 Tirupati - Andhra Pradesh
 Tirupati City is located in the southeastern part of Andhra Pradesh State. It lies about 152-km northwest of Chennai in the Palkonda Hills. Tirupati is known as the abode of the Hindu god Venkateshvara (also spelt as 'Venkatesvara'), "Lord of Seven Hills". About 10-km northwest of Tirupati, at an elevation of 750m, is the sacred hill of Tirumala, which was considered so holy that before 1870 non-Hindus were not permitted to ascend it.
Tirupati was developed mainly by the contributions made by kings during their rule. Almost all the kings from great dynasties of the southern peninsula have paid homage to Lord Sri Venkateswara in this ancient shrine of Tirupati. The Pallavas of Kancheepuram (9th century AD), the Cholas of Thanjavur (a century later), the Pandyas of Madurai, and the kings and chieftains of Vijayanagar (14th - 15th century AD) were devotees of the Lord and they competed with one another in endowing the temple with rich offerings and contributions.
During the rule of the Vijayanagar dynasty contributions made to the temple increased enormously. Krishnadevaraya had statues of himself and his consorts installed at the portals of the Tirupati temple, and these statues can be seen to this day. There is also a statue of Venkatapati Raya in the main temple at Tirupati.
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 Tourism
 Tirupati is 67-km away from Chittoor in Chittoor district, the southern portion of Andhra Pradesh. Tirupati is one of the most visited pilgrimages in India. Sri Venkateshwara temple is one of the most important places of interest here. Sri Venkateshwara is also known as the Lord of Seven Hills, who is famous all over the country.
The shrine is situated on a hill at Tirumala, a cluster of seven hills known as Seshachalam or Venkatachalam with a height of 853m (2,800ft.) above the sea level. This temple is considered as the richest temple in the world, with a vibrant cultural and philanthropic institution and a grand history spanning several centuries. It attracts pilgrims from all over the country who wait for hours together to get a glimpse of the presiding deity.
The Lord of Tirumala is considered as the all-pervading Lord of the Universe. Almost daily 30,000 devotees on an average, visit the sacred shrine of Lord Venkateswara to pay their homage to him.
The Architecture
 The ancient Tirupathi Balaji is a fine example of Dravidian temple architecture. The dynasties like the Pallavas of Kanchipuram, the Cholas of Tanjore, the Pandyas of Madurai and the Kings and chiefs of Vijayanagara have contributed a lot to the development of this temple. They endowed the shrine, offering worship to the presiding deity. The Tirupati temple also has beautiful 'gopuram' or tower. The 'Vimana' or Cupola over the sanctum sanctorum is covered entirely with gold plate and is known as "the Ananda Nilayam".
The Shrine consists of three 'Prakarams' or enclosures. The outermost enclosure contains the 'Dhvajastambha' or the banner post and, among others, the statues of Vijayanagara king Krishnadevaraya and his consorts, and of Todarmal, the minister of Akbar. The idol of the deity, the full figure of Lord Venkateswara or 'Venkataramana' or 'Srinivasa' or 'Balaji' (as is called in various parts of the country) has the attributes of both Vishnu and Shiva, preserving and destroying aspects of the Hindu trinity.
Other Attractions near Tirupati Balaji:
 Swami Pushkarani: This tank is adjacent to the temple and is highly sacred. Pilgrims take a bath here before entering the temple.
Akasa Ganga: This is a waterfall about 3 kms to the north of the temple.
Papavinasanam: This is about 5 kms to the north of the temple.
Vaikuntha Tirtham -It is at a distance of about 3 kms north-east of the temple.
Tumburu Tirtham: It is about 16 kms. north of the temple.
Geological Arch: This rare geological formation is situated at 1 km north of the temple.
Lepakshi Emporium: A perfect place to purchase attractive handicrafts at reasonable prices. This is situated near Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Central Reception Office.
T.T.D Gardens: The Devasthanams has beautiful ornamental gardens with rare species of plants and trees.
Asthana Mandapam (Sadas Hall): This is the venue for the devotional programs like discourses, music concerts, harikathas and bhajans conducted under the protection of Dharma Prachara Parishat.
How to reach Tirupati
By Air: Direct flights to Tirupati are available from Hyderabad and Chennai only.
By Rail: Tirupati is the nearest railway station. There are trains that travel via Renigunta or Gudur, but do not touch Tirupati. In such cases, Renigunta or Gudur, are convenient points to alight. From Renigunta / Gudur one can reach Tirupati by train, bus, or taxi.
By Road: APSRTC buses run from all the important places in the state and between Tirupati and Tirumala. TTD also runs buses between Tirupati and Tirumala, free of cost.
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