Attractions of Tirupati: Chandragiri Fort

Chandragiri is famous for the historical fort, built in the 11th century, and the Raja Mahal (Palace) within it. Chandragiri was under the rule of Yadava rayas for about three centuries and came into control of Vijayanagar rulers in 1367. It came into prominence during Saluva Narasimha Rayalu,he got the title of Mahamandaleswara and his illustrious Prime minister Chitti Gangarayalu (Ganganamatyudu) was known for his vision, wisdom and rectitude and was revered as a Bhisma Pitamaha in his times, he was the person who identified intellectualism of Timmarasu and taken him into the service of Chandragiri and later promoted to the Prime minister of Vijayanagar Empire. Gangaraya discendents served the Vijayanagara empire as trusted Generals and Governors for several generations, Chandragiri was the 4th capital of Vijayanagar Empire, Rayas shifted their capital to here when Golconda sultans attacked Penukonda. In 1646 the fort was annexed to the Golkonda territory and subsequently came under Mysore rule. It went into oblivion from 1792 onward. The fort encircles eight ruined temples of saivite and vaishnavite pantheons, Raja Mahal, Rani Mahal and other ruined structures.

Raja Mahal Palace, Chandragiri
The Raja Mahal Palace (shown in picture) is now an archeological museum. The palace is three storeyed, is an example of Indo-Sarcen architecture of Vijayanagar period. The crowning towers represents the Hindu architectural elements. The palace was constructed using stone, brick, lime mortar and devoid of timber.


Koneti Naidu, who was made the king of Penukonda by the Vijayanagar Raya was the great-grandson of Kanaka Naidu of Chandragiri Royal Family, Koneti Naidu belonged to Vasarasi family of Balijas and he ruled for about fourteen years.


Laser show is organized in fort premises during weekends, 7pm

The Seven Sacred Hills of Tirumala, Tirupati:

The picturesque Tirumala hills is situated 2820 ft above MSL and is about 100sq.m in area. It comprises seven peaks, representing the seven hoods of Audisesha, thus earning the name Seshachalam.


The seven peaks are called Seshadri, Vedadri, Garudadri, Anjandri, Vrishabhadri, Narayandri and Venkatadri (Adri in sanskrit means Hill).


The Venkatam hill is believed to be a part of the celestial mount meru, brought to the earth from Vaikuntam by Garuda.The sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak,Venkatdri and there are several legends associated with the manifestation of the lord in Tirumala. The shrine of the lord is very ancient and there are ample references to it in the early inscriptions belonging to the Chola and Pallava periods as well in the Sangam literature.


The abode of the lord is about 10 Km north-west of Tirupati and there are footsteps leading to the hill as well as two separate serpentine roads to reach the shrine. According to legend, God Vishnu revealed himself earlier in the previous incarnations as Varahaswamy on the banks of the present temple tank. This manifestation of the white boar (Sveta Varaham) is enshrined in the Adi Varahaswany temple situated on the northeastern banks of the tank.


The Sanctum sanctorum called the Garbha Griha is where the main idol of lord Venkateswara resides. The idol stands majestically to a height of eight feet, in the centre of the sanctum directly beneath a gold guilded dome called the Ananda Nilaya Divay Vimana. The exquisitely wrought idol called the Mulabera is believed to be Svayambhu(self manifested), according to the legends. Further, no human being is known to have either sculpted or installed the idol in the shrine.


On normal days the imposing idol is adorned with a golden Kiritam which has a large emerald embedded on its front. On special occasions like the Brahmothsavam, he is adorned with his precious diamond crown worth Rs 30 Crores. On his forehead, the lord has a thick double patch of upright Namam drawn with refined camphor which screens his eyes. In between the two white patches is the Kasturi tilakam. His ear's are bedecked with shinning golden Makara Kundalas. The fist of his right raised hand is implanted with a gem-set chakra and the correponding left fist is with the Sankha. The slightly outstretched right hand has its finger pointing to his lotus feet, as the only recourse to his devotees to attain oneness with him and enjoy eternal bliss. His right hand is akimbo to assure his devotees of protection and to show the proverbial SamsaraSagara, the ocean of mundane life,is only hip deep if they seek refuge in him.

He has on the right side of his chest a clear impression of Goddess Lakshmi's, his consort. The deity has a unique magnetism, many devotees who go through the fleeting Sarvadarsanam have unusual psychic experience. They leave with a sense of spiritual satisfaction, coupled with a religious hunger to stand in front of Lord Venkateswara and experience the bliss again and again.

Recommended Restaurants in Tirupati

Nitya Anna Dana Hall
Basic free meals consisting of vegetable dishes, chutney, rice, sambhar, rasam and buttermilk are provided at the Nitya Anna Dana Hall. The hall is one km from temple, next to the shopping complex. Over 25,000 pilgrims eat in this big hall every day. Food is served on tables, either in stainless steel plates or on banana leaves.
Location: Tirumala Temple Premises


Balaji Woodlands
Balaji Woodlands, near the bazaar, is clean and a good option for South Indian tiffin meals.
Location: 206, Achalukya Complex, TP Area


The Saptagiri Woodlands Restaurant
The restaurant is recommended for its hot and tasty South Indian veg snacks and meals. The long dosa and pesarattu are some of the most loved dishes here.
Location: Near the Saptagiri Guesthouse


Woodside Restaurant
The restaurant serves some delicious tiffin meals. The prices are affordable and the restaurant has clean surroundings.
Location: Near the SV Museum


Bhimas Paradise
The restaurant at Bhimas Paradise Hotel serves traditional authentic vegetarian South Indian, North Indian, Chinese, and Mughlai cuisine.
Location: 3-37, Renigunta Road


Hotel Mayura
Hotel Mayura takes pride in its on-site restaurant that whips up pure vegetarian North Indian and South Indian delicacies. The gourmet can also place orders for scrumptious Chinese and Mughlai dishes. The flavor of the food will leave even the most finicky foodie thoroughly pleased.
Location: 209, T.P Area


Vrinda
Vrinda is a pure vegetarian restaurant in Sindhuri Park Hotel. The restaurant serves delicious North Indian, Chinese and South Indian food. The hotel provides an unforgettable experience of dining in a restaurant adorned with appealing wall-hangs and gorgeous Radha-Krishna idols. There is also an adjoining mini dining hall for small parties and family dinners.
Location: TP Area, Opp. Govindaraja Swamy Temple, Pushkarini

Quick facts about Tirupati

Tirupati Information & Fact file

	Altitude	750 meters
	Temp	Summer: 45 (max) and 40 (min) Degrees Celsius Winter: 30 (max) & 15 (min) Degrees Celsius
	Best time to Go	Oct - March
	Monsoon	July - Sept
	Summer	March - June
	Winter	Oct - Feb
	Clothes	Light cottons in summers and woolen clothes during winters as it is usually cold in Tirumala.
	Nearest Airport	Tirupati
	Railway Station	Tirupati
	Bus Station	Tirupati
	Hospital & Doctor	SVIMS, Tirupati
	Sightseeing	Tirumala Balaji Temple, Silathoranam, Theerthams, Papvinasanam...