Sri Kalahasti Temple
Sri Kalahasti Temple is a Shiva and Vayu shrine on the Swarnamukhi river. The state travel diary of 2025 gives 36 km from Tirupati. It is a separate temple from the Venkateswara temple in Tirumala, with its own tickets and rituals, and the two should not be confused.
The operator of the temple lists a Seeghra Darsanam at 200 INR, a Special Entrance at 50 INR and an Antaralaya Darshan at 500 INR, with a traditional dress requirement for the last. These are undated operator figures, so check them on the official portal before you go. They have nothing to do with the Special Entry Darshan of Tirumala.
Tirupati and Sri Kalahasti tours
Guided tours that include Tirupati and Sri Kalahasti, with the details of what each offer covers.
Rahu Ketu pooja at Sri Kalahasti
The temple operator names a Rahu Ketu pooja daily from 06:00 to 17:00, in categories from 500 INR to 5,000 INR. Those are undated operator figures. The pooja time is not the opening time of the temple, so do not plan around it as if it were. For the tours that visit Sri Kalahasti, see the tours page.
Padmavathi Temple in Tiruchanur
The temple at Tiruchanur is dedicated to the goddess Padmavathi, also called Alamelumanga, the consort of Venkateswara. The TTD manages it and places it about 5 km from Tirupati. Sevas can be booked in advance through the official TTD portal.
The TTD describes a visit here before Tirumala as a widespread belief among pilgrims. It is not a condition for entering Tirumala.
Govindaraja Swamy Temple
This temple stands in the centre of Tirupati. According to the TTD it was consecrated by Ramanujacharya in 1130. The TTD gives daily opening from 05:00 to 21:00, running from the Suprabhata to the Ekantha ritual. That does not mean uninterrupted darshan during every ritual.
Kapila Theertham
A Shiva temple at the foot of the hills.
Kapila Theertham, also called Kapileswara, is a Shiva temple at the foot of the Tirumala hills, beside a waterfall and a temple tank. No distance is given here, and nothing is promised about bathing or water levels. Ask on site what is allowed. The opening hours of the smaller neighbouring temples are not given here either.
Combining the temples with Tirumala
Each temple has its own rhythm and its own queues, so do not stack them into one tight day. Read the Tirumala page for the hill town and the darshan page for tickets at the Venkateswara temple. Follow the local instructions at each temple.
How the temples differ
Sri Kalahasti
Dedicated to Shiva and Vayu, by the Swarnamukhi river, 36 km from Tirupati. It is the one temple here that needs a longer trip out of town, which is why tour operators combine it with Tirupati for a day.
Padmavathi at Tiruchanur
Dedicated to the goddess, about 5 km from Tirupati and run by the TTD, which makes it the easiest of the group to reach from the city.
Govindaraja Swamy and Kapila Theertham
The first is in the middle of Tirupati, the second at the foot of the hills with a waterfall and a temple tank. Together they fit a half day around the city.
All four are active places of worship. Visitors are guests there, so keep your voice low, ask before taking photographs and follow the signs. Opening hours other than the ones given above change with rituals and festivals, so check on the day instead of relying on a printed list. The history page adds background on the Govindaraja Swamy temple and on the Venkateswara temple itself.
Temples near Tirupati: frequently asked questions
How far is Sri Kalahasti from Tirupati?
The state travel diary of 2025 gives 36 km.
Is Sri Kalahasti the same as Tirumala?
No. Sri Kalahasti is a Shiva and Vayu shrine on the Swarnamukhi river. Tirumala is the Venkateswara temple on the hills.
Must I visit Padmavathi before Tirumala?
Many pilgrims believe so, according to the TTD, but it is not an entry rule for Tirumala.
Does the 300 INR ticket apply at Sri Kalahasti?
No. That is the Special Entry Darshan of Tirumala. Sri Kalahasti has its own tariffs.