Srivari Padalu Tirumala is the sacred hilltop shrine where Lord Venkateswara is believed to have first set foot on the seven hills after descending from Vaikuntam. It sits atop Narayanagiri, the highest peak behind the main temple, so the short climb rewards you with a sweeping view of the whole temple town. Many pilgrims finish darshan and head straight down, and they miss this quiet, moving spot completely. This guide covers the timings, the exact location, how to get there, and one confusion that trips up nearly every first-time visitor. 
Srivari Padalu at a Glance
- What it is: the revered footprints (padalu means feet) of Lord Venkateswara on Narayanagiri hill.
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, daily.
- Entry fee: free, so no ticket is needed.
- Distance: about 5 km from the main Sri Venkateswara temple.
- Climb: roughly 300 steps from the road up to the shrine.
- Best time: early morning, between October and March.
- Photography: allowed in the open viewpoint area.
What Makes Srivari Padalu Tirumala So Sacred
Srivari Padalu Tirumala marks the rock where devotees believe Lord Venkateswara placed his divine feet when he first descended to the Tirumala hills. The name itself says it plainly: “Srivari” refers to the Lord, and “padalu” means feet. Pilgrims come here to bow before those footprints and take in the same view the Lord is said to have first seen. The spot sits on Narayanagiri, the tallest of the seven hills, deep inside the forested Seshachalam range. Because it stands above the temple town, the air feels cooler and the crowds thin out. That mix of devotion and calm is exactly why regulars treat it as a must-visit, not an afterthought.
The legend behind the footprints
According to the Sri Venkateswara Mahatyam, the Lord touched down on Narayanagiri before moving to the main temple site on Venkatadri. Devotees see the footprints as a sign of his promise to stay close to his followers on earth. The tradition is a matter of faith and Puranic belief rather than recorded history, so treat it as the devotional story it is. Over the years, weather slowly damaged the original relief in the rock. TTD later protected the footprints and, at one point, restored the sacred feet after a scratch was noticed. Today the shrine is cared for as one of Tirumala’s important secondary pilgrimage stops.
Srivari Padalu vs Srivari Mettu: Don’t Mix Them Up
This is the single biggest confusion online, and it sends people to the wrong place. Srivari Padalu is the footprints shrine on top of Narayanagiri, reached by a short climb of about 300 steps. Srivari Mettu is something else entirely: a long stepped footpath of 2,388 steps that pilgrims use to walk up to Tirumala from Srinivasa Mangapuram. So when a page says “2,388 steps,” it is describing Srivari Mettu, the ascent route, not the footprints. A third term, Srivari Padala Mandapam at Alipiri, adds to the muddle, because that is a separate shrine at the foot of the hills. Keeping these three apart saves you a wasted trip and a lot of confusion.
| Name | What it is | Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Srivari Padalu | Footprints shrine on Narayanagiri hilltop | ~300 |
| Srivari Mettu | Walking route up to Tirumala | 2,388 |
| Padala Mandapam | Shrine at Alipiri foothills | At road level |
Srivari Padalu Tirumala Timings and Entry Fee
Srivari Padalu Tirumala is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day, and there is no entry fee to visit. You do not need a darshan ticket or any booking for this spot, since it is an open shrine and viewpoint. Just arrive within visiting hours and walk up. Timings can shift during festivals or maintenance, so confirm the current hours on the official TTD website before you plan a tight schedule. Because the last stretch closes by evening, aim to reach the base well before 5:30 PM. That buffer gives you enough time to climb, pray, and come back down in daylight.
How to Reach Srivari Padalu Tirumala
Srivari Padalu Tirumala lies about 5 km from the main temple, near the Silathoranam natural rock arch. You can get there by free TTD bus, by shared or private taxi, or on foot if you enjoy a forest walk. The road winds through thick green cover, so the ride itself is part of the experience.
By bus and taxi
TTD runs free buses across Tirumala that connect the temple area with spots like Silathoranam and Papavinasam. From the drop point, a short walk brings you to the base of the steps. Shared cabs and private taxis also wait near the main temple, and many drivers offer a combined round of nearby sights. Agree on the fare before you start, because hilltop routes sometimes cost more than you expect.
On foot and the final climb
From the road or parking near Padala Mandapam, you climb roughly 300 steps to reach the footprints. The stairway is moderate, and most people, including children and older pilgrims who take breaks, manage it comfortably. Handrails and resting spots help along the way, while the view keeps improving as you rise.
What You’ll See at the Shrine Today
Here is a fact many older guides get wrong: you can no longer touch the footprints directly. TTD has enclosed the sacred feet inside a glass frame on a stone platform, so you view them through the glass. This step protects the relic from wear, and it also keeps the queue moving. The old practice of breaking coconuts right at the footprints has also moved. TTD shifted coconut offerings to a designated spot nearby, mainly to keep the shrine clean and safe. So if you carry a coconut, ask the staff where to offer it rather than breaking it at the feet. The atmosphere stays devotional through the day. Chants of “Govinda! Govinda!” drift across the hilltop, while small stalls near the base sell water, flowers, and puja items. Take a few quiet minutes at the railing, because the wide view over the temple town is the real reward of the climb. Security staff and TTD personnel stay on hand to guide devotees and keep the queue orderly. On a clear morning, you can trace the temple gopuram and the winding ghat road far below.
