warangal places

Warangal Places of Intrest

Thousand Pillars Temple:

Perched elegantly on the slopes of the hills at Hanamkonda, the thousand pillars temple is fine specimen of Kakatiya Architecture and sculpture. Built by Rudra Deva in 1163 AD in the Chalunkan style, the star-shaped, triple shrine temple is dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. The temple is notable for its richly carved pillars, preformatted screens and exquisite icons, specially impressive are the rock cut elephants and the Nandi.

Warangal Fort:

The Warangal Fort with its impressive and beautifully carved thoranan arches, and pillars inside spread over a radius of 19 kms between Hanamkonda and Warangal, the impregnable fort was popularly known as the seat of power. The fort consists of seven towers , with a radius of 8 kms. The main fort has 45 towers, and a temple of mother earth in the middle of the fort (Swayam Bhudevi Alayam). A legendary master piece known as Khush Mahal built by Shittabh Khan (Reign 1504-1512 is situated close to the glorious Warangal Fort. Even today, the beautifully carved gateway located within the fort-the famous 'Ekashila'- symbolises the Kakatiya empire and Warangal like the Charminar does for Hyderabad.

Ramappa Temple:

The medieval Deccan Ramappa Temple dating back to 1213 AD, built by the 7th Kakatiya kind Rudra Senani, is the right choice for architectural lovers with a panoramic view of scenic beauty, situated at Palamet village 64 kms away from Warangal, the Temple has several idols in dancing postures. It documents the glory and grandeur of the Kakatiya kingdom with rich intricate culture on walls, pillars and ceilings brackets and ceiling will captivate you. The main attraction of this temple is the floating bricks and a warrior queen.

Ramappa Lake:

Includes Ramappa Temple and boating facility in Ramappa Lake. The Kakatiya rulers followed the traditions of constructing a tank adjacent to a temple. In line with this tradition, the Ramappa Lake was also constructed near the Ramappa temple. The lake holds a great scenic beauty, with its serene surroundings, giving a mystical air to the temple.

Khush Mahal:

A mute testimony to a glorious past is the Khush Mahal, a masterpiece built by Shitabh Khan. Located close to the Warangal Fort, this magnificent edifice house idols excavated from the surrounding areas.

Pakhal Wild Life Sanctuary:

Listen to the call of the wild; around the tranquil man made Pakhal lake, discover the interesting and exciting water body with crocodiles and big fish & variety of birds. You can have a walk around the lake along the nature trial path. Special sitting places are being provided for families.

Pakhal Lake:

A trip to Warangal is not complete without a sojourn at the charming Pakhal Lake. Moonlit nights on the shores of this lake are simply heavenly.Situated about 70 kms from Warangal, this huge manmade lake is enveloped by forested hills. Set around the lake is Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary, spread over an area of 900 sq. km.

Tadvai & Eturinagaram:

Apart from Pakhal, another worth visiting is Tadwai sanctuary, which is spread over 800 Sq kms, and popularly known as Eturinagaram Sanctuary located about 80 kms from Warangal, this place with scenic, beauties and has facilities like guest house and building complex of general amenities. Nature lovers can go for a walk along the nature trial or trek along the Peddagutta.

Bhadrakalli Temple:

Situated at a top of Hillock between and Warangal it is famous for the stone image of the goddess with eight-armed with a weapon in each hand is shown in a sitting posture.

Khazipet Dargha:

Situated at a distance of 2 kms from Kazipet Railway Station, Dargha which is popularly known as Kazipet Dargha is the place of visit not only for the Muslim Community but also for other religious from all over the country.

Fatima Church:

Fatima Church at Fathimanagar in Kazipet is a unique Roman catholic Church and is famous in Telegana Region. Many devotees from all over A.P in thousands visit the church to venerate Mary Matha and participate in festival celebration in the month of February every year. Most of the devotees are under belief that they get lot of relief and their petitions put forth are fulfilled.

Kolanupaka:

Kolanupaka 75 kms from Hyderabad and 75 kms from Warangal is famous for the 2000 years - old Jain Mahavir Temple. A five feet jade idol of Lord Mahavira is an added attraction. The Jain temple is architecturally brilliant and endowed with beautifully carved statues of Tirthankaras. The state Archaeological Department runs a museum in the Someswara temple complex with a wide range of exhibits relating to temple architecture.

