Tirupati Tirumala Footpath Darshan Tickets Availability And Booking

Tirupati Tirumala Footpath Darshan is a spiritual pilgrimage option for devotees who choose to walk to the sacred hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara instead of arriving by vehicle. This unique form of darshan allows pilgrims to receive **Divya Darshan (Footpath Darshan)** and free darshan tokens for Sri Venkateswara Swamy upon reaching Tirumala, bypassing long waiting queues for traditional darshan. Walking up the hill is both a devotional and physically rewarding experience. TTD Official Website provides general guidelines on Tirumala pilgrimages, and detailed route and token information is shared across community sources.

Quick Facts About Tirupati Tirumala Footpath Darshan

Attribute	Details
Location	Tirupati to Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, India
Main Footpaths	Alipiri Mettu (9 km) & Srivari Mettu (2.1 km)
Darshan Token Type	Divya Darshan (Footpath Tokens) – Free
Token Issue Start	Issued from around 6:00 AM (subject to availability)
Typical Availability	Daily until tokens run out (limited quota)
Obligatory ID	Aadhaar or Govt Photo ID required for tokens
Walking Timings	Alipiri: ~4:00 AM–10:00 PM; Srivari: ~6:00 AM–6:00 PM
Contact	TTD Contact via TTD Official Website

About Tirupati Tirumala Footpath Darshan

The term **Tirupati Tirumala Footpath Darshan** refers to the tradition of walking on the sacred footpaths – primarily the Alipiri Mettu and Srivari Mettu routes – from Tirupati up to Tirumala. Devotees who complete these treks receive a special queue line for darshan of Lord Venkateswara Swamy as recognition for their physical and devotional effort. The practice is deeply rooted in devotional culture and draws thousands of pilgrims daily.

How To Reach Tirupati Tirumala Footpath Starting Points

By Air

The nearest airport is **Tirupati Airport (TIR)**, located about 15–20 km from the Alipiri footpath start point. Frequent flights connect Tirupati with major Indian cities. From the airport, you can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or local cab to reach the footpath entry at Alipiri.

However, renting a vehicle is common among pilgrims who start the trek early. Since my visit, I found that arriving by flight the evening before gave me a relaxed start at dawn.

By Train

Tirupati Railway Station is a major hub with trains from all across India. It is about 16 km from the Alipiri footpath base. Upon arrival, autos, taxis, and private jeeps are easily available to deliver you directly to the start of **Alipiri Mettu**. I remember the convenience – multiple trains arriving at all hours made it simple to plan the climb.

By Road

State and private buses connect Tirupati with cities throughout Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana. Roads to the Alipiri route are well maintained with clear signages. You can also drive your personal vehicle or hire chartered cabs.

Also, the climb begins just after Alipiri, identifiable by signage and crowds of pilgrims heading up the hill. I noticed many pilgrims gathering at Alipiri as early as 3 AM to beat the heat and crowds.

Footpath Darshan Ticket / Token Information

What Is Divya Darshan (Footpath Darshan)?

‘Divya Darshan’ refers to the special queue arrangement provided to pilgrims who arrive at Tirumala by walking the Alipiri or Srivari Mettu footpaths. These pilgrims receive tokens that allow entry into a specially reserved compartment-like queue that often takes less time than standard Sarva Darshan lines. This is distinct from paid darshan types like special entry darshan tickets.

Token Availability

Tokens for footpath darshan are **free of cost**, but issued on a first-come, first-served basis each day until the quota is exhausted. Sources tracking tourist experiences report issuance starting early morning (around 6 AM), with several thousand tokens allocated for each route.

Where Tokens Are Issued

In recent practice, both the **Alipiri Mettu and Srivari Mettu tokens are issued only at the Bhudevi Complex near Alipiri Bus Station**, as confirmed by local planning sources. You must present a valid photo ID (Aadhaar) to receive your token.

Token Rules & Scanning

For the Alipiri route, tokens must be scanned at the **1200th step** to validate your climb and darshan eligibility, as per updated policies. Aadhaar is mandatory to verify identity. Srivari Mettu tokens are also controlled centrally now.

Important Note About Tickets vs Tokens

While **footpath darshan tokens are free**, paid darshan options like Special Entry Darshan (₹300), etc., must be booked online via the official TTD portal at TTD e-Seva Online. Paid tickets guarantee faster access even without trekking.

