There are two stone footpath routes leading to Tirumala for the pilgrims who would like to do Tirumala darshan by walk. They are Alipiri Mettu and Srivari Mettu. These routes are known as Sopana Marg. The pilgrims who trek Alipiri & Srivari Mettu routes to reach Tirumala come under the category of Divya Darshan.
Divya Darshan is a quick and free darshan facility along with free accommodation and food on the way. TTD has provided many facilities to the pilgrims visiting Lord Venkateswara by trekking those routes.
Tirumala Darshan by Walk Procedure
- Walking Routes: Alipiri Mettu, Srivari Mettu
- Required Time: 2-4 hours
- Total Distance: 2.1 km (Srivari Mettu). 9 km (Alipiri Mettu)
- Number of Steps: 3600 (Alipiri Mettu). 2400 (Srivari Mettu)
- Route Timings: 24 hours (Alipiri Mettu). 6 AM to 6 PM (Srivari Mettu)
Route Comparison between Alipiri Mettu and Srivari Mettu
| Tirumala Darshan By Walk | Alipiri Mettu Route | Srivari Mettu Route |
| Total Distance | 9 Km | 2.1 Km |
| Number of Steps | 3600 (approx) | 2400 (approx) |
| Time Taken | 3 – 4 Hours | 1.5 – 2 Hours |
| Opening & Closing Time | 24 hours open | 6 AM to 6 PM, strictly closed at night |
| Starting Point/ Entrance | Garuda Statue, Sheshachalam Hills | Srinivasa Mangapuram, Shri Krishna Devaraya Sadan |
| Distance from Tirupati Bus Stand & Railway Station | 4 km to Alipiri Entrance | 17 km to Srivari Entrance |
| Meaning of Route Name | Resting Place | Shoes of God |
1) Alipiri Mettu Route
• Route Details – Distance & Timings
Alipiri Mettu Route is having a total distance journey of 9 km with no. of steps counting to 3600 (approx). People generally take 3 – 4 hours to reach Tirumala temple via this route. However, the time taken differs from one person to another.
TTD provides a free bus facility from Tirupati railway station and bus stand to Alipiri Mettu starting point. Alipiri Mettu is 4 km from the bus stand and railway station. From Alipiri Mettu Entrance, pilgrims can start the journey to the temple by walk.
Alipiri Mettu route is open for 24 hours. Pilgrims can start their journey anytime.
• Trekking Guide – Starting Point & Bio-Metric Token
Trekkers can find a big Garuda statue at the foot of Sheshachalam hills. This point is known as Alipiri Entrance or Alipiri Starting Point.
The initial steps of the journey will take more time since they are very steep. However, most of the path is covered with concrete roofs. TTD has facilitated this construction so that pilgrims can walk even during hot sunlight and heavy rains.
Gaali Gopuram – There is a Divya Darshan Bio-Metric Token facility available at Gaali Gopuram Entrance. The token facility is provided for free and it is open for 24 hours. After collecting the tokens, pilgrims need to report the temple within 24 hours.
From this point onwards, the walk would be smoother since the path is less steep and much flat. After walking from there, you will reach Sri Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy Statue. One can also find a deer park on the way.
Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple – There is a Divya Darshan Token Checking Point available at this temple which is at step no. 2850. Here, Divya Darshan token needs to be stamped for verification. Without stamping, the token will be considered invalid.
Then pilgrims may proceed to Mokalla Parvatham and after 300-400 steep steps, pilgrims will reach Tirumala entrance.
2) Srivari Mettu Route
• Route Details – Distance & Timings
Srivari Mettu Route is a much older pedestrian path than Alipiri Mettu. It is having a total distance journey of 2.1 km with no. of steps counting to 2400 (approx). People generally take 1.5 hours to reach Tirumala temple via this route. However, the time taken differs from one person to another.
TTD provides a free bus facility from Tirupati railway station and bus stand to Srivari Mettu starting point. Srivari Mettu is 17 km from the bus stand and railway station. Alipiri Entrance will be on the way to Srivari Mettu. From Srivari Mettu Entrance, pilgrims can start the journey to the temple by walk.
Srivari Mettu route is opened only during day time. Pilgrims are allowed to trek this route from 6 am to 6 pm in the evening. The route remains strictly closed at night.
• Trekking Guide – Starting Point & Bio-Metric Token
Srinivasa Mangapuram, Shri Krishna Devaraya Sadan – This point is known as Srivari Entrance or Srivari Starting Point.
The initial steps of the journey will take more time. However, most of the path is covered with concrete roofs. TTD has facilitated this construction to protect pilgrims from hot sunlight and heavy rains.
After covering a distance of 1250 steps, there is a Divya Darshan Bio-Metric Token facility available. The token facility is provided for free. After collecting the tokens, pilgrims need to report the temple within the specified time.
The word Srivaari Mettu means the shoes of God. Hence, all devotees offer prayers to the deity by keeping their shoes on their heads.
There is a Divya Darshan Token Checking Point available at step no. 2050. Here, Divya Darshan token needs to be stamped for verification. Without stamping, the token will be considered invalid.
From there, after 300-400 steps, pilgrims will reach the Tirumala entrance.
Useful Information & Facilities by TTD for Tirumala Darshan by Walk
- TTD runs free buses from Tirupati Railway Station and Bus Stand. Pilgrims intend to walk up the hills can use these buses.
- Parking is available for private vehicles at Srivari Mettu & Balaji Link Bus Stand at Alipiri. Vehicles can be collected the next day at your convenience.
- TTD provides free transportation of the luggage of pilgrims from the bottom to the top of the hill. Luggage counter is available at Srinivasa Mangapuram Temple, who does the luggage transportation to the hill shrine.
- Luggage can be collected later from the Luggage Room, opposite MBC-37 in Tirumala.
- On both routes, pilgrims will get the facility of clean drinking water, washrooms, shelters, lightings, medical assistance, and security guards to ensure safety.
- Free Accommodation & Free Meals are available for pilgrims at PACs (Pilgrims Amenities Complex).