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Tirupati
 Tirupati City is located in the southeastern part of Andhra Pradesh State. It lies about 152-km northwest of Chennai in the Palkonda Hills. Tirupati is known as the abode of the Hindu god Venkateshvara (also spelt as 'Venkatesvara'), "Lord of Seven Hills". About 10-km northwest of Tirupati, at an elevation of 750m, is the sacred hill of Tirumala, which was considered so holy that before 1870 non-Hindus were not permitted to ascend it.
The town of Tirupati is one of the most ancient and sacred pilgrimage spots in India. The name 'Tirupati' means the "Lord of Lakshmi," and should have been applied to the village on the Venkat hill, the dwelling of Lord Venkateswara. However, Tirupati is the town and transport hub at the bottom of the hill. The hill near the temple is called 'Tirumala' or the "sacred hill." The temple here is said to be the busiest in the world, eclipsing even Rome, Jerusalem and Mecca in the number of pilgrims visiting it.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Air: It is possible to visit Tirupati for a daylong trip from Chennai. There are direct flights from Hyderabad and Chennai.
Road: It is also well connected by road to other towns in the State.
Rail: Direct railway services are available from Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and Bangalore.
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