🕉️ Tirumala Darshan Timings & Darshan Types Explained: A Complete Devotee Guide

🙏 Types of Darshan at Tirumala

Sarva Darshan (Free Darshan)

✅ Cost: Free
🕒 Timing: 24/7 in shifts, but with high waiting time
📍 Location: Vaikuntham Queue Complex (VQC 2)
📷 ID Proof: Aadhaar or any Govt. ID required

Who it’s for: All pilgrims. Best for those who don’t mind long queues. Waiting time can go from 4 to 18 hours during peak season.

Facilities Available:

• Free laddus (1 per person)
• Annaprasadam, water, toilets, medical aid
• LED screens showing devotional videos inside waiting halls

Special Entry Darshan (₹300 Ticket)

✅ Cost: ₹300 per person
🕒 Slots: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM in 1-hour intervals
🌐 Booking: tirupatibalaji.ap.gov.in (high demand – book in advance!)
🎁 Includes: 2 Free Laddu Prasadams

Benefits:

• Faster entry (2–3 hour queue max)
• Designated entry points
• Ideal for working professionals, senior citizens, and families

Pro Tip: Tickets are released monthly, usually on the 1st or last Friday of each month — book as early as possible!

Divya Darshan (Footpath Darshan)

🚶‍♂️ For those walking via Alipiri or Srivari Mettu paths
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Only valid if you walk the entire way (no skipping allowed)
📷 Bio-metric token is issued en route
✅ Free of cost with faster queue than Sarva Darshan

Recommended for: Devotees performing padayatra (pilgrimage by foot) for vows or spiritual merit

Timings for Entry Tokens:

• Alipiri: Open 24/7
• Srivari Mettu: Open 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

VIP Break Darshan

💰 Cost: Varies based on eligibility (₹500–₹10,000+)
🔐 Reserved for:

• High-level donors (₹10,000+)
• Protocol VIPs (Ministers, Judges, etc.)
• TTD employees and their referrals
• Recommendations from MLAs/MPs with formal letter

🕒 Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM (Break Darshan slot)

Fastest darshan option, typically 30–45 minutes. Entry is through Mahadwaram (East Gate).

Senior Citizen & Physically Disabled Darshan

✅ Free Darshan with priority queue
👵 Eligibility:

• Age 65+
• Medical certificate for disability
  📍 Entry Point: Supatham Gate (near Vaikuntham 2)
  🕒 Timings: 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM daily (report at least 1 hour early)

Wheelchairs, volunteers, and shaded seating provided.

🧾 How to Book Darshan Online

• Visit: https://tirupatibalaji.ap.gov.in
• Register with Aadhaar or mobile OTP
• Choose “Special Entry Darshan” or “Accommodation”
• Select date, slot, and pay online
• Download your QR code darshan ticket

Note: Carry original Aadhaar and ticket printout or softcopy with ID when visiting.

📅 Best Time to Visit for Shorter Queues

• Off-season months: January, February, June, and August
• Weekdays: Tuesday to Thursday (avoid weekends & holidays)
• Darshan during early morning or late night has fewer crowds
• Avoid major festivals like Brahmotsavam, Vaikuntha Ekadashi, and New Year

🪔 Additional Tips for Devotees

• Arrive 2–3 hours early even for ₹300 darshan
• Dress modestly and traditionally (saree, dhoti, kurta-pajama)
• No electronic gadgets allowed inside temple
• Tonsuring is optional, not compulsory
• Use TTD free buses within Tirumala area