Introduction
Tirumala can be reached by road or by walking through Alipiri Mettu and Srivari Mettu. Both are popular walking routes for devotees visiting Lord Venkateswara Temple.
If you are planning to walk to Tirumala in 2026, knowing the route, timings, steps, ticket facilities and things to carry can help you plan better. Padmavathi Travels can also help with your Tirupati travel and tour arrangements.
Alipiri Mettu Walking Route
- Alipiri Mettu is the traditional and longer walking route to Tirumala. It starts from the Alipiri foothills.
- The route has approximately 3,550 steps and may take around 3–5 hours, depending on walking speed and rest breaks.
Srivari Mettu Walking Route
- Srivari Mettu is the shorter walking route to Tirumala. It starts from the Srinivasa Mangapuram area.
- It has approximately 2,388 steps and takes around 1.5–2 hours.
Alipiri vs Srivari Mettu – Quick Comparison
| Feature | Alipiri Mettu | Srivari Mettu |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Traditional, longer | Shorter |
| Steps | Approx. 3,550 | Approx. 2,388 |
| Walking time | 3–5 hours | 1.5–2 hours |
| Starting point | Alipiri foothills | Srinivasa Mangapuram |
| Facilities | Water, toilets, food stalls, rest points | Food stalls and toilets |
| Suitable for | Longer traditional walk | Shorter walking journey |
Walking Path Timings 2026
| Path | Opening | Closing |
|---|---|---|
| Alipiri Mettu | 5:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Srivari Mettu | 6:00 AM | 5:30 PM |
Timings and access rules may change, so check the latest TTD instructions before travelling.
Where to Get Divya Darshan Tickets?
- Pilgrims walking to Tirumala may be eligible for Divya Darshan.
- Divya Darshan tokens are issued through TTD's designated facilities. The token location and timings can change, so pilgrims should check the latest TTD information before starting the walk.
- If a token is required, keep the token safely with you and follow the TTD instructions for verification and scanning.
What to Carry for the Walk
Carry only the important things you need:
- Original Aadhaar card
- Darshan/Divya Darshan token, if applicable
- Small amount of cash
- Refillable water bottle
- Comfortable or traditional clothes
- Light jacket or shawl
Avoid carrying heavy luggage while walking.
Luggage Facility
- TTD provides luggage deposit and delivery facilities at designated locations for pilgrims using the footpaths.
- This can be useful if you are travelling with larger bags and do not want to carry them while climbing.
Transport to the Walking Routes
- Pilgrims can reach the walking route starting points using TTD or local transport.
- For Alipiri Mettu, buses are available from important locations in Tirupati.
- For Srivari Mettu, transport is available towards the Srinivasa Mangapuram area.
- Check the latest transport timings before travelling.
Which Route Should You Choose?
- Choose Alipiri Mettu if you want a longer and traditional walking experience.
- Choose Srivari Mettu if you prefer a shorter walking route and have less time.
Your choice can depend on your walking ability, available time and travel plan. For complete Tirupati travel arrangements, Padmavathi Travels can assist with travel options and Tirupati tour packages.
Before Starting Your Tirumala Walk
Before starting your walk, check:
- Walking path timings
- Divya Darshan token availability
- Route access
- Transport timings
- Luggage facilities
- Current TTD instructions
TTD may change arrangements depending on crowd levels, weather and safety requirements.
Conclusion
Alipiri Mettu and Srivari Mettu are the two main walking routes to Tirumala. Alipiri offers a longer traditional walking experience, while Srivari Mettu provides a shorter option. Before travelling, check the latest TTD guidelines for walking timings, Darshan tokens and route access. Plan your journey according to your available time and walking preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is shorter, Alipiri Mettu or Srivari Mettu?
Srivari Mettu is the shorter route with approximately 2,388 steps.
How many steps are there in Alipiri Mettu?
Alipiri Mettu has approximately 3,550 steps according to the reference information.
What time does Alipiri Mettu open?
The listed opening time is 5:00 AM and closing time is 9:00 PM.
What time does Srivari Mettu close?
Srivari Mettu is listed as closing at 5:30 PM.
Where can I get Divya Darshan tokens?
TTD provides Divya Darshan tokens through designated token facilities. Check the latest TTD announcement for the current location and timings.
What should I carry while walking to Tirumala?
Carry your Aadhaar card, Darshan token if applicable, water bottle, some cash and comfortable clothes. A light jacket or shawl can also be useful.