Travel information in Tirumala

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Walking Up the Hill
Many pilgrims walk the 16 km (24 km by bus) up the hill. The path begins at the bottom of the hill, not far from the ISKCON temple. You can't miss the beginning, as there is a huge gopuram (tower) with bright lights and a big statue of Hanuman. It is best to go in the early morning to beat the sun and crowds. Almost the entire way there is an overhead shelter with lights so you can walk at night or in the rain.

Before climbing the hill it is customary to circle three times the temple that contains a pair of brass slippers, at the base of the hill. The beauty of the mountain area has to be experienced to be believed. You pass nice forests, gardens, and a zoo. You should be a little bit of an experienced walker as it is mostly uphill, but not much of an incline. There are refreshment stands on the way. On the way up the hill is a small temple dedicated to Ramanujacarya.

The walk up the hill is about 4,047 steps, which takes two to four hours of steady climbing and is hard work. If you walk up the hill and want to stay overnight in Tirumala, you can leave your luggage at the baggage stand at the toll gate at the bottom of the hill. It will be transported up the hill free of charge, and you pick it up at the cloak room near the Central Reception Office at the top of the hill.