Best Time to Visit Srivari Padalu Tirumala
Early morning is the sweet spot for Srivari Padalu Tirumala, because the light is soft and the hilltop is peaceful. The months from October to March bring cool, pleasant weather that makes the climb easy. Summers get hot by midday, so a sunrise visit beats the heat. Weekdays are quieter than weekends, and festival days can crowd the whole hill. If your trip overlaps a major event like the annual Tirumala Brahmotsavam, expect longer waits everywhere. A calm dawn slot lets you sit, pray, and soak in the view without a rush.
Combine It With Nearby Spots
One smart move is to see Srivari Padalu as part of a short circuit rather than a standalone trip. Several holy and scenic spots sit close together on the same side of the hill, so a single loop covers most of them. You can finish the whole round in a half day if you start early and keep moving.
- Silathoranam: a rare natural rock arch, just a short walk away.
- Papavinasam Theertham: a sacred waterfall bath, a few kilometres on.
- Akasa Ganga: a hill stream and temple linked to the Lord’s daily abhishekam.
- Deer Park and Chakra Theertham: quiet green stops for families.
Because these places share one route, a taxi or the free bus loop can string them together. Plan your temple darshan first, then explore the hilltop spots after. You can line up your visit alongside a full Tirumala darshan and seva plan for a smooth day.
Health and Safety Notes
The climb to Srivari Padalu is short but real, so treat it with sense if you have health concerns. Carry water and take slow breaks, since the hill air and midday sun can tire you fast. Wear comfortable footwear, because the steps get slippery after rain. Elderly pilgrims, pregnant women, and anyone with heart or knee trouble should climb at an easy pace and rest often. If a climb feels risky on the day, it is fine to skip it and pray from below. The footprints are a matter of faith, and no ritual there is a substitute for medical care or a doctor’s advice.
Tips From Frequent Visitors
A few small habits make the visit far better. First, go at sunrise, when the view is clear and the steps are cool. Second, keep some change ready for the small stalls that sell water and puja items near the base. Also carry a light shawl, because the hilltop breeze can feel sharp even in warm months. Since the forest road has patchy mobile signal, download your map and darshan details in advance. Finally, respect the queue at the glass shrine and let elderly devotees go ahead.
Before You Go
Srivari Padalu Tirumala is one of those rare stops that turns a temple trip into a real pilgrimage memory. It costs nothing, opens from 6 AM to 6 PM, and asks only a short climb in return for a view and a moment of stillness. Pair it with Silathoranam and Papavinasam, go early, and pace the steps. For live timings and any darshan you plan alongside it, check the official TTD booking portal before you set out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Srivari Padalu in Tirumala?
Srivari Padalu is a shrine on Narayanagiri hill that holds the footprints believed to be Lord Venkateswara’s first steps on the Tirumala hills. Devotees visit it as a sacred and scenic stop after the main darshan. The name means “the feet of the Lord.”
What are the Srivari Padalu Tirumala timings?
Srivari Padalu Tirumala is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is best to arrive early in the morning for cooler weather and fewer crowds. Timings can change on festival days, so confirm on the official TTD site.
Is there an entry fee for Srivari Padalu?
No, there is no entry fee for Srivari Padalu. You do not need a darshan ticket or booking, because it is an open shrine and viewpoint. Only your time and a short climb are required.
How many steps are there at Srivari Padalu?
You climb roughly 300 steps from the road to reach the footprints. The stairway is moderate, with resting spots along the way. Most visitors, including children and older pilgrims, manage it with a few breaks.
What is the difference between Srivari Padalu and Srivari Mettu?
Srivari Padalu is the footprints shrine on the hilltop, reached by about 300 steps. Srivari Mettu is a separate 2,388-step footpath used to walk up to Tirumala from Srinivasa Mangapuram. They are two different places, so do not confuse the names.
How far is Srivari Padalu from the main temple?
Srivari Padalu is about 5 km from the main Sri Venkateswara temple. You can reach it by free TTD bus, shared cab, or private taxi. The scenic forest road takes only a short while to cover.
Can you touch the footprints at Srivari Padalu?
No, you can no longer touch the footprints directly. TTD has enclosed them in a glass frame on a stone platform to protect the relic. You view and pray before the footprints through the glass.
Is Srivari Padalu suitable for elderly pilgrims?
Yes, many elderly pilgrims visit, but they should climb slowly and rest often. Carry water and wear steady footwear, since the steps can tire the knees. Anyone with serious health issues should judge the climb carefully on the day, and it is perfectly fine to pray from the base instead.
