12 Best Pilgrimage sites near Tirupati

Kanchipuram or Kanchi is one of the most famous places of pilgrimage in Tamilnadu. It is situated at a distance of 75 km from Chennai. Located on the bank of the Palar River, Kanchipuram is one of the oldest cities in India and was served as the capital of the Pallava Dynasty.

Kanchipuram is one of the most popular places to visit near Chennai. Kanchi is known for its temples and silk sarees which are woven manually. Kamakshi Amman Temple is the landmark of Kanchipuram, and among the most popular places to visit in Kanchipuram. Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Karchapeshwarar Temple, Sri Ekambarnathar Temple are the other prominent temples to visit as part of Kanchipuram tour packages. The temples of Kanchipuram are known for their grandeur and great architecture.

Kanchipuram is a traditional center of silk weaving and handloom industries for producing Kanchipuram Sarees. In 2005, 'Kanchipuram Silk Sarees' received the Geographical Indication tag, the first product in India to carry this label.

Distance from Tirupati: 111 Kms

Kanchipuram Packages from ₹1550

Kanchipuram Tourist Places

2. Chidambaram

Chidambaram is a pilgrimage town in Tamil Nadu. Well known for Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram temple is one of the most celebrated shrines in South India and also one of the famous Tamilnadu places to visit. It is about 66 km from Pondicherry, and 217 km from Chennai.

Also known as Thillai, the town is known for the Thillai Nataraja Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built during the 11th century, Chidambaram Nataraja Temple has a great religious as well as historic and cultural significance. This is one of the Panchabhoota Stalas signifying the five elements of wind (Kalahasti), water (Tiruvanaikka), fire (Tiruvannamalai), earth (Kanchipuram) and space (Chidambaram). Thillai Kaali Amman Temple, Pichavaram, Sattanathar Temple, Bhuvanagiri, Parangipettai, Annamalai University, Kollidam (river) and Poompuhar are the other prominent places to visit as part of Chidambaram tour packages.

Brahmotsavam, Ani Thirumanjanam, Thai Poosam and Arudra Dharshan are some of the Nataraja Temple festivals that attract large crowds from far and nearby places. Natyanjali Dance Festival is a major festival held in February. Many eminent dancers give their performances during this festival.

Distance from Tirupati: 300 Kms

Chidambaram Packages from ₹7900

Chidambaram Tourist Places

3. Tiruvannamalai

The sacred site of Tiruvannamalai is one of the prominent places of pilgrimages in Tamilnadu, and among the best places to visit near Chennai. Situated at 115 km Pondicherry, 191 km from Trichy, and 196 km from Chennai, Thiruvannamalai is known as one of the major pilgrimage centres of India.

Tiruvannamalai is known for Annamalaiyar Temple, one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas of Lord Shiva, representing the 5 elements of nature. Legend has it that Shiva appeared as a massive column of fire in this temple. This temple features one of the tallest temple towers in India and is visited as part of Tiruvannamalai packages. Sri Ramana Ashram, Sathanur Dam, Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram, Virupaksha Cave, Mamara Cave, Skandashramam, and Annamalaiyar Temple View Point are some of the top places to visit in Tiruvannamalai.

Thiruvannamalai boasts a vibrant culture centered on the renowned Annamalaiyar Temple. Visitors can also explore nearby sites such as Tirumalai Jain Temples, Gingee Fort, and Padaveedu. Thiruvannamalai temple darshan usually takes 2-3 hours but can take upto 5-6 hours on festival dates and holidays.

Distance from Tirupati: 190 Kms

Tiruvannamalai Packages from ₹8750

Tiruvannamalai Tourist Places

4. Srikalahasti

At a distance of 37 km from Tirupati, 113 km from Chennai, 291 km from Bangalore, 375 km from Vijayawada and 552 km from Hyderabad, Srikalahasti, popularly known as Kalahasti is one of the ancient and most important Shiva Kshetras situated in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. Srikalahasti is famous for Srikalahasteeswara Temple (referred as Srikalahasti Temple) built in 10th century. The entire temple was carved out of the side of a huge stone hill. Srikalahasti is among ideal weekend getaways from Chennai city for a two day trip and also one of the top places to experience AP Tourism.

