Tread in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims honouring their faith at Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh. The magnetic draw of this special holy place is the historic shrine of Sri Venkateswara, the Lord of the Seven Hills. The shrine is to be found at Tirumala, 853m up at the top of Venkatachalam, the cluster of seven hills. The temple is believed to have existed from ancient times, when dynasties such as the Pallavas of Kanchipuram, the Cholas of Tanjore, the Pandyas of Madurai and the Kings and chiefs of Vijayanagara all vied with one another in endowing the Shrine and offering worship to the presiding deity. The temple itself, with its gopuram, or tower, is a fine example of Dravidian architecture.
Pilgrims from all over India stand together all day long in order to catch a precious glimpse of the deity, which is an impressive and humbling sight. This tour visits the Venkateshwara Temple in the evening, to observe the night-time rituals of worship, prescribed by the saint Ramanujacharya and followed to this day. The idol is annointed with camphor oil, and many pilgrims offer the hair from their own heads as a gift to the divine.
Before visiting the temple, you are free to discover the other sacred offerings of Tirupathi, of which there are many. This holy place is home to a large number of smaller temples devoted to various idols, and is an ideal place to discover much about the history and significant images of Hinduism.
01 CHENNAI (MADRAS) - TIRUPATHI
You are met on arrival in Chennai (formerly Madras), and depart by car from Chennai to Tirupathi, where you transfer to your hotel.
02 TIRUPATHI
You are at leisure to explore the temples, gardens and beautiful waterfalls of Tirupathi. Evening visit to the sacred Venkateshwara Temple.
03 TIRUPATHI - CHENNAI
Return journey by car and transfer to your hotel in Chennai, or to the station or airport for your onward destination. Tour ends.
Cost Include
Accommodation on a room-with Breakfast.
All transfers and Sight seen tours by car, Jeep and Coach including pick-ups and drop-offs at airport or station.
All sightseeing tours as specified.
Group Size: [Min 4 pax-Max 15 pax]
Cost Does Not Include -
Monument Fee, Lunch & Dinner, Personal Nature Items, Camera Fee at Monuments, Hot & Soft Drinks, Traveling Insurance.
