tourist places near tirupati balaji

Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary & National Park

The Sri Venkateswara Zoo Park at Tirupati, as it claims to be, is indeed a Zoo with a mythological touch. The Zoo, classified as a ‘small zoo’ is the home for a wide range of Animals, Birds, Reptiles and Flora. The Zoo is spread on a 2212 Hectors of land and delights about 86 thousand visitors every year. The entrance of the Zoo Park depicts sculptures of Indian Gods who are icons for various animals. The entrance reads the famous quote, “I am the eternal seed of living beings” from the Bhagawad Gita.

The Zoo currently has 349 birds, 138 reptiles and 168 mammals. The Zoo is famous for the Stump-Tailed Macaque (Afacaca arctoides). The Status of Captive Primates in Indian Zoos by P.R.Sinha & Bipul Chakraborty said that there are 3 male and 1 female Stump-Tailed Macaques at the Zoo as on March 31, 1999.

The Zoo is claimed to be one of the most innovative zoo developed in the last three decades by India’s Central Zoo Authority. The Andhra Pradesh Forest Development Corporation (APFDC) has identified the zoo park for the development of Eco-Tourism (ET) in the region.

Animal Species at the Zoo

A partial list of Animal Species at the Zoo is presented below.


Rhesus macaque
Bonnet macaque
Stump tailed macaque
Baboon
Lion
Tiger
Leopard
Dhole
Indian fox
Hyena
Wolf
Jackal
Four horned antelope

Visiting the Zoo

The Zoo is located in Pudipatla Post.The Zoo is 12 Kms from the Central Bus Station, 12 Kms from the Tirupati Railway Station and 31 Kms from the Airport.

June to March are the best months to visit the Zoo. The Zoo will be open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM during Summer and between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. The Zoo will be closed for visitors on Mondays. However, it will remain open on Monday if it is a general holiday or a festive day.

Adults have to take a Rs. 5/- ticket while children aged between 5 and 12 need to take a ticket of Rs. 2/- at the entrance. School children who visit the Zoo in groups can get a free entry. 

Chandragiri Fort:

Built in 1000 AD in the form of fortifications with bastions and a steep moat, Chandragiri was under the rule of Yadavarayas for about three centuries and came into the control of Vijayanagara rulers in 1367. It rose into prominence in 1568 AD and remained as seat of power for the later Vijayanagara kings under whose reign the fortified area was further extended and some of the magnificent buildings and temples were constructed. Some of the important kavyas of Vijayanagara period are said to be composed here. In 1646 the fort was annexed into the Golkonda territory, subsequently came under Mysore rule till 1792 and went into oblivion. Inside the fortification are seen eight ruined temples of saivite and vaishnavite pantheons, Raja mahal, Rani mahal and other ruined structures.

King's Palace: One of the finest examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture of Vijayanagara period, this imposing three storeyed palace adorned by the crowning towers representing certain Hindu architectural elements, was constructed with stone, brick, lime mortar and is devoid of timber. The central tower that covers durbar hall rises through two storeys. It is said to be the same venue where Sri Rangaraya granted the site of Fort St. George to the British in 1640. The floors are supported by massive pillars while the walls bear fine plaster and stucco decorations.

Queen's Palace: Similar to the Kings palace in style and method of execution, this edifice with ground floor looking like a stable and first floor containing quarters adorned with ornamental sikhara has a flat roof. Contrary to the popular belief that this place was meant for the queen or harem, the epigraphical record available from the basement speaks this building being a commander’s quarters.

Other Information on the Chandragiri Fort

Sound & LightShow
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 8.15pm; Mar-Oct: 8.00pm to 8.45 pm

Ticket Cost: Adult: Rs.20/- Child: Rs.10/

Contact Telephone: 0877 2272249

Reaching Chandragiri Fort

Chandragiri Fort can be reached by Bus. The Distance to Chandragiri Fort from Tirupati is 12 kms.

 Regional science center:

The Regional Science Centre called the 'Scientific Temple' is a pleasant deviation on the Tirumala Trip. Established in 1993, this Central Government organisation has many attractive and educative working models in the buildings and in the open lawns. Children find this centre very attractive. Taramandal Show and the Children's Gallery are added attractions. The Regional Science Centre is just one kilometre away from Alipiri Toll Gate. It is  at 8 kms distance from Bus stand , 9 kms distance from Railway station and 2 kms distance from Alipiri .

Here one can see different variety of plants at the entrance . Inside so many interesting science items like gravitational force , magnetic force ,different kinds of science law’s  aredemonstrated to the visitors.

The original feast to our eyes is in visiting newly started ANIMAL CENTER , in which different kinds of animals with their sounds . The other one is PLANITORIUM .

NOTE :

1. All age peoples can visit
2. Entry pass is needed . ( Rs. 10 )

Timings : 9:00 am to 09:00 pm

Regional Science Centre
Near Alipiri Gate, Alipiri-Chittoor Bypass Tirupati-517507
Fax:	(0877) 2286202
Email:	tsct@sancharnet.in

  Jungle book:

Tirupati: ‘Jungle Book’, the nature interpretation park developed by the Forestdepartment at Kapila Theertham , helps toeducate the public about different aspects of nature, the contents of forests, life processes and the whole eco-system. The city’s close proximity to the thick Tirumala forests has come as an advantage. It is  Rs.10 lakh park, manged by Tirupati Wildlife Management Circle.

