Places to Visit in Tirupati and Tirupati Tourist Places
The spots our family visits after darshan, on the hill and in town.
The quiet corners of the hill
After our darshan one year, we had an afternoon free and took the TTD bus to Papavinasam. The kids splashed in the cold water while our parents sat by the small shrine. It became the part of the trip they remember most after the darshan.
Below are places on Tirumala hill and in Tirupati town that we like. Add one or two to your first visit plan.
Quick answer: Top places to visit in Tirupati: on the hill, Silathoranam, Srivari Padalu, Akasa Ganga and Papavinasam. In town, Govindaraja Swamy temple, Kapila Theertham and the Zoo Park. Places near Tirupati: Padmavathi temple, Srikalahasti, Kanipakam and Talakona waterfall.
Places, distance and time needed
| Place | Where | Approx distance | Time needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silathoranam | Tirumala | About 1 km from temple | 30 minutes |
| Srivari Padalu | Tirumala, Narayanagiri | About 3 km | 1 hour |
| Akasa Ganga | Tirumala | About 3 km | 45 minutes |
| Papavinasam | Tirumala | About 5 km | 1 hour |
| Govindaraja Swamy temple | Tirupati | Near railway station | 1 hour |
| Kapila Theertham | Tirupati | Near Alipiri | 1 hour |
| Padmavathi temple | Tiruchanur | About 5 km from Tirupati | 2 hours |
| SV Zoological Park | Tirupati | Edge of town | 2 to 3 hours |
| Talakona falls | Forest area | About 50 km | Full day |
Approximate, from our visits. TTD changes timings and rules, so check the official TTD website before you go.
Places on the hill and in town
Distances are rough, from the main temple or Tirupati town.
Silathoranam
A natural rock arch near the temple, a rare geological formation. Short ride from the main temple.
Papavinasam
A sacred waterfall and theertham where devotees bathe. Cool and green, best after rain.
Akasa Ganga
A small waterfall linked to the temple, with a shrine to Anjaneya nearby.
Srivari Padalu
The footprints of the Lord on Narayanagiri, the highest point of the hills, with lovely views.
Govindaraja Swamy temple
A large old temple near the railway station with a tall gopuram. Easy to visit on arrival.
Kapila Theertham
A Shiva temple with a waterfall at the foot of the hills, near Alipiri.
How we cover the hill in one afternoon
Take the TTD bus or a taxi from the bus stand. Start at Silathoranam near the temple, then go up to Srivari Padalu for the view, stop at Akasa Ganga and end at Papavinasam before it gets dark. Next morning cover the town temples on the way out.
Carry water and a cap, and keep small change for the TTD canteen near the falls. If you have kids, Papavinasam is the best stop to end the day, they love the cold water. Do not climb the wet rocks for photos.
Good habits and bad ones
Good
- Carrying water and a cap
- Using TTD buses or taxis
- Keeping kids away from slippery rocks
- Visiting falls after rain
Bad
- Feeding monkeys at view points
- Throwing plastic in the forest
- Climbing wet rocks for photos
- Going too late in the evening
Tips for sightseeing
Things that made our trips around Tirupati easy.
Half day plan
- AfternoonSilathoranam and Srivari Padalu
- LaterAkasa Ganga
- EveningPapavinasam
- NightBack to room
Zoo Park
Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park in Tirupati is large. Keep two to three hours for it.
Talakona
Talakona falls is about 50 km away in the forest. Go early and return before dark.
ISKCON
ISKCON Tirupati is a calm temple to visit in the evening in town.
More temples
Add Srikalahasti and Kanipakam for an extra day.
- Rock arch
- Silathoranam
- Falls
- Papavinasam, Akasa Ganga
- Highest point
- Srivari Padalu
- Town temple
- Govindaraja Swamy
- Near Alipiri
- Kapila Theertham
- Day trip
- Talakona falls
Slippery rocks. Falls and theerthams get slippery in the rain. Hold children by hand and do not climb rocks for photos. Book only on the official TTD website or app.
Related pages: Padmavathi Temple · Srikalahasti Temple · Kanipakam Temple · Dress Code & Rules
Official sources: Official TTD website · TTD news (tirumala.org)
Short answers devotees search for
Govindaraja Swamy temple, Kapila Theertham, ISKCON temple, Zoo Park and Regional Science Centre.
Silathoranam, Srivari Padalu, Akasa Ganga, Papavinasam and Japali.
Tiruchanur, Srinivasa Mangapuram, Chandragiri fort, Srikalahasti, Kanipakam and Talakona.
Srikalahasti and Kanipakam together by taxi. Visiting places in Tirupati town fit in half a day.
Questions about places to visit in Tirupati
What families ask us about places near the temple.
What are the places to visit in Tirupati other than temples?
Sri Venkateswara Zoo Park, Talakona waterfall, the TTD museum at Tirumala, Chandragiri fort and the Regional Science Centre are good picks for families.
Which places near Tirupati can we cover in one day?
Srikalahasti (36 km) and Kanipakam (70 km) can be covered in one day by taxi. Tiruchanur Padmavathi temple is only 5 km and fits into a half day.
What are the things to do in Tirupati?
Have Tirumala darshan, offer hair at Kalyanakatta, buy laddu, visit Padmavathi temple, see Kapila Theertham waterfall and shop for wooden toys and bronze idols in town.
What are the places to visit in Tirumala besides the temple?
Silathoranam, Papavinasam, Akasa Ganga, Srivari Padalu and Japali Theertham are popular spots on the hill. They fit into a half day after darshan.
What can we see in Tirupati town?
Govindaraja Swamy temple, Kapila Theertham, ISKCON, Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park and Padmavathi temple at Tiruchanur are worth visiting.
How do we go around Tirumala?
TTD runs free buses between main points on the hill. Taxis and jeeps are also available at fixed points.
What is Silathoranam?
It is a natural stone arch near the main temple, considered a rare geological formation. It takes about 30 minutes to see.
Is Papavinasam worth visiting?
Yes, especially after rain. Devotees bathe in the sacred waters. It is about 5 km from the temple.