About Tirupati City

Tirupati is located at a distance of about 525 km from Hyderabad. Situated at the southern edge of the Eastern ghats in Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati, is surrounded by seven picturesque hills, which have perennial water falls, forests and superb views of valleys.

While Tirupati is the town at the foot of the seven hills, Tirumala is the temple township located on top of the hills. The age old temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara located here, is considered to be the richest temple in the whole world.The outer walls of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple are covered in a sheet of pure glittering gold, what a splendid sight to behold! The drive up the winding ghat road is a delightful experience as you get to enjoy fresh air and some breathtaking views. Now, Tirupati is a great holiday destination and pilgrimage center, thanks to its serene beauty and the facilities available.

Horsley Hills is a scenic hill-station at about 150 km from Tirupati. Here you can enjoy some great adventure sports, or just sit back and relax amidst the clouds. Visit Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park and wildlife sanctuary or enjoy trekking at Mamanduru, a truly refreshing experience. Visit the historic Chandragiri Fort and marvel at the architectural prowess of the Vijayanagar Dynasty. There is no end to the fun you can have here... Tirupati, will charm you indeed!

Cuisine

Being a Holy Pilgrimage Centre, Tirupati offers only pure vegetarian food. But the variety in cuisine and food items will surely appease everybody’s palettes. Idly, Vada, Dosa, Upma, Pongal, Pulav and Meal Thalis, are available in every nook and corner of the town. Rayalaseema delicacies include Akukura Pulagura, Aalasananda Vadalu and Ragi Sangati with Groundnut Oribindi.

The Tirupati Laddu is the most sought after sweet, with Semia Payasam, Halwa and Kaja being amongst the favourites.

The adjoining Nellore district is home to some of the most delicious varieties of Mango fruit in the whole country, which are available in plenty here during the summer months.

Shopping

Tirupati offers a variety of souvenirs and traditional ware at affordable prices. Gold Leaf paintings of exceptional quality, belonging to the Tanjavoor School, are available here. Statutes of Gods in various types of material, toys made of soft whitewood, Kalamkari articles and carved wooden handicrafts abound here. Lepakshi Handicraft showrooms can be found at Tirupati as well as Tirumala.

For the devoted and religious minded, a variety of devotional CDs, DVDs, Cassettes, Books, Calendars and other materials are available here.

Shopping at Tirupati

Stone sculptures of Allagada
The sculptors of Allagada are famous for creating mythological sculptures of Gods and Goddesses out of formless rocks. Details and intricate designs are the hallmark of these unique creations. The sculptures are of the Chola, Gandhara and Vijaynagara styles. These stone carvings available at Tirupati, make excellent showpieces and can also be installed in small home temples.

Terracotta at Madanpally

The Terracotta items that are available at Tirupati include pottery which have an universal appeal, face masks, and other decorative lamps with intricate designs.

Brass work of Dornakambala

Craftsmen from Dornakambala create miniature brass castings. The artisans excel in the creation of exquisite icons of Hindu deities. You can find brass work handicrafts such as idols of Gods and Goddesses, lamps, carved plaques, etc.

Shopping at Nellore
Venkatagiri
Famous for zari sarees.

Paturu
Famous for zari & Pattu sarees.

Udayagiri
Making of Wooden Combs & Spoons.