Srikalahasti got its name from three words - 'Sri' meaning a spider, 'Kala' meaning a serpent and Hasti meaning an elephant, as these three creatures are believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva at this place and attained salvation. It is located on the banks of the River Swarnamukhi, which is a tributary to River Pennar, one of the major rivers in South India. The ancient Shiva temple of Srikalahasti finds reference in the three ancient epics the Skanda Purana, Shiva Purana and the Linga Purana. According to Skanda Purana Arjuna came to this place to worship Kalahasteeswara (Lord Shiva) and met Rishi Bharadwaja on the peak of a hill.

The temple of Kalahasteeswara is one of the most impressive Siva temples in India. This ...

Distance from Tirupati: 37 Kms

Srikalahasti Tourist Places

5. Ahobilam

At a distance of 66 km from Nandyal, 137 km from Kurnool, 114 km from Kadapa, 348 km from Vijayawada, 350 km from Hyderabad and 407 km from Bangalore, Ahobilam or Ahobalam is an important pilgrimage center located in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. Ahobilam is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Andhra Pradesh and also one of the best Places to visit in Andhra Pradesh.

Ahobilam is the holy abode of Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu in man-lion form. According to legend, this is the place where Lord Narasimha killed Hiranyakasipu and saved Prahalada. Though the initial temples were built by Chalukyas in 8th century, most of the current structures were rebuilt by Vijayanagara kings around 15th century.

Situated amidst dense Nallamala Forest, Ahobilam is one of the 108 Divya Desams. This place is also called as Nava Narasimha Kshetra since Lord Narasimha is worshipped in 9 different forms and separate temples exist for all the forms within a radius of 5 km from the main temple. Jwala Narasimha, Ahobila Narasimha, Malola Narasimha, Kroda Narasimha, Kaaranja Narasimha, Bhargava Narasimha, Yaogananda Narasimha, Chathravata Narasimha and Paavana Narasimha are the nine forms of Lord Narasimha in Ahobilam. Few of these temples have easy access, but most of them have to be reached by difficult treks through thick forest and rocky paths.

The town is divided ...

Distance from Tirupati: 259 Kms

Ahobilam Packages from ₹9450

Ahobilam Tourist Places

6. Yaganti

At a distance of 55 km from Nandyal, 80 km from Kurnool, 308 km from Hyderabad, 359 km from Vijayawada & 11 km from Banaganapalle, Yaganti in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh is famous for Sri Yagantiswamy Temple (also called Uma Maheshwara Temple) dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Yaganti is one of the most famous Shiva Temple is Andhra Pradesh and also one of the popular places to experince AP Tourism. The temple dates back to 5th and 6th centuries with contributions from Pallavas, Cholas, Chalukyas and Vijayanagara rulers. The temple received significant contribution from Vijayanagara Kings Harihara & Bukka Rayalu, who finished the construction of several structures in and around the temple.

The Uma Maheshwara Temple at Yaganti houses the idol of Shiva & Parvathi (Ardhanareeswara) carved out of a single stone. This is probably the only place where Lord Shiva is worshipped in an idol form instead of Shiva Linga. It is believed that Sage Agastya performed penance for Lord Shiva at this place and requested Shiva to appear in Ardhanareeswara form which is worshipped here. Another unique feature of the temple is Nandi statue which has been growing in the size.

Yaganti is located in Yerramala hills that offer immense natural beauty and unique setting to the locality. There are a several natural caves in the hills around the temple which were home for several saints throughout the ages, ...

