Tirumala ghat roads are two asphalt steep natural slopes ghat roads between Tirupati and Tirumala. They are in Seshachalam Hills range in Pūrva Ghaṭ. Both ghat roads are double lane type, follow different paths along the hills.
The old ghat road was laid in 1944, other was opened in 1974. Old ghat road route is used for vehicles from Tirumala to Tirupati and new ghat road is from Tirupati to Tirumala. The starting point of the road to go up Tirumala hills is Alipiri and it is overlooked by an immense statue of Garuda in an anjili pose.
Each road is approximately 19 km in length and has more than 36 hair pin bends. It takes 40 minutes to reach top Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.
APSRTC Buses Climbing Tirumala – Tirupati Ghat Road – VIDEO
Video – VK Buses.
The ghat road over Seven Hills between Tirumala to Tirupati was designed by prominent engineer Bharat Ratna Mokshagundam Vishweshvaraiah.
Two all-weather asphalt ghat roads are laid between Tirupati and Tirumala.
• The up ghat road to reach Tirumala is about 17.80 Kilometres.
• The down ghat road to reach Tirupati is about 18.00 Kilometres.
APSRTC runs regular bus services to Tirumala from Railway Station, RTC Central Bus Station, Sri Padmavathi Bus Station, and Balaji Link Bus station located in different parts of Tirupati, at a convenient frequency based on arrival timings of Pilgrims.
Pilgrims can save time and money by purchasing return journey tickets (Rs.96/- for adult & Rs.52/- for children for both upward and downward journeys) at Tirupati itself. These tickets are valid for three days from the date of purchase.
Pilgrims may also travel by their own vehicles or hire taxi cabs of up to 12 seats capacity.
Pilgrims are requested to follow the travel time restrictions on ghat roads to ensure their safety.
Normally, ghat roads are open between 3:00 AM and 00.00 Hours (21 Hours). However on special occasions, the vehicles are allowed to ply on ghat roads round the clock.
In case of Vehicle breakdown or accidents on ghat roads, pilgrims may contact 0877-2263636/9000503089 and108 for assistance of auto clinic/ crane and Ambulance respectively. These vehicles are arranged to reach the spot within reasonable time and service charges are collected as per rates in vogue.
Toll-fee collected for vehicles at Sapthagiri Toll plaza as decided by management from time to time.
At Alipiri, Tollgate cum security zone was established to screen vehicles and pilgrims entering Tirumala, to safeguard the hills from terrorists and anti-social elements.
