Visiting Tirumala Tirupati Temple is possible even if you haven’t booked a ticket in advance. The temple has options that allow devotees to enter and have darshan with or without advance bookings, depending on crowd conditions and quotas.
There are two main ways to visit Tirumala without a confirmed advance ticket:
Devotees who are unable to get online darshan tickets can still visit Tirumala using the following free and offline darshan options, subject to availability and guidelines.
1. Free Sarva Darshan (No Ticket Darshan)
Sarva Darshan is the free darshan option available for all devotees.
Key Details:
- No online ticket required
- Entry through general darshan queues
- Waiting time depends on crowd
- Best for devotees with flexible time
Slotted Sarva Darshan tokens may be issued in Tirupati based on crowd conditions.
How to get Free Darshan token at Tirupati?
STEP 1: Reach Tirupati Early
- Reach Tirupati early morning (before 6:00 AM) for better chances
- Stay near bus stand / railway station if possible
STEP 2: Get Slotted Sarva Darshan (SSD) Token
- Visit TTD Slotted Sarva Darshan token counters in Tirupati
- Carry valid ID proof (Aadhaar / Passport)
- Tokens are issued subject to daily availability
Common token locations (may change based on crowd):
- Bus stand areas
- Srinivasam complex
- Vishnu Nivasam
Tokens are NOT guaranteed every day during peak rush.
2. Divya Darshan (Footpath Darshan – Free)
Divya Darshan is a free darshan facility for devotees who walk to Tirumala via footpaths.
Some devotees choose to go by walking routes like Alipiri or Srivari Mettu and line up in free darshan queues.
Alipiri Footpath
Alipiri footpath is the traditional walking route from Tirupati to Tirumala, covering about 9 km with sheltered steps, water points, and security facilities. It is preferred by devotees who wish to fulfill vows while walking for Lord Venkateswara.
Srivari Mettu Footpath
Srivari Mettu footpath is a shorter and steeper route of about 2.4 km, mainly used by devotees starting from Srinivasa Mangapuram. It offers a quicker walking darshan option with well-maintained steps and Divya Darshan token facilities.
Where Are Divya Darshan Tokens Issued?
- Midway on the footpath
- Bhu Devi Complex (Alipiri / Srivari Mettu route)
Important Points:
- Available only for footpath pilgrims
- Darshan tokens are issued during the walk
- Free darshan through Divya Darshan queue
- Limited daily quota
✔ Ideal for devotees who wish to combine pilgrimage walking + darshan
3. Offline Srivani Darshan (JEO Office – Tirumala)
Offline Srivani Darshan tickets are issued at Tirumala JEO Office, subject to availability.
Key Details:
- Tickets issued per day: ~800 (approx.)
- Donation amount: ₹10,000 per person
- Darshan is VIP Break Darshan (availability-based)
- Issued at Tirumala JEO office
Important Notes:
- Donation is non-refundable
- Darshan is not guaranteed every day
- Subject to temple discretion and crowd conditions
✔ Suitable for devotees seeking VIP Break Darshan through Srivani Trust.
4. Airport Srivani Darshan (Tirupati Airport)
Airport Srivani Darshan is available for devotees arriving by flight.
Key Details:
- Tickets issued inside Tirupati Airport
Tickets issued per day: ~200 (approx.) - Donation amount: ₹10,500 per person
- Boarding pass is mandatory
- Darshan is through VIP Break Darshan
Important Conditions:
- Valid flight boarding pass required
- Limited quota per day
- Subject to availability
✔ Best for devotees flying directly into Tirupati and seeking Srivani Darshan.
Quick Comparison Table
| Darshan Type | Cost | Issued At | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarva Darshan | Free | Tirumala | Long waiting |
| Divya Darshan | Free | Bhu Devi Complex | Footpath walk |
| Offline Srivani | ₹10,000 | JEO Office, Tirumala | Limited (800/day) |
| Airport Srivani | ₹10,500 | Tirupati Airport | Boarding pass |
Important Devotee Guidance
- All darshan options are availability-based
- Crowd conditions may affect issuance
- Dress code is strictly followed
- Original documents are mandatory
- No agent can guarantee darshan
Can I Plan a Last-Minute Trip to Tirupati Without Darshan Tickets?
Yes, planning Tirupati at the last minute is possible, even without advance darshan tickets, but it requires flexibility and the right expectations.
If online darshan tickets are fully booked, devotees can still plan a visit using:
- Free Sarva Darshan (general queue)
- Divya Darshan (footpath darshan)
- ₹300 Special Entry Darshan (subject to availability)
- Offline Srivani Darshan options (availability-based)
For last-minute trips, it is recommended to:
- Reach Tirupati early in the day
- Be mentally prepared for longer waiting hours
- Keep 1–2 buffer days in your travel plan
- Carry all required ID documents
- Avoid tight return travel schedules
During weekends, holidays, or festival periods, crowds are heavier, but darshan is never completely closed. With patience and proper planning, a last-minute Tirupati visit can still be spiritually fulfilling.
Final Note
Even without online tickets, Tirumala darshan is possible through free darshan, footpath darshan, and offline Srivani options. Proper planning, patience, and devotion will ensure a fulfilling spiritual experience.