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Tirupati Balaji Temple, located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most famous and richest pilgrimage centers in India. Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, millions flock to seek the blessings of 'Balaji', another name for the deity, every year.
If you are planning a pilgrimage from Delhi, here is a comprehensive guide on how to reach Tirupati Balaji temple.
An Introduction to Tirupati Balaji Temple
The Venkateswara Temple, managed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), is located around 600 km from Hyderabad and 135 km from Chennai. At the foothills lies the town of Tirupati, which serves as the gateway to the temple situated 20 km uphill.
Considered one of the eight swayable kshetras of Lord Vishnu, the origins of the main shrine dates back to 300 A.D. The inner sanctum houses the imposing idol of Lord Venkateswara, making this one of the most important Vaishnavite pilgrimage centers in India.
By Flight from Delhi
Reaching Tirupati Balaji temple from Delhi by flight is the fastest and most convenient option. Direct flights operated by IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet cover the aerial distance of 1,688 km in 2.5 to 3 hours.
Flight tickets typically cost between ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 depending on the airline and timings. You can grab great deals if booked well in advance. The nearest airport is Renigunta Airport, located 15 km from Tirupati and 26 km from Tirumala. From there, taxis (₹1,500-₹2,000) and buses (₹30 per person) operate to Tirupati and Tirumala.
By Train from Delhi
Journeying by train from Delhi is economical, with tickets priced between ₹500-₹1,500 for sleeper and 3AC classes on regular trains. Luxury trains like Rajdhani Express offer a premium travel experience.
Popular trains like AP Sampark Kranti Express, Goa Express and Swarna Jayanti Express cover the distance in 25 to 50 hours depending on the route and halts. Booking is recommended for seat confirmation.
Once you alight at Tirupati station, you can take buses or taxis to reach Tirumala temple town just 20 km uphill.
By Road from Delhi
The Delhi to Tirupati Balaji road trip covers 2,150 km, taking 32 to 36 hours of drive time. You can self-drive a rental car or hire taxi services for around ₹14-16k one way. Overnight AC Volvo buses operated by SRS Travels, Orange Tours etc. charge ₹2,000 to ₹3,500 per person.
While the initial route via Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh has decent roads, be prepared for rough patches as you enter deeper south. Carry enough drinking water and cash for toll payments along the way.
Commute to Tirumala Temple
Once you reach Tirupati, frequent buses by TTD and APSRTC connect uphill to Tirumala from ₹50 per ride. One can also hire jeeps or taxis costing ₹600-₹900 for a drop to your Tirumala accommodation.
Have a safe spiritual journey to Tirupati Balaji temple! If you want to experience the traditional way, try the scenic 7 km footpath from Alipiri maintained by TTD.
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