How long does darshan take at Tirumala Tirupati?

With Special Entry Darshan (SED) tickets, expect 2-4 hours. Sarva Darshan (free) can take 10-20 hours depending on the day. On weekdays, waits are shorter.

How to book Tirupati darshan tickets online?

Visit the official TTD website (tirupatibalaji.ap.gov.in) to book Special Entry Darshan, accommodation, and other seva tickets. Registration and Aadhaar verification are required. Book 2-3 months in advance.

What is the dress code for Tirumala temple?

Men must wear dhoti/pyjama/trousers with a shirt. Women must wear saree, half-saree, or salwar kameez. Jeans, shorts, skirts above knee, sleeveless tops, and torn clothing are not allowed.

Is tonsure (head shaving) compulsory at Tirupati?

No, tonsure is not compulsory. It is a voluntary offering made by devotees as a mark of devotion or in fulfilment of a vow. TTD provides free, hygienic tonsure facilities at Kalyanakatta.

How to reach Tirumala from Tirupati?

APSRTC and TTD buses run frequently from Tirupati to Tirumala (22 km, 45 minutes). You can also walk up via Alipiri steps (9 km) or Srivari Mettu (3 km). Private vehicles need prior booking.

Why is Tirupati temple the richest in the world?

Sri Venkateswara Temple receives massive donations from millions of devotees annually - in cash, gold, jewellery, and property. The TTD trust manages assets worth thousands of crores and runs extensive charitable operations.

How long does darshan take at Tirumala Tirupati?

With Special Entry Darshan (SED) tickets, expect 2-4 hours. Sarva Darshan (free) can take 10-20 hours depending on the day. On weekdays, waits are shorter.

How to book Tirupati darshan tickets online?

Visit the official TTD website (tirupatibalaji.ap.gov.in) to book Special Entry Darshan, accommodation, and other seva tickets. Registration and Aadhaar verification are required. Book 2-3 months in advance.

What is the dress code for Tirumala temple?

Men must wear dhoti/pyjama/trousers with a shirt. Women must wear saree, half-saree, or salwar kameez. Jeans, shorts, skirts above knee, sleeveless tops, and torn clothing are not allowed.

Is tonsure (head shaving) compulsory at Tirupati?

No, tonsure is not compulsory. It is a voluntary offering made by devotees as a mark of devotion or in fulfilment of a vow. TTD provides free, hygienic tonsure facilities at Kalyanakatta.

How to reach Tirumala from Tirupati?

APSRTC and TTD buses run frequently from Tirupati to Tirumala (22 km, 45 minutes). You can also walk up via Alipiri steps (9 km) or Srivari Mettu (3 km). Private vehicles need prior booking.

Why is Tirupati temple the richest in the world?

Sri Venkateswara Temple receives massive donations from millions of devotees annually - in cash, gold, jewellery, and property. The TTD trust manages assets worth thousands of crores and runs extensive charitable operations.

DIVYA DESAM

Sri Venkateswara Temple (Tirumala Tirupati Balaji)

Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

Main God

Lord Venkateswara (Vishnu)

Timings

3:00 AM - 12:00 PM (varies by darshan type)

Location

Tirupati

Type

DIVYA DESAM

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Lord Vishnu

3:00 AM - 12:00 PM (varies by darshan type)

Plan Visit

Sri Venkateswara Temple, commonly known as Tirumala Tirupati Balaji, is situated on the seventh peak (Venkatadri) of the Tirumala Hills at an elevation of 853 metres in Andhra Pradesh. It is the richest and most visited Hindu temple in the world, receiving over 24 million pilgrims annually. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a form of Lord Vishnu. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams - the most sacred abodes of Vishnu as sung by the Alvars (Tamil saint-poets). The temple's origins date back to around 300 CE, with significant patronage from the Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagara dynasties. The Vijayanagara kings, particularly Krishnadevaraya, made lavish donations including the gold-plated vimana (tower) above the sanctum. The temple is administered by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages its vast operations, including the famous Tirupati laddoo prasadam - one of the most recognised religious offerings in India. Devotees frequently offer their hair (tonsure) as a mark of devotion or in fulfilment of a vow.

Darshan Guide

Choose Your Darshan Type

Decide between Sarva Darshan (free, queues of 10-20 hours), Special Entry Darshan (Rs 300 ticket, 2-4 hours wait), or Divya Darshan (for elderly, disabled, and families with infants).

