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Monday, January 25, 2010

Tirupati Balaji in Chennai


If you are living in Chennai, if you wish to visit Tirupati (the second richest shrine in the world; the most richest is Vatican Church), and if you couldn't go there, you can at least visit Balaji Temple aka Tirupati Devastanam temple aka Venkatachalapati temple in Chennai.Tirupati Devastanam Balaji temple is located in Venkat Narayana Road in T.Nagar and it is one of the famous land marks in Chennai. The distance from Chennai Central Railway Station is around 8.5 kms.Tirupati Devastanam Balaji (Venkatachalapati) temple is maintained by Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple Trust of Tirupati. The temple has Lord Venkatachalapati (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) and Alarmelu Manga (aka Alamelu Manga) as the main deities. There is a shrine for Lord Ranganath (Lord Vishnu in sleeping posture) along with Sree Devi, Bhuma Devi, and Brahma.If you want to book etickets for Tirupati darshan, you can book the same from this temple. If you are lucky, you will get "Tirupati laddu" prasad from this temple.When you happen to visit T.Nagar area of Chennai, do not miss to get the blessing of Lord Balaji.
Happy travelling.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji - Tranist and Travel Information-India

Tirupati balaji
The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) of the Tirupati Hill, and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini. It is by the Lord’s presidency over Venkatachala, that He has received the appellation, Venkateswara (Lord of the Venkata Hill). He is also called the Lord of the Seven Hills. The temple of Sri Venkateswara has acquired unique sanctity in Indian religious lore. The Sastras, Puranas, Sthala Mahatyams and Alwar hymns unequivocally declare that, in the Kali Yuga, one can attain mukti, only by worshipping Venkata Nayaka or Sri Venkateswara.

Sri Venkateswara Temple

The temple of Sri Venkateswara has acquired unique sanctity in Indian religious lore. The Sastras, Puranas, Sthala Mahatyams and Alwar hymns unequivocally declare that, in the Kali Yuga, one can attain mukti, only by worshipping Venkata Nayaka or Sri Venkateswara.
The benefits acquired by a piligrimage to Venkatachala are mentioned in the Rig Veda and Asthadasa Puranas. In these epics, Sri Venkateswara is described as the great bestower of boons. There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord at Tirumala.
The temple has its origins in Vaishnavism, an ancient sect which advocates the principles of equality and love, and prohibits animal sacrifice.
The sanctum sanctorum which houses the awe-inspiring idol of the Lord of the Seven Hills is situated in the main temple complex of Tirumala.

Temple History
There is ample literary and epigraphic testimony to the antiquity of the temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara.All the great dynasties of rulers of the southern peninsula have paid homage to Lord Sri Venkateswara in this ancient shrine. The Pallavas of Kancheepuram (9th century AD), the Cholas of Thanjavur (a century later), the Pandyas of Madurai, and the kings and chieftains of Vijayanagar (14th - 15th century AD) were devotees of the Lord and they competed with one another in endowing the temple with rich offerings and contributions. It was during the rule of the Vijayanagar dynasty that the contributions to the temple increased. Sri Krishnadevaraya had statues of himself and his consorts installed at the portals of the temple, and these statues can be seen to this day. There is also a statue of Venkatapati Raya in the main temple.
After the decline of the Vijayanagar dynasty, nobles and chieftains from all parts of the country continued to pay their homage and offer gifts to the temple. The Maratha general, Raghoji Bhonsle, visited the temple and set up a permanent endowment for the conduct of worship in the temple. He also presented valuable jewels to the Lord, including a large emerald which is still preserved in a box named after the General. Among the later rulers who have endowed large amounts are the rulers of Mysore and Gadwal.
After the fall of the Hindu kingdoms, the Muslim rulers of Karnataka and then the Britishers took over, and many of the temples came under their supervisory and protective control.
In 1843 AD, the East India Company divested itself of the direct management of non-Christian places of worship and native religious institutions. The administration of the shrine of Sri Venkateswara and a number of estates were then entrusted to Sri Seva Dossji of the Hatiramji Mutt at Tirumala, and the temple remained under the administration of the Mahants for nearly a century, till 1933 AD.
In 1933, the Madras Legislature passed a special act, which empowered the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams(TTD) Committee to control and administer a fixed group of temples in the Tirumala-Tirupati area, through a Commissioner appointed by the Government of Madras.
In 1951, the Act of 1933 was replaced by an enactment whereby the administration of TTD was entrusted to a Board of Trustees, and an Executive Officer was appointed by the Government .
The provisions of the Act of 1951 were retained by Charitable and Religious Endowments Act, 1966.
Road transit to Tirumala and Tirupati is available from different places in the countries. Public transport corporations and private transit providers run buses to both of these locations.