Pembarti:

The Kakatiyas extensively used sheet metal art to decorate chariots and temples. with the fall of the Kakatiyas empire the art had a slow death. But it was revived during the reign of the Nizams of Hyderabad. Pembarti, located 60 Km from Warangal, is famous for the sheet metal art. For the lovers of arts and crafts the town is worth a visit.
Eturungaram:

About 80 Kms from Warangal, the Eturungaram Sanctuary along the banks of River Godavari, is home to the Spotted Deer, Blackbuck, Neelghai, Sloth Bear, Panther and Tiger. The sylvan environs of the sanctuary, with forests interspered with low hills, offer a nice holiday Cottages maintained by the department of Forests at Eturunagaram and nearby tadavi provide comfortable accommodation. The best season to visit Eturunagram is between October and May.

Cheriyal:

Cheriyal village in Warangal district is home to the famous Cheriyal scroll paintings. The paintings in earth colors, depicting mythological stories, find great popularity as wall decorations.

Hyderabad

H Y D E R A B A D

The name itself brings up visions of a vibrant city of minarets and modern high - rise buildings. A natural and sophisticated blend of old and new, an old 'Nawabi' culture with a new pro-active approach and hospitality.
The teeming bazaars of the old city, in the midst of which stands the 400-year-old Charminar, the modern shopping complexes and ultra-modern malls in the newer areas of the city add to the charm of Hyderabad.
The Golconda Fort, capital of the kingdom by that name, is today very much part of the city, as is Cyberabad (means Cyber City), a new local area created to keep pace with the zooming Information Technology & Tourism sector.
Pearls, bangles, silks, computer software, handicrafts and above all a delectable cuisine add to the splendour of this great city.
What to see " Charminar " Birla Mandir " Legislative Assembly " Lumbini Park " NTR Gardens "Botanical Gardens "Qutb Shahi Tombs "Salar Jung Museum "Nehru Zoological Park "Birla Planetarium "Birla Science Museum "AP State Museum "Mecca Masjid "Osmania University "Hi-tec City "Laad Bazaar "Shilparamam "Nizam's Jubilee Pavilion Museum "Golconda Fort "Ramoji Film City "Resorts "Hussainsagar Lake "Pleasure Boating "Parks & Gardens "Osman Sagar "Shamirpet "Food & Shopping

Places of interest

Charminar :

Charminar is as much the signature of Hyderabad as Taj Mahal is of Agra or Eiffel Tower is of Paris. Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the founder of Hyderabad, built Charminar in 1591 at the centre of the original city layout. It is believed to have been built as a charm to ward off a deadly epidemic raging at that time. Four graceful minarets soar to a height of 48.7m. Charminar has 45 prayer spaces and a mosque in it.
Birla Mandir:

This shimmering ethereal temple of Lord Venkateshwara, built in sculpted white marble, floats on the city skyline, on Kala Pahad. The idol in the temple is a replica of the one at Tirupati.
Legislative Assembly :
Built in 1913, the building was originally the Hyderabad State Town Hall. The architecture is a synthesis of Rajasthani and Persian styles, with an all white, aesthetic look. Located adjoining the picturesque Public Gardens, a massive statue of Mahatma Gandhi in a sitting posture is erected at the entrance park to the Assembly.
Lumbini Park
This beautiful entertainment park is situated on the shores of Hussainsagar lake. The landscaping here is a visual treat. A musically synchronized water fountain and a floral clock are major attractions here. Lumbini Park jetty is a major point for pleasure boating.
NTR Gardens
A leisure and entertainment centre adjoining the Hussainsagar lake, the NTR Gardens house a memorial (Samadhi) of Late N.T. Rama Rao, one of the most charismatic Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh. The sprawling NTR Gardens, set up on an area of 36 acres, offers a serene atmosphere and yet provides recreation facilities such as a Machan tree, Japanese Garden, Car Cafe, Souvenir shops, Fruit Restaurant and Children's Playing area. A monorail system takes the visitors around the garden.
Hyderabad Botanical Gardens:

