About Tirupati and Tirumala
The temple of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala is one of the most visited places of worship in the world. Tirupati is the town at the foot of the hills, where the airport and railway station are, and Tirumala is the temple town at the top, reached by a winding road or by stepped footpaths.
For many Telugu, Tamil and Kannada families in Britain, a visit to Balaji is a promise made for a birth, a wedding, exam results or recovery from illness, and it is often combined with time with relatives in the south.
Getting there from the UK
Three good gateways, all with non-stop flights from Heathrow.
| Fly to | Then | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai | Road, a few hours, or a domestic flight | British Airways flies non-stop from Heathrow |
| Bengaluru | Domestic flight, or around five hours by road | Several non-stops from Heathrow |
| Hyderabad | Domestic flight to Tirupati | Good for Telangana and Andhra families |
Our tip: If you are driving from Chennai, leave early in the morning to avoid the heat and the traffic, and stop for breakfast on the way.
Planning darshan at Tirumala?
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Tirupati airport
Tirupati International Airport is at Renigunta, about 14 km from Tirupati city. It has domestic flights from several large Indian cities. From the airport it is a short drive into Tirupati and then up the ghat road to Tirumala.
Keeping the domestic flight on the same booking as your flight from the UK protects you if the first flight is late. Our guide to changing planes in India explains how connections work.
Darshan and booking
The temple is run by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, known as TTD. Special entry darshan tickets and accommodation at Tirumala are booked online through the official TTD website, and slots for popular days go quickly. Free darshan is also available, but queues can last many hours.
Book darshan before you fix your flights where you can, and use only the official TTD channels. Dress codes apply, so check the latest guidance before you travel.
Walking up the hill
Many devotees climb to Tirumala on foot as an act of devotion, by the Alipiri or Srivari Mettu footpaths. The climb is long, with thousands of steps, so it is best started early in the morning and is not for everyone. Buses and taxis run up the ghat road for those who prefer to ride.
When to go
The temple is open all year. The cooler months from October to February are the most comfortable. Weekends, school holidays and festivals such as Vaikunta Ekadasi and Brahmotsavam bring the biggest crowds, so weekdays outside these times are usually quieter.
April to June is hot in the plains, though cooler on the hills. The north-east monsoon brings rain to the region from about October to December.
Combining with other temples
Tirupati is easily combined with Chennai’s temples, Kanchipuram, and the shore temples at Mahabalipuram, or with the great temples of Tamil Nadu further south. Our Tamil Nadu and Kerala tour covers many of them, and our flights to Chennai page explains the routes from the UK.
Elderly parents
Long queues, heat and crowds are hard for older pilgrims. Ask TTD about the facilities for senior citizens and people with disabilities, and book wheelchair assistance on all flights. A night in Tirupati before going up to Tirumala makes the day easier.
See our page on assisted travel for elderly passengers.
Where to stay
TTD runs a large number of rooms and cottages at Tirumala, booked online through its official website, and they are popular, so book as soon as your dates are fixed. Tirupati town at the foot of the hill has a much wider range of hotels, from simple guest houses to comfortable chain hotels.
Staying in Tirupati and going up the hill early in the morning works well for families with elderly parents, because you can rest properly before the long day of queues and darshan.
Tonsuring, offerings and laddu prasadam
Many devotees offer their hair at the Kalyanakatta tonsuring halls at Tirumala as an act of thanks, and it is common to see whole families with freshly shaved heads. Offerings in the hundi, the temple donation box, are a central part of the visit for many pilgrims.
The famous Tirupati laddu is given as prasadam and is also sold at the temple counters. If you plan to bring some back to the UK for relatives, keep it in your hand luggage and remember the UK rules on bringing food into the country.
What to wear and carry
Modest, traditional clothing is expected in the temple. Many visitors wear a sari, salwar kameez or kurta, or a dhoti, and you will remove your shoes before entering the queue. Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside the temple, so leave them at the cloak room or your hotel.
Carry water, a small snack for the queue, any medicines you need and a copy of your darshan booking. On hot days, a light scarf or umbrella helps while waiting outside.
How long to allow
Allow at least two nights around Tirupati for a relaxed visit: one to arrive and rest, and one for darshan, which can take most of a day with queues. If you are walking up the hill, add more time and rest.
Questions people ask
Do I need a visa to visit Tirupati?
Yes, if you travel on a British passport. You need an Indian visa or OCI card, plus the free e-Arrival card before you land.
Can I take my phone into the temple?
No. Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside, so leave them at the cloak room or your hotel.
Which airport is nearest to Tirupati?
Tirupati International Airport at Renigunta, about 14 km from Tirupati city.
Is it better to fly to Chennai or Bengaluru for Tirupati?
Chennai is closest by road, a drive of a few hours. From Bengaluru, a domestic flight to Tirupati is easier than the drive.
How do I book darshan at Tirumala?
Through the official Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams website. Popular slots sell out quickly.
Can I walk up to Tirumala?
Yes, by the Alipiri or Srivari Mettu footpaths. It is a long climb, best started early in the morning.
When is the best time to visit Tirupati?
October to February, on weekdays outside festivals and school holidays, for cooler weather and shorter queues.
Are there direct flights from the UK to Tirupati?
No. Fly to Chennai, Bengaluru or Hyderabad, then take a domestic flight or travel by road.
Is Tirupati suitable for elderly parents?
Yes, with planning. Check TTD facilities for senior citizens and book wheelchair help on the flights.