Bangalore - Tirupati
Tirupati is 258 km from Bangalore (via Kolar and Chittoor). The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) runs daily buses between Bangalore and Tirupati. APSRTC Runs daily Express, Luxury, and Hi-Tech buses from Bangalore to Tirupati and Tirumala direct. The buses are run at frequent intervals around the clock. The journey time 6 hrs 30 min. Return journey tickets can also be bought at Bangalore Bus Station. KSRTC runs Airavath AC, Mayura AC, Ultra plus, deluxe and luxury buses between Bangalore and Tirupati. Express bus services by KSRTC has lot of departure times available to passengers travelling to Tirupati from Bangalore, and back to Bangalore from Tirupati.
Chennai - Tirputati
Tirupati is: 137 km from Chennai (via Red Hills, Utthukottai, Nagalapuram, Puttur and Renigunta) 145 km from Chennai (via Poonamalli, Tiruvallur, Tiruttani, Nagiri and Puttur) 152 km from Chennai (via Red Hills, Tada and Sri Kalahasti).
Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) and Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) run daily buses between Chennai and Tirupati. The frequency is between half-an-hour to one-and-a-half hours. The journey time is 5 hours, and the fare is INR 55.00 per head.
Return journey tickets can also be bought at the Chennai Bus Station.
Hyderabad - Tirupati
Tirupati is 562 km from Hyderabad (via Kurnool, Cuddapah and Kodur).
APSRTC runs daily buses between Hyderabad and Tirupati. The types of buses are: Express/ Luxury/ Hi-tech/ AC Sleeper Coach.
The AC Sleeper Coach is comfortable as the bus is fitted with Air Suspension for effective shock absorption. Magazines and bedding are provided free of cost. Snacks, soft drinks and mineral water are provided against payment. There is an attendant to serve passengers. The fare is INR 450.00 per head.
Bus Route / Via Departure Time Service Type Bus Fare Contact Info
Hyderabad-Tirupati17:45, 18:45, 19:45, 21:15Hi Tech Luxury 293
APSRTC
Hyderabad-Tirupati14:00, 14:45, 20:45Luxury248
APSRTC
Hyderabad-Tirupati15:15, 17:00Express Service208
APSRTC
Bangalore to Tirupati
For bus departure times and fare, please see Bangalore Tirupati
Calcutta - Tirupati
Tirupati is 2887 km from Calcutta (via Cuttack, Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada).
APSRTC provides connecting bus services from the Gudur Railway Station to Tirumala by operating 40 buses every day. Buses start from the Gudur Railway Station. The Gudur-Tirumala distance is 122 km. The journey time is 4 hours, and the fare is Rs.43.00. The bus frequency is between half an hour to one-and-a-half hours.
Mumbai - Tirupati
Tirupati is 1261 km from Mumbai (via Pune, Belgaum, Dharwar, Harihara,Tumkur and Bangalore).
APSRTC provides connecting bus services from the Renigunta Railway Station to Tirumala for all passengers arriving by train. Buses start from the Railway Station. The Renigunta-Tirumala bus fare is Rs 18.00. Bus frequency: every 30 minutes, from 03.00 hrs to 23.00 hrs every day.
Delhi - Tirupati
Tirupati is 1800 km from New Delhi.APSRTC provides connecting bus services from the Gudur Railway Sation to Tirumala, every day. The distance is 122 km. Journey time is 4 hours and the fare is Rs.43.00. The bus frequency is almost every half hour.
Pune - Tirupati
Tirupati is 967 km from Pune. APSRTC provides connecting bus services from the Renigunta Railway Station to Tirumala by operating 40 buses every day. Buses start from the Renigunta Railway Station. The bus fare Rs 18.00. The bus frequency is every 30 minutes, from 03.00 hrs to 23.00 hrs.
Tirupati to Tirumala by Road
There are two well-laid, all-weather, asphalt ghat roads between Tirupati and Tirumala.
The old ghat road was laid in 1944, and is for vehicles returning from Tirumala. It is 19 km in length. The new ghat road, which was opened in 1974, is for vehicles proceeding towards Tirumala.
The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) runs a regular bus service between Tirupati and Tirumala, from 0300 hrs to 2400 hrs, with a frequency of just two minutes. Bus fares are: Express - Rs. 15.00 per head Ordinary - Rs. 11.00 per head
You can save time by buying your Tirumala-Tirupati return tickets at Tirupati itself. These tickets are valid for three days from the date of purchase and ticket-holders can board any of the APSRTC buses returning to Tirupati within these three days .
During Brahmotsavam and on important occasions like New Year's Day, buses ply round the clock with a frequency of one bus every minute.
For the convenience of pilgrims arriving in groups, APSRTC provides contract carriages. Each carriage or bus can be hired for Rs. 900.00. It seats 45 persons.
The bus can either be booked then and there, or reserved in advance.
At Tirupati there are four bus-stations located in different corners of the town.

