Greetings, nature enthusiasts and inquisitive minds!
The name Tirupati most likely brings to mind the magnificent temple of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala. Yes, that experience is undoubtedly divine. However, my recent trip to Tirupati revealed to me that it is not just about spirituality; it is also serene, green, and has a gentle whisper of the wild.
I am, of course, referring to Sri Venkateswara National Park which is located in the lush hills surrounding the holy city. It is often masked by the clutter of temples, but for a nature, animal enthusiastic like me, it was the icing on the cake for my Tirupati experience.
Allow me to share my nature-filled diary entry from my wildlife adventure. You never know; perhaps your next pilgrimage won’t just be spiritual but also an opportunity to escape into nature.
Tirupati – A Pilgrimage: An Arrival Experience
Arriving from Chennai, I traveled to Tirupati on a 3.5 hour train ride filled with beautiful scenic views, and upon arrival, I was immersed in the buzz of pilgrims, vibrant chants, and long lines at pradasham stalls. Originally, my itinerary included only temple visits, however, during the late evening hours I found the opportunity to branch out and visit the located Sri Venkateswara National Park, placed approximately ten kilometers away from the city, nestled in the Eastern Ghat region.
First Form TRN:
I ordered a local taxi for myself and left for the trip at around FOUR AM. As we drove out of town , the roads became more and more deserted, with a breeze blowing in as well, very cool. The driver, who went by Ramesh, started to say: “Sir, log Tirumala bhagwan ko milne aate hain, par yahaan jungle mein bhi unka hi vaas hai.” (People come to meet God in the temple, but He lives in the forest too.)
“The forest too.”
The video I had linked contained footage from the national park, which in detail explained all of the areas which were around the park
The unit which is situated next to Balapalle village has an entrance. I reported to the park office with an entry fee of a few hundred bucks which I must say is cheap in comparison to places like Mysore or Chikmagalur where the wildlife parks are extremely overpriced. I had to buy a few guides and Nagaraju, a soft spoken man who was gentle and knew every bird call, quickly gained my trust.
350sq km is no small area for a safari park, especially when all their parks span all of the eastern ghats and also includes over 20 node parks. Instead of being like the cat safari parks in my state of madhya pradesh or karnataka, these ones allow for a closer and more intimate experience. No divided areas, no noisy vehicle commotions, just the calm, serene, untouched wilderness which is suppressed by human presence.
Into The Wild: Exploring Wilderness’ Vegetation And Animals
As we commenced our stroll along one of the designated paths, Nagaraju was already identifying red sanders trees—precious and endemically indigenous to the dry forests of this region. Not to mention that the forest was literally singing—chirping birds and rustling leaves, not to forget the far off vaguely zenith sounding chaang of a langur troop.
The park is home to:
- Sloth bears (shy and elusive)
- Indian leopards
- Spotted Deer
- Sambar and barking deer
- Squirrels of enormous sizes—Indian Giant Squirrels.
- In addition to more than one hundred fifty species of birds.
God bless us, we were not fortunate enough to spot a leopard, however, I was lucky enough to see a stunning Crested Serpent Eagle perched on a tree observing the surroundings. Nagaraju also revealed to me a Giant Wood Spider weaving its golden web between two tree trunks crosswise and it was breathtaking.
Few remarkable moments featured spot watching tiny sets of wild boars storming through a stream into the deep dark blue bushes, standing breathless like a statue anticipating the grand performance taking place on stage in front of him. Holding my breath, still, like I am a guest in another person’s biryani restaurant unto life.
Waterfalls And Hidden Spots: A Heritage For Nature Enthusiasts
Natural springs and waterfalls are one of the parks most invigorating features. My guide Nagaraju took me to Talakona Waterfalls which is around 25 km deep into the forest. It is the tallest waterfall in Andhra Pradesh and it’s height is a whopping 270 feet.
The view on the way to Talakona is incredibly beautiful and I did not mind hiking for it. After completing the trail, I took off my shoes and submerged my feet into the cool and pristine water. From Butterflies to the sound of the waterfalls, the small things in the nature were enough to take away my worries.
A reminder of the bond between nature and humanity, there is also a small shiva temple close to the falls.
Monsoons tend to make Kaigal waterfalls more attractive as they serve as a home to numerous exotic insects and saphonic frogs. The locals have given it a fascinating name “Dumukurallu Waterfalls” due to the thundrous boom it gives off.
Talking with the Locals: Living in the Forest
While returning home, we took a break at a tribal hamlet located on the border of the forest. The Chenchu tribe is considered to be one of the oldest tribes living in forests in India. A woman called Sarojamma served me Ragi Malt, a traditional drink made out of finger millet.
Though their homes consisted of thatch and mud, they exuded a unique warmth. Their collection of forest produce, which includes honey, herbs, as well as medicinal plants, demonstrates their deep reverence for nature. “Jungle maa hai,” they say, meaning the forest is our mother.
