Mamandur Forest Timings Waterfalls Trekking Tirupati Entry Fees

Mamandur (Mamanduru) is a reserve-forest eco-tourism destination in the
Seshachalam hills, roughly 25–30 km from Tirupati on the Renigunta–Kadapa
highway, managed by the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department.
It is open to day visitors during forest hours (generally around 9:00 AM to
4:00 PM), offers short guided trekking trails to seasonal waterfalls and
perennial springs, and charges only a nominal entry ticket. Because it sits
inside the Sri Venkateswara National Park and Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve,
all trekking beyond the visitor area needs prior permission from the Forest
Department so a guide can be arranged. This guide explains the timings, entry,
trekking, waterfalls and rules — with a clear reminder to confirm the latest
details on official Forest Department channels before you travel.

Mamandur Forest at a glance

Where is Mamandur and how do you reach it?

Mamanduru is a forest village in the Seshachalam hill range in the Tirupati
district of Andhra Pradesh. It lies on the highway that runs from Renigunta
towards Kadapa, so it is reachable by road in under an hour from Tirupati for
most visitors. If you have your own vehicle, it is a straightforward drive;
the forest rest house and visitor point sit close to the highway. Visitors
relying on public transport can take a bus running on the Tirupati–Kadapa
route and alight near the Mamanduru forest stop, then walk to the entry point.

Because distances quoted online vary (some list it around 20 km and others
closer to 27–30 km depending on the exact starting point and route), treat the
figure above as approximate and plan for a half-day to full-day outing. The
Seshachalam range is also the setting for the wider Sri Venkateswara National
Park, and the ancient foot-trails from this area historically connected up to
Tirumala — the saint-composer Annamacharya is traditionally said to have used
paths through these hills.

Timings and entry

Mamandur operates as a day-visit forest area. Independent visitor accounts and
travel guides consistently report opening hours of roughly
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and entry is by a small ticket. Reported
ticket prices are modest — commonly described in the
₹10 to ₹50 per head range — and a separate parking charge may
apply for two- and four-wheelers.

Important caveat: the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department and the Tirupati
district portal do not publish a fixed, up-to-the-minute fee and timing table
online for casual day entry, and figures cited on third-party travel sites
differ. Rates and hours can also change seasonally or be revised without
notice. So use the ranges above only as a guide and confirm the current
ticket, timings and any trekking charges directly with the Forest Department
on arrival or through the official Tirupati district eco-tourism page. Entry
can also be restricted or closed during extreme weather, so check before
setting out.

Trekking at Mamandur

Trekking is the main attraction here. From the visitor area, a short walk of
about 10–15 minutes leads to the water flow and seasonal waterfall zone, where
visitors are generally allowed to enjoy the water when the flow is safe.
Beyond this easy stretch, the deeper forest holds secret canyons, perennial
springs, cascading waterfalls, centuries-old tall trees, caves and even
prehistoric rock paintings — but these are off the beaten track and reachable
only on longer treks through dense jungle.

Crucially, any trek beyond the immediate visitor area is
not a free-for-all. Because Mamandur lies inside protected
forest, you must take permission in advance from the Forest Department so an
authorised guide can accompany you. Do not attempt to wander deep into the
forest on your own — it is both unsafe and against eco-tourism rules. Longer
routes from Mamanduru historically continue up towards Tirumala, but these
require proper permission and guiding.

What you can see and spot

• Seasonal waterfalls and perennial springs (best after the monsoon).
• Rare and endemic wildlife — the Seshachalam hills are known for the slender
  loris and the golden gecko, species found in very few places.
• Dense, biodiverse forest with tall old-growth trees, part of the first
  biosphere reserve declared in Andhra Pradesh.
• Birdlife and, occasionally, mammals such as spotted deer for the quiet and
  patient visitor.

Waterfalls: Mamandur and nearby Talakona

The Mamandur waterfall itself is seasonal — it depends heavily on rainfall,
which is why the water can be strong right after the monsoon and dwindle to
nothing in peak summer. This is the single biggest reason to time your visit
well.

Many visitors combine Mamandur with Talakona, the tallest
waterfall in Andhra Pradesh at around 270 feet, located near Bakarapeta and
roughly 40 km from Tirupati, also within the Sri Venkateswara National Park
eco-tourism zone. Talakona has its own separate entry point, timings and
facilities managed by the Forest Department, so treat it as a distinct
destination rather than assuming a single ticket covers both.

Facilities and what to carry

Mamandur is a genuine forest area, not a developed tourist town, so keep
expectations realistic:

• There are no commercial shops or food joints inside the forest area. Pack
  all your own food and, importantly, enough drinking water for the day.
• A Forest Department rest house / guest house exists on the premises; any
  stay or use of guide services should be arranged through official Forest
  Department channels rather than private touts.
• Wear proper trekking or grip footwear — trails can be rocky, slippery near
  water, and muddy after rain.
• Carry back everything you bring in. Littering, loud music, plastic waste and
  disturbing wildlife are prohibited under eco-tourism rules.
• Mobile coverage inside the forest can be weak or absent, so inform someone
  of your plans in advance.

Best time to visit

The ideal window is the
post-monsoon period, roughly October to February, when the
weather is pleasant and the water flow is at its most attractive. During peak
summer the streams often dry up, and during very heavy rain the forest may be
closed for safety when the flow is dangerously high. Weekends and holidays can
be busier, so an early start helps.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Mamandur from Tirupati?

It is approximately 25–30 km from Tirupati along the Renigunta–Kadapa highway,
reachable by car or by buses running on that route. Quoted distances vary a
little depending on your exact starting point.

What are the Mamandur forest timings?

Independent visitor reports put the hours at roughly 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. As
the Forest Department does not publish a fixed online timetable for casual
entry, confirm the current timings on arrival before planning your day.

How much is the entry fee?

Entry is by a nominal ticket, commonly reported in the ₹10–₹50 per-head range,
with a possible separate parking charge. Exact rates are not officially
published online and can change, so verify locally with the Forest Department.

Do I need permission for trekking?

Yes. Any trekking beyond the immediate visitor area requires prior permission
from the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department, which also arranges an authorised
guide. Solo deep-forest treks are not permitted.

Is there food and water available inside?

No. There are no shops or eateries in the forest area. Carry all your own food
and drinking water, and take your waste back out with you.

When is the best time to see the waterfalls?

The waterfalls and springs are seasonal and at their best after the monsoon,
roughly October to February. Summer flows are weak or dry, and access may be
limited during very heavy rain.

Sources & last verified (July 2026)

• Tirupati District Administration, Government of Andhra Pradesh — Eco
  Tourism:
  tirupati.ap.gov.in/eco-tourism/
• Andhra Pradesh Forest Department eco-tourism information (Seshachalam
  Biosphere Reserve / Sri Venkateswara National Park)
• Seshachalam Hills Biosphere Reserve — background reference:
  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seshachalam_Hills_biosphere
• Independent Tirupati travel guides (for reported timings, ticket ranges and
  trek details), cross-checked against the above.

tirumalatirupationline.com is an independent pilgrim and travel information
guide. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with the Andhra
Pradesh Forest Department, TTD, or any government body. Timings, fees and
access rules for protected forest areas can change and are decided solely by
the Forest Department — always confirm current details through official
channels before you travel.

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026