Sri Venkateswara Bus Station (SVBS): Pilgrims arriving by train can use SVBS, which is located just opposite the Tirupati Railway Station. Whenever trains arrive, buses are stationed right in front of the main gate of the railway station, for the convenience of pilgrims.

Balaji Link Bus Station (BLBS): For the convenience of pilgrims arriving from Bangalore, BLBS is situated at Alipiri, at the foot of the hills. Here, there is ample space for parking tourist buses and vans.

Sapthagiri Link Bus Station (SLBS): SLBS serves pilgrims who arrive from Chennai, Hyderabad and Vijayawada sectors. SLBS is located in the Central Bus Station Complex.

Sri Padmavathi Bus Station (SPBS): SPBS is located at the rear of the Tirupati Railway Station, and caters mainly to the needs of pilgrims arriving in tourist buses.
For a safe journey to Tirumala, it is recommended that you travel by APSRTC buses only. APSRTC uses well-maintained vehicles that are fitted with power steering equipment, and driven by experienced drivers. Safety inspectors ensure that driving rules are followed.
However, if you are using your own vehicle, do negotiate the hair-pin bends on the ghat roads carefully.
Link ticket system to Tirumala & Tirupati
On reaching Tirupati (to avoid waiting in queue for purchase of tickets to proceed to Tirumala), the system of link tickets (Rs.16/- for ordinary and Rs.20/- for Express) to Tirumala has been introduced. These tickets are available at all the advance reservation counters and with the service conductors of Tirupati bound services. Similarly, both up & down journeys ticket ordinary Rs.32/- , Express Rs.40/- can be purchased for onward and return journey from Tirupati to Tirumala. (These tickets are sold at all our Bus stations and through conductors of Tirupati bound services).

Chennai to thirumala bus booking APSRTC

FROM BUS STATION : CHENNAI

ORIGIN BUS STATION TO VIA Dep. Time Type Service No Adult Fare KMs Reach Time
CHENNAI ANANTHAPUR TPT,MDPL,KDR 16.30 SL 6972 246 431 04.15

