Alipiri Steps and Srivari Mettu Steps to Tirumala
Climbing the sacred steps to Tirumala, the way our elders did.
The night we climbed from Alipiri
Our father took a vow when our brother got his first job, and the whole family climbed from Alipiri. We started after dinner, rested at the shelters and reached the top near midnight. Every step had turmeric and kumkum on it.
There are two footpaths. Alipiri is long and steep, Srivari Mettu is shorter. Below is how we plan both, and what to do after with darshan tokens.
Quick answer: Alipiri steps: about 3,550 steps and around 9 km, 3 to 5 hours of walking from Alipiri in Tirupati. Srivari Mettu steps: about 2,388 steps and around 2.5 km, 1.5 to 3 hours from Srinivasa Mangapuram. TTD fixes the walking hours and sends your luggage up free.
Alipiri or Srivari Mettu?
| Point | Alipiri | Srivari Mettu |
|---|---|---|
| Steps | About 3,550 | About 2,388 |
| Time | 3 to 5 hours | 1.5 to 3 hours |
| Start | Alipiri, Tirupati | Srinivasa Mangapuram, about 15 km away |
| Difficulty | Long, steep near the top | Shorter, steep in parts |
| Luggage | TTD transfer at Alipiri | Carry light or send from Alipiri |
| Best for | Full traditional vow | Less time, quieter path |
Approximate, from our visits. TTD changes timings and rules, so check the official TTD website before you go.
Alipiri and Srivari Mettu side by side
Numbers are approximate and TTD timings can change.
Alipiri footpath
Starts at the foot of the hills in Tirupati. Long with steep stretches near the top. Covered for most of the way.
Srivari Mettu
Starts near Srinivasa Mangapuram, about 15 km from Tirupati. Shorter but steep in parts.
Luggage transfer
At Alipiri, TTD takes your bags and sends them up to Tirumala, where you collect them with the slip.
Shelters and water
There are rest shelters, drinking water, toilets and small shops along the paths.
Tokens for walkers
TTD has given time slot tokens to walkers at certain points in the past. The rule changes, so check before you go.
Read moreWildlife rules
The paths pass forest. TTD sets walking hours and limits for children, and staff help groups.
How we do the walk
Simple steps that keep the climb safe and calm.
Check timings
Read the current footpath timings and child rules on the TTD website.
Send luggage
Hand over bags at the Alipiri luggage counter and keep the slip safely.
Start light
Eat a light meal, carry water and wear comfortable footwear you can leave later.
Climb in a group
Walk with family, rest at shelters and do not stray off the path.
Collect bags
At the top, collect luggage and go to your room to rest.
Plan darshan
Join the queue with your token or ticket after rest.
What to carry and what to leave
Carry
- A water bottle and glucose
- Original ID for token and checks
- A small towel and cap
- Light snacks and dry fruits
Leave
- Heavy bags on your back
- Plastic covers and bottles to throw
- Walking alone at odd hours
- Feeding monkeys or wild animals
Tips for an easier climb
These helped our parents finish the climb without strain.
A typical climb
- StartAlipiri gate, luggage handed over
- First hourEasy steps, many shelters
- MiddleSteep part, rest often
- TopCollect bags, rest, darshan
Go slow
Take many short breaks instead of one long one. It is not a race.
Knee path
Some devotees climb the last steps on knees as a vow. Do it only if fit.
Cool hours
Early morning or evening is cooler than midday in summer. See best time to visit.
Footwear
Many walk barefoot as a vow. If you wear slippers, pick ones that grip well.
- Alipiri steps
- About 3,550
- Srivari Mettu
- About 2,388
- Alipiri time
- 3 to 5 hours
- Mettu time
- 1.5 to 3 hours
- Luggage
- TTD transfer at Alipiri
- Rules
- TTD hours, child limits
Forest area. Leopards and other animals live in these hills. Follow TTD timings, walk in groups and keep children close at all times. Book only on the official TTD website or app.
Related pages: First Visit Plan · Best Time to Visit · Bangalore to Tirupati · Hyderabad to Tirupati
Official sources: Official TTD website · TTD news (tirumala.org)
Short answers devotees search for
Alipiri mettu steps about 3,550 and Srivari Mettu about 2,388.
Alipiri 3 to 5 hours, Srivari Mettu 1.5 to 3 hours.
The two start points are about 15 km apart by road.
About 5 km, 15 minutes by auto or bus.
About 15 to 20 km, 30 to 40 minutes by road.
Questions about Alipiri steps
What families ask us before the climb.
What is Alipiri mettu distance?
The Alipiri footpath is about 9 km from Alipiri to Tirumala. Alipiri is about 4 to 5 km from Tirupati railway station and bus stand by auto or bus.
What are Tirupati steps timings?
TTD opens the Alipiri and Srivari Mettu footpaths from early morning and closes entry at night. Children may be allowed only during the day for safety. Check the latest TTD timings before you start.
How far is Srivari Mettu from Tirupati bus stand?
Srivari Mettu starts near Srinivasa Mangapuram, about 15 to 20 km from Tirupati bus stand. TTD free buses and autos go there from Tirupati.
How many steps are there from Alipiri to Tirumala?
The Alipiri footpath has about 3,550 steps. Most families take 3 to 5 hours with rests. Fit walkers do it faster.
Which is shorter, Alipiri or Srivari Mettu?
Srivari Mettu is shorter, with about 2,388 steps, and takes about 1.5 to 3 hours. It starts near Srinivasa Mangapuram, around 15 km from Tirupati.
Is luggage carried up for walkers?
Yes. At Alipiri TTD collects bags and sends them up to Tirumala, where you collect them with your slip. Keep the slip safely.
Are the footpaths open at night?
The paths are open for set hours that TTD changes for safety, especially after wildlife sightings. Check the current hours on the TTD website.
Can children walk up to Tirumala?
Yes, but TTD has set limits for children on the paths at certain hours for safety. Keep kids close and follow staff instructions.