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How to Reach Padmavathi Temple from Tirupati, Routes and Travel Time
Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple at Tiruchanoor is the temple of Goddess Padmavathi, consort of Lord Venkateswara, and is approximately 5 km south of Tirupati city. Most pilgrims visit Tiruchanoor either before or after the main Tirumala darshan, since tradition holds that one must offer respects at Padmavathi temple within 12 hours of the Tirumala visit. APSRTC city bus Route 5 runs every 15 minutes from the Tirupati main bus stand to Tiruchanoor; auto-rickshaws and private taxis also serve the route, all reaching the temple in 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic.
Distance summary
- From Tirupati APSRTC central bus stand to Tiruchanoor temple: 5 km
- From Tirupati Railway Station to Tiruchanoor temple: 4 km
- From Tirumala hill (after coming down): 27 km (Tirumala-Tirupati-Tiruchanoor)
- From Tirupati airport to Tiruchanoor temple: 11 km
By APSRTC city bus
- Route 5 connects the Tirupati main bus stand to Tiruchanoor, running every 15 minutes during the day (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM)
- Fare: Rs. 10 to Rs. 15 depending on exact stop
- Travel time: 20 minutes
- Drop point: Tiruchanoor main bus stand, a 5-minute walk from the temple
Several other route numbers from Tirupati also touch Tiruchanoor; the conductor or APSRTC information desk can confirm the next bus.
By auto-rickshaw
- Fare from Tirupati Railway Station: Rs. 100 to Rs. 150 one-way
- Fare from APSRTC main bus stand: Rs. 80 to Rs. 120 one-way
- Travel time: 15-20 minutes
- Use metered auto where available; negotiate rate before starting otherwise
For pilgrims unfamiliar with the area, the auto-rickshaw is the most practical option, it drops you at the temple entrance directly.
By taxi / private cab
- Ola / Uber typically Rs. 200 to Rs. 350 one-way
- Pre-booked tour taxi: Rs. 800 to Rs. 1,500 for a round trip with waiting
- Best option for elderly pilgrims, families with luggage, or those combining Tiruchanoor with other temples in the area
By private vehicle
If you have a private car, the drive from Tirupati city centre to Tiruchanoor is straightforward, 15-20 minutes along the Tirupati-Tiruchanoor road. Parking is available near the temple (free for cars, Rs. 20 for two-wheelers, paid for larger vehicles).
The route from Tirumala:
- Drive down the ghat road from Tirumala to Tirupati (45-60 minutes)
- Pass through Tirupati city on the road south to Tiruchanoor (15-20 minutes)
- Total Tirumala to Tiruchanoor by road: about 1 hour 15 minutes
By footpath
For devout pilgrims, walking from Tirupati to Tiruchanoor is possible, 5 km along the main road, takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. Most pilgrims do not walk this stretch given the heat and traffic. Footpath is more common in the early morning hours when traffic is lighter.
Temple timings at Tiruchanoor
- Morning darshan: approximately 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM
- Afternoon break: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
- Evening darshan: 1:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Friday darshan timings may shift due to Sahasra Kalashabhishekam ritual; verify on the day at the temple or call the TTD information desk.
Combining the visit with Tirumala
Tradition: pilgrims who visit Tirumala should offer respects to Goddess Padmavathi within 12 hours of the Tirumala darshan. The recommended sequence:
- Morning: Tirumala darshan
- Afternoon: Drive down to Tirupati
- Evening: Tiruchanoor Padmavathi temple darshan
Reverse sequence (Tiruchanoor first, then Tirumala) is also acceptable. Some pilgrims do both on the same day; others split across two consecutive days.
Special Entry Darshan at Tiruchanoor
Tiruchanoor also has a Rs. 100 Special Entry Darshan ticket, separate from the Tirumala Rs. 300 ticket. The Tiruchanoor Special Entry is bookable on the TTD portal under Tiruchanoor / Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple. Wait time is typically shorter than Tirumala (30 minutes to 2 hours for paid darshan).
The Rs. 500 Virtual Seva at Tirumala includes a free Rs. 100 darshan voucher that can be redeemed at Tiruchanoor, see the Virtual Seva guide for details.
Common questions
Is Tiruchanoor a separate trip or part of the Tirumala visit? Most pilgrims do both on the same Tirupati trip. Time-wise, the round trip from Tirupati to Tiruchanoor adds about 1.5 hours including darshan.
Can I book Tiruchanoor darshan online? Yes, on the same TTD portal. Select Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple under the darshan section.
What about the timing rule (visit Padmavathi within 12 hours of Tirumala)? This is a traditional belief, not a TTD-enforced rule. Many pilgrims follow it; some pilgrims do Padmavathi first instead. Either order is acceptable.
Is there a free APSRTC bus from Tirupati to Tiruchanoor? No. The Route 5 city bus is paid (Rs. 10-15). TTD’s free shuttles are for Tirupati-Tirumala only.
Where else can I visit while in Tiruchanoor? Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple and Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple are nearby. Tiruchanoor itself is a small town centred around the Padmavathi temple; allow 2-3 hours for the visit if you also see the surrounding temples.
For current Padmavathi temple timings and darshan rules, only use tirumala.org and ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in.
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