CHENNAI ANANTHAPUR TPT,MDPL,KDR 17.30 SL 6970 246 431 05.15

CHENNAI ANANTHAPUR CHITORE,MDPL, KDR 18.00 SL 6666 252 442 04.45

CHENNAI ANANTHAPUR CHITORE,MDPL, KDR 21.00 SL 6668 252 442 07.45

CHENNAI ATMAKUR NPET,NLR 04.30 EXP 5276 99 239 10.00

CHENNAI ATMAKUR NPET,NLR 09.15 EXP 5276 99 239 14.45

CHENNAI ATMAKUR NPET,NLR 18.00 EXP 5276 99 239 23.30

CHENNAI GIDDALUR NLR,OGL 18.45 DLX 5974 216 457 05.30

CHENNAI HINDUPUR CTR,BANGALORE 21.00 SL 6792 302 462 07.30

CHENNAI HINDUPUR CTR,BANGALORE 22.00 SL 6794 302 462 08.30

CHENNAI JAMMALAMADUGU TPT-KADAPA 06.00 DLX 6169 167 359 16.00

CHENNAI JAMMALAMADUGU TPT-KADAPA 19.00 DLX 6167 167 359 04.35

CHENNAI HYDERABAD (JBS) NLR,OGL,NGSR 19.00 SL 1329 380 665 09.15

CHENNAI HYDERABAD (JBS) NLR, OGL 19.30 GRD 1327 660 671 08.15

CHENNAI HYDERABAD (JBS) NLR,OGL,MCL 20.00 DLX 5051 393 688 10.30

CHENNAI KADAPA TPT-RJPT 05.15 EXP 6219 117 281 12.55

CHENNAI KADAPA TPT-RJPT 07.00 SL 6027 157 281 14.35

CHENNAI KADAPA TPT-RJPT 14.00 EXP 6023 117 281 21.30

CHENNAI KADAPA TPT-RJPT 22.00 EXP 6021 117 281 05.15

CHENNAI KADAPA TPT-RJPT 22.45 SL 6025 157 281 06.00

CHENNAI KANIGIRI NLR,PMR 17.30 EXP 5798 147 348 02.00

CHENNAI KANIGIRI NLR,KKR 19.30 DLX 5800 155 336 04.15

CHENNAI KANIGIRI NLR,PMR 20.30 EXP 5794 158 373 06.00

CHENNAI KANIGIRI NLR,GDR 21.30 EXP 5796 147 348 06.00

CHENNAI KAVALI NPET,NLR 03.30 EXP 5236 99 239 08.30

CHENNAI KAVALI NPET,NLR 04.00 EXP 5236 99 239 09.00

CHENNAI KURNOOL TIRUPATI 15.15 DLX 6297 216 487 04.00

CHENNAI KURNOOL RJPT,KDP,ALG,NDL 19.30 SL 6293 275 487 07.45

CHENNAI KURNOOL NANDYAL 20.00 DLX 6445 233 487 07.50

CHENNAI KURNOOL TIRUPATI 20.30 DLX 6299 216 487 08.45

CHENNAI KURNOOL NANDYAL 21.00 DLX 6443 275 487 08.50

CHENNAI KURNOOL RJPT,KDP,ALG,NDL 21.30 SL 6295 263 467 08.30

CHENNAI MADANAPALLY RNPT,CTR,PLMR,PGNR 05.30 EXP 5708 94 268 12.15

CHENNAI MADANAPALLY RNPT, CTR. PLMR, PGNR 05.30 EXP 5708 96 268 12.15 CHENNAI MADANAPALLY RNPT, CTR. PLMR, PGNR 11.00 EXP 5710 96 268 17.30 CHENNAI MADANAPALLY RNPT,CTR,PLMR,PGNR 11.00 EXP 5710 94 268 17.30

CHENNAI MADANAPALLY RNPT,CTR,PLMR,PGNR 15.15 EXP 5704 94 268 21.30

CHENNAI MADANAPALLY RNPT, CTR. PLMR, PGNR 15.15 EXP 5704 96 268 21.30 CHENNAI MADANAPALLY RNPT,CTR,PLMR,PGNR 22.15 EXP 5706 94 268 04.15

CHENNAI MADANAPALLY RNPT, CTR. PLMR, PGNR 22.15 EXP 5706 96 268 04.15 CHENNAI NELLORE SLPT,NPET 06.00 EXP 5301 74 183 10.15

