesh is Kanipakam, known for the Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple. This is a significant Andhra Pradesh pilgrimage destination and one of the best weekend getaways from Bangalore and Chennai for a day excursion.
On the banks of the Bahuda River, this hamlet is close to the boundary between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Kulothunga Chola I, a Chola ruler, built the temple in the 11th century.
The Vijayanagara Kings subsequently extended it in 1336. One of the few temples having a self-manifestation (swayambhu) idol of Lord Ganesha is the Kanipakam temple.
Conclusion
Some of the nation's most significant and ancient temples are located at Tirupati, which is well known for this. It is referred to as the "Best historical city" and appears in the Ramayana.
The city is also admired for the unusual flora and wildlife found in its national parks and biosphere reserves.
