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About Tirupati City Places Guide

Chakra Teertham

This is the site for a water body near Sila Thornam and is associated with an interesting legend. According to the legend, Lord Brahma wanted to observe repentance, and to cleanse this place special Lord Vishnu plunged his Sudershana Chakram, thus creating a crater. Visiting this site is considered as good as touching the Lotus Feet of the Lord, which will deliver the devotees from their travails. The waterfalls here are an amazing sight to behold, and is the location where the idol of Lord Venkateswara is brought during the Brahmotsvam celebrations.

Jiddu Krishnamurthy Madanapalle

Hometown of the famous Indian philosopher, Shri Jiddu KrishnaMurthy, is the location of institutions such as Mary Lot Lylus Hospital(M.L.L), T.B. Sanitarium, Beasent Theosophical College and Rishivalley International school.

Madanpalle is also the rail destination to visit Horsley Hills and is famous for high quality silk sarees. It is located about 122 km away from Tirupati.

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.

S.V. Museum

An architectural marvel, this museum houses a photo gallery, excellent exhibits of temple architecture and artifacts like idols and ancient weapons. For those who like peace and tranquility, this place also has a meditation centre.

Kalyani Dam

When it comes to scenic beauty, the Kalyani Dam area, located 20 km from Tirupati, has no competition. Constructed across a breathtaking valley in the foothill zone of Seshachalam hill, this scenic spot is favourite amongst all age groups.

Mamanduru Eco-Tourism

Excellent trekking facilities by A.P Tourism and the comfortable accommodation offered by the Forest department make this place a top priority adventure zone. Located only 20 km from Tirupati this place is also an attractive Eco-Tourism destination.


TTD Gardens

With many tanks, ponds & lush vegetation, the TTD Garden occupies an area of 460 acres and supplies fresh water to pilgrims and natives. Bursting with a variety of colourful and fragrant flowers, this garden is the main source for flowers, used in the temples of Tirupati. Annual horticultural shows along with the Pushpa Yagnam are held in the garden.

Sila Thoranam

A must see on the itinerary for nature lovers, the Sila Thoranam is a rare natural rock arch, this formation is believed to be several million years old. Situated near Chakra Tirtham on Tirumala, this formation is one of the only three found on earth. The other two are the Rainbow Arch at Utah in USA and the Arch of ‘Cut Through’ in UK. With a length of 25 feet this natural geological wonder looks incredible.

Kailasanathakona

This is another sacred waterfall, with curative mineral value, located in the Nagari valley near Tirupati. APTDC has tourist cottages in the Haritha Hotel here.
Divisional Manager Contact: +91 877 2289720


Talakona

Located just 4 km from Tirupati, Talakona is the site of a 60 metre waterfall that cleanses mind and body. This is the venue for important festivals and also pilgrimage spot for childless couples who seek to be blessed with children. A Haritha Hotel of APTDC with cottages exists here.
Divisional Manager Contact: +91 877 2289121

Kaigal Waterfalls

Located 2.5 km from Kaigal, on the Kuppum Palamner highway, this is also known as the Dumukurallu Waterfalls. The sound resembling the tumbling of stones, give this waterfalls it's name.

Kapila Theertham

Site of a refreshing waterfall, this is where Lord Shiva is believed to have appeared and blessed the Sage Kapila. This revered spot is about 2.5 km from Tirupati.

Sri Venkateswara Sanctuary

Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park which is spread over an area of 506 sq km is a wild life sanctuary and dedicated to research in Environmental Studies. A unique feature here is the vast natural and simulated enclosure concept, which helps the animals to move around freely.

Gurramkonda

Located at a distance of 29 km from Madanapalle, this place is famous for the Ragini Mahal, Maqbara Tombs and an ancient fort.


Chandragiri Fort

The Chandragiri Fort has been built at a height of 183 m, on a huge rock in 1000 A.D. The excellent architectural acumen of the Vijayanagar Empire is evident, amongst the palaces and temples which still exist here.

Local Transport

Being a holy destination with thousands of visitors every day, Tirupati is very well equipped with various modes of transport. Private Cabs, Tourist Taxis, Jeeps, Buses and Auto-Rickshaws are available throughout the day.

For more details, reservations, and tours & accommodations, contact

Central Reservation Office
Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation
Shakar Bhavan,
Opp. Police Control Room,
Hyderabad.
Ph: +91 40 23298456, +91 40 23298457
Fax: +91 40 23298455

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About Tirupati Festivals

Tirupathi being predominantly a Vaishnavite pilgrimage center, a large number of the celebrations here are Vaishnava festivals. The annual Brahmotsavam is an important period of the festive calendar. Other festivals include the Vasanthotsavam, welcoming spring, the Sri Rama Navami (Lord Rama’s birthday), the Rathasaptami and Vaikunta Ekadasi.

