Temples and Tourist places around Tirupati and Tirumala
Tirupati and Tirumala are two of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in India. They are located in the state of Andhra Pradesh and are visited by millions of devotees every year. The temples in Tirupati and Tirumala are considered to be some of the most important and sacred in the Hindu religion, and they attract not only religious pilgrims, but also tourists who are interested in the rich cultural heritage of the region. In this article, we will explore some of the temples and tourist places in and around Tirupati and Tirumala.
In Tirumala :
Tirumala Venkateswara Temple
The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, also known as the Tirupati Balaji Temple, is one of the most famous and visited temples in India. It is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and is located on the seven hills of Tirumala. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture, intricate carvings, and stunning surroundings. It is believed that a visit to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is equivalent to visiting all the other holy places in the world.
- Sri Vari Museum – The museum is located near the Sri Venkateswara Temple and is dedicated to the history and culture of Tirumala. The museum features several galleries that showcase artifacts, paintings, and sculptures related to the temple and its history. The museum also houses a library that has a vast collection of ancient books and manuscripts.
- Akasa Ganga – This is a famous waterfall located in the hills of Tirumala. The waterfall is considered sacred and is believed to have been created by Lord Vishnu himself. The waterfall is located at a distance of around 3 kilometers from the main temple and can be reached by trekking or by hiring a local guide.
- Silathoranam – This is a natural rock arch located in the hills of Tirumala. The arch is considered to be a geological wonder and is believed to be over 1.5 billion years old. The arch is located at a distance of around 1 kilometer from the main temple and can be reached by trekking or by hiring a local guide.
- Srivari Padalu -Tirumala Srivari Padalu are a set of footprints located on the Seven Hills of Tirumala, believed to belong to Lord Venkateswara. The word ‘padalu’ means ‘footprints’ in Telugu, and these footprints are considered sacred by devotees who visit the hills. According to legend, Lord Venkateswara descended on the hills to marry his consort, Goddess Padmavathi. The footprints are believed to mark the spot where Lord Venkateswara first set foot on the hills.The footprints are located on a rocky terrain and can be reached by trekking or by hiring a local guide. The trekking route passes through dense forests and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The footprints are arranged in a sequence, and devotees are advised to follow the sequence while taking a darshan of the footprints. The footprints are surrounded by natural rock formations, and the area is considered to be a spiritual site.The footprints are a popular attraction among devotees who visit Tirumala to seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara. It is believed that taking a darshan of the footprints can bring good luck and blessings to the devotees. The footprints are also believed to have healing powers and are said to cure ailments and diseases. A visit to Tirumala Srivari Padalu offers a unique spiritual experience and a chance to connect with the rich cultural heritage of India.
in Tirupati
Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple
The Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple is located in Tiruchanur, a suburb of Tirupati. It is dedicated to the goddess Padmavathi, who is believed to be the consort of Lord Venkateswara. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings. It is believed that a visit to the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple brings good luck and prosperity.
Kapila Theertham
Kapila Theertham is a beautiful waterfall located in the Kapila Rishi Ashram, about 10 km from Tirupati. It is believed that the sage Kapila meditated here and that the waterfall is holy. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and is a popular picnic spot for tourists. It is also a popular spot for trekking and camping.
Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple
The Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple is located in Srinivasa Mangapuram, about 12 km from Tirupati. It is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and is known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings. The temple is believed to be the place where Lord Venkateswara married his consort, Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru.
Sri Govindarajaswami Temple
The Sri Govindarajaswami Temple is located in Tirupati and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the oldest temples in the region and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. The temple is also home to several other deities, including Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, and Lord Hanuman.
Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park
The Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park is located in Tirupati and is spread over an area of about 5500 acres. It is home to a wide variety of animals, including tigers, lions, elephants, and crocodiles. The park also has a large aviary and a reptile house. It is a popular tourist destination for families and nature lovers.
The Chandragiri Fort is located about 15 km from Tirupati and is known for its historical significance. It was built in the 11th century and was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 16th century. The fort is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Away From Tirupati
Sri Kalahasti temple (lord shiva)
Sri Kalahasti is a famous temple town located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The town is renowned for its ancient temple, Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple’s unique feature is its Vayu Linga, which is believed to have been worshiped by Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. The temple’s architecture is a blend of the Chola and Vijayanagara styles and dates back to the 5th century AD. The town is a popular pilgrimage site and attracts a large number of tourists throughout the year. In addition to the temple, Sri Kalahasti offers several other attractions for tourists, including its beautiful hills and the nearby Sri Venkateswara National Park.
Sri Kalahasti is located at a distance of around 36 kilometers from Tirupati, another famous pilgrimage site in Andhra Pradesh. The town can be easily reached by road or rail, with regular bus services and taxis available from Tirupati. The nearest railway station is located in Renigunta, which is around 28 kilometers away from the town. The distance between Sri Kalahasti and Tirupati can be covered in less than an hour by car. Overall, a visit to Sri Kalahasti offers a unique spiritual experience and a glimpse into India’s rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking solace and peace.
Kanipakam Temple
Kanipakam Temple is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is famous for its legend of the self-manifested idol of Lord Ganesha, which is believed to have emerged from the earth on its own. The temple’s architecture is a blend of Dravidian and Vijayanagara styles and features intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple attracts a large number of devotees throughout the year, especially during the annual Brahmotsavam festival. The temple’s serene and peaceful ambiance, coupled with its religious significance, makes it a popular pilgrimage site in South India.
Kanipakam Temple is located at a distance of around 70 kilometers from Tirupati, another famous pilgrimage site in Andhra Pradesh. The easiest way to reach the temple is by road or rail. The temple is well connected by buses, and taxis are readily available from Tirupati. The nearest railway station is located in Chittoor, which is around 30 kilometers away from the temple. Devotees can also choose to take a taxi or hire a car to reach the temple. Overall, a visit to the Kanipakam Temple offers a spiritual experience and a glimpse into India’s rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking spiritual solace.
Golden Temple Vellore
Golden Temple Vellore, also known as Sripuram Golden Temple, is a famous Hindu temple located in the city of Vellore in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The temple is known for its intricate gold-plated architecture and is dedicated to the goddess Sri Lakshmi Narayani. The temple complex spreads over 55 acres and features beautiful gardens and fountains. The temple’s main sanctum sanctorum is adorned with gold plates and features intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple is a popular tourist attraction and attracts a large number of visitors from all over the country and abroad.
The distance between Golden Temple Vellore and Tirupati is around 110 kilometers. The easiest way to reach Golden Temple Vellore from Tirupati is by road. Regular bus services and taxis are available from Tirupati to Vellore. The journey takes around 2 hours, and the road passes through scenic countryside and small towns. Alternatively, one can also take a train to Vellore from Tirupati, but there are limited direct trains available. A visit to Golden Temple Vellore offers a unique spiritual experience and a glimpse into India’s rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking solace and peace.
Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple
Kanchi Kamakshi Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the ancient city of Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, who is considered to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The temple’s history dates back to the 6th century, and it is believed to be one of the most powerful Shakti Peethas in India. The temple is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in Hindu mythology and history.
The distance between Kanchi Kamakshi Temple and Tirupati is around 120 km, and it takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to reach the temple by road. Visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus from Tirupati to Kanchipuram to reach the temple. The route passes through scenic landscapes and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Kanchi Kamakshi Temple is a popular pilgrimage destination, and thousands of devotees visit the temple every year to seek the blessings of Goddess Kamakshi. A visit to Kanchi Kamakshi Temple offers a unique spiritual experience and a chance to witness the rich cultural heritage of India.
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