CHENNAI NELLORE NPT 07.00 EXP 5001 74 183 10.30

CHENNAI NELLORE NPET 07.15 EXP 5175 74 183 11.15

CHENNAI NELLORE NPET 07.45 EXP 5175 74 183 11.45

CHENNAI NELLORE NPT 08.00 EXP 5001 74 183 11.30

CHENNAI NELLORE NPT 09.00 DLX 5052 105 183 12.30

CHENNAI NELLORE NPT 09.00 EXP 5001 74 183 12.30

CHENNAI NELLORE NPT 10.00 EXP 5001 74 183 13.30

CHENNAI NELLORE NPET 11.30 EXP 5259 74 183 15.25

CHENNAI NELLORE NPT 13.00 EXP 5001 74 183 14.30

CHENNAI NELLORE NPT 14.00 EXP 5001 74 183 17.30

CHENNAI NELLORE NPET 14.30 EXP 5175 74 183 18.30

CHENNAI NELLORE NPT 16.00 EXP 5001 74 183 19.30

CHENNAI NELLORE NPT 17.00 EXP 5001 74 183 20.30

CHENNAI NELLORE NPET 17.00 EXP 5259 74 183 21.15

CHENNAI NELLORE NPT 18.00 EXP 5001 74 183 21.30

CHENNAI NELLORE NPT 19.00 EXP 5001 74 183 22.30

CHENNAI NELLORE NPT 22.00 EXP 5001 74 183 23.30

CHENNAI NELLORE NPT 23.00 EXP 5001 74 183 01.10

CHENNAI PRODDATUR-RSM TPT-RJPT-KDP 08.00 DLX 6082 158 334 16.35

CHENNAI PRODDATUR-RSM NLR-MYDK 08.15 DLX 6078 172 364 17.30

CHENNAI PRODDATUR-RSM NLR-MYDK 21.00 DLX 6080 172 364 06.00

CHENNAI PULIVENDULA TPT-RJPT-KDP 04.30 EXP 6124 151 356 14.15

CHENNAI PUTTAPARTHY CTR,MDPL,KDR 20.00 SL 6735 266 465 06.50

CHENNAI RAYACHOTY TPT 21.45 EXP 6244 107 257 04.30

CHENNAI SULLURPET TADA 06.45 DLX 5298 33 85 08.45

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 00.00 SAPEX 5581 78 164 05.00

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 06.00 SAPEX 5585 78 164 11.00

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 06.45 SAPEX 5587 78 164 11.45

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 07.45 SAPEX 5589 78 164 12.45

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 08.30 SAPEX 5591 78 164 13.30

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 09.00 SAPEX 5593 78 164 14.00

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 09.15 SAPEX 5537 78 164 14.15

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 10.15 SAPEX 5539 78 164 15.15

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 11.15 SAPEX 5541 78 164 16.15

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 11.45 SAPEX 5543 78 164 16.45

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 12.15 SAPEX 5545 78 164 17.15

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 12.45 SAPEX 5547 78 164 17.45

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 13.15 SAPEX 5549 78 164 18.15

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 14.15 SAPEX 5551 78 164 19.15

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 15.15 SAPEX 5553 78 164 20.15

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 15.45 SAPEX 5555 78 164 20.45

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 16.15 SAPEX 5557 78 164 21.15

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 16.45 SAPEX 5559 78 164 21.45

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 17.15 SAPEX 5561 78 164 22.15

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 17.45 SAPEX 5563 78 164 22.45

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 17.50 SAPEX 5565 78 164 22.45

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 18.45 SAPEX 5567 78 164 23.45

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 21.00 SAPEX 5569 78 164 03.45

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 21.30 SAPEX 5571 78 164 03.50

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 22.00 SAPEX 5573 78 164 03.55

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 22.30 SAPEX 5575 78 164 04.00

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 23.00 SAPEX 5577 78 164 04.15

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 23.30 SAPEX 5579 78 164 04.30

CHENNAI TIRUMALA U KOTTAI,PTR,TPT 23.45 SAPEX 5583 78 164 04.40

CHENNAI TIRUPATHI PTR 14.00 EXP 5301 62 156 18.00

CHENNAI UDAYAGIRI NPET,NLR,PMR 06.30 EXP 5190 149 352 15.30

CHENNAI UDAYAGIRI NPET,NLR,ATK 07.30 EXP 5190 124 296 14.45

CHENNAI UDAYAGIRI NPET,NLR,ATK 09.45 EXP 5190 126 301 16.45

CHENNAI UDAYAGIRI NPET,NLR,ATK 10.30 EXP 5190 122 291 17.45

CHENNAI UDAYAGIRI NPET,NLR,ATK 15.30 EXP 5190 122 291 22.30

CHENNAI UDAYAGIRI NPET,NLR,ATK 22.30 EXP 5190 122 291 05.30

CHENNAI VIJAYAWADA NPET,NLR,OGL,GNT 19.30 DLX 5298 216 456 05.30

CHENNAI VIJAYAWADA SLRP,NLR,KVL,OGL,CPT,GNT 21.30 GRD 3919 456 456 05.00 CHENNAI VISAKHAPATNAM NLR,ONG,GNT 17.00 GRD 3476 843 859 08.00