The Brahmotsavam in Tirupathi is a much awaited festival of the Lord Venkateswara. Lakhs of people visit the temple during that time to catch a glimpse of the God in all his glory. It is celebrated with much pomp and gaiety for a period nine days. And what a resplendent sight to behold! The Lord is dressed in different attires everyday and is seated on various vahanas (vehicles). Decked with the choicest flowers, finest robes of silk, and the most priceless of jewels, He is truly a dazzling sight. Silver images of the Elephant, Hanuman, Adi Sesha (the serpent king), Garuda (the eagle), the Lion etc carry the Lord on their backs and the palanquin is taken through the streets of Tirumala amidst a lot of fanfare. Nartakis, dance along the way, musicians sing bhajans and kitrans in praise of the Lord, while young girls and boys in brightly coloured costumes perform kolatam, a lively dance with sticks. The sannai (a musical instrument)troupe render beautiful carnatic compilations while colourful rangolies adorn the streets. Multi-coloured lights glitter on the walls in intricate formations. The streets are decked in garlands of beautiful flowers and mango leaves, symbolizing fertility and prosperity. There is festivity everywhere. On the final day, the Lord and His consorts ride in a grand chariot through the streets, blessing their dear devotees.

The Brahmotsavam is celebrated with so much grandeur that surely even the Gods of the heavens descend to Earth to witness it.


Events

Gangajatra - Tirupati
Devi Gangamma is considered to be the Goddess of rain, in the Rayalseema region. In the month of May, just before the monsoons, the Gangajatra is held to appease the Goddess. The 7-day long festivities showcase people dressed in various Veshams (garbs) and offering the deity Pongal along with Jantubali (animal sacrifice). The celebrations culminate with a head of Gangamma being made with mud, throughout the 7th night and when the face is completed, the whole mud creation is destroyed before sunrise.

Kondachuttutirunalla
Chandragiri
The Kanuma Festival is celebrated on the last day of the Pongal festivities. On this day an idol of Goddess Mulasthanamma is taken around the Chandragiri hill on a grandly decorated Vahanam. Thousands of devotees participate in the celebration to receive blessings.

Puligundu

This town near Penumur also celebrates the Kanumu festival in a grand manner. The Gunteeswara Swamy temple that is located near the Shivalinga shaped twin rock is the main venue for the festival. Here too, the procession of the deity is taken all around the town in a beautifully decorated Vahanam.

Similar celebrations take place all over Chittoor district.

Horticultural Show
Annual Horticultural Show is held at the T.T.D Gardens.

Food & Dance Festival

For those who enjoy entertainment, the Rayalseema Food and Dance Festival is the right setting. It is held during the Brahmotsavam which occurs in September or October. Dance shows, and workshops of weavers, artisans and craftsmen are a welcome change for tourists. One can buy local handicrafts and fabrics and also try out the food courts at this festival.

Local Events - Nellore
Kanupuru Jatara
Turpu Kanupuru is situated in Chillakuru Mandal. This Jatara is performed one week before Ugadi for the Grama Devata, Mutyalamma.

Naravada Tirunala

This is also known as the Vengamamba Perantalu and is held every year in July.

Golagamudi Aradhana

Sri Venkaiah Swamy was a man who is said to have attained realization. He lived until quite recently near Nellore and is worshiped as a saint by many people. His devotees have also experienced great miracles. A temple has been built at Golagamudi in his honour and all the articles used by him have been preserved here. The yearly festivals or Aradhana are performed in August and hundreds of pilgrims visit this place during that time.

Venkatagiri Jatara

This Jatara is performed in September every year, for the gramadevata Polertamma.

Roti Festival

Roti Festival is performed every year during the month of Moharam for a period of three days. This is an interesting festival wherein one has to prepare rotis for various wishes like Vivaha (marraiage), Sowbhagya (prosperity), Santhana (progeny), Vidya (education), dhana (money) and Udyoga (job) etc and exchange them at the fair. You will be lucky if you get the roti of your wish which means that it will be fulfilled. Hundreds of women take part in this festival.

Urusu

A.S. Pet Urusu, also known as “Gandgha Mahostavam”, is held every year in March.

Velangini Mata Festival

Velangini Mata Feast is held on September 7th & 8th every year to pray for good health. Candles are lit to honour “Our Lady Of Health”.

Flamingo Festival

The Flamingo Festival is held every year for 3 days to coincide with the migration of the Siberian Crane and other birds at the Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary. Largely visited by bird watchers, this festival has gained fame all over the world.

How to reach

Located amidst the capital cities of Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore, getting to Tirupati is very easy. Being one of the most revered Gods in the country, connectivity is very good.

By Air:
Tirupati Airport is located at Tirumala, at a distance of 14 km from the centre of Tirupati. Regular flights are available to and from the town.

By Rail:
Tirupati Railway Station is on Katpadi-Renigunta rail route. Managed by the South Central Railways, the railway station is located in Tirupati town. The main train connections include Kanyakumari Express, Tirupati Express, Venkatadri Express, Seshadri Express, Krishna Express, Ernakulam-Hyderabad Sabari Express, Narayanadri Express, Haripriya Express and Rayalaseema Express.

Computerized ticket reservation facility available. On the premises, there is a tourist information center.

By Road:
Buses and taxis are easily available, from various places around Tirupati. Bus journeys are ideal for short duration trips. However, if there are elderly people or children travelling with you, taxis are the best bet.

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