Alipiri, the historic gateway to Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, was once the only footpath until Srivari Mettu's renovation in 2008. Pilgrims traditionally ascended the Seven Hills on foot, pausing to rest and cook. Today, the covered and well-lit path offers two routes: the longer Alipiri route with 3,550 steps and the shorter Srivari Mettu with 2,388 steps.
Alipiri, derived from the Telugu words "ali" (immerse) and "piri" (step), symbolizes the tradition of pilgrims bathing in sacred waters before ascending to Tirumala. The Seven Hills known as Seshachalam Hills—Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushabhadri, Narayanadri, and Venkatadri—leading to the main deity Venkateswara Swamy Temple,an incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu.
| Pooja Name | Timings |
|---|---|
| Suprabhata Seva | 4:00 AM - 5:00 AM |
| Archana | 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM |
| Maha Mangala Aarti | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM |
| Ekantha Seva | 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Tirupati is well-connected by road to major towns in Andhra Pradesh. State Transport Buses and private taxis operate regularly.
Nearest railway stations: Tirupati Railway Station and Renigunta Junction. From these stations, buses or taxis are available to reach Alipiri in Tirupati.
Nearest airport: Tirupati Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Tirupati via connecting cities.
The best time to visit is from November to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for temple visits. Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rainfall which may cause inconvenience.