Andhra Pradesh

Sri Venkateswara Temple, located in Tirumala near Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most revered and visited pilgrimage sites in India. Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the temple is perched atop the scenic Seshachalam Hills. This ancient temple, also known as Tirumala Temple or Balaji Temple, showcases brilliant Dravidian architecture and holds immense spiritual significance. Millions of devotees visit annually to seek blessings, especially through the famous ritual of hair tonsuring as a sign of surrender and devotion. The temple’s sanctum houses the majestic idol of Lord Venkateswara, believed to fulfill the wishes of sincere devotees. With its rich history, vibrant traditions, and divine aura, Sri Venkateswara Temple stands as a symbol of unwavering faith and is considered one of the wealthiest religious institutions in the world.

Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park, established on September 29, 1987, is located in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Spanning over 2,200 hectares, it is one of the largest zoological parks in Asia. The park houses a diverse range of species, including mammals, birds, and reptiles, and is known for its conservation efforts and educational programs.

The Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located at the foot of the Tirumala Hills in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. It is the only Shiva temple in the city and is renowned for its sacred waterfall, Kapila Theertham. The temple is believed to have been established by the sage Kapila, who performed intense penance here, leading to a divine manifestation of Lord Shiva. The temple complex includes a serene lake, believed to be the spring from which Kapila emerged, and is a significant pilgrimage site for devotees.

Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park, located in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, is one of the largest zoological parks in Asia. Spread over 5,532 acres, it was established in 1987 and is set amidst the lush greenery of the Eastern Ghats. The zoo is renowned for its spacious enclosures that closely resemble natural habitats, offering animals a free-range environment. It houses a wide variety of fauna, including lions, tigers, leopards, elephants, bears, and several species of deer and birds. A major attraction is the white tiger and the majestic Indian leopard. The park promotes wildlife conservation, education, and research. Visitors can enjoy eco-friendly safaris and explore well-maintained trails. With its serene setting and focus on preserving biodiversity, the park is a perfect destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

The Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu. Situated atop the Venkatadri Hill, part of the Seshachalam range, the temple is constructed in the Dravidian architectural style and is one of the eight Vishnu Swayambhu Kshetras, considered self-manifested shrines. The temple's sanctum, known as Ananda Nilayam, houses a 2-meter tall idol of Lord Venkateswara adorned with a diamond crown, believed to be the most precious single ornament in the world. The temple complex spans 16.2 acres and includes sub-shrines, a gold-plated tower, and a holy pond called Swami Pushkarini.

Sri Venkateswara National Park, spanning 353 km² across the Seshachalam and Tirumala hills of Andhra Pradesh, is a biodiversity hotspot. Established in 1989, it shelters rare species like the slender loris and golden gecko. The park features diverse ecosystems, including dry and moist deciduous forests, and is home to notable waterfalls such as Talakona, the tallest in the state.