The first Botanical Gardens in Andhra Pradesh, spread over 120 acres when completed, will have 19 sections (Vanams). Already open to public is the first phase, with the completion of 5 sections. The sections include medicinal plants, timber trees, fruit trees, ornamental plants, aquatic plants, bamboos and so on. The Park has been designed to have large water bodies, rolling meadows, natural forests, rich grasslands and exquisite rock formations - all providing visitors an unforgettable experience.
Qutb Shahi Tombs:

The tombs of the legendary Qutb Shahi kings lie to the north of Golconda, about a kilometre away from Banjara Darwaza of the Golconda Fort. Planned and built by the Qutb Shahis themselves, these tombs are said to be the oldest historical monuments in Hyderabad. They form a large group and stand on a raised platform. The tombs are built in Persian, Pathan and Hindu architectural styles using grey granite, with stucco ornamentation, the only one of its kind in the world where an entire dynasty has been buried at one place.
Salar Jung Museum:

This museum houses one of the biggest one-man collections of antiques and artifacts in the world by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan Salar Jung III. The objects d'art include Persian carpets, Moghal miniatures, Chinese porcelain, Japanese lacquer ware, famous sculptures including the Veiled Rebecca and Marguerite and Mephistopheles, a superb collection of jade, daggers belonging to Queen Noor Jahan and the Emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb's sword and many other fabulous items.
Nehru Zoological Park:

Spanning 300 lush green acres, the Nehru Zoological Park is a must for nature lovers. The biggest Zoo in India, it has over 250 species of animals and birds, most of which are kept in conditions as close to their natural habitats as possible. This is the first zoo to create moated enclosures for animals. The Lion Safari Park, Natural History Museum and Children's Train are the added attractions. .
Birla Planetarium/ Birla Science Museum:

Birla Planetarium is India's most modern planetarium and first of its kind in the country. It is equipped with advanced technology from Japan and is built on Naubat Pahad adjacent to Kala Pahad. And the Science Museum stands tribute to the advancement achieved by science and technology.
Andhra Pradesh State Museum:

A visit to the Andhra Pradesh State Museum is a delight for art lovers. Located in the picturesque Public Gardens, the museum boasts of one of the richest repositories of antiques and art objects in the country. Built in 1920 by the Nizam VII, the museum building itself is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The museum contains a Buddist gallery, Brahmanical & Jain gallery, Arms & Armour gallery Numissmatics gallery, Ajanta gallery & more. Adjacent to the State Museum is the Contempary Art Museum.
Mecca Masjid:

A hundred yards southwest of the Charminar is the Mecca Masjid, so named because the bricks were brought from Mecca to build the central arch. The Qutb Shahis never finished the building of the mosque, which was completed by Aurangzeb in 1694. Mecca Masjid is poetry in stone, with a hall measuring 67m & soaring to a height of 54m. Fifteen graceful arches five to each of the three sides, support the roof. Towards the southern end of the mosque lie the graves in marble of Nizam Ali Khan & the families of the Asaf Jahi dynasty.
Osmania University:
Established in 1918, it is one of the oldest universities in India. Named after Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, the university buildings are splendid, especially the Arts College building which is a perfect example of Indo Saracenic architecture.
Hi-tec City:
One of the modern monuments of trade & technology, it embodies the new-found attitude of Hyderabad & finds a place of pride today. Situated on the outskirts of the city, it is the nucleus of Cyberabad, the IT destination in these parts of the world.
Laad Bazaar:

This is the famous, colourful shopping centre of the Old City. It is tucked away in one of the streets leading off from Charminar. Bridal wear, pearls & the traditional Hyderabadi glass & stone studded bangles are sold here.
Shilparamam:

The Arts & Crafts VillageThe latest attraction at Madhapur beyond Jubliee Hills in Hyderabad is the 30-acre village, which houses arts & crafts of the country. India is an ocean of various arts & crafts but the talents of most of the artisans & artists goes unrecognized. To encourage them & give the necessary boost to their art, the crafts village hosts annual bazaars, where artists & artisans from all over the country exhibit their talents.
The Nizam s Museum:

