Located close to Hyderabad at a distance of 525km, Tirupati is surrounded by seven
hills, cascading waterfalls, thick evergreen forests and offers superb view of the
valley. Though many tourists flock here to pay obeisance at the world famous Tirupati
temple, the city has much more to offer. Situated amidst lush green hills, Tirupati
offers plenty of options for a quick getaway. Horsley Hills, close to Tirupati (150
km) is a scenic hill-station which is visited by tourists from across the country.
The Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park and wildlife sanctuary nearby is another attraction
for both children and adults.
Eating Out!
Tirumala strictly serves only vegetarian fare across all its restaurants. Try an
authentic south Indian meal at Guestline Days on the Karakambadi Road.
SpiceJet Recommendations!
Pay a holy visit to Lord Venkateswara; visit the historic Chandragiri Fort; trekking
at Mamanduru.
Hotel Fortune Kences,
Tirupati
Grand World Tirupati,
Tirupati
Hotel Bliss Hotel,
Tirupati
Hotel Sindhuri Park,
Tirupati
Ramee Guestline Hotel,
Tirupati
- Sri Venkateswara Temple
On the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini, this ancient temple located on the
seventh peak of the Tirupati Hills, is a major attraction. Hindu texts make allusions
to the benefits recieved by a pilgrimage undertaken to this temple. It is a masterpiece
of Dravidian architecture and dates back to the 12th-century. Besides the awe-inspiring
structure,we have the idol of Lord Venkateswara, supposedly a form of Vishnu.
- Govindaraja Swami Temple
Located in the heart of Tirupati is Sri Govindaraja Swami Temple, which was consecrated
by Saint Ramanujacharya in 1130 AD. It is built by the Nayakas, the successors to
the Vijayanagar empire. The temple has an impressive outer gopuram. The inner most
gopuram is the earliest dating from the 14th-15th centuries. The main shrines are
dedicated to Vishnu and Krishna.
- Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple
This is the temple of Goddess Padmavathi, the consort of Lord Venkateswara. It is
located, at Almelumanga Puram also known as Tiruchanoor, about 5 km from Tirupati.
People believe that a trip to Tirupati is complete only after visiting this temple.
- Chandragiri Palaces and Fort
Located 11 km from Tirupati, in Chittoor district, Chandragiri was the former capital
of the mighty Vijayanagar Empire. The fort here was built on a 180m high rock. The
fortifications, 'Raja Mahal' with its romantic lily pond and the 'Rani mahal' are
well preserved. The Museum in Raja Mahal contains Chola and Vijayanagara bronzes.
- Horsley Hills
Originally known as Eenugu Mallma Konda, it later became Horseley Hills named after
an erstwhile Collector of Cuddaph, W.D.Horsley. This hill resort that is about 150
km from Tirupati, is located at a height of 1.265 meters above sea level. Environmental
park, Lake Gangotri and the Horsley Hills museum are some of the well known tourist
spots. The excellent cool weather makes it a favourite destination during the hot
summers.
- Regional Science Centre
The Regionl Science Centre at Tirupati is affiliated to Sri Venkateswara University
and National Council of Science Museums. Located at Alipiri which is 3 km from Tirupati,
this institution is dedicated to excellence in scientific studies. The centre also
has a planetarium which draws huge crowds.