Distance from Tirupati: 282 Kms

Yaganti Packages from ₹9900

Yaganti Tourist Places

7. Kanipakam

At a distance of 71 km from Tirupati, 13 km from Chittoor, 175 km from Chennai, 181 km from Bangalore, 50 km from Vellore, 59 km from Sripuram, 420 km from Coimbatore and 575 km from Hyderabad, Kanipakam is a village and pilgrimage center located in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. Famous for the Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple (Kanipakam Temple), Kanipakam is one of the top Andhra Pradesh places to visit. This is one of the ideal weekend getaways near Bangalore & Chennai for a day trip and a major pilgrimage site in Andhra Pradesh.

This village lies close to Karnataka & Tamil Nadu border on the banks of Bahuda River. The temple was constructed in the 11th century by Chola king Kulothunga Chola I and was expanded further in 1336 by Vijayanagara Kings. Kanipakam temple is a rare temple with a self-manifestation (swayambhu) idol of Lord Ganesha.

The striking feature of the idol is that it is still growing in size. According to a legend, there were three handicapped brothers, Dumb, Deaf and Blind. They were farmers and used to draw water for farming from a well nearby. One day the well got dried and they could no longer continue cultivation. One of them got into the well and started digging it up. He was shocked to see blood coming out of the well. Within in a few seconds the entire water turned red. All the three became normal getting rid ...

Distance from Tirupati: 62 Kms

Kanipakam Tourist Places

8. Mahanandi

At a distance of 19 km from Nandyal, 93 km from Kurnool, 135 km from Kadapa, 306 km from Hyderabad, 316 km from Vijayawada and 360 km from Bangalore, Mahanandi is a holy Shivaite pilgrimage center located in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh. This is also one of the famous Andhra Pradesh places to visit.

Located to the east of Nallamala Hills, Mahanandi is a picturesque village surrounded by thick forest. Within 15 km radius from Mahanandi, there are nine Nandis (Bulls) known as Nava Nandis. Mahanandi is famous for the Mahanandiswara Temple and foremost shrines of Nava Nandis. The nine Nandi temples are Mahanandi, Shivanandi, Vinayakanandi, Somanandi, Prathamanandi, Garudanandi, Suryanandi, Krishnanandi and Naganandi.

The 7th century Mahanandiswara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is very famous and sacred place. Though the initial structure was built by Chalukyas in 7th century, several additions were done in 10th and 15th centuries. The gopuram over central sanctum is built in Badami Chalukyan style of architecture and other structures in the temple are in Vijayanagara style. According to the legend, the local kings known as Nandas ruled here in the 10th century AD and they built a number of temples and worshipped their ancestral deity the Nandi, hence the name Mahanandi.

The remarkable feature here is the crystal clear water in Pushkarini which flows throughout the year. ...

Distance from Tirupati: 281 Kms

Mahanandi Packages from ₹10450

Mahanandi Tourist Places

9. Thiruttani

About Thiruttani Temple

At a distance of 13 Km from Arakkonam, 44 Km from Kanchipuram, 65 Km from Tirupati, and 86 Km from Chennai, Thiruthani, or Thiruttani is a holy town located in the Tiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu. The town is home to the famous for Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple, also known as Thiruthani Murugan Temple. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, this temple is one of the prominent pilgrimage sites in Tamil Nadu, and among the six Padai Veedus (Battle Grounds) of Lord Murugan, other five are Palani, Swamimalai, Tirupparangunram, Pazhamudircholai and Thiruchendur. This place represents the site where Subramanya stayed after destroying the demon Surapadman. Tiruttani is also said to be the place where the Lord Subramanya married Valli, one of his two consorts.

History of Thiruttani Temple

The origins of this revered temple are deeply rooted in antiquity, with mentions in the ancient Sangam literature, specifically in Tirumurugatruppadai, penned by the poet Nakkeerar. This sacred site has received the patronage of Vijayanagara rulers, local chieftains, and zamindars over the centuries. Beyond its storied past, the temple has been extolled by Saint Arunagirinathar, a devout follower of Lord Murugan from 600 years ago, who acknowledged this hill as a favored destination for worship, graced by deities and a beloved retreat for saints who engaged in deep meditation. Sri Muttuswami Deekshitar, ...

