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Tirumala footpath darshan timings differ by route, so your start time decides which path you can finish before it closes. Alipiri Mettu opens around 4:00 AM and Srivari Mettu around 6:00 AM, and both give walkers a free Divya Darshan token. That token means a faster darshan of Lord Venkateswara after the climb. This guide covers today’s open and close hours, the token process, both routes side by side, and what to do if the daily quota runs out.
Prayanamam is an independent pilgrimage guide. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or the official website of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). We do not issue tokens, take bookings, or collect fees.
All tokens are free and given only in person at the footpath counters. Always confirm live timings on the official TTD portal before you travel.
Tirumala Footpath Darshan Timings at a Glance
- Alipiri Mettu: around 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily; longer and gentler.
- Srivari Mettu: around 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily; shorter and steeper.
- Cost: Free. The Divya Darshan token carries no charge.
- Token: issued in person after a biometric scan; Aadhaar or a valid photo ID is mandatory.
- Booking: no online booking exists. Tokens are first-come, first-served until the quota lasts.
The paths sit inside the Seshachalam hills. Because of that, hours can shift on festival days or during weather alerts. So treat the times above as the usual pattern. For the day you go, check the official TTD footpath page.
What Is Footpath Darshan (Divya Darshanam)?
Footpath darshan, officially called Divya Darshanam, is a facility only for devotees who reach Tirumala on foot. Walkers register on the path and get a token. That token routes them into a dedicated darshan queue.
This queue usually moves far faster than the general Sarva Darshan line. On busy days that general line can stretch across many hours.
The tradition is centuries old, since pilgrims once walked from distant villages. Today TTD maintains both paths with roofs, lighting, water, and security. So the climb stays safe while keeping its devotional character.
Footpath pilgrims also get free accommodation at the Pilgrim Amenities Complex and free meals at Tirumala. If you want to compare all the darshan and seva options first, see our Tirumala TTD darshan and seva guide.
Tirumala Footpath Darshan Timings Today
The two routes keep different hours, so match your plan to the path you choose. The Tirumala footpath darshan timings below are the everyday pattern for each route. Alipiri Mettu stays open longer, while Srivari Mettu shuts by early evening.
| Route | Open | Close |
|---|---|---|
| Alipiri Mettu | 4:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Srivari Mettu | 6:00 AM | 5:30 PM |
On Srivari Mettu the entry arch stops fresh vehicle drop-offs from about 4:30 PM. So reach the base well before that. On special days like Vaikunta Ekadasi or the annual Garuda Seva, TTD sometimes keeps Srivari Mettu open around the clock.
Children under 12 are usually allowed on Alipiri only within limited daytime hours. So verify this at the counter if you walk with young kids.
Tirumala Footpath Darshan Timings for Alipiri Mettu
Alipiri Mettu is the ancient, commonly-used path from the foot of the hills in Tirupati. It opens around 4:00 AM and closes near 10:00 PM. The route runs roughly 9 to 11 kilometres over about 3,550 steps.
Most pilgrims finish in four to six hours. The path is covered, lit, and dotted with water points, so it feels manageable even in warmer months. For live route status, see our Alipiri footpath opening timings guide.
Tirumala Footpath Darshan Timings for Srivari Mettu
Srivari Mettu starts near Srinivasa Mangapuram, about 17 to 20 kilometres from central Tirupati. Its timings are shorter, from about 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM. It has around 2,388 steps across just 2.1 kilometres.
Fit walkers cover it in under two hours. The gradient is steep, so pace yourself and use the shaded shelters along the way.
The Divya Darshan Token System
Unlike paid darshan tickets, the footpath token is free. But you must collect it in person before or during the climb. Every token links to one pilgrim through a biometric scan of photo and fingerprints. Because of that, a token cannot be shared or transferred to another family member.
Documents and steps for your token
- Carry an original Aadhaar card or another government photo ID for every climber, including seniors.
- Reach the counter early, because tokens run on a fixed daily quota.
