Excursions

Horsely Hills
The famous hill resort in Andhra Pradesh is 144 km from Tirupati. Situated at an altitude of 1265 mts., Horsely Hills are delightfully cool and beautiful. The nearest railhead to Horsely Hills is Madanapalle Road, 43 kms., from the spot.

Horsley hills is an ideal place to visit to beat the heat of summer. It has a maximum temperature of 32c and a minimum of 20c in summer. Horsley Hills are named after W.D Horsley, collector of Cuddapah district, who made this beautiful hill resort his summer residence. From then on, it became a frequently visited spot. The fresh and unadulterated air, the beautiful landscape with lush green vegetation ensures a perfect peace of mind and heavenly bliss. As one proceeds towards the hills one comes across the trees of Rita, Shikakai, Amla, Beedi, Bay leaves, Sandalwood, Red sanders, Mahogany and Bamboo. Besides, there are also forest denizens like bears, wild dogs, jungle fowls, Sambar and Panthers. The Chenchu tribes inhabit Horsley hills in large numbers. The famous variety of Pungannur cows, which consume less fodder and yield more milk are found here. Another attraction of Horsley Hills is the 150 year old Eucalyptus tree. There is a dense growth of Eucalyptus, Jacaraida, Allamanda, Gulmohar and other species bordering the narrow road.

Chandragiri Fort
Located just 20 kms off Tirupati, Chandragiri Fort is a living testimony to the greatness of the Vijayanagara empire. Built on a huge rock about 56 mts. high, the fort has the remains of palaces and temples of the Vijayanagar era.

Chandragiri is the former capital of the Vijayanagara empire. The massive fort in Chandragiri is built on a huge rock about 56 mt high. The fort has palaces and temples.  These royal and religious structures are impressive and attractive with their towers, arcades, gopuras and verandahs. The palace named, Raja Mahal is associated with Venkatapatideva, the Aravidu ruler. It is an outstanding specimen of the Vijayanagara palace architecture.  It consists of  three storeys. Close by, there is another palace named Rani Mahal.  It is two storied and the lower storey served as the gateway. There is a domed chamber and an arcaded verandah attached to the upper storey. At end of the village of Chandragiri is the Kodandarama temple. 

Lepakshi
Lepakshi houses the famous Veerabhadra temple and the astounding monolothic Nandi, that has come to symbolize not only the Shaivite culture in South India but also the very cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh. Easily accessible from Tirupati, this religious centre of the finest temple architecture and paintings. The famous Veerabhadra temple is built in the Vijayanagara style. As per local legend, Lord Shiva and Parvati were married in this temple at portion called Kalyan Mandapa  The nearest railhead to Lepakshi is Hindupur, which is 16 kms. away, on the Hyderabad – Bangalore line.

Puttaparthi
Prasanthi Milayam, the main ashram of Shri Sathya Sai Baba, is in Puttaparthi. Sai Baba's followers are predominantly Indian but he also has many western devotees, among them the founder of the Hard Rock Cafe franchise. Known as the Adobe of highest Peace, the ashram is spacious and beautiful with good food and accommodation- at least when the numbers aren't overwhelming. Sai Baba spends most of the year here but sometimes moves to Whitefields Ashram near Banglore in neighbouring Karnatka or Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu during the hot, dry season.

Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple:
Sri Padmavathi is the goddess of abundance and prosperity.  This temple is down the hill from the main temple.  There are images of Lord Hanuman the monkey god, Lord Krishna and others in the white pillared hall.

Sila Thoranam:  
Sila Thoranam is a natural rock formation, few kilometers up the hill from the temple.  It is the only one of its kind in Asia. It is believed to be the place, where the deity Lord Venkateshwara descended to earth.  There are rock impressions of foot and wheel behind the arch.  According to the mythology, the foot belongs to Lord Vishnu.

Narayanagiri: 
The highest point on Tirumala is called Narayanagiri.  From here, you can have a panoramic view of the landscape.

Padmavathi Temple
At the foot of the Tirumala Hill stands the more modest Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, dedicated to the consort of Venkateshwara. Unlike most Hindu temples where the spouses are worshipped together, in Tirupathi Venkateshwara and Padmavathi have separate homes. It is said that one's pilgrimage to Tirupathi is complete only after visiting both the temples.