Sri Vari Mettu: Shortest Route to Tirumala by Walk

Srivari Mettu is the shorter of the two stone-stepped footpaths pilgrims use to walk up to Tirumala, climbing roughly 2,388 steps over about 2.1 kilometres from the Srinivasa Mangapuram side. Because it is far shorter than the historic Alipiri Mettu, most reasonably fit walkers finish it in about 2 to 2.5 hours, and everyone who treks up on foot is eligible for the free Divya Darshan (footpath darshan) of Lord Sri Venkateswara. This guide covers the route, its steps and timings, the facilities, the Divya Darshan token system for walkers, and how Srivari Mettu compares with the longer Alipiri path — with the reminder that only the official TTD portal, tirumala.org, is the final word on timings and darshan rules.

What is Srivari Mettu?

Srivari Mettu is a stepped footpath to Tirumala that begins near Srinivasa Mangapuram, about 20 kilometres from Tirupati town, on the opposite side of the hill from the well-known Alipiri route. Pilgrims favour it because it is shorter and quicker: instead of the long, winding Alipiri climb, it takes a steeper but far more direct line up the Seshachalam hills and brings you out on the Tirumala side near the MBC Gardens area.

The path also carries devotional significance: by tradition, after Lord Venkateswara married Sri Padmavathi Devi he stayed at Srinivasa Mangapuram before ascending the hill, and it is believed he travelled to Tirumala along this very route. Many walkers therefore combine the trek with a visit to the Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Srinivasa Mangapuram.

Srivari Mettu at a glance

The step count is widely quoted as 2,388 (some guides round it to about 2,400). Most of the path is covered with sun-and-rain shelters, which makes the climb far more comfortable in Tirupati’s heat and monsoon.

Timings and the best time to start

The Srivari Mettu footpath generally opens at 6:00 AM and closes in the late afternoon or early evening; some guides list the last entry around 5:30 PM, with vehicle entry to the base stopped a little earlier (around 4:30 PM). Because these hours can be tightened for security, wildlife or festival reasons, reconfirm the exact closing time on tirumala.org before you travel.

On major occasions such as Vaikunta Ekadasi and the annual Garuda Seva, the path may stay open for extended hours. For everyday climbs, start early: in summer, set off between about 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM to avoid the midday sun; in winter, any time from 6:00 AM through the afternoon is comfortable.

Divya Darshan for walkers

Pilgrims who reach Tirumala on foot — by either Srivari Mettu or Alipiri Mettu — qualify for Divya Darshan, a free darshan facility TTD provides specifically for footpath walkers. On Srivari Mettu, walkers collect a free Divya Darshan token, and a verification checkpoint is set up on the path at roughly the 1,200th step. A limited number of tokens (reports vary between about 5,000 and 6,000 per day) are issued, so they can run out on busy weekends and are generally not issued at all on very high-rush days such as Vaikunta Ekadasi.

• Carry photo ID: an Aadhaar card or other valid government photo ID is required, and tokens are issued through a biometric system.
• Same-day darshan: tokens are valid for that day, with a reporting time for the queue; report only at the stated time, not earlier.
• Children: those under 12 generally do not need a separate token, though carrying ID is still wise.
• No online booking: Divya Darshan tokens are issued only in person on the footpath.

If tokens for the day are exhausted, walkers can still join the free Sarva Darshan queue after reaching Tirumala. Always verify current Divya Darshan rules and token counts on the official TTD portal, as they are periodically revised.

Facilities along the path

Srivari Mettu is a well-maintained, largely covered route with the basics a walker needs, though it is deliberately free of commercial stalls:

• Free luggage counter at the base — deposit heavy bags and collect them at the Tirumala end.
• Drinking water and restrooms in the lower section (commonly noted up to around the 420th step); carry a water bottle and light snacks, as eateries are not available along the climb.
• Sun-and-rain shelters covering most of the steps.
• Parking at the base, so you can return to collect your vehicle if you descend the same way.

Wear comfortable footwear, carry any regular medication, and pace yourself — the steps are steeper than Alipiri even though the total distance is shorter.

How to reach Srivari Mettu from Tirupati

The base is near Srinivasa Mangapuram, about 20 km from Tirupati. The most convenient option is the free TTD bus service that runs from Tirupati (near the main bus stand and railway station) directly to Srivari Mettu at regular intervals through the day. Alternatively, APSRTC buses towards Rangampet or Madanapalle can drop you at Srinivasa Mangapuram, from where local autos reach the Mettu base. Private autos and jeeps are available but can be considerably more expensive, so first-time visitors usually find the free bus simplest.

Srivari Mettu vs Alipiri Mettu

The two footpaths suit different walkers. Alipiri Mettu, the traditional route from Tirupati, is far longer — commonly cited at around 3,550 steps over roughly 9 km — and generally takes 3 to 5 hours, but its gradient is more gradual once past the initial steep stretch. Srivari Mettu is much shorter at about 2,388 steps and 2.1 km, finishing in roughly 2 to 2.5 hours, but the climb is steeper.

In short: choose Srivari Mettu for the quickest climb if you don’t mind steeper steps; choose Alipiri Mettu for the classic pilgrimage route with a gentler overall gradient and more roadside facilities.

Frequently asked questions

How many steps are there on Srivari Mettu?

Around 2,388 steps over about 2.1 km — roughly a third of Alipiri Mettu’s step count, which is why it is called the shorter footpath.

How long does the Srivari Mettu climb take?

Most reasonably fit walkers complete it in about 2 to 2.5 hours. Families with young children or elderly pilgrims should allow extra time.

Do footpath walkers get free darshan?

Yes. Walkers qualify for the free Divya Darshan facility. On Srivari Mettu you collect a free token on the path (with verification around the 1,200th step) and must carry valid photo ID. Tokens are limited and issued only in person.

What are the Srivari Mettu timings?

The footpath typically opens at 6:00 AM and closes in the late afternoon or early evening, with vehicle entry stopped a little before closing. Because hours can change, confirm them on the official TTD portal before travelling.

Are food and water available on the way?

Drinking water and restrooms are available in the lower section, but there are no eateries along the climb, so carry your own water and light snacks. A free luggage counter is available at the base.

Which is better, Srivari Mettu or Alipiri Mettu?

It depends on your preference. Srivari Mettu is shorter and faster but steeper; Alipiri Mettu is longer with a more gradual gradient and more facilities. Both make walkers eligible for Divya Darshan.

Sources & last verified (July 2026)

• Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams — official portal: tirumala.org (Tirumala on-foot / darshan information)
• GoTirupati — Srivari Mettu footpath opening timings and Divya Darshan token details
• TirupatiHelps — Alipiri and Srivari Mettu distance, steps and timings guide

Last verified July 2026. Figures such as step counts, timings and daily token numbers are drawn from TTD-linked and reputable pilgrim sources and can change; always reconfirm current details on the official TTD portal before your trip.

Tirumala Tirupati Online is an independent pilgrim-information guide. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an official channel of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) or any temple or government body. For official darshan, accommodation and seva information, use only the official TTD portal, tirumala.org.

Last reviewed: July 7, 2026