- Ask staff for the Divya Darshan (footpath) token, then complete the biometric scan.
- Keep the token safe, since you must scan or stamp it again at a checkpoint higher up.
- Report at the Tirumala queue complex at the time printed on your token.
Where the tokens are issued
For the Alipiri route, tokens come from the Bhudevi Complex near Alipiri Bus Station. Walkers then scan again around the 1,200th step for darshan eligibility. For Srivari Mettu, tokens have traditionally been given on the route itself, with a stamping checkpoint higher up.
Some recent reports mention token issue being moved to Bhudevi Complex too. So the exact counter can change with crowd-control rules. When it shifts, follow the on-ground signage and confirm the point on the official Divya Darshan page.
Our Divya Darshan token timings guide tracks these updates too.
Roughly 10,000 tokens are issued daily on Alipiri and about 5,000 on Srivari Mettu. These figures move with the season and festival crowds. So read them as a guide, not a fixed promise.
Alipiri Mettu vs Srivari Mettu: Which Route Suits You?
Your fitness and start time should decide the route, not just the step count. Alipiri is longer but gentler. Srivari Mettu is short but noticeably steeper.
| Feature | Alipiri Mettu | Srivari Mettu |
|---|---|---|
| Steps | ~3,550 | ~2,388 |
| Distance | ~9–11 km | ~2.1 km |
| Climb time | 4–6 hours | 2–3 hours |
| Gradient | Gradual | Steep |
| Base from Tirupati | ~4–5 km | ~17–20 km |
TTD’s own footpath page describes the Alipiri route as about 11 km. So the shorter “9 km” figure that many pages repeat understates it. Choose Alipiri if you want a steadier walk with more rest stops and canteens. Pick Srivari Mettu if you are fit, short on time, and fine with a sharper forest climb.
What Happens If the Token Quota Runs Out?
The footpath token is not guaranteed, since TTD caps how many it issues each day. Once the quota is met, no further Divya Darshan tokens go out that day. This is exactly why early starts matter, especially on weekends, holidays, and festival dates.
Miss the token, and you can still walk up and join the free Sarva Darshan line at Tirumala. The wait is simply longer. As a backup, some pilgrims switch to the other footpath.
Others reach Tirumala by bus and take a Slotted Sarva Darshan token from the Tirupati choultries. If a route’s quota looks finished at the base, ask staff before you start. You may still have time to try the alternative route the same morning.
How to Reach the Footpaths
Reaching the base early protects your Tirumala footpath darshan timings, since the free tokens go fast. Free TTD buses connect the railway station and bus stand to both footpath bases.
By air
The nearest airport is Tirupati Airport at Renigunta, roughly 15 km from the city. From there a taxi or auto reaches Alipiri quickly. Srivari Mettu takes a little longer, since it sits farther out near Srinivasa Mangapuram.
By train
Tirupati Railway Station connects to most major cities and sits close to Alipiri. TTD runs free buses from the railway station to both footpath bases. So you can skip a paid cab if you time it well.
By road
APSRTC and private buses reach Tirupati from across Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Once in town, free TTD buses and shared autos run to both bases. Many walkers stay near their chosen base the night before. A dawn start beats both the heat and the token rush.
Facilities Along the Way
TTD provides free luggage transport for footpath pilgrims. This is one of the most useful yet least-known perks. You deposit your bags at a Tirupati choultry or the Alipiri toll gate.
You then collect them at the Central Reception Office in Tirumala. Both bases also keep free cloakrooms for smaller items.
Along both routes you will find drinking water, toilets, resting shelters, canteens, and security patrols. Medical help runs throughout the Alipiri path. So tell a staff member early if you feel unwell, rather than pushing on.
Health and Safety on the Climb
This is a genuinely strenuous trek, so treat it as a hike and not a stroll. Consult a doctor first if you have heart, respiratory, or joint conditions, or if you are pregnant or elderly. Carry at least a litre of water plus an ORS sachet. Water points exist, but the exertion still adds up quickly.
