1. Sri Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati
A landmark Vaishnavite temple at Tirupati, Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple is one of the most revered Hindu shrines and richest pilgrimage centers in the world. It is also the world’s most-visited place of worship, receiving 50,000 to 100,000 devotees daily and up to 500,000 on special occasions. Famed as Tirupati Balaji or Tirumala Temple, this Dravidian-style shrine is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. It is believed that Lord Venkateswara is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who appeared on earth to save mankind from the trials of Kali Yuga.
2. Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple, Tirupati
One of the biggest temple complexes in Tirupati, Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple, was built in 1130 AD by Saint Ramanuja. According to legends, the residing deity efficiently utilized King Kubera’s wealth to conduct the glorious wedding of his younger brother Lord Venkateswara and Padmavathi Ammavaru. Lakhs of pilgrims visit this shrine every year with the belief that God’s blessings will help them elevate and manage their wealth efficiently. The Dravidian-style architecture of this seven-storied Vaishanvite temple is a beautiful sight to behold.
3. Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Tirupati
Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple is located in an ages-old pilgrim town near Tirupati and is the abode of Goddess Padmavathi, the consort of Lord Venkateswara. Pilgrims believe that they should seek the blessings of Her Divine before visiting the home of the Lord.
4. Sri Kapliswaraswamy Temple, Tirupati
Also known as Kapila Theertham, Sri Kapliswaraswamy Temple is the only Shiva temple in Tirupati and one of the 108 sacred Theerthams on the hills of Tirumala. Legends reveal that Kapila Muni meditated in front of an idol of Lord Shiva at this site, and that’s how the place got its name. The Shiva lingam at this temple is considered self-manifested. The waterfall near the temple is also considered sacred, and devotees believe that a dip in its waters can help you get rid of all your sins.
5. Srikalahasti Temple, Tirupati
Srikalahasti Temple is perhaps one of the most revered temples in South India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Carved out of a monolithic hill, this ancient shrine is famous for being one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, where His Divine is worshipped as a personification of five nature elements—air in this case. Its sanctum sanctorum has a Vayu-linga and a lamp that flickers day and night without any presence of wind, indicating the presence of Lord Vayu.
6. Sri Venkateswara National Park, Tirupati
Verdant valleys, waterfalls, vegetation, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes all add to the beauty of Sri Venkateswara National Park. Named after Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala, it was built in 1989 and officially declared a national park in 1998. The park covers an area of around 354 sq. km. and is home to exotic and endangered species like the Nilgai, Flying Lizard, Treeshrew, Hyena, and Golden Gecko. The best time to visit Sri Venkateswara National Park is from November through February.
7. Deer Park, Tirupati
Deer Park in Tirupati is home to a variety of wildlife and beautiful landscapes, making it a paradise for wildlife lovers. Deer are the most frequently spotted animal here, and visitors can feed the deer with their hands. The place is the perfect spot for wildlife and nature photography. It is an ideal retreat for visitors who wish to escape the crowds and unwind amidst nature.
8. Talakona Waterfalls, Tirupati
With water falling from a height of 82 meters, Talakona Waterfalls is one of the highest falls in the country. It is believed that its water has healing properties because it is enriched with herbs and medicinal plants. Located inside Sri Venkateswara National Park, the fall is visited by several tourists. The surrounding area is a dense forest with rich flora and fauna and was declared a biosphere reserve in 1989.
9. TTD Gardens, Tirupati
Spread over a 460-acre area, TTD Gardens are ornamental, flower, and landscape gardens that supply 500 kg of flowers to temples in and around Tirupati every day. The gardens are home to more than 200 varieties of mutated and hybrid flowers, including crotons and hibiscus. In addition to the four nurseries inside the garden, there are several ponds and some beautiful sights which make it an ideal destination to spend time with family.
10. Silathoranam, Tirupati
Silathoranam, a unique and mysterious attraction near Tirumala, is one of the three natural rock arches in the world. The formation is 3 meters high and 8 meters wide and looks similar to the hood of a serpent, discus, and conch. It is believed to be the source of the idol of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala Temple, as both are of the same height. These rocks date back to the pre-Cambrian era, which means they are almost 1.5 billion years old. The best time to visit the place is between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., or during sunset, when the arch looks mystical.
11. Srivari Padalu
Situated on top of Narayangiri Hill amidst beautiful scenery, Srivari Padalu is believed to be the place where Lord Narayan first set his foot on earth. It is an important pilgrimage, and visitors flock in large numbers to offer prayers to the footprints of Lord Narayan.
12. Chandragiri, Tirupati
Chandragiri is an ancient town that once served as the 4th capital of the Vijayanagar dynasty. The town is famous for the 11th-century Chandragiri Fort, which is built on a massive rock and stands at a height of 183 meters. The fort encompasses eight temples, the Rani Mahal, and other structures that are in ruins. The Raja Mahal is transformed into an archaeological museum, wherein you can see some of the finest artifacts from Vijayanagara architecture. The sound and light show organized here in Telugu and English is quite impressive.
