Tirupati Balaji Darshan on Aug 13 2009

Dear VVV as of now 1000 hrs(Chennai)Volvo tickets are available at APTDC Chennai office the price for the same is Rs.1200 per person 0630 Pm Leave from Chennai and back to chennai on 13th 0500 Pm, Please consider 0545 as 45 minute delay can expect at the maximum

i have cancelled my trip because of swine flu..thanks for people who helped me with their guidances

Thanks tvhareesh.

I did not see your message in time. Also, I do not know where the APTDC office is in Chennai. I am new to Chennai.

Thanks again for your message.

The way my trip went.

I reached Chennai around 11:30am at the domestic airport. From there took a bus to the Coyembudu bus stand for about 7rs and reached about 12:30pm. Reaching there I found out the buses to go to Tirupathi/Renigunta had left in morning around 9-10am and the next buses was at 8pm. I was told to go to the Chennai Central railway station and reach Arrambakam(don't know if I am spelling it correctly) which is closer to Renigunta. When I reached Chennai Central at 1:30, there was a train to tirupathi departing at 4:30pm and the fare was 45rs. I took lunch and boarded the train at 3pm. The starting point was Chennai Central so I got place to sit. It reached Renigunta at 7:15pm where I got down as the train was going to change engines there. From there I took a bus and reached Tirupathi at 8:30pm. On reaching there I went to the TTD office to see if I could get some room for the night. There was no vacancy and particularly rooms are not provided to single persons even in private hotels there. I slept outside the counter where tickets were going to be issued at 5am in the morning. I woke up at 3am, did my morning ablutions and waited for the counter to open. After getting a ticket for 50rs darshan I went to Tirumala in a bus whose fare was about 25. I deposited my mobile and luggage in one counter and footwear in another counter. I stood in the line from 8am and was allowed darshan at 11am. I was out of the temple, collected my belongings and footwear by 12pm. Took a bus to go to Tirupathi and reached at 1:30. Fortunately, there was a bus to go to Chennai which took me to Chennai by 5pm.

Few things which might help a newcomer.

From Chennai there are more options by train to go to Tirupathi than bus, atleast that is what I found out. I might be wrong so please correct me.
Getting a 50rs ticket for darshan is quick, the 200rs darshan ticket might be more. The fastest I hear is people who walk all the way up the seven hills.
Making arrangements to stay overnight in Tirupathi is a good idea and more so if you are going alone.


Hope the details assist someone who is planning to go.