This is a carefully selected list of the top attractions in Tirumala that you should not miss while on your spiritual retreat.
- Sri Venkateswara Temple
- Sri Bedi Anjaneya Swamy Temple
- Sri Venkateswara Museum
- Akasa Ganga
- Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park
- Chandragiri Fort
1. Sri Venkateswara Temple
India’s most well-known pilgrimage site is Sri Venkateswara Temple, which is devoted to Lord Vishnu’s avatar, Sri Venkateswara. Known by another name, Kaliyuga Vaikuntha, it is thought that Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Sri Venkateswara in order to protect humanity from the hardships of the fourth Yuga Cycle yuga, Kali Yuga. The seven heads of the serpent Adishesha, upon which Lord Vishnu rests, are symbolized by Sri Venkateswara, also known as Sapthagiri, the Lord of Seven Hills.
Three entrances lead to the main sanctorum of the temple, which is constructed in the Dravadian architectural style. In addition to the holy sanctuary of Lord Venkateswara, there are shrines dedicated to Lord Ram and Mata Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman, Lord Krishna and Rukmini, and other deities. This is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Tirumala, drawing a significant number of pilgrims from distant areas who come to seek blessings.
2. Sri Bedi Anjaneya Swamy Temple
Sri Bedi Anjaneya Swamy Temple, dedicated to Hanuman, is situated across from Sri Venkateswara Temple. The word “bedi” means “cuffs,” and the legend behind this temple recounts how, when Hanuman was a small boy and wanted to go out of Tirumala in quest of a camel, his mother Anjana Devi stopped him, bound his hands with a bedi, and told him to stay there until she returned. Hanuman concurred, but Anjana Devi never showed up again. As a result, Hanuman is still seen standing in front of the Mahadwaram and kneeling to the Lord while with his hands folded. While there is an annual Hanuman Jayanti abhishekam, there is an annual Sunday abhishekam.
3. Sri Venkateswara Museum
The Sri Venkateswara Museum, which opened its doors in 1980, is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about Tirumala’s past. The Sri Venkateswara Temple is close by the museum, and the museum’s exterior design is similar to the temple’s. The museum is organized into sections that display several artifacts, including coins, ceramics, inscriptions, musical instruments, and photographs. A dedicated area within the museum showcases models of the temple, varying in dimensions and composed of diverse materials. For those interested in history and education, the Sri Venkateswara Museum is one of the best locations in Tirumala to learn about the town’s rich past.
4. Akasa Ganga
Nestled in the verdant surroundings of Tirumala, Akasa Ganga is a revered waterfall that provides stunning vistas of the surrounding area. According to the legend, Lord Venkateswara’s lotus feet are where Akasa Ganga Teertham first appeared. To get to the picturesque waterfalls, one can hike there or use a bus, taxi, or vehicle. Formerly, Lord Venkateswara would bathe in the holy water of the teertham, but presently pipelines have been erected to transport water directly from the Akasa Ganga to the Sri Venkateswara Temple. To complete the daily ritual, the priests carry the water themselves on special occasions. One of the top attractions in Tirumala is Akasa Ganga; a trip to this holy location would not be complete without it.
5. Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park
The Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park, named for Lord Venkateswara, was founded with mythology as its central subject. Lord Vishnu’s incarnations, including as Varaha, Mastya, Kurma, and Narasimha avatars, are displayed near the zoo’s entrance, supporting the concept. It is a refuge for 49 species of birds, 7 species of reptiles, and 32 species of animals. It is also known as SV Zoo Park or Tirupati Zoo Park. Both Deer Safari and Lion Safari are offered in the park. One of the top tourist destinations in Tirumala is the Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park, if you’re interested in spending time with animals and the natural world.
6. Chandragiri Fort
Chandragiri Fort, which is around 25 acres, was constructed in the eleventh century and is attributed to the Yadava rulers. The ancient fort, which showcases Vijayanagara architecture, is perched atop Chandragiri, a hill. It has a reservoir, a Rani Mahal, or the Queen’s Palace, and a Raja Mahal, or the King’s Palace, which is currently run by the Indian Archaeological Survey as an antiquities museum.
A collection of sculptures, wooden carvings, artifacts, and other objects spanning thousands of years can be found inside the Indo-Saracenic Raja Mahal. Comparable in design to the Raja Mahal, the Rani Mahal is a double-story palace. The art, culture, and architectural legacy of the region have been preserved at the fort, despite its rule by multiple dynasties.
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