Tirupati is situated in the middle of lush green and peaceful Eastern Ghats in Chittoor district. This is located in the south east part of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Tirupati is situated at a distance of seven hundred kilometers from Hyderabad. Tirupati is regarded as one of the most significant pilgrim place in India. Tirupati is well known for the Venkateswara temple which is said to be the abode of Lord Balaji. Tirupati consists of various temples and is well known for its red wood toys, copper idols as well as brass idols.
Best time to visit Tirupati: This place can be traveled to any time throughout the year. The temperature over here is moderate.
Interesting places to see when in Tirupati:
1. Lord Venkateswara Temple: The Lord Venkateswara is also known as the God of Seven Hills. This temple is situated on Tirumala Hills which are located in the Eastern Ghats. The mention of this temple exists in Shastras as well as Puranas and held highly religious by the Kings and rulers of South India. The architecture of chief temple has been inspired by the finest form of Indian architecture. The Vimana and the Dhwajasthambam are made out of pure gold.
2. Sila Thoranam: This is an extremely rare geographical arch. This is the only one of its kind that exists in Asia. This arch is twenty five feet long and about ten feet high. This arch is situated on the Tirumala Hills. The geologists have established that this arch is about fifteen hundred million years old. This arch can also be understood as a rare geological formation known as eparchean unconformity. It is believed that this arch was formed because of severe weathering and erosion caused by stream and somehow managed to resist the torque of nature.
3. Lepakshi: Lepakshi is situated at a distance of sixteen kilometers from the Hindupar railway station. This village boasts of many magnificent temples. The massive bull mount of Nandi is the biggest sculpture of its type. The temples here have many paintings on its wall and ceilings. The chief attraction of this village is the hanging tower that is held in place from top.
4. Akasa Ganga: This River is situated at a distance of three kilometers in the north direction from the chief temple. Akasa Ganga is a perennial stream. The legend says that is river originated from the feet of Lord Vishnu. This is a holy river and many travelers take holy dips in this river to wash away their sins and purify their souls. The water of this river is used in the temples to perform everyday rites.
5. Govindaraja Swami Temple: The temple situated in the center of Tirupati is Sri Govindaraja Swami.This temple was founded by the Nayakas, the heir to the Vijayanagar Empire. The temple has an amazing exterior gopuram. The inmost gopuram dates back to the fourteenth or the fifteenth century. The chief shrines are devoted to Vishnu and Krishna.
Things to do and not to do while visiting Tirupati:
Wear appropriate clothes
Do not consume alcohol
Do not eat non vegetarian food.
Do not wear flowers… they are only for the Gods.
Do not spit here and there or litter around.
Do not carry a camera, video camera or mobile phone inside the temple premises without checking with the authorities.
