Srivari Mettu, Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

Srivari Mettu, Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

Srivari Mettu is one of the oldest path to the hill shrine as compared with Alipiri. There are two ways to reach Tirumala by walk. One is Alipiri Mettu, ancient pathway to hill, is the longest route but equipped with all kind of facilities to relax and eat on the way atop. Other is Srivari Mettu, it is the shortest route and most of the Pilgrims prefer this route only. This route consists of 2388 steps which takes 2 hours to ascend. Srivari Mettu is difficult route compared to Alipiri and might not be suitable for people with knee joint issues or senior citizens. This is the fastest route and it is fastest because entire route consists of steps alone.

Milestone steps (for 50s and 100s) are marked accordingly on the steps and display boards are in place. Pilgrims are not allowed to wear footwear while walking on Srivari Mettu. Steps are paved and shaded all along entire route. First 800 steps are relatively easy and next 1400 steps steep and there is no gap between the steps to walk after step 800 (continuous steps). In between, there are excellent viewpoints of valleys, hills and if you are lucky enough can catch sight of different animals and birds in the forest. The timings are from 6 am to 6 pm.

Bhaktha Anjaneya Swamy Temple:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2019/01/bhaktha-anjaneya-swamy-temple-srivari-mettu-tirumala-tirupati-andhra-pradesh.html

Facilities

Once you reach the place, TTD has arranged luggage collection centre who transport luggage to Tirumala while pilgrims reach up by walk. Once you reach up, luggage reclaiming centre is just next to the place where pilgrims reach by walking. Luggage is scanned before accepting for transportation. No electronic items (cameras, tabs, phones etc.) are not allowed to be kept inside bag for transportation. No footwear is allowed to be kept in the bag. Also, water is available in almost every 50 footsteps.

TTD has provided a lot of amenities along the route which includes drinking water taps, vendors to sell fruit juice, fruits, snacks and energy beverages etc. Toilets/wash rooms are also present along the way. Divya Darshanam ticket and Laddus are provided for pilgrims who come by walking. Tickets are issued at step 1200 and they need to be stamped around 2000 step. This process takes some time. If you don’t need these coupons, you can inform guard there and skip that queue.

Connectivity

Srivari Mettu is located at about 8 Kms from Chandragiri Railway Station, 9 Kms from Chandragiri Bus Station, 17 Kms from Tirupati Railway Station, 19 Kms from Tirupati Central Bus Station, and 35 Kms from Tirupati Airport. There are free buses available for every 30 mins during day time from Tirupati Bus Stand. However, those buses are too much crowded and it will be difficult to manage with luggage and kids. Autos charge anywhere from 300 to 200 depending on the bargaining.

Location