Saturday, January 16, 2010

The Tirumala hill has seven peaks ("Sapthagiri"),


Tirupati is in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is most famous for its Sri Venkateswara Temple dedicated to Vishnu, also known as Balaji in North Indian and Govinda in South Indian. The temple is located on top of Tirumala hills, while the town is located on the foothills. The Tirumala hill has seven peaks ("Sapthagiri"), said to represent the seven hoods of Adisesha, the serpent under whose hoods Vishnu resides in Vaikuntha.
Understand
TTD information Centres [1]:
Tirumala and Tirupati: 91-877-2277777
Hyderabad : 91-40-23260590
New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pondicherry, Visakhapatnam, Vellore and other district Head Quarters in AP.
Hyderabad Office Timings: 9AM to 4PM on weekdays, 9AM to 7PM on weekends, Tuesday Closed. Lunch From 1PM to 2PM.
Overview
Tirupati is situated in the southern part of Andhra Pradesh. Tirumala is located in the eastern ghats, a mountain range that runs along the south-eastern India. The temple of Lord Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak Venkatachala. The nearby town called Tiruchanoor (also known as Alamelu-Mangapuram) is covered in this page too.
History
Lord Venkateswara is also called the Lord of the Seven Hills. This temple has acquired a special sanctity in the Hindu religion. The benefits that accrue by a pilgrimage to this holy town is mentioned in the Vedas and Puranas. Hindus all over the world believe that in Kali Yuga its possible to attain mukti by worshiping Lord Venkateswara. Around 50,000 pilgrims visit the temple every day. The Pallava, Chola, Pandaya and Vijayanagar rulers were known to give funds and jewels as temple offerings.
Preparation
Before you start for Tirumala, it is recommended that you:
Offer your prayers to your kuladeiva (family deity).
Visit the temple of Lord Ganesha to ensure that the trip is free of obstacles.
Visit Tiruchanoor and offer your prayers to Goddess Padmavathi Ammavaru.
Visit Sri Varahaswami Temple on the northern bank of Swami Pushkarini at Tirumala.
And finally, offer your prayers to Lord Venkateswara.
By plane
Indian Airlines [2] operates daily flights between Hyderabad, New Delhi and Tirupati. Air Deccan has a daily flight between Hyderabad, Bangalore, Vizag and Tirupati.
From Chennai airport to Tirupati: Use this route if you have little luggage and are comfortable walking for short distances (and want to try a cheaper, alternative route to Chennai Central). From Chennai airport, you can walk over to the local suburban railway station (Tirusulam, about 5 minutes away) and take a local train to Park Station (Rs. 7, about 30 minutes). Chennai Central is a 5-10 minute walk from Park Station. From Chennai Central, there are frequent long distance train services to Tirupati.
By train
Tirupati is a major junction in South Central Railways. Indian Railways [3] operates direct trains from near by metro cities - Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and other major Railway stations to Tirupati. Trains can be boarded at nearby cities - Renigunta (10 km from Tirupati) and Gudur (100 km) as well. Frequent bus service is available between Tirupati, Renigunta and Gudur.
By Road
National Highway NH 205 passes through Renigunta and hence is accessible from Chennai (4-6hrs), Bangalore (6½+ hours), Hyderabad (10-12 hours) and other nearby cities.
Private bus operators bus tickets can be booked online at Redbus.in [4]
Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation [5] (APSRTC) - from Hyderabad or from within Andhra Pradesh
Tamil Nadu State Express Transport Corporation [6] (SETC) - from Chennai
Karnataka State Road Transport Coroporation [7] (KSRTC) - from Bangalore
Package tours
It is possible to go on a package tour from various places to Tirupati, with the operator taking care of transport, accommodation and sight-seeing.
From Chennai
Going from Chennai is not a bad idea as it is the nearest Airport which has international & Domestic connections.
TTD Information Centre, V V R Dharmasala, 198 & 199, Peters Road Chennai - 600 014, 2) Manager TTD Information Centre 50, VenkataNarayana Road T Nagar Chennai – 600 017.) offers a package tour, but the person going on the tour has to do the reservation personally (and submit a photograph and fingerprints!) from one of the many TTD offices around the country
Swarnandhra tours, from AP tourism +91 44 2433 3010, +91 44 2433 1977 (from Chennai. You will have to personally go and do the reservations.) [8] offers a two-day package tour from various places in the country, particularly from Bangalore and Chennai. Rs. 1,100 (For Chennai package tour, inclusive of accommodation and darshan at various temples.)
From Bangalore
TTD Information Centre
16th Cross, Vyalikavel, Bangalore - 560 003, Ph:080-23445432/23315361
Tirumala
Tirumala is a world in itself, millions of pilgrims from all over India and abroad visit the temple of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumali round the year. In addition to various shrines scattered all over Tirumali and beyond there are holy water falls, scared rivers and archaeological wonders. It is regarded as one of the most ancient temples which were mentioned in Puranas and Sastras.
The temple is patronized by the Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas, the Vijayanagar Rulers and the later kings of Mysore. Hastakalaramam Papanasanam, Akasganga, Gogarbham, Shilathoranam, View Point, S.V. Museum are the other places worth seeing at Tirumala. Kapilatheetham, Hare Rama Hare Kishna Mandir, Regional Science Centre, S.V.Zoological Park, Srinivasa Mangapuram, Kalyani Dam, Chandragiri Fort, Tiruchanur, Govindaraja Swamy Temple are the other places worth seeing in and around Tirupathi.