Located in the stately Purani Haveli, the palace acquired in the year 1750, by the second Nizam, is now converted as a museum with a fascinating collection. The museum showcases the gifts & mementos presented to the last Nizam on the occasion of Silver Jubilee Celebration in 1937. A 1930 Rolls Royce, Packard & a Mark V Jaguar are among the vintage cars displayed. There is an interesting collection of models made in silver of all the prominent buildings of the city & citations in Urdu about H.E.H Mir Osman Ali Khan, gold burnished wooden throne used for the Silver Jubilee Celebrations, gold tiffin box inlaid with diamonds, gold model of Jubilee Pavilion and a silver filigree elephant with mahout are some of the notable items on display.The museum is open between 10.30am & 05.00pm on all days except Friday. Location: 2 Kms from Charminar & 1 Km from Salar Jung Museum. Ph:040-24521029.
Golconda Fort :
Golconda is one of the famous forts of India. The name originates from the Telugu words Golla Konda meaning "Shepherd's Hill". The origins of the fort can be traced back to the Yadava dynasty of Deogiri, and the Kakatiyas of Warangal. Golconda was originally a mud fort, which passed to the Bahmani dynasty and later to the Qutb Shahis, who held it from 1518 to 1687 A.D. The first three Qutb Shahi kings rebuilt Golconda, over a span of 62 years.The fort is famous for its acoustics, palaces, factories, ingenious water supply system and the famous Fateh Rahben gun, one of the cannons used in the last siege of Golconda by Aurangzeb, to whom the fort ultimately fell.
Special: Sound & Light Show at Golconda Fort
Ramoji Film City:

