Walking up to Tirumala is one of the most loved ways to reach Lord Venkateswara. Many devotees take a vow to climb on foot, and TTD maintains two stone footpaths (sopanamargas) for them. The two routes are quite different in length and difficulty, so it helps to know what you are choosing before you start.
This guide compares the Alipiri footpath and the Srivari Mettu footpath, explains the Divya Darshan token for walkers, and covers luggage, timing and what to expect on the climb. We are an independent assistance service (not TTD, and not endorsed by TTD), so we have kept the facts to what TTD publishes officially, and we have flagged anything that changes often so you can confirm it on the official TTD portal before you travel.
The two footpaths at a glance
TTD runs two pedestrian routes up the hills, and you pick one based mainly on your fitness and how much time you have.
The Alipiri footpath is the older, traditional and most commonly used route. It starts at Alipiri in Tirupati. Per TTD, it is about 11 km long, so it is a serious walk — give yourself a relaxed half-day and start early. Because it is longer and more gradual, it is the route most groups, families and first-time pilgrims take.
The Srivari Mettu footpath (near Srinivasa Mangapuram) is the shorter of the two routes. It is quicker, but it is steeper and more strenuous, so it suits people who are reasonably fit. TTD itself advises pilgrims to choose their route keeping their health condition in mind. The exact distance and walking time for Srivari Mettu are not something we want to state as a fixed figure, so please confirm the current details on the official TTD portal.
You may also see step counts quoted online (figures in the thousands for each route). TTD's own pages do not publish an exact total step count, and numbers differ from site to site, so treat any step figure you see as approximate.
Divya Darshan token: the walker's benefit
Divya Darshan is a special darshan privilege TTD offers specifically to pedestrians who climb on foot. It is a token-based facility meant to reward the effort of walking — it is not something you buy, and no one should ever ask you to pay for it. If anyone offers to 'arrange' it for a fee, treat that as a red flag.
You collect a Divya Darshan token along the way and present it for darshan at Tirumala. The exact issue point has changed over time. As per TTD, tokens for the Srivari Mettu route have been issued at the Alipiri Bhudevi Complex (near the Alipiri bus stand), with that arrangement set up while permissions for counters nearer Srinivasa Mangapuram are awaited. Where you collect your token, and whether it is tied to a specific route, can change, so confirm the current arrangement on the official TTD portal close to your travel date.
One rule is important for the Srivari Mettu route: as per TTD, your Divya Darshan token is scanned at a point partway up the steps (it has been the 1200th-step area). If your token is not scanned at that point, you will not be allowed into the Divya Darshan queue lines — so do not skip the scanning point. It is also wise to carry a valid photo ID for yourself and each person in your group, in case it is needed when collecting the token.
Luggage, timings and facilities
Luggage: TTD provides free transport of luggage to Tirumala for foot pilgrims. You deposit your bags at the designated counter near your starting point and collect them at Tirumala. Allow several hours for bags to arrive, and carry essentials (water, medicines, ID, phone) on you rather than packing them away.
Timings: Footpath opening and closing times — and the separate, usually shorter, hours for children — are revised by TTD for safety, weather and crowd reasons, so we are deliberately not quoting fixed times here. Check the current footpath timings on the official TTD portal before you set out, especially if you are starting late in the day.
Facilities: As per TTD, both routes have drinking water, toilets, rest shelters, canteens, 24-hour medical assistance and security patrols to prevent pilgrims from being cheated. Biometric counters on the footpath also give walkers access to free darshan, free accommodation and free meal facilities at Tirumala. TTD also notes that APSRTC runs free buses from Tirupati Railway Station to Alipiri at roughly half-hour intervals to help you reach the trailhead.
What to expect on the climb
Both paths are paved stone steps with covered stretches, lighting and regular rest points, so you are never far from water or help. The climb is physical, though — go at your own pace, rest often, and start early to avoid the midday heat.
Wear comfortable footwear or go barefoot if that is your vow, carry a small bottle of water, and keep some glucose or light snacks. If you have heart, knee or breathing issues, the gentler Alipiri route is usually the wiser choice, or you may prefer to travel up by road and walk only symbolically. Families with elderly members or small children often split up — some walk, others go by bus — and meet at Tirumala.
Most importantly, the Divya Darshan token you earn by walking is your route into the darshan queue, so look after it and keep it dry. Plan a buffer of a few hours between finishing the climb and your expected darshan.
If you would like a hand planning your walk — which route fits your group, how Divya Darshan works this season, or simply a clear step-by-step plan — you are welcome to message us at ONV Yatra on WhatsApp (6302136089). We will guide you to do everything in your own name on the official TTD portal; we never sell tickets, never take ticket money, and never ask for your TTD login or OTP. No pressure at all if you just found this guide useful.
Official sources: https://www.tirumala.org/TirumalatoTirupathiOnFoot.aspx · https://tirumala.org/DivyaDarshan.aspx · https://news.tirumala.org/darshan-for-scanned-tokens-alone-along-srivari-mettu-_-%E0%B0%B6%E0%B1%8D%E0%B0%B0%E0%B1%80%E0%B0%B5%E0%B0%BE%E0%B0%B0%E0%B0%BF-%E0%B0%AE%E0%B1%86%E0%B0%9F%E0%B1%8D%E0%B0%9F%E0%B1%81-%E0%B0%A8/ · https://news.tirumala.org/srivari-mettu-dd-tokens-issuance-commences-_-%E0%B0%B6%E0%B1%8D%E0%B0%B0%E0%B1%80%E0%B0%B5%E0%B0%BE%E0%B0%B0%E0%B0%BF-%E0%B0%AE%E0%B1%86%E0%B0%9F%E0%B1%8D%E0%B0%9F%E0%B1%81-%E0%B0%AE%E0%B0%BE%E0%B0%B0/. Always confirm current details on the official TTD portal.