Distance from Tirupati: 65 Kms

10. Balamurugan Temple - Ratnagiri

About Balamurugan Temple

At a distance of 17 Km from Vellore, the Balamurugan Temple, commonly referred to as the Ratnagiri Murugan Temple, is an ancient Hindu shrine perched on a hillock in Ratnagiri, within the Ranipet district of Tamil Nadu. Positioned along the Vellore-Chennai Highway, it is one of the important pilgrimage sites in Tamil Nadu, and among the must-visit places as part of Vellore packages. This temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, and the 14th-century poet Arunagirinathar has composed verses celebrating this sacred place, highlighting that Murugan, the deity of the Devas, resides in Ratnagiri.

History of Balamurugan Temple

The Ratnagiri Balamurugan Temple was initially constructed as a modest sand edifice in the 14th century. It underwent a significant transformation into a grand stone sanctuary in 1980, thanks to the efforts of Bala Muruganadimai Swamy. According to ancient Hindu texts, Lord Murugan is believed to inhabit every hill as the supreme Deity. Notable shrines such as Tirupparankundram, Tiruchendur, Tiruvavinankudi, Tiruveragam, and Palamuthircholai are renowned within this context, collectively referred to as 'Kundruthoradal.' The Ratnagiri temple is also included in this esteemed group, as highlighted by the 14th-century poet Arunagirinathar in his writings.

Architecture of Balamurugan Temple

The ...

Distance from Tirupati: 114 Kms

11. Sripuram

About Sripuram Golden Temple

At a distance of 10 Km from Vellore, 70 Km from Kanchipuram, 120 Km from Tirupati, 146 Km from Chennai, and 212 Km from Bangalore, Sripuram Golden Temple, officially known as Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, is a sacred Hindu temple situated in Tirumalaikodi suburb of Vellore, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the popular pilgrimage sites near Bangalore, and among the must visit places as part of Vellore tour. Dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi, the temple is famous for its stunning gold-covered architecture, made of real gold foil, making it unique in the world.

History of Sripuram Golden Temple

The Sripuram Golden Temple was established by Sri Sakthi Amma, the founder of Sri Narayani Peedam, a spiritual organization dedicated to fostering peace, harmony, and spirituality. The temple's construction commenced in 2001 and reached completion in 2007. It is devoted to Goddess Mahalakshmi, who is revered for granting wealth, prosperity, and blessings to her followers. The Sripuram Golden Temple serves as a testament to faith, devotion, and divine grace.

Architecture of Sripuram Golden Temple

Spanning an impressive 100 acres, the Golden Temple of Sripuram is constructed in the Vedic architectural style, serving as a remarkable oasis of spirituality. The temple is adorned with 1500 kg of pure gold ...

Distance from Tirupati: 121 Kms

12. Parvathamalai

About Parvathamalai

At a distance of 36 km from Thiruvannamalai, Parvathamalai is a mystical mountain situated at Thenmathimangalam village in the Tiruvannamalai District of Tamilnadu. Located in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, it is one of the top pilgrimage sites in Tamil Nadu, and among the best places to visit near Madurai. The name Parvathamalai means Mountain of the Goddess in Tamil, highlighting its connection to Hindu mythology and spirituality. At the peak of Parvathamalai stands the Parvatha Malaiyappan Temple, dedicated to Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is not only a spiritual hub but also a popular trekking destination.

History & Mythology of Parvathamalai

Situated atop a hill that rises 4,500 feet, the Parvathamalai Temple was established approximately 2,000 years ago by the Siddhars, who came to meditate and attain enlightenment. It is thought that this hill is a remnant of the Sanjeevani Mountain. According to legend, when Lord Hanuman transported the Sanjeevani Paravat to revive Lakshmana during the conflict with Ravana in the Ramayana, a portion of the mountain broke off. The mountain that Hanuman carried is reputed to be abundant in herbs capable of curing even the most severe ailments. The atmosphere in this region is believed to be healthful, as it is infused with the essence of these herbs, promoting both mental and physical well-being. Parvathamalai ...

Distance from Tirupati: 193 Kms