The paths cut through the Seshachalam biosphere, where monkeys are common. So never carry visible food in your hands or feed them. Wear sturdy sandals or shoes, and start early to finish in daylight. The token and darshan are matters of devotion and TTD facility, never a substitute for basic trekking sense.
Common Myths About Tirumala Footpath Darshan Timings
Several claims float around online, so here are the corrections that matter. First, there is no online booking for footpath tokens. Any site charging you to “book Divya Darshan online” is not official, so avoid it.
Second, the Alipiri walk is not a flat 9 km, since TTD’s page puts it at about 11 km. Third, the token is completely free, so never pay a middleman who promises one.
Fourth, the paths are not open 24 hours on normal days. Both close at night and only run extended hours on select festival dates, so plan around the posted times.
Insider Tips for Your Tirumala Footpath Darshan Timings
Smart Tirumala footpath darshan timings start before dawn, so aim to reach the counter by 5:00 AM for cool air and thinner crowds. Token queues form well before counters open, so early arrival matters as much as fitness. Use the free luggage transport rather than hauling bags, since weight drains you fast over thousands of steps. Also download an offline map and keep your ID handy, because you need it at both the counter and the checkpoint.
Planning Around Tirumala Footpath Darshan Timings
The best months to plan your Tirumala footpath darshan timings are October to March, when the weather stays cool. Early mornings are ideal in every season, since the afternoon sun makes the open stretches harder. Avoid peak festival days if you want a smoother token queue. The exception is when the festival itself is your reason for going.
Nearby Attractions Worth a Detour
- Kapila Theertham — about 3–4 km from Tirupati, a temple and waterfall at the foot of the hills near Alipiri.
- Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Temple, Srinivasa Mangapuram — close to the Srivari Mettu base, easy to pair with that route.
- Chandragiri Fort — around 12–15 km, a historic fort with a museum and scenic views.
- Sri Venkateswara National Park — the forested belt around the hills, part of the Seshachalam biosphere.
Before You Go: Tirumala Footpath Darshan Timings Recap
The Tirumala footpath darshan timings reward an early start with faster darshan, free meals, and free stay. But that only works if you plan the day well. Pick Alipiri for a gentler climb, or Srivari Mettu to save time.
Carry your ID, and start at dawn to beat both the heat and the quota. Above all, confirm the current hours and token counter on TTD’s official portal first, since crowd rules change often.
Tirumala Footpath Darshan Timings: FAQs
What are the Tirumala footpath darshan timings today?
Alipiri Mettu is usually open about 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and Srivari Mettu about 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Hours can change on festival days, so confirm on the official TTD page before you go.
Is there an entry fee for footpath darshan?
No. The Divya Darshan token for footpath pilgrims is free. You only collect it in person after the biometric scan at the counter.
Can I book the footpath darshan online in advance?
No. There is no online advance booking for footpath tokens. They are issued on the spot, first-come first-served, until the daily quota ends. So arrive early.
How long does the walk to Tirumala take?
Alipiri Mettu usually takes four to six hours. Srivari Mettu takes about two to three. Your fitness, pace, and rest breaks decide the exact time.
Is Aadhaar or ID mandatory for the token?
Yes. Every climber must carry an original Aadhaar card or a valid government photo ID. The token links to you through biometrics and cannot be transferred.
What if the daily token quota is finished?
You can still walk up and join the free Sarva Darshan queue, though the wait is longer. Trying the other footpath early, or taking a bus for a Slotted Sarva Darshan token, are the usual fallbacks.
Which route is easier, Alipiri or Srivari Mettu?
Alipiri is longer but gentler, so it suits families and slower walkers. Srivari Mettu is shorter but steeper, which fit pilgrims short on time often prefer.
Can children and elderly pilgrims use the footpath?
Yes, though children under 12 are usually allowed on Alipiri only within limited daytime hours. Elderly pilgrims, or anyone with health conditions, should consult a doctor first and consider the road darshan options.