One of the holiest temples in India, the Sri Venketeshwara Temple is revered and celebrated by devotees and visitors from all over the world. People come here throughout the year to pay their respects and one of the largest draws here is the Vishesh Puja that is held every day from morning 5.30 am to 6.30 am. This 12th-century temple is one of the most important places to go in Tirupati. An estimated 50,000 people come here every single day. The temple administration as put proper procedures in place to manage these huge numbers and to ensure that any untoward incidents are avoided.

This waterfall, which is not too far from the main temple, is one of the most famous tourist places in Tirupati. The water here flows throughout the year and this is one of the spots that has a lot of religious significance for many visitors. During monsoons, the waterfall is simply breath-taking as it is inundated with the rainwater.

Adjacent to the Sri Venkateshwara Temple is the Swami Pushkarini Lake which has an interesting legend attached to it. The lake, which is one of the most amazing places to visit in Tirupati, is said to have belonged to Lord Vishnu and used to be in his heavenly Vaikuntham abode. The lake was brought to earth by Garuda for the enjoyment of Sri Venkateshwara and is considered to be extremely holy. Pilgrims often take a dip in this lake before they go on to the main temple. 

Considered to be an important natural archaeological marvel, this natural rock formation is said to be among the only three of such formations in the entire world. This makes Silathoranam extremely important and certainly one of the top places to visit in Tirupati.

Also called Natural Arch, this is a National Geo-heritage monument although it is linked to the Lord Venkateshwara and has various legends associated with it. Irrespective of the legends and beliefs, this is a remarkable monument that has to be seen if you are in the vicinity. The best time to reach here is in the morning between 6 am and 8 am, although sunset is also a good time to visit.

If the constant sight of throngs of people is getting to be too much for you, then it’s a good idea to head to the Deer Park which is perfect for those who love nature and animals. The Deer Park is home to numerous deer as well as other animals. People who visit Tirupati often visit the Deer Park and spend some time with the gentle creatures and even feed them. It’s certainly one of the more interesting places to visit in Tirupati.

This 11th-century palace and fort is a great place for tourists who love history. Built by the Yadav Naidu kings and associated with the Vijayanagara Kingdom, this palace is a monument to the rich history and heritage of Vijayanagara architecture. There are beautiful light and sound shows that add to the allure of this majestic fort. There’s an entry fee of Rs 100 and the monument is open to the public from 10.00 am to 8.45 pm. 

Lush and green, the Sri Venkateshwara National Park is one of the many places to visit in Tirupati. Occupying more than 350 square km on the Eastern Ghats, this park is famed for numerous things such as lush waterfalls and its rich biodiversity. The natural landscape of the park is stunning and it’s one of the reasons why people love to visit it whenever they are in the vicinity. Most people make a day out of the visit here, an outing amid nature that promises adventure and breath-taking sights. 

For a glimpse into the ancient history and architecture of the region, it’s a good idea to visit Srivari Museum especially as it lets you see the religious history as well. You can gaze upon the impressive collection of artefacts here along with the sculptures, scriptures, temple utensils and even photographs. The museum is open from morning to evening and there’s no entry fee charged.   

An exciting adventure awaits in Tirupati. To ensure that your trip is as perfect as possible, do check the SOTC website for exciting deals and offers on holiday packages.