Tirupati

The abode of the 'Kaliyuga' deity Lord Venkateswara, popularly known as Balaji, Tirupati has for centuries remai ned a destination divine and this feeling grows on one as one goes round the various temples and spots of natural beauty surrounding this major town.

In fact, the government has proposed to give special status to the town on the lines of the Vatican. Lying at the southern tip of the Eastern ghats in Andhra Pradesh, the district has a number of perennial water falls and vast forest cover.

Location

Around 700 kms from Hyderabad, Tirupati is situated amidst the lush green Eastern Ghats in Chittoor district.
Lord Venkateswara Temple Nestled among high Eastern Ghats, Tirumala can be reached only after covering the range of hills. The presiding deity Lord Venkateswara is also referred to as Lord of the Seven Hills. Patronised by Pallavas, Pandyas, Cholas, Vijaynagar kings and later by the king of Mysore, the temple finds a mention in the Sastras and Puranas. The main temple is a magnificent example of the fine Indian temple architecture. Both the Vimana over the sanctorum and the Dhwajasthambam (temple flag-post) are plated with gold.

Swami Pushkarini

A sacred tank adjacent to the Balaji temple, a dip here is considered a custom before entering the temple. According to legend, Swami Pushkarini was a pleasure tank of Lord Vishnu in Vaikuntam and brought to earth by Garuda for the sport of Lord Venkateswara.

Akasa Ganga

Located about 3 kms. north of the main temple, the water flows throughout the year.

Sila Thoranam

Situated on Tirumala, this is a rare geographical arch and the only one of its kind in the whole of Asia. Two other such arches are known to exist in the world-the Rainbow Arch of Utah in USA and the Arch of "Cut Through" of UK.

This is one of the rarest 'geological faults' of India and the age of the arch is computed as 1500 million years by geologists. This is also a rare geological feature called 'Eparchean Unconformity'.

This natural arch is believed to have formed due to intensified weathering and erosion of stream action and has withstood the torque of nature. The length of this arch is 25 feet and the height 10 feet.

Kanipakam

The present Ganesh Temple was constructed in the 11th century by kind Kullottunga of the Chola dynasty and further developed in 1336 by the kings of Vijaynagar. One peculiarity of the Idol is that it eternally grows in size. To testify the fact that the Lord is growing, the Silver "Kavacham" that was made 50 years ago is now too small for the idol.

Kapila Theertham

Lord Shiva is said to have appeared before the Saint Kapila in this historic site. The cascading waterfalls from the holy hills are a treat to the eyes.

Narayanavanam

This famous garden is believed to be the venue of the sacred marriage between Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Padmavati.

Goddess Alamelumanga Temple

The temple of Goddess Alamelumanga, the divine consort of Lord Venkateswara, is at Tiruchanur near Tirupati. One more temple is dedicated to the Goddess at Srinivasa Mangapuram, 12 kms from Tirupati.

Places of interest around Tirupati

Chandragiri Fort (11 kms), Srikalahasti (36 kms), Narayanavanam (43 kms), and Kailasanatha Kona are some of the important places of tourist interest around Tirupati.

Sri Venkateswara Sanctuary

Sprawling over 506 sq. km of greenery, Sri Venkateswara Sanctuary & National Park at Tirupati are an adventurous delight. The rich wildlife provides a perfect and a great sight.

Chandragiri

The Vijayanagar empire contributed vastly to Telugu culture, art and literature. The last capital of the Vijayanagar kings was Chandragiri on the banks of the River Swarnamukhi in Chittoor district. Ruins of the fort exist to this day and amidst them stand the Raja Mahal and Rani Mahal palaces that have been given a facelift and beautified. The fort atop a huge rock that stands 56 metres tall is just 12 km from the temple town of Tirupati. After a hectic trip to temples and shrines in and around Tirupati, it is time for the much-needed relaxation at Chandragiri, a perfect way to round off the day.

Sound & Light Show

	1st Show (Telugu)
	Nov-Feb - 6:30 PM to 7:15 PM
	Mar-Oct - 7:00 PM to 7:45 PM
	2nd Show (English)
	Nov-Feb - 7:30 PM to 8:15 PM
	Mar-Oct - 8:00 PM to 8:45 PM

Kailasanathakona

This perennial waterfall located in the Nagari valley near Tirupati in Chittoor district originates from a fracture in a sheet rock. The water is clear and is considered sacred. Said to be of substantial mineral value, the water is believed to have curative powers.

Talakona

This waterfall is considered the threshold of the Hills of Tirumala on which the shrine of Lord Venkateswara is located. Nestled in lush forests, the 60 metre fall is a perennial one and standing under the cascade is said to cleanse the mind and body. Local transport can be engaged from Tirupati to reach there.

Srikalahasti

From among the legends lying behind temples, one of the strangest is from Srikalahasti, 36 kms. from the temple town of Tirupati. There is a temple of Shiva in the form of a Vayu Linga and the legend behind it is that the deity was worshipped by a spider (Sri) that spun a web over it, while a snake (Kala) placed a gem atop the Linga and an elephant (Hasti) washed the Linga with water. The temple lies on the banks of the River Swarnamukhi in a valley. There are frequent buses to Srikalahasti.