DO
Visit the Sri Varahaswami temple before taking the darshan of Sri Venkateswaraswami. As per traditions and legend, Varahaswami owned the seven hills and agreed to give them to Sri Venkateswaraswami with the stipulation that he too is worshiped. Therefore, Sri Venkateswaraswami asked his pilgrims to visit the Sri Varahaswami temple before visiting him.
Sri Raadhagovinda Mandir (ISKCON), Vinayakanagar. edit
Carry Extra locks for your vehicle as well as rooms. The tirumala is notorious for thiefs. People have reported laptops, Phones and Baggage and various items stolen from thier locked room or car.

Respect
While in Tirumala, DO NOT:
Wear inappropriate clothing.
Consume alcohol.
Eat non-vegetarian food.
Wear flowers - all flowers are for the Lord only.
Spit or litter or create any kind of nuisance.
Carry mobile phone/camera/pager/video camera etc. while going for darshan. They are banned inside the temple (inner) sanctum

Buy

When visiting the greatest of temples of the Lord Sri Venkateswara, one must not forget to purchase an image of the lord; only two photos have been released in history. There is also a Tirupati laddu (sweet) which one must not forget to purchase at the temple. This is the renowned Tirupati Laddu, which is the main offering to the presiding deity of the temple. It tastes divine, and you can arrange to purchase more for your family but the usual limit is two per person.
Many Tirupati related articles/souvenirs can also be purchased and a shopkeeper shall be only too happy to assist you with that.
The SAPTHAGIRI magazine was started as a TTD bulletin in 1949. Currently, it is circulated all over the country as an illustrated, religious magazine It is a monthly edition and available in five languages - Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi and English.
After seeking the darshan of Lord Venkateshwara, you get free meal coupons at the SriVari temple. The simple meal consists of rice, sambhar (heavily dal/lentil veg soup), chutney, rasam (light soup), and vegetable curry.

Drink

Tirupathi and Tirumala is a pilgrimage town. People on pilgrimage don't drink or eat non-vegetarian food. Consumption of liquor is prohibited in Tirumala. Smoking is also not allowed in Tirumala.
For Drinking it is advisable to use bottled mineral water only as the water available here might be sour in taste. As mentioned in the later section, the laddu of tirupati is "nearly" as famous as the deity himself. One should not fail to have a taste of this very special and holy sweet.
Bhimas
Mayura

Tirupati
Private Accommodation is available in Tirupati city with numerous hotels catering to the pilgrims. TTD provides for paid and free accommodation in Tirupati for pilgrims
Paid: Sri Venkateswara Dharmasala (Opp. Tirupati Railway Station), Sri Venkateswara Guest House (North of Railway Station), Sri Kodandarama Dharmasala (South of Railway Station) and TTD Alipiri Guest House (near foothills) offer non air-conditioned accommodation. Sri Padmavathi Guest House (on Chittor Road) offer air-conditioned accommodation
Free: Sri Govindaraja Dharmasala, Sri Kodanda Rama Dharmasala and Sr