A dream world created for the celluloid on a sprawling 1000 acres, with every imaginable set and location, Ramoji Film City on the outskirts of Hyderabad offers facilities to produce any kind of movie. Apart from sets, there are hotels where artistes and technicians can stay. Visitors too can go round in conducted tours. (040-23235777)
RESORTS:
Ocean Park:
Ocean Park is located at Gandipet, 15 Kms from Hyderabad, on 20 acres of landscaped gardens. It provides a number of amusement rides, water rides and multi-cuisine restaurant. Open from 11 am to 7.30 pm Ocean Park offers a thrilling family outing. (040-23225660/23223824)
Treasure Island:
A picturesque holiday spot, Treasure Island, located on 60 acres of landscaped area at Gandipet, offers a variety of leisure and fun-oriented activities - horse riding, billiards, dancing at the disco, go-karting, swimming pool and so on. Night stay facilities are available for Members (040-23323330)
Dhola-ri-Dhani:
This is a typical village recreated with the rustic ambience and charm of an ethnic Rajasthani village, situated at Kompally village on Medchal Road. Camel rides, puppet shows, folk dances, authentic Rajasthani cuisine give you the taste of the desert State. A large swimming pool, a lake for boating, an open-air amphitheatre for plays and entertainment programmes, add to the ambience. Conferencing and night stay facilities available. (040-27721586/92832086)
Pragati Green Meadows & Resorts:
Spread over 26 acres and an hour's drive from Hyderabad, Pragati Resorts offers facilities like swimming, boating, children's park, coffee and snack bar, restaurant, conference hall, uniquely designed cottages for overnight stay. Pragati Sparsh, part of Pragati Resorts set in the sylvan surroundings, offers a complete range of Ayurvedic treatment and medicines in association with Santigiri Ashram of Kerala in coordination with the Department of Tourism. (040-23744594/23748745/23743411)
Dream Valley Resorts :
Nestled amidst lush green environs and located at Gandipet, Dream Valley Resorts is a water theme park with waterslide, cascading waterfalls, water squirts, a 9-hole golf course and go-kart track. (Phone: 040- 26590894/23394588)
Runway 9:
Located 9 Kms. from Secunderabad, Runway 9 is perhaps the first, largest and the only international Go-Karting centre in India with a length of 711 metres, lit up by 50,000-watt power white metal halide lamps. Facilities include Go-Karting, pool & snooker, archery, shooting, and roller skating, children's play area, fast food restaurants, conference facilities and exclusive party areas. (Phone: 040-27537700 Fax: 040-27548021)
Aalankrita-the Ethnic Gateway:
Spread over an area of 10 acres, Aalankrita blends the convenience of a 5-star resort, the ambience of a heritage site and the ethnicity of the times gone by. Located about 16 Kms from Secunderabad, the facilities here include an air-conditioned conference hall, well- side restaurant, a pyramid shaped meditation centre, a covered swimming pool for day and night use, a sunken dancing floor, air-conditioned cottages, an antique shop, exhibition hall, walkways and a sprawling open air theatre that can accommodate about 3000 people. (Ph: 92847464)
Hussainsagar Lake :
Constructed in 1562 A.D. by Hussain Shah Wali during the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah, this promenade by the lake is a busy thoroughfare today. Boating and water sports are a regular feature in the Hussainsagar. One of the world's tallest monolithic statues of Buddha stands on the 'Rock of Gibraltar', right in the middle of the lake.
Added to all these, is providing new and better facilities like speed boats, motor boats, 48 seater launch etc. Starlit on-board dinners and private parties also can be arranged on the launch.
Osmansagar Lake:
Osmansagar, better known as Gandipet, on the outskirts of Hyderabad is an excellent picnic spot. Osmansagar is one of the two lakes on the city s periphery that supplies drinking water to the great metropolis. The lake is a reservoir created by a dam across the Isa, a tributary of the River Musi:
Abutting the lake & the bund are lush gardens that provide the ideal ambience for an outing. Overlooking the lake s the heritage; Sagar Mahal, builts as a resort by the Nizam of Hyderabad & converted now into a lake resort.
Shamirpet :
Located 24 Kms to the north of Secunderabad, Shamirpet has a beautiful lake & a deer park. Its peaceful environs make it a great picnic spot. AP Tourism offers comfortable cottages facilities for accommodation (under private management), while the forest lodge can be booked with the AP Forest Department office at Saifabad.
Yatri Nivas (under private management):
AP Tourism s Yatri Nivas at Secunderabad has elegant & comfortable accommodation facilities. It provides 32 tastefully designed rooms on the first floor. Yatri Nivas has all the modern facilities including plush beds, multi-channel TV, etc. It also has restaurants (indoor & open air), a children s playground, sophisticated communication network, entertainment/sports/games & ice-cream parlour, all of which are centrally air-conditioned. Its facilities & service have earned it a 3 star category status.
Public Gardens :
Hyderabad has several beautiful gardens, one of the most popular being the Public Gardens, which also encloses the State Legislature, State Archaeological Museum, Jubilee Hall, Jawahar Bal Bhavan and Telugu Lalitha Kala Thoranam, an open-air theatre.Boating: AP Tourism operates pedal boats in Public Gardens pond.
KBR National Park:
One of the largest parks within the city KBR National Park is a Southern tropical deciduous forest and the last vestigial representative of the endemic flora of Hyderabad region, with over 100 species of birds, 20 species of reptiles and 15 species of butterflies.
Mrugavani National Park (Chilkur):
Located 25 Kms. from Hyderabad, the park contains the endemic flora of Hyderabad and is an urban refuge for small mammals like Wildboar, Jungle Cat etc. and birds.
Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park:
Located 15 Kms. from Hyderabad, the park has more than 350 black bucks, 400 cheetals and a number of wild boars, small mammals, reptiles and over 100 species of birds.
Food & Shopping :
Nurtured by the Moghal magnificence in the heart of South India, the cuisine combines the very best of Moghlai foods, such as Haleem and Mutton Biryani, with the hauntingly aromatic, spicy, tart and pungent seasonings of the South. The kitchens of the Nawabs, Rajahs and Jagirdars combined the Moghal influence with the predominantly Hindu subculture to cook up a cuisine that is the ultimate in fine dining.
Inseparable from the Moghal culture, but yet as different from the Hyderabadi cuisine as day from night, the sumptuous spread of Andhra delicacies which form a most satisfying repast include the southern foods like the typical Dosa (rice Pancakes), Pesarattu, yet another variety of rice and lentil and pancake with onion garnishing, the fire hot Rasam or spicy lentil and Tamarind soup, and the versatile Sambar, or thick lentil and vegetable stew, that is the ideal adjunct to all southern meals. Snack time could mean onion Pakoras, or Vadas, savoury doughnuts dipped in piping hot Sambar.
And for the non-vegetarian, Andhra cuisine serves up tongue tingling recipes like the tangy "chapala pulusu (sour & hot fish stew), flavourful "mutton Pulao, delectable prawn and crab curry perked up with lots of spices for that tantalizing taste that typifies Andhra feasts. And round off the meals with a sweet note - Double Ka Meetha, Qubani Ka Meetha or you can pamper yourself with the syrupy Kakinada Kajas (pastry with treacle filling), paper thin "pootharekalu" (cream and sugar sandwiched rice flour wafers), scrumptious "Bandar Laddus", the exotic 'Ariselu' (sweet pounded rice and molasses pancakes) and many more specialties to satisfy your sweet yearnings.
Hotels and restaurants in Hyderabad rank among the best in the state, with highest standards that are geared to meet the most exacting demands. Most hotels have state-of-the-art facilities such as fitness centres, swimming pools, squash courts, pubs and multi-cuisine restaurants where tourists can avail the best of comforts.
How to reach Hyderabad: Well connected by air, rail and road with all major cities of India. Direct flights connect the city with Singapore, Kuwait, Dubai, and Sharjah apart from connections to major cities overseas.
Where to stay: Hyderabad boasts of several luxury star hotels and other hotels to suit every budget. accommodation is also available.

