Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tirumala Link buses have a stand next to the main bus stand and another outside the train
station. The scenic 18km trip to Tirumala takes one hour (?72 return); if you don't mind
heights, sit on the left side for views.
WALKING
TTD has constructed probably the best footpath in India for pilgrims to walk up to Tiru-
mala. It's about 15km from Tirupathi and takes four to six hours. Leave your luggage at
the toll gate at Alipiri near the Hanuman statue. It will be transported free to the reception
centre. There are shady rest points along the way, and a few canteens.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Around Tirumala & Tirupathi
Chandragiri Fort
Only a couple of buildings remain from this 15th-century
fort
(Indian/foreigner ?10/100;
9am-5pm, Sat-Thu)
, 14km west of Tirupathi. Both the Rani Mahal and the Raja Mahal, which
houses a small
museum
( 9am-5pm Sat-Thu)
, were constructed under Vijayanagar rule and re-
semble structures in Hampi's Royal Centre. There's a nightly
sound-and-light show
(admission
?35; 7pm Mar-Sep, 6.30pm Oct-Feb)
, narrated by Bollywood great Amitabh Bachchan. Buses
for Chandragiri (?14) leave Tirupathi every 15 minutes. Prepaid taxis are ?450 return.
Sri Kalahasti
Around 36km east of Tirupathi, Sri Kalahasti is known for its important
Sri Kalahasteeswara
Temple
and for being, along with Machilipatnam near Vijayawada, a centre for the ancient
art of
kalamkari
. These paintings are made with natural ingredients: the cotton is primed
with
myrabalam
(resin) and cow's milk; figures are drawn with a pointed bamboo stick
dipped in fermented jaggery and water; and the dyes are made from cow dung, ground
seeds, plants and flowers. See the artists at work in the Agraharam neighbourhood, 2.5km
from the bus stand.
Sri Vijayalakshmi Fine Kalamkari Arts
(
9441138380; door No 15-890)
is an old
family business with 40 artists.
Buses leave Tirupathi for Sri Kalahasti every 10 minutes (?30, 45 minutes); a prepaid
taxi is ?700 return.
