Tourist Destinations in Andhra Pradesh Hydrabad Tirupati Request a Free Quote Payment Options Print this page   Tags top destinations, monuments in, south, indian, wildlife, tours, travel, tourist, guide, attraction, places, tourism, destinations in Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, india, About Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, Tourism, Monuments, Attractions, Travel Tips, Shopping, cities of india, monuments attractions travel, destinations in Andhra Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh tourism monuments, travel tips shopping, the old city, travel tourist guide, monuments in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh india, fairs and festivals, top destinations monuments

Tirupati     Also known as: - Shopping: - History of: 1100 years Population: 3 Lac Tirupati City is located in the southeastern part of Andhra Pradesh, in Chittoor district. It lies about 152 km northwest of Chennai in the Palkonda Hills. Tirupati is known as the abode of the Hindu god Venkateshvara (also spelt as 'Venkatesvara'), "Lord of Seven Hills". About 10-km northwest of Tirupati, at an elevation of 750m, is the sacred hill of Tirumala, which was considered very holy. One of the most important pilgrimage centers in India, the temple draws millions of pilgrims and is believed to be the busiest pilgrimage centre in the world. Major Attractions   Lord Venkateshwara Temple Tirupati is one of the most important pilgrimage centres in India. It has the historic shrine of Sri Venkateswara or Balaji, an incarnation of Vishnu. Also known as the 'Lord of the Seven Hills', the 2m high standing idol of Venkateswara on a lotus flanked by his consorts Bhudevi and Sridevi, is believed to grant any wish made in front of it. The most striking feature of the awe-inspiring black idol is its fabulous diamond crown, which is said to be the most precious single ornament in the world. This temple draws millions of pilgrims and is believed to be the busiest pilgrimage centre in the world. The richest temple in India, it is a master piece of South Indian Architecture. The Sanctorum 'Ananda Nilayam' has a glittering gold covered 'Vimana' and gold covered gates guard the sanctum sanctorum. It is considered auspicious to offer the hair as sacrifice to the deity. 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. Silathoranam About 1km from Tirumala Temple is a rare naturally formed arch. Believed to be the source of Lord Venkateswara's idol, the rocks resemble hood of a serpent, a conch and a discus. It is a geological wonder. Kodandaramaswami Temple Located in the heart of the Tirupati town, the Kodandaramaswami Temple was built by a Chola king in the 10th century AD. The presiding deities here are Sita, Rama and Lakshmana. The temple of Anjaneyaswami, which is directly opposite, is a sub-shrine of this temple.   Nearby Excursions   Horsley Hills Horsley hills, situated at an altitude of 1,265m is a hill resort located 151-km from Tirupati and named after WD Horsley, who was the collector of Cuddapah district. Horsley chose this spot for his summer residence. The place is luxuriously green and cool, with a maximum summer temperature of 32�C, and minimum of 20�C.   Fun Festives   Brahmotsavam A few days before the colorful nine-day festival, the temple of Lord Venkateswara goes through the cleaning process, known as Aalaya suddhi or Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam. The entire hill surroundings are spring-cleaned and tastefully decorated and illuminated. On the eve of the festival, the Lord�s commander-in-chief Vishvaksena goes in a procession around the four Mada Streets surrounding the temple inviting all Gods and other celestials to attend the Brahmotsavam. Adhyayanotsavam This 20-day festival begins 10 days before Vaikunta Ekadashi in the month of Maargaseersh (December-January). Pavitrotsavam it is a five-day purificatory festival conducted in the month of Shravana (June-July). It begins with Shukla Dashami. Vasantotsavam (Spring festival) Grishmotsavam (Summer festival), Oonjal Tirunaal (Swing festival), Tiruppalli Odam Tirunaal (Float festival), Pushpa Pallaki, Pushpa Yaagam and Ratha Saptami are among other significant festivals celebrated in the Trumala temple.   Distance from major cities Hydrabad 525 Kms Vijayawada 540 Kms Chennai 144 Kms   How to reach there Tirupati airport is located at Renigunta, which is about 15 km away from the city. Tirupati Railway Station is connected by trains from Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai and many more major cities of India. Tirupati is well connected with good network of road with nearby cities.