The entire stretch is divided into eight zones. “Naturest” has a nature trail path with thatched huts that allows a visitor to sit back and enjoy.

The “Insectarium and Termitarium” zone has termite mounds and insect specimens along with information boards. “Rock Thrills” is for adventure lovers, where one can climb and walk through the panther dens, hare burrows and rock formations.

“Mineral Kingdom” showcases the geological formation of the Tirumala hills. “Malavadigundam”, the breath-taking waterfall is the fifth zone, which is also a habitat for the endangered lizard “golden gecko”.

“Bird’s eye view” at the highest spot has a telescope, through which one can have anamazing view of the city and of the forest skirting it.

“Gundalacheruvu” tank has boating facility, where one can browse through graffiti on wet lands and on water-based life forms. The last one is “Birds paradise”, which resembles an aviary.

It is present in Kapilateertham temple Premises. Just 3 kms from Tirupati Bus stand

Fare: Rs 3.00

Municipal park:

You  can reach  in 10min from Bus stand ( its about  2kms) , from Railway Station in 15min (its about 3kms) and from Alipiri in 20 min (its about 5kms). Iam here to give pleasant feel without showing any age difference.

One has to take ENTRY TICKET to enter,
For Elders : Rs.5.00
For Kids    : Rs.3.00
Here one can enjoy the gentle, cool air cum atmosphere at evenings.Water foutine at entrance with different colours is remarkable experience to all, the Sculpture of Lord SHIVA with GANGA at the center is one more divine piece of look.

For childs ,those who are enthusiastic in scating the SCATING GROUND is master piece to them.

On every Sunday :

Special entertainment programs are conducted by  the management. For this peoples from different fields like Dance, Songs, Mimikri….etc were invited and interested individuals can also be participated in this.

Timings : Every day at 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Shilparamam(urban hut):

 Shilparamam is the name one can associate with the place where the efforts to revive thetraditional village handicraft industry of India in the present times has become a reality thanks to the patronage given by the state government.The idea behind Shilparamam is to provide a platform to the craftsmen from all over the country to display their art. It is conceived as a yearlong festival of art, craft and music found in rural India.  Shilparamam islocated at a distance of 3km from Tirupati bus station in Tiruchanoor road, on the way to Tiruchanoor temple

Fare:   Adult :  Rs  5.00      

PHONE: 0877 2238870         

Grandworld water park:

'GRAND WORLD' is a Multi Dimensional Theme Park & Hotel where you can unwind yourself along with your dear and near ones by enjoying the numerous water rides and several other indoor & outdoor amusements.

The beautiful landscaping and the Egyption theming are a treat to the eyes.Water Rides like tube rides,body slides,Boomerang,wave pool,aqua bowl ,kids and family pool.Extra attractions like Hunteed house, bumper cars ,Go-Karting,Video games, laser shows,Movie simulators.A visit/stay at Grandworld will be truly enjoyable and refreshing

Grandworld is conveniently located at just 5 mins drive from Bus stand and 15 mins drive from Airport.

The Amusement Park is open on all days from 10:30 AM onwards.

Only entry Rs.100/-. The Visitor has to pay separately for usage of any facility.
Entry Including Water Park
Adult    : Rs.210/-
Child    : Rs.150/-
Entry for children below 90 CM is free of charge.
All other rides extra

Talakona:

The Talakona waterfall, also known as Sri Venkateswara park, is located in the Chittoor District of Andhra pradesh in India. With a 270 feet (82 m)-fall, Talakona is the highest waterfall in the Andhra pradesh state. Talakona is also known for the Lord Siddeswara Swamy Temple, which is located close to the waterfall.

Talakona is located in Yerravaripalem Mandal of Chittoor District. It is located 49 kilometres (30 mi) from Tirupathi, 220 kilometres (140 mi) from Chennai, 23 kilometres (14 mi) from Bakarapeta (the nearest town) and 105 kilometres (65 mi) from Chittoor.Talakona literally means head hill in Telugu (tala - head and kona - hill). However, Thalakona allegorically means “the head of the Seshachalam hills” as these mountains are believed to be the starting point of the Tirumala mountain ranges.

The waterfalls is amidst beauty and greenery. The water of the Talakona is enriched with herbs and people believe that it has healing properties. Talakona was declared as Bio-Sphere Reserve during 1989-90 because of wide variety of plant species present in the region (Pictures of Butterflies & Wild Flowers of Talakona forest). A long and treacherous trekking route leads to the top of the hill, which can be reached by multiple paths. Talakona hills geographically is considered a part of Eastern Ghats.

Talakona can be reached from Tirupathi, 76 KM away, or from Madanapalle (50 KM away) or Bakarapeta (nearest town, 20 KM away) by APSRTC bus or private transport.  APTDC operates a guest house in Talakona that has 12 non A/C rooms, and a very functionalrestaurant. APTDC also had plans for a tree-top restaurant and Machaan cottages. The Talakona waterfalls are about 45 minutes walk from the guest house. It would be great fun to trek up the hill in search of the origin of the water steam. The views from up the hill too would be breathtaking. There are a number of trek routes available in the forest, but it is advisable to take the help of trained guides who are picked up from local forest protection communities maintained by the forest department.