Tirupati Tirumala Footpath Darshan Today Open Close Timings
Contents
- 1 Tirupati Tirumala Footpath Darshan Tickets Today Open Close Timings
- 1.1 Quick Facts
- 1.2 About Tirupati Tirumala Footpath Darshan
- 1.3 How To Reach Tirupati Tirumala Footpath
- 1.4 Understanding Tirupati Tirumala Footpath Darshan Tickets / Tokens
- 1.5 Footpath Routes Explained
- 1.6 Timings Summary (Today)
- 1.7 Insider Tips From My Visit
- 1.8 Nearby Attractions With Distances
- 1.9 Best Time To Visit Tirupati Tirumala Footpath Darshan
- 1.10 Frequently Asked Questions
Tirupati Tirumala Footpath Darshan Tickets Today Open Close Timings
Tirupati Tirumala Footpath Darshan is a special pilgrimage experience where devotees walk on the sacred footpaths to Tirumala and receive free *Divya Darshan* tokens for temple entry after climbing ancient steps from TTD Official Website. If you’re planning this spiritual trek *today*, this travel guide covers timings, ticket/token details, how to reach, insider tips, and common questions.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Footpath Name | Alipiri Mettu & Srivari Mettu |
| Location | Tirupati to Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Open Timings | Alipiri Mettu: 4:00 AM–10:00 PM Srivari Mettu: 6:00 AM–5:30 PM |
| Entry Fee | Free (Divya Darshan Tokens) — no ticket cost |
| Token Availability | Issued until quota lasts (first come first serve) |
| Contact | TTD Official Website |
About Tirupati Tirumala Footpath Darshan
The footpath darshan — also called *Divya Darshan* — allows pilgrims to walk to the holy Tirumala temple through traditional stone steps and receive tokens that give access to temple darshan lines. This is a free facility provided by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) exclusively for devotees who come on foot along recognized routes.
How To Reach Tirupati Tirumala Footpath
By Air
The nearest airport to Tirupati is Tirupati Airport (Tirupati International Airport), approximately 15 km from Tirupati city centre. You can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw from the airport to reach the footpath starting points at **Alipiri** or **Srivari Mettu**.
By Train
Tirupati Railway Station is well connected with major cities across India. From the station, you can book local taxis, cabs or shared autos to the base of the footpaths — roughly 14 km to Srivari Mettu and slightly longer to Alipiri. Plan to reach before early morning if you aim to start your walk at dawn.
By Road
Tirupati is situated on National Highway corridors with frequent bus services from major towns. APSRTC and private buses operate to Tirupati. Once in Tirupati, local buses and cabs go to Alipiri Mettu and Srivari Mettu. Many pilgrims choose to stay nearest to the footpath starting points the night before for a smooth early start.
Understanding Tirupati Tirumala Footpath Darshan Tickets / Tokens
Unlike regular paid darshan bookings, **Tirupati Tirumala Footpath Darshan tokens** are free *Divya Darshan* tokens issued to pilgrims walking up the footpaths. This means you do **not pay a ticket fee** but must collect a token before climbing.
Where Tokens Are Issued
Tokens for both routes (Alipiri & Srivari Mettu) are now issued **only at the Bhudevi Complex token centre** near Alipiri foothills. Bring your Aadhaar card or valid photo ID to collect the token.
Steps To Get Footpath Darshan Token
Here’s how to collect your **Divya Darshan token** for footpath darshan today:
- Arrive at the **Bhudevi Complex token counter (near Alipiri)** early in the morning before peak rush.
- Carry **Aadhaar card** and a **photo ID** (required for verification).
- Inform staff you’re seeking a **Divya Darshan (footpath)** token.
- Once verified, you’ll receive a token granting entry to darshan via the footpath route.
- Report at the designated temple queue complex on arrival at Tirumala as per token markings.
Be aware that tokens are limited and issued **on a first-come, first-served basis**, so arriving early increases your chance of securing one.
Footpath Routes Explained
Alipiri Mettu Route
This is the longer traditional route with approximately **3,550 steps over ~9 km**. It usually takes between **3 to 5 hours** to complete on foot. The path is open daily from around **4:00 AM to 10:00 PM** for pilgrims.
Srivari Mettu Route
The Srivari Mettu route is shorter, with around **2,388 steps covering 2.1 km**, taking **2–3 hours** on foot. This path is open from about **6:00 AM to 5:30 PM**.
Timings Summary (Today)
| Route | Open Time | Close Time |
|---|---|---|
| Alipiri Mettu | 4:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Srivari Mettu | 6:00 AM | 5:30 PM |
If you’re planning to go *today*, aim to start no later than early morning — especially for Srivari Mettu — to ensure you finish the climb before closing. This is also safer given the terrain and crowd flow.
Insider Tips From My Visit
When I visited the Tirupati Tirumala Footpath Darshan last year, what surprised me most was how peaceful the climb feels before sunrise. I personally recommend starting before 5:00 AM — the air is cool and the crowd is manageable. The Alipiri route has shaded sections that help as the sun rises over the hills.
One challenge I noticed was the token queue — devotees often line up well before counters open. So, securing your token early is important, especially on weekends and holidays. Additionally, water stations and rest benches are available but don’t count on finding them frequently mid-path, so carry a light supply of water and energy snacks.
If you’re new to this footpath darshan experience, consider walking in small groups for motivation — the process is spiritual but physically demanding. Fill your phone with offline maps, and always verify temple rules at the token centre first.
Nearby Attractions With Distances
- Kapila Theertham Waterfall – ~10 km from Tirupati town: A sacred waterfall and temple complex worth visiting if you have time.
- Chandragiri Fort – ~15 km: Historical fort with scenic views and museum exhibits.
- Sri Venkateswara National Park – ~18 km: Wildlife sanctuary with nature trails.
- Tirupati Temple – ~0 km (base town): Famous temple of Lord Venkateswara before starting the Tirumala trek.
Best Time To Visit Tirupati Tirumala Footpath Darshan
The ideal months to undertake Tirupati Tirumala Footpath Darshan are **October to March** when the weather is cool. Early mornings are best for the hike, as the temperature is pleasant for uphill walking. Avoid hot summer midday hours as the route gets exposed to direct sunlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there an entry fee for footpath darshan?
No. Divya Darshan tokens for footpath pilgrims are free. You do not pay a ticket cost, but you *must obtain a token* from the official counter.
2. Can I book this footpath darshan in advance?
Footpath tokens are issued on the spot on a first-come basis — there is no online advance booking system. Arrive early to secure your token.
3. How long does it take to reach Tirumala on foot?
Alipiri Mettu takes about **3 to 5 hours** and Srivari Mettu about **2 to 3 hours** depending on your fitness level and pace.
4. Is Aadhaar or ID mandatory for tokens?
Yes, Aadhaar or a valid photo ID is required when collecting your token for footpath darshan.
5. Are there medical facilities on the route?
Medical assistance points are available along the Alipiri route, including first-aid centres to help pilgrims during the walk.