Destinations of south India, Tirupati-Balaji has an inimitable position and is recognized for the much popular Lord Venkateshwara deity, which is visited by numerous tourists all the year round. The meaning of the name Tirupati-Balaji is ‘lord of Lakshmi’. The renowned shrine of the deity is located on a hill at Tirumala, which is a cluster of seven hills. When you travel to Tirupati-Balaji, you must pay a visit to this temple, which is one of the lively cultural and philanthropic institutions with an impressive history. The Dravidian architecture depicted through this shrine will take you back to the ancient times.
There are numerous places to see in Tirupati-Balaji and the Lord Venkateshwara temple is the best known among these. This temple is a Mecca for the Hindu pilgrims and devotees line up in long serpentine queues to offer prayers and offerings to the deity. The other leading places of tourist interest you will come across here are Sri Govindrajaswamy Temple, Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple, Sri Kodandaramaswami Temple and Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami Temple. Due to the presence of these hallowed shrines at this picture perfect town, tourism in Tirupati-Balaji is increasingly growing in popularity.
Apart from these attractions, further excitement awaits you when you embark on the weekend excursions. On a fine day, you can set out for a journey that will take you to the interesting sites such as Chandragiri, Sri Kalahasthi, Agastyaswamy Temple, Kalyani Dam, Horsley Hills and Kailasakona Waterfalls. The fun and excitement get enriched when your tour covers the festive seasons. The entire town pulsates with a festive spirit. Brahmotsavam is the most prominent among the festivals here. The temple car festival is also marked with great excitement and enthusiasm.
Another festival that is also characterized by the same degree of fervor and zeal is the Vijayanagar Festival which is held at the famous Chandragiri Fort. To be a part of these festivals is equally an exciting experience.
Tirupati-Balaji offers a number of excellent lodging facilities for the travelers. You can put up in any choice of accommodation you like and expect the finest hospitality and world class facilities and services. There are many luxury and budget category hotels that are located in and around Tirupati-Balaji.
Tirupati-Balaji is well-linked by air, rail and road. The nearest airport and railhead is Chennai and the town can be easily reached from Bangalore and Hyderabad by road.
 Tirupati-Balaji is located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh and is a highly consecrated town known for the temple of Lord Venkateshwara. Located magnificently on a hill at Tirumala, which is a chain of seven hills and is known as Venkatachalam, with more than eight hundred in altitude, it is frequented by hordes of tourists all the year round. Almost everyday is a festivity here and a prior knowledge about Tirupati-Balaji will help you make your tour to this sacred town a rewarding experience.
Several other places of tourist interest you will encounter on your tour to Tirupati-Balaji include Sri Govindrajaswamy Temple, Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple, Sri Kodandaramaswami Temple, Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami Temple and Tiruchanur.
Fast Facts
| Altitude |
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161 meters above the sea level |
| Languages |
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Telugu and English |
| Religion |
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Hinduism |
| STD code |
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0877 |
| Best Time to Visit |
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September to February |
History of Tirupati-Balaji:
Tirupati-Balaji has an ancient history. Tirupati (earlier Tiruvengadam) was the northernmost frontier of the Tamil kingdoms. The town of Tirupati-Balaji is said to be heaven on Earth (Kaliyuga Vaikuntha) and dates back during the times of Mauryas and the Guptas. By the 5th century AD, the town became an established center where the Vaishnava Saints (called Alvars) used to sing in praise of Lord Venkateshwara. The temple of Lord Venkateshwara has always been patronized by the various ancient dynasties such as Cholas, Hoysalas and Vijayanagar. The temple scaled the heights of popularity by the opulent donations by Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagar including gold and various precious ornaments and also by constructing the extended shrines. According to the people, the deity of Sriranganatha from Srirangam was brought to Tirupati for safekeeping from the incessant invasions. With the advent of the British East India Company in the year 1843, Seva Dossji of the Hathiramji Mutt at Tirumala was entrusted with the administration of Sri Venkateshwara Temple and its shrines. The present day town of Tirupati-Balaji is a burgeoning one with numerous tourists frequenting it from the far corners of the world.
Best Season, Climate and Clothing:
The summers are generally hot in Tirupati-Balaji and the mercury can reach as high as 40 degrees Celsius and the winters are pleasant with a cool climate. This place should ideally be visited between September to February, and for the summer, light cottons would be the best, whereas for the winters, light woolens are recommended.
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