about tirupati

Tirupati

Tirupati is a temple town in Chittoor District in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located at the foot hills of Tirumala.
The town owes its existence to the sacred temple situated on the Tirumala Hills. Tirumala is the abode of Lord Venkateshwara, one of the Avatars of Lord Vishnu, located atop Seshachala hills often called as "Yaedu Kondalu" (seven hills).The temple of Lord Venkateshwara was built by Telugu Kings representing the rich Telugu culture and it is the richest Hindu temple and the most visited religious center in the world followed by the Vatican[1]. The town is also home to Sri Venkateswara University, one of the three major universities in Andhra Pradesh. Although, Tirupati has been a city for many years, the Andhra Pradesh state government had not recognized it officially until recently. Effective from March 2, 2007, the city is a municipal corporation not a municipality.

Etymology:

Garuda Statue on the way to TirumalaThe word Thirupati means the Lord of Lakshmi and the word Tirumalai means Mountain of highness in Tamil.Tirumalai is called as Tirumala in Telugu. Tirumagal means Lakshmi, Pathi means husband or king, and Malai means hill. Another version of etymology goes like this. The word Thiru Venkatachalapathy is formed of few sub-words Thiru Vel irrukkum eedum or Thiruvenkadam and thalapathy. In other words, the place of the lord holding the sacred vel.Within Vaishnava tradition the temple is considered as one of the 108 most sacred temples throughout India, collectively known as 'Tirupathis'. Since Tirumalai and Tirupathi have been passed from the Tamil-majority Madras State to the majority-Telugu Andhra State,Tirumalai is now officially known as Tirumala

History :

The Sangam literature of Tamil such as Silapadikaram and Satanar's Manimekalai, dated between 500 B.C to 300 A.D, mentions Tiruvengadam (now named Tirupati) as the northernmost frontier of the Tamil Kingdoms.
The equivalent word for SRI in Telugu and Sanskrit is TIRU in Tamil. In Telugu SRI means Lakshmi. In Telugu PATHI means husband. Lord Venkateswara is husband of Laksmi and therefore the word SRIPATHI has become TIRUPATHI. About 50 years back even Tamilians used to call as SRIPATHI or THIRUPATHI.
It is believed that it was "Aadi Varaha Kshetra" (the ancient site of Varaha) mentioned in Indian literature dating during the Mauryan and Gupta regimes. The identity of the deity is still disputed . Though many believe it is Vishnu but several facts point out the possibility of Murugan being the deity. This is felt because of few reasons. Firstly, the temple is on a hill adjoining Tamil Nadu and belongs to the early AD period. Most hill temples of India in that period belonged to Lord Murugan. The word ThiruVenkatachalpathy is formed of few sub-words Thiru Vel irrukkum eedum or Thiruvenkadam and thalapthy. In other words, the place of the lord holding the sacred vel. The left hand of the deity is in a position as if holding something which Murugan has. The deity marries two wives in the daily rituals which Murugan has and not Vishnu. The deity has a chubby face something only Murugan in his child avatar has. K. Jamandas argues that the site was originally a Buddhist shrine, though this remains a minority view.
Lord Venkateswara is referred in Vedas, ancient Telugu Literature although the place happend to be in the border of present Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Many of the 100 million Telugu people normally, have their names Venkateswara and Venkateswara Rao. This proves that the Lord is known to Telugu people from Mahabharatha times and Tirupathi is considered as Kaliyuga Vaikuntha.

