As in monsoon, we have covered all nearby trek places near Pune, this time we decided to visit any pilgrimage place. In company we have colleagues coming from different parts of India. You can say it’s a true reflection of national integrity. One can learn more about different cultures within our own country. One of our friends is from Tirupati, so we immediately decided to go for Lord Balaji darshan. So our destination was ‘Tirupati’.
As the things were moving smoothly we got leaves and also the confirmed tickets for Tirupati. Our friend Tiru already booked accommodation in ‘Srinivasam Complex’ which is run by TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam). On friday evening we gathered at Pune railway station. We came to know that train is late by 3 hours. So we had some snacks and also spent quality time in group photo session. Finally at 9 pm we headed for Tirupati. First time we, L&T Infoknites were going for a long trip so all were truly enjoying. Finally at 2pm on next day 
we reached Reniguntha station. This is the place from where we can get buses for going to Tirupati. For those who don’t know, Tirupati is a place where you get down in the bus and Tirumala is a place seven hills up where Lord Venkateshwara temple is in. After having lunch, at 3pm we reached at ‘‘Srinivasam Complex’ in Tirupati. We took rest for some time and in evening we covered nearby temples. ‘Eskon Temple’ is a place really worth to see. Our friend Tiru invited us for dinner at his home. His parents were very happy seeing all of us. Tiru’s family is very hospitable. We enjoyed typical south Indian food cooked by his 
mother. We never ate that much ‘rice’. On next day early morning we decided to go for Lord Balaji Darshan. Although buses were available from Tirupati to Tirumala, we decided to go by walk. We started early at 6am after having a cup of tea. People pray Lord Balaji that if you get my wish done, i will climb your seven hills by bare feet. So many people were walking along with us. Climbing the stairs was difficult because most of them are not inclined to 45 degree but are almost 60 degrees angled. So you can easily feel that your 
thighs are locked and they become so tight that you must take a break and sit beside. On the way we took breakfast. After 3 hours we reached at the top. From there we can see amazing view of Tirupati. We could see people from all over the world were coming there. We get peace of mind at such holy place. As were having passes, within 1 hour we got Lord Balaji Darshan. The tirupati laddoo is a very popular prashad. So yummy and tasty. Later we covered nearby temples and around 6pm we came back to Tiru’s home. Next day our train for
Pune was at 2pm. Tiru’s father came with us to Reniguntha station to say bye. Those 2 days were truly memorable days in our life. We got lots of love, hospitability which we can never forget. On monday we reached Pune with sweet memories of Tirupati.How to go : One can go by Mumbai – Chennai Express and get down at Reniguntha Railway station. From there buses are available to go Tirupati. Journey time is 30mts.
Another train which goes directly to Tirupati is Mumbai – Kanyakumari express. Advance booking needs to be done.
Best Season : Except September and October. These are the months when Tirupati is heavily crowded for ‘Brahmotsavam’.
Accommodation : Many hotels lodges are available near Tirupati bus stand. One can get accommodation in ‘Srinivasam Complex’ which is run by TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam). We can also do online booking.
For more information visit http://www.tirumala.org
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