Tirumala
TTD has built cottages in Tirumala that can be rented by pilgrims. There are 3 categories of accommodation, based on location:
Sri Padmavathi Guest House Area (Rs 100 to Rs 250 for Non-AC accommodation, Rs. 500 to Rs. 2500 for AC accommodation, )
Sri Venkateswara Guest House Area (Rs. 100 to Rs. Rs. 250 for Non AC accommodation, Rs 600 to Rs 750 for AC accommodation)
Sr Varahaswami Guest House, Rambagicha, HUDC, Travellers Bungalows Cottages Area (Rs. 15 to Rs 150 for Non AC accommodation).
TTD also provides free accommodation in choultries. Pilgrims can contact Central Reception Office near Bus Stand for free accommodation.
Reservation for AC accommodation and Non-AC accommodation above Rs 100 per day can be made only at the Central Reception Office, Tirumala. For reservation of Non-AC accommodation upto Rs. 100 per day, Pilgrims can make reservations upto 30 days in advance. Reservations can be made in person at TTD Information Centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pondicherry, Visakhapatnam and other district Head Quarters in AP, by paying the requisite amount.
Alternately reservation can be made by sending a Demand Draft (DD) for Rs. 100 drawn on any Indian nationalised bank in favor of 'Assistant Executive Officer'. The DD has to be posted to Assistant Executive Officer (Reception-I) TTD, Tirumala - 517504. For multiple rooms, it is advised to take multiple DDs for Rs 100 each.
TTD online booking [9]
Be warned that at times of the year, and around festive occasions you have to book in advance. If you are travelling budget, your best bet is to stay with the TTD, the rooms tend to be clean, well lit and the housekeeping facilities are acceptable. Suggested places, other than TTD lodges are the Kashi Mutt, Ahobila Mutt, Kanchi Mutt among several others (all are close to each other on a ring road, and can be approached by foot from the temple). Be warned though that priority is given to people associated with the mutt's community and you will neither get room service nor air conditioned rooms - but the rooms are well maintained, clean and come with clean beds and sheets. For the Mutt maintained lodges, prior registration is strongly advised.

Bus Tickets for Tirupati darshan

Tirupati to Tirumala Temple

By Foot
There are two footpaths that are known as Sopanamargas. These start from Alipiri and Chandragiri.The most commonly used route is the one that starts from Alipiri. The other one starts from Chandragiri is only 6 km in length but is difficult route.
Walkway
Alipiri Toll Gate (4 K.Ms from railway station)
Distance- 14 Kilometers
Time taken- 3 to 4 hours
Advantages of walking
Facilities provided by the administration to those who prefer to walk are as follows.
Free transportation of the luggage to the Top. (Deposit luggage at TTD transport office and obtain a receipt, redeem it for luggage on reaching)
Well-cemented steps with hand rails for support.
Supply of potable water along the way.
Toilets for both ladies and Gents.
Well-lit pathway and security guards to ensure safety of the pilgrims.
Small restaurants along the way for refreshments and snacks.
Small mandapams along the way where pilgrims can take rest.
Free buses from the Tirupati Railway station to Alipiri, with a frequency of 30 minutes for those intend to walk up the hills.

*Caution- the steps at the start are a bit steep.

By road
There are two well-laid, all-weather, asphalt Ghat roads between Tirupati and Tirumala.
The new Ghat road is for vehicles proceeding towards Tirumala
The old Ghat road is for vehicles returning from Tirumala. 19 kms in length.

Bus service
APSRTC runs a regular bus service between Tirupati and Tirumala, from 0300 hrs to 2400 hrs, with a frequency of just two minutes.
You can buy to and fro tickets at Tirupati itself. The tickets are valid for three days and ticket-holders can board any of the APSRTC buses returning to Tirupati within these three days.
During Brahmotsavam and on important occasions, buses ply round the clock with a frequency of one bus every minute.
For the convenience of pilgrims arriving in groups, APSRTC provides contract carriages. Each carriage or bus can be hired for Rs. 900.00. It seats 45 persons.

Where to board a bus from
Sri Venkateswara Bus Station (SVBS) - Is located just opposite the Tirupati Railway Station. Whenever trains arrive, buses are stationed right in front of the main gate of the railway station.
Balaji Link Bus Station (BLBS) - For the convenience of pilgrims arriving from Bangalore, BLBS is situated at Alipiri, at the foot of the hills. Here, there is ample space for parking tourist buses and vans.
Sapthagiri Link Bus Station (SLBS) - SLBS serves pilgrims who arrive from Chennai, Hyderabad and Vijayawada sectors. SLBS is located in the Central Bus Station Complex.
Sri Padmavathi Bus Station (SPBS) - SPBS is located at the rear of the Tirupati Railway Station, and caters mainly to the needs of pilgrims arriving in tourist buses.
 
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