The site was an established center by the 5th century A.D, and the Alvars (Vaishnava saints) belonging to the Bhakti movement in Dravidian land sung in praise of Venketeswara. Its significance in Southern Vaishnava tradition was at the time next only to Srirangam. The temple was richly endowed by the kings of various dynasties thus adding to its current reputation as the richest and most opulent temple in the world. It was supported by Cholas, later by Hoysalas, the Vijayanagaras. Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagara led the temple to great popularity by donating gold and other ornaments for the temple and constructing extended shrines. The place of Chandragiri, presently a village near Tirupati, was used as the secondary capital of Vijayanagara kings.
Tirupati survived the Muslim invasions of South India, unlike other temples such as the Meenakshi temple in Madurai and Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam. It is believed that during the invasions the deity of Sriranganatha from Srirangam was brought to Tirupati for safekeeping. To commemorate this event, a hall in Tirupati is still known as the Ranganatha mandapa.
In 1843, with the coming of the East India Company, the administration of the Shri Venkateshwara temple and a number of shrines was entrusted to Seva Dossji of the Hathiramji Mutt at Tirumala as Vicaranakarta for nearly a century until 1933, when the temple was under the administrative charge of the mahants. The Madras legislature passed a special act in 1933 whereby the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) committee was invested with powers of administration and control through a commissioner appointed by the Government of Madras. A Ryot Advisory Council was formed for the management of the estates of the TTD, and was assisted by a Religious Advisory Council with regard to religious matters.

Geography :

Tirupati is located in southern part of Andhra Pradesh.[2] It has an average elevation of 162 metres (531 feet).

The Tirumala Hill is 3200 ft above sea level, and is about 10.33 sq miles in area. It comprises seven peaks, representing the seven hoods of Adisesha, thus earning the name, Seshachalam. The seven peaks are called Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrishabhadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri.

Climate :

In summer temperatures may go up to 42 to 45 degrees Celsius (107.6 F to 113 F),and in winter the minimum temperatures will be between 10 and 18 degrees Celsius ( 50 F to 64.4 F). Usually summer lasts from March to June, with the advent of rainy season in July, followed by winter which lasts till the end of February.

Economy :

The town mainly relies on the income generated by the Tirumala temple. On an average, 1 Lakh (100,000) pilgrims[citation needed] reach Tirumala every day through Tirupati and thus there are hundreds of restaurants, hotels, travel operators have been established in the region. The temple "devasthanam" (the caretakers of the temple) also spend millions every year, in various developmental activities in the region.

Government :

Tirupati was a municipal corporation, recently (in 2007) converted to corporation in Andhra Pradesh state. It contributes a member in Central Parliament and a member in state legislature in Indian politics.

Transport :

See Tirupati - Travel and Stay for more details
Tirupati is well connected with all three major cities Hyderabad (555km), Chennai (140 km) and Bangalore (280 km) in South India by air, road or rail. AP Tourism and SETC Operates Buses to Coimbatore. The distance between Tirumla and Tirupati down hills is 22 km. From the foothills, the Pilgrims are provided the shuttle buses by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (T.T.D) and Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Service (A.P.S.R.T.C) [1] with as frequent as one bus in every 1-2 minutes throughout the day. The bus journey to Tirumala is approximately 45 minutes. It is also very common practice among the devotees to walk from Tirupati to Tirumala. The walk takes around four hours on a well-laid out foot path.