Book Tickets Online

Book Special Entry Darshan (SED) tickets on the TTD website (tirupatibalaji.ap.gov.in) well in advance. Slots release on specific dates and fill up within minutes.

Reach Tirumala and Complete Formalities

Arrive at Tirumala via bus or foot (walk up the Alipiri or Srivari Mettu steps). Deposit mobile phones, cameras, and bags at the designated counters - they are not allowed inside.

Enter the Queue Complex

Proceed to the Vaikuntam Queue Complex for SED or the general queue compartments for Sarva Darshan. Follow TTD volunteers' instructions. Carry your ID proof.

Darshan and Prasadam

Have darshan of Lord Venkateswara in the sanctum. The darshan lasts a few seconds. Collect the iconic Tirupati laddoo prasadam from designated counters after exiting.

Temple Rules & Guidelines

Visitor Tips

Book Special Entry Darshan tickets online at least 2-3 months in advance - they sell out very fast
The Tirupati laddoo prasadam is a must - you can buy additional laddoos at counters (limit applies)
If planning tonsure (hair offering), use the TTD Kalyanakatta facility which is free, hygienic, and well-organised
Follow the strict dress code: men should wear dhoti/pyjama with shirt, women should wear saree/salwar kameez. No jeans, shorts, or sleeveless tops
Carry only essentials - electronic devices including mobile phones are not permitted inside the temple
Walk up via Srivari Mettu (3,500 steps, 3 km) for a spiritually fulfilling experience - it is considered especially meritorious
TTD provides free accommodation (common halls) and subsidised meal counters - take advantage of these services

Mistakes to Avoid

Do not visit on weekends or public holidays without SED tickets - Sarva Darshan queues can exceed 20 hours
Do not wear restricted clothing (jeans, shorts, skirts above knee, sleeveless tops) - you will be turned away at the gate
Do not carry mobile phones or cameras into the temple - deposit them at the lockers outside
Do not plan a same-day round trip from distant cities - the darshan process alone can take most of the day
Do not ignore the online booking system - walk-in darshan means very long waits during peak season

Please follow these guidelines to maintain the sanctity of the temple

How to Reach

By Bus

APSRTC operates frequent buses from Tirupati to Tirumala (22 km ghat road, 45 minutes). Direct buses also available from Chennai (135 km), Bengaluru (260 km), and Hyderabad (550 km).

By Air

Tirupati Airport (Renigunta, 15 km from Tirupati, 37 km from Tirumala). Flights from major Indian cities including Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Bengaluru.

By Rail

Tirupati Railway Station (22 km from Tirumala) is well connected to Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Delhi with daily trains.

Local Transport

Free bus service by TTD from Tirupati to Tirumala. Shared taxis available. Private vehicles need a pass during peak times.

Nearby Attractions

Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Tiruchanur

5 km from Tirupati

Dedicated to Goddess Padmavathi, consort of Lord Venkateswara. TTD-managed temple that devotees traditionally visit before Tirumala darshan.

Srivari Mettu

3 km trek to Tirumala

A sacred foot path with 3,500 steps from Alipiri to Tirumala. Walking this route is considered highly meritorious by devotees.

Silathoranam

1 km from Tirumala temple

A rare natural rock arch formation on Tirumala Hills, believed to be 1.5 billion years old. Resembles the shape of Lord Venkateswara's hood.

Akasa Ganga

3 km from Tirumala temple

A sacred waterfall and teertham on Tirumala Hills. Devotees believe the water here has healing properties.

ISKCON Temple, Tirupati

4 km from Tirupati town

A beautiful ISKCON temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. Features impressive architecture and a serene atmosphere.

Temples & Travel

Services

Sri Venkateswara Temple (Tirumala Tirupati Balaji)

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About Sri Venkateswara Temple (Tirumala Tirupati Balaji)

Darshan Timings

Darshan Guide

Choose Your Darshan Type

Book Tickets Online

Reach Tirumala and Complete Formalities

Enter the Queue Complex

Darshan and Prasadam

Temple Rules & Guidelines

Visitor Tips

Mistakes to Avoid

Location & Directions

How to Reach

Photo Gallery

Nearby Attractions

Frequently Asked Questions

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