Tirumala Unjal Seva Timings Travel Guide

Tirumala Unjal Seva Timings are a key part of any pilgrim’s plan when visiting the sacred Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Official Website. This divine ritual, also known as Unjala Seva or Dolotsavam, is a special ceremony where Lord Venkateswara and His consorts are placed on a swing and gently rocked amid devotional chants. Knowing the precise timing, booking steps, and travel logistics can transform a busy temple visit into a deeply serene experience for you.

Quick Facts

Location	Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati District, Andhra Pradesh, India
Tirumala Unjal Seva Timings	Approximately 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM daily (Devotees should gather one hour early)
Entry Fee	Approx. ₹200–₹500 per person (subject to official TTD rates)
Booking	Online via TTD Seva Booking Portal
Reporting Time	~11:30 AM at Supadham / Designated Entrance
Contact	TTD Helpdesk / Official Website Support

What Is Unjal Seva?

Unjal Seva, also called Dolotsavam, is one of the most enchanting ritual experiences at Tirumala. During this seva, the sacred idols of Lord Venkateswara along with His divine consorts are ceremoniously seated on a beautifully decorated swing inside the Aina Mahal (Mirror Hall). Priests chant sacred hymns while the swing is gently moved, creating an atmosphere charged with spiritual energy and devotion.

Moreover, if you want to deeply connect spiritually or witness one of the temple’s most loved sevas, planning around Tirumala Unjal Seva Timings is important.

How To Reach Tirumala

By Air

The nearest major airport is **Tirupati Airport (TIR)**, roughly **55–60 km** from Tirumala. Frequent taxis and buses connect the airport to Tirupati city, and from there you can take a shuttle or taxi up to Tirumala. If you are flying nationally or internationally, you may also consider Chennai Airport (MAA) with onward connections to Tirupati by road or train.

By Train

Tirupati Railway Station is the nearest major railhead. It is well-connected with major cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. From Tirupati station, local buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws can bring you to Tirumala. The temple area is reached via a scenic **hill climb road** that winds up from Tirupati city.

By Road

Tirumala is well connected by road. Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) operates regular buses from Tirupati at frequent intervals. Private taxis and cabs are also available. The drive up the hill is about **20–30 minutes** from Tirupati city. Most pilgrims prefer to go by road for the ease of luggage and flexibility.

Booking Tirumala Unjal Seva & Darshan Tickets (Step By Step)

Step 1: Register On TTD Portal

Before booking, you must register on the official TTD booking portal at ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in. Create an account with valid details and verify your email/phone number.

Step 2: Select the Seva

Once logged in, navigate to **Arjitha Seva Booking**. Look for “Unjal Seva / Dolotsavam” in the list of available sevas. The seva typically shows availability based on dates and quotas released by the TTD for the coming months.

Step 3: Choose Date & Timing

Choose the date you plan to visit and confirm if the **Tirumala Unjal Seva Timings** fit your schedule. Seva slots are released on a first-come, first-served basis and sell out quickly for peak dates.

Step 4: Make Payment

Pay the seva ticket fee online. Prices can differ slightly month to month, but most devotees pay between ₹200–₹500 per person. Remember children under 12 may be covered free with a parent’s ticket (check the latest rules on TTD).

Step 5: Save Tickets & ID Proof

After payment, download the confirmation. Print or keep a digital copy along with your ID proof. At reporting time, officials will verify both. Without valid tickets and IDs, entry to the seva won’t be permitted.

Step 6: Reporting On The Seva Day

Arrive at the designated reporting area (often Supadham entrance) at least **1.5–2 hours** before the scheduled start time. This ensures you complete any checks, darshan, and are present for the seva’s formal start.

Darshan After Unjal Seva

Upon completing the Unjal Seva ritual, ticket holders usually merge with the paid services queue for **darshan** of Lord Venkateswara in the sanctum. This special access often shortens wait times compared to general queues.

Insider Tips From My Visit

When I visited Tirumala for Unjal Seva, I made sure to reach Tirupati the day before and rest well. Reporting early (by 11:00 AM) helped me get through checks and enjoy a relaxed darshan before the seva began. What surprised me was how calm the Aina Mahal felt despite the crowds—it felt like a sacred pause in time. I personally recommend booking your seva ticket the moment schedules are released (often quarterly) because they disappear fast during festive seasons.

On the other hand, tip: Dress comfortably but traditionally—men in dhoti/pancha and women in saree or churidar—this respects the seva culture and makes guards more accommodating.

Nearby Attractions (With Approx. Distances)

• Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple – Heart of Tirumala (on the hill itself).
• Papavinasam Theertham – Beautiful waterfall about **9 km** from Tirumala town.
• Akasa Ganga – Sacred water source with scenic views, **2–3 km** from temple area.
• Tirupati City Attractions (Temples, local markets) – **~20 km** down the hill.

Best Time To Visit With Reasons

Visiting Tirumala for Tirumala Unjal Seva Timings is most pleasant between **October and March** when the weather is cooler and festive activities are abundant. Avoid summer months (April–June) if you are sensitive to heat, as the climb up the hill can feel tiring.

If possible, plan your trip outside Vaikunta Ekadasi to avoid extreme crowds unless that festival is your primary purpose—then plan much earlier travel and online booking. Peak pilgrimage seasons like Brahmotsavam require tickets months in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Exact Tirumala Unjal Seva Timings?

While the general schedule has the seva around **1:30 PM to 2:30 PM**, exact times can vary by day and by TTD schedule. Devotees should check their ticket details carefully.

Can Children Attend Without Tickets?

Children under 12 usually don’t require a separate seva ticket if accompanying a ticket-holding parent. Always confirm age rules on the official portal.

Is Unjal Seva Ticket Enough For Darshan?

Yes, after seva you can merge into the paid darshan queue, but many devotees book a separate darshan ticket if they want a guaranteed time slot.

When Are Tickets Released?

Tickets for Unjal Seva are typically released quarterly or monthly on a first-come, first-served basis via the TTD online portal. Mark your calendar for release dates.

Can We Cancel Or Change Tickets?

Cancellation/refund policies are governed by TTD. Review the terms at the time of booking for up-to-date policies.