This reflection makes me think about how people like us are continuously chasing comfort in urban areas, while these individuals live in peaceful harmony with birds and trees.
Travel Breakdown: Important tips and insights for travelers.
If you’re planning a trek similar to mine, these are the basic essentials to note.
Accessibility:
Tirupati has air, rail and road connections, making it easy to access. From Tirupati, you can take a taxi or auto rickshaw to the national park entrance, a journey that takes around 30 to 40 minutes.
When to Go:
The optimal timeframe to go is from October to March; however, peak monsoon periods are best avoided due to the possibility of treacherous trails.
Where to Stay:
Some lodges closer to the park also offer stays in Mount Tirupati. In addition, there is a DTCP forest guest house located near Talakona which requires prior booking.
Activities and Experiences
The following are some of the exciting activities you can pursue in the park:
1. Wildlife Safari (Partially Accessible Areas)
Although there is no complete safari service, some regions of the park allow visitors to navigate through specific wild terrain drives that may offer some wildlife viewing opportunities. If you engage the services of a local guide, your chances of seeing animals will be higher.
2. Guided Nature Walks and Trekking
There are marked routes in the park for trekking and nature walks. The most popular is the Talakona Trek which passes through thick forests to a waterfall.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Duration: 2 to 3 hour loop from starting point
3. Canopy Walk
Near to talakona waterfalls, patrons can walk on suspension bridges that are positioned amidst the forest canopies allowing a unique view of the trees from above.
- Entry Fee: ₹100 per person
4. Birdwatching and Photography
Being rich in biodiversity, the park is a heaven for photographers as well as birdwatchers. Ensure you have your binoculars and camera with you to capture breathtaking images of the birds and the picturesque landscapes.
Entry and Fees
Here is an overview of the costs associated with visiting Sri Venkateswara National Park:
- Activity: Park Entry Fee
- Cost: ₹50 per person
- Activity: Talakona Waterfalls Entry
- Cost: ₹50 per person
- Activity: Canopy Walk
- Cost: ₹100 per person
- Activity: Guide Fee (optional)
- Cost: ₹500 – ₹1,000
- Activity: Camera Fee
- Cost: ₹100 – ₹300 (professional cameras)
Best Time To Visit
You can visit the park between October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant. Do not visit during the monsoon season (July to September) as the park trails and paths can become dangerously slippery.
How To Reach Sri Venkateswara National Park
By Road:
- From Tirupati: The park is around 10 km from tirupati so accessible via taxi and auto-rickshaw.
- From Talakona: Talakona Waterfalls is accessible by road from tirupati (about 1.5 hour drive). Taxis and buses are convenient.
By Train
Tirupati Railway Station is the nearest railway station, and is serviced by regular trains from Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
What to Pack
Here’s a list of essentials to carry for your wildlife adventure:
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- Water bottle (at least 1 liter)
- Snacks (energy bars, fruits)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- A cap or hat
- Binoculars and camera (for birdwatching and photography)
- Mosquito repellent
- Lightweight backpack
Travel Tips
- Start Early: Early mornings are the best time for wildlife spotting and nature walks.
- Hire a Guide: A knowledgeable guide can enhance your experience by pointing out hidden trails, plants, and animals.
- Respect Nature: Avoid littering and maintain silence to prevent disturbing the wildlife.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear earthy colors like green or brown to blend in with the surroundings and avoid startling animals.
Estimated Costs for a Wildlife Trip
| Expense | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Transportation (taxi) | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 (round trip) |
| Entry Fees | ₹50 – ₹200 per person |
| Guide Fee (optional) | ₹500 – ₹1,000 |
| Food and Snacks | ₹200 – ₹500 |
| Accommodation (optional) | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 per night |
The Sri Venkateswara National Park offers a perfect balance of adventure, nature, and spirituality. Whether you’re trekking to Talakona Waterfalls, walking among the treetops on a canopy bridge, or spotting wildlife in the dense forests, this park promises a memorable experience. It’s an ideal getaway for anyone looking to unwind in nature after visiting Tirupati’s spiritual landmarks.
Completing my walk in the forest, I felt a profound sense of renewal—not just on a physical level, but emotional as well. To some extent, it was like a meditative experience. Gentle waterfalls, rustling leaves, and birdsong stirred to life reminded me that silence speaks volumes.
As I was recalling what Ramesh had said earlier that day—“The divine lives in the forest too”—I was looking up at the golden gopuram of the temple in Tirupati. And now, I wholeheartedly believe it.
So if you’re ever passing through Tirupati, try to set aside one day from your temple itinerary. You will encounter trees, yes, but far more than that, you will encounter life in its rawest, unblemished form.
Until next time,
May your eyes discover gliding marvels while your feet wander along whispering paths.
