Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam by foot
Many Devotees to fulfil their Vow to Lord Venkateswara will take this path to reach Tirumala on foot from Tirupati. There are Four Gopurams(Temple Towers) on the way.
If you are Planning to visit Tirupati by foot from Tirumala then you need to first reach Srivari Mettu.
TTD has arranged many free buses to reach Srivari Mettu from Bus Station or Railway Station . We can also go with private transport.
Srivari Mettu is at a distance of about 19 Kms from Tirupati Railway Station / RTC Bus Stand. There are about 2384 Steps.
There are 2 well-laid stone footpaths leading to Tirumala for devotees who would like to climb hills to fulfill their Vow. These paths are called Sopanamargas.
The more ancient of the 2 Sopanamargas which starts from Alipiri at the foot of the hills is about 11 km in length and commonly used route.
There are mainly 2 routes- The 1st set of steps start from Alipiri ( the place where the cars drive up) – this is a long walk 3 – 4 hrs and covers 7 hills – hill 1 is the steepest and so is hill 7, The rest hills are an easy walk. All along the foot path we can see shops selling water & snacks. This route has a total of 4000 steps.
The second route was opened a few years back (Srivari Mettu) this is on the backside of the hill. Its a 20 Km drive from Alipiri to reach this place. The climb is shorter Just 60 to 70 Minutes at a brisk walk and is not difficult. It has about 2400 steps with Clean track, no shops and not crowded. Avoid this route during Night.
Token facility is provided for all pedestrian who come on foot to tirumala at Gali Gopuram or srivari Mettu.
Bio-Metric Counters are established on these foot paths to facilitate free Accommodation, Free Darshan and free food facilities at Tirumala.
Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam provides many facilities to pilgrims who walk up the hills to Tirumala.
Drinking water along the Footpath
Toilets
Shelters at Important points along the way for resting
Free Transportation of luggage to Tirumala. Pilgrims are given a token when they deposit their luggage at any of the Choultries in Tirupati or at the Alipiri Toll Gate. Pilgrims can collect luggage again at the Central Reception Office at Tirumala.
24 Hours Medical Assistance all along the Route.
Constant Patrol by Security forces to prevent Pilgrims from being cheated or robbed by Unscrupulous Elements.
Continuous Relay of Religious Programmes through the local Broadcasting System.
Canteens that supply refreshments.