Step-By-Step Booking For Divya Darshan (Footpath)

You **do not book footpath darshan online** in advance via the TTD portal. But here is how you *secure* your token in person:

1. Reach the Bhudevi Complex near Alipiri Bus Station before token counter opening (generally starting ~6 AM).
2. Carry your original Aadhaar card or valid government photo ID for verification.
3. Announce your preferred route (Alipiri or Srivari Mettu) at the counter. Tokens are subject to quota limits.
4. Take your token and proceed to begin your trek. For Alipiri route, ensure to scan at the designated scan points on the trail.
5. After the climb, present your token at the Tirumala darshan queue to enter the *Divya Darshan* line.

What surprised me was how early serious devotees gather – many by 4 AM – to ensure they get tokens and make headway on the trails before peak heat and crowds. Planning overnight stay in Tirupati helps catch the earliest tokens. Personally, I recommend keeping water, energy snacks, and a small first-aid kit ready for the way.

Best Time To Visit For Footpath Darshan

Choosing *when* to walk makes the pilgrimage more comfortable and spiritually fulfilling:

• Winter (October – February): Cooler weather makes the climb easier and safer.
• Early Morning: Beginning before sunrise reduces heat strain and congestion.
• Avoid Peak Summers (Apr – Jun): High temperatures make the trek exhausting and risky.
• Non-Festival Days: Reduced crowds improve availability of tokens.

When I walked the **Alipiri Mettu route in January**, I found the dawn chill refreshing and the entire climb spiritually grounding. Many pilgrims I met recommended planning around weekends when weather is favorable but not crowded.

Insider Tips From My Visit

• Start Before Dawn: Arrive at token counters before sunrise to avoid missing out due to token caps.
• Hydration & Snacks: Water points are limited; carry your own lightweight hydration packs and glucose tabs.
• Check Token Limits Early: On peak pilgrimage days, tokens may finish by mid-morning.
• Footwear & Walking Sticks: Good shoes and a walking stick made the climb much easier for me than sandals or flip-flops.
• Medical Aid Centers: TTD first-aid stations are placed along routes like 7th mile on Alipiri. Use them if needed.
• Luggage Transport: TTD may transport luggage free from certain drop points – check counters available.

Nearby Attractions (With Approx Distances)

• Alipiri Viewpoints: Scenic stops on the footpath routes – within 1–3 km from start.
• Silathoranam (Natural Rock Arch): ~11 km from Alipiri – perfect for a post-darshan visit.
• Akasa Ganga Falls: ~12 km – a refreshing waterfall, best in monsoon.
• Tirupati Sri Padmavathi Temple: ~5 km from Tirupati city – visit before starting footpath.
• Chandragiri Fort: ~17 km – historic site with panoramic views.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tirupati Tirumala Footpath Darshan

1. Is Footpath Darshan Free?

Yes. Footpath darshan tokens (Divya Darshan) are free when obtained in person from the token counters, but they are subject to daily quotas.

2. Do I Need To Book Footpath Tokens Online?

No. Tickets for **Tirupati Tirumala Footpath Darshan** are not available online via the TTD portal. You must collect your token in person at the Bhudevi Complex or designated counters.

3. What If Tokens Are Finished?

If footpath tokens have run out, devotees may still visit Tirumala and attempt **Sarva Darshan (free queue)** or book paid darshan types like Special Entry Darshan (₹300) via the official TTD site well in advance.

4. How Long Does The Alipiri Mettu Trek Take?

It varies by fitness, but typically **3–5 hours** to reach Tirumala via Alipiri Mettu and **2–3 hours** via Srivari Mettu.

5. Are Children Allowed On The Footpath?

Children are allowed, but rules vary by season and safety advisories. Some sources recommend arrival before noon and highlight restrictions when wildlife activity is reported.

6. Can I Carry My Luggage On The Trek?

Yes, TTD offers free transport of luggage for trekkers from designated drop points to Tirumala.

Conclusion

Walking the sacred paths of **Tirupati Tirumala Footpath Darshan** is an unforgettable spiritual experience that blends devotion with physical challenge. By understanding where to get tokens, how to prepare, and what to expect along the process, your pilgrimage can be deeply fulfilling. Whether you walk up the historic Srivari Mettu or the longer Alipiri Mettu, planning ahead and arriving early dramatically improves your chance of getting a footpath darshan token.

On the other hand, i personally recommend allocating extra time for an early start, carrying essential supplies, and taking in the serene hill views along the way. Your devotion on the path is honored with a special queue arrangement at Tirumala’s darshan line that rewards the effort and reverence of your pilgrimage.