Darshan booking :

The TTD has changed the "Sudarshan Booking" counters from Tirumala to Tirupati.If you have not booked the tickets(Rs.50/-paid or Free)for Darshan from your City outside Tirupati, Now the Sudarshan Tickets can only be booked from Tirupati near Railway station, bus stand also at Srinivasa Complex.
Also There is e-darshan booking facility available at Hyderabad and well known towns of AP, Where we can make the way of darshan of Balaji easier. At Hyderabad the TTD office located at Himayatnagar. TTD maintains a very good website for the devotees for their online advanced booking for e-darshan and e-accommodation at

Demographics :

As of 2001 India census,[3] Tirupati had a population of 227,657. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Tirupati has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 82%, and female literacy is 69%. In Tirupati, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age. The local language is telugu

Culture :

The people of Tirupati speak mostly Telugu though Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and English are understood. The residents and visitors can be seen in both traditional attire like Dhoti, Lungi and Sari and modern attire. Practices of Tonsure and using Tilak are commonly seen. Songs and prayers of Lord Venkateswara like Annamacharya kirtanas can be heard all over the town.

Festivals:

Elephants Welcoming Lord Srinivasa
The town celebrates most Vaishnava festivals including Vaikunta Ekadasi, Rama Navami and janmashtami with great splendor, while the Brahmotsavam celebrated every year during September is the most important festivals in Tirumala, when it receives millions of devotees over a short span of a week. Rathasapthami (Magha Shuddha Saptami) is another festival, celebrated during February, when Lord Venkateswara idol will be taken procession around the temple chariots.[4]Another local festival Gangamma Jathara is also celebrated as a major festival. The Goddess Gangamma is offered animal sacrifices and also pongal and other offerings by the devotees. She is considered as the sister of The Lord Almighty,Govinda

Religious Attractions :

KodhandaRamaSwamy Temple at Tirupathi
There are many temples in Tirupati and Tirumala. Some of them are:
Alamelu - Alamelu Mangamma Shrine
Padmavati Temple
Govindaraja Swamy Temple
Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple: The Temple is so beautiful in architecture. Lord Rama, Seetha and Lakshmana were present in a beautiful form in the temple. Lord AnjaneyaSwamy was seen near the foot of Lord Rama. The Temple is in the heart of the city. There is also another temple dedicated to Lord Anjaneya Swamy opposite to KodhandaRamaSwamy Temple. Prasadams were offered daily to pilgrims.

Kapila Theertham Temple Entrance at Tirupathi
Srinivasa Mangapuram
Kapila Theertham (Lord siva shrine, the only Shaiva Shrine in Tirupati): This Temple is Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati. There is a beautiful waterfall near the Temple.

ISCKON Temple at Tirupati :
ISKCON Lord Krishna Temple - The Temple is recently renewed and has its own style of architecture. The tower is coloured in Gold and White. The inside decorations are extremely attractive. The carvings of Lord NarasimhaSwamy, Lord VarahaSwamy and Krishna Leela were marvellous. Glass painting works on the windows depicting Lord Krishna's playful act and the ceilings decorated like Tanjore Art reveals the colourful masterpiece in art work. Each pillar is decorated with Ten Avatars of Lord Vishnu. The temple inside sanctom has Lord Krishna with Gopis beautifully dressed. Prabhupada's idol was also kept in the Temple. There is a beautiful park surrounded with lot of flowers, ponds, fountains and with Krishna Leela idols. "GOSALA" is also maintained. The Temple is on the way to Tirumala Hills.

On the way to Tirumala, World Hanuman Temple at Tirumala is where Hanuman's mother Anjana did penance

Avanakshamma Temple-42 km from Tirupathi,
Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple, Karvetinagaram, 40 km from Tirupathi
Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple-Narayanavanam, 48 km from Tirupathi
Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy Temple-Appalayagunta, 20 km from Tirupathi
There is also another small temple for Lord Vishnu. The place is on the foothills of Tirumala. Giant Nandhekeshwar Statue is seen at the entrance of the Temple.