Alipiri steps and Srivari Mettu: the two footpaths
Many pilgrims climb to Tirumala on foot as an act of devotion. There are two paths. The Alipiri steps start at the foot of the hills near Tirupati. Srivari Mettu is the shorter path. Both are pilgrim stairways with facilities set up by the TTD, not a forest hiking route. Do not expect to leave the path.
According to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), Alipiri is about 7.80 km and about 3 hours; other sources give other distances depending on the measuring point, so take the figure as a guide. Srivari Mettu is 2.10 km and 1.5 hours according to the TTD. The district administration lists 2,388 steps for Srivari Mettu.
Tirupati and Tirumala temple tours
Guided day trips and tours around Tirupati and Tirumala for those who prefer not to climb. Check each listing for its inclusions.
Divya Darshan tokens
Divya Darshan tokens are linked to the footpaths. Since a TTD notice of 6 June 2025, the tokens for Srivari Mettu are issued at the Bhudevi Complex in Alipiri, at 4 counters. So you collect the Srivari Mettu token in Alipiri, not at the start of that path. No daily quantity, no start time and no promise of instant darshan after the climb comes with it. Ask on site whether the procedure has changed.
The tokens do not replace booked tickets. For the paid and slotted lines, see the darshan page.
Access times
Published times for the paths differ from source to source, so no hour is given here. Before you start the climb, ask at the deposit point for the current time. Plan the start so that you finish in daylight and keep a margin for the queue at the top.
Luggage transport
Hand in your bags at the start.
The TTD runs deposit points at both starting points. According to a notice of 16 June 2026, the bags are handed out in Tirumala: at GNC for Alipiri and at TBC for Srivari Mettu. Keep the slip you receive. At the Alipiri checkpoint bags are scanned and people are checked, which is one more reason to carry little. The dress code page explains phones and bags in more detail.
Facilities on the way
Water and toilets
According to the TTD there are drinking water points and toilets along the path.
Shelter and medical help
The TTD also names rest shelters and medical assistance on the way.
Wildlife
Do not treat the climb as risk-free. Follow the notices on site and the TTD announcements, and stay on the path.
After the climb
The climb alone is no promise of an immediate darshan. At the top you join the lines described on the Tirumala page, with free buses, meals and the luggage collection point. Allow time and energy for the queue.
Choosing between the two paths
Alipiri is the longer and more traditional climb, and it fits pilgrims who want the full walk and have time. Srivari Mettu is much shorter, at 2.10 km according to the TTD, but the TTD and the district administration publish different durations, with the district administration giving about 2 hours. Either way, the steps are steady work, so a short path does not mean an easy one.
Bring comfortable footwear for the climb. Remember that shoes are not allowed in and around the temple grounds at the top, so think about where you leave them. Drink water along the way, rest at the shelters and set a pace you can keep. The walk is part of the devotion for many people, and it is common to go slowly.
If you travel with children, older relatives or anyone who tires quickly, the road is a reasonable alternative; the getting there page describes the ghat road and the buses.
Alipiri steps: frequently asked questions
How long is the walk from Alipiri?
The TTD gives 7.80 km and about 3 hours. Treat it as a guide, since individual pace and queues vary.
Where do I get the Srivari Mettu token?
Since a TTD notice of 6 June 2025, at the Bhudevi Complex in Alipiri. Ask on site whether this is still the procedure.
Can I send my luggage ahead?
Yes, the TTD runs deposit points at both starts and hands the bags out in Tirumala. Keep the slip.
Is the climb a forest hike?
No. It is a pilgrim stairway with facilities. Follow the notices on site.