Tirupati is a vibrant city in Chittoor district of Indian state Andhra Pradesh. It’s a place where one can seek spiritual love and invigorating natural beauty. This city is known for its rich ethnicity and values. In the recent years Tirupati has become a pristine tourist destination. Apart from housing many religious destinations this place has a lot more to offer. Here are some of the popular tourist places near Tirupati Venkateshwara temple which one must explore
Sri Venkateshwara Zoological Park : One of the largest zoo parks in Asia, Sri Venkateshwara Zoological Park is located in Tirupati Andhra Pradesh. The idea for the development of this park is linked with the great Indian mythology. Main reason for opening the Venkateshwara zoo was to conserve the biodiversity by showing the importance of the role of animals in Indian mythology, epic texts like Ramayana, Mahabharata, Vedas.
Sri Venkateshwara Zoological Park conveys the vital information and importance given to animals & plants in Indian culture. Being the only park based on such theme makes this zoo unique. It’s a good place to hang out for nature lovers. Sri Venkateshwara Zoo is spread over an area of 5,532 acres. You can spot different variety of flora and fauna in the zoo.
Sri Venkateshwara National Park : Established in 1989, Venkateshwara National Park is a popular biosphere reserve in Andhra Pradesh on Eastern Ghats of India. It is spread over an area of 353KM over Tirumala Hills of Chittor district to Seshachalam hills of Cuddapah district. The park comprises of many waterfalls like Talakona, Gunjana and Gundalakona. Vibrant variety of flora and fauna can be found in the park. This park is a must visit place where one gets to explore & witness the eternal valleys and wildlife. It a park blessed with fantastic natural landscape and geographical features.
Around more than 100 species of birds like yellow-browed bulbul, blue-faced malkoha, large-hawk cuckoo and many more can be spotted here. Distinctive species like spotted deer, mouse deer, wild boar, leopard, gliding lizard, tree shrew, Indian giant squirrel can also be found.
Padmavathi Temple : Placed in Chittoor district, Padmavathi is a pristine temple devoted to Goddess Padmavathi (consort of Lord Venkateshwara). It is at a distance of 5km from Tirupati. There are two sub-temples within the Padmavathi temple-Shri Krishna Swamy temple and Sri Sundararaja Swamy temple. A temple tank called Padmasarovaram is also present within the temple. As per legends, Goddess Padmavathi was manifested in this tank.
Srikalahasteeswara Temple : It is well famed Lord Shiva temple located in South India. This temple is famous for its Vayu linga which represents wind and is one of the Panchabhoota Sthalams. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kalahasteeswara at the temple. It is located 36 km away from Tirupati in Srikalahasti town in Andhra Pradesh. Srikalahasteeswara temple is known for Rahu-Kethu pooja and is considered as Rahu-Ketu kshetra & Dakshina Kailasam. Regarded as the ‘Kashi of the South’, the inner temple was built in 5th century and outer temple was constructed by the Chola king in 12th century.
Vinayaka Temple : Vinayaka temple is a famous sacred temple of Lord Ganesh. The temple is also known as Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka temple. The temple is located 11 m from Chittoor at Kanipakkam. Vinayaka temple was constructed in 11th century CE by Chola king Kulothunga Chola I. Main deity of the temple is Vinayaka which is self-manifested. The holy deity rests in a well that is always full of water. Tirupati is 68 km away from the temple.
Chandragiri Fort: If you want to explore the rich heritage of the region then you must visit Chandragiri fort. It is an ancient fort that was constructed in 11 century by Yadava Rayas. It is located in Chandragiri at a distance of 12 km from Tirupati. The main feature of the fort is the Raj Mahal which is like a museum that displays artifacts and models of the Tirupati & other temples.
Talakona Waterfall : Highest waterfall in Andhra Pradesh, Talakona waterfall falls from a height of 270 feet. It is a popular sightseeing place in Tirupati that is enclosed by surreal natural surroundings. Talakona waterfall lies in the Venkateshwara National Park and is around 48 km away from Tirupati Balaji temple. The literal meaning of Talakona is ‘head of the hill’. The waterfall emerges from Seshachalam hills and one can also enjoy trekking at this place. The water of the fall is believed to have high medicinal values that can cure ailments.
Papa Vinasanam Dam : It is a popular attraction that is located 6 km to the north of Tirumala. The literal meaning of Papavenasama ‘‘end of the sins’’ as papa means ‘sins’ and venasama means ‘destroy’. This dam is considered religiously significant as it is believed that a dip in the water washes away the past sins & deeds of one’s life. Visiting timing of the dam is 6 AM -6 PM. It remains closed on public holidays.
Nagalapuram : One of the famous tourist spot in Andhra Pradesh is Nagalapuram which is a part of Eastern Ghat. It is a place where you get to enjoy the rustic wilderness. Nagalapuram is dotted with gushing waterfalls, dense forests and splendid hills. This place is also known as Nagala Hills and was built by the Vijayanagar empire, King Krishna Deva Naya. Nagalapuram is an ideal place for adventure junkies as you can indulge in trekking and camping. Trek trail to the falls will lead you to the soothing breezes and exotic flora & fauna.
While on a journey to Tirupati don’t forget to spare some time and indulge in shopping. There are many art crafts, religious idols & paintings, wooden toys, various accessories that you can buy. Some of the famous items which you can buy from the local Tirupati markets are:
Thanjavur Paintings : These are south Indian style painting that was started in Thanjavur town. It is created on wooden panels and consists of precious stones, gold foil, numerous colors and gesso work. Most of the paintings are based on the background of mythological subject. These paintings have now become souvenirs that are used during the festive occasions. Thanjavur paintings in Tirupati are easily available in the local markets.
Kalamkari Paintings : It is a classical hand painting that is beautifully done on cotton or silk cloth with a pen (kalam) and natural dyes. This artwork involves twenty-three steps. Various artists in Andhra Pradesh practice the art of drawing Kalamkari paintings.
Religious Items : Tirupati is a holy city which is surrounded by many temples. There are end number of religious centers from where you can buy religious idols made of brass & copper, various traditional paintings & artworks, photo frames etc. Bookworm can buy various mythological books and get to know about the Hindu religion. Even spiritual CDs & DVDs are also available.