Tirumala Darshan Types: Free, ₹300, Special Categories & Pro Tips
Tirumala Darshan Types explained—free Sarva Darshan (SSD), ₹300 Special Entry, Divya Darshan, SRIVANI, senior citizen & PH, Angapradakshinam—with booking steps and tips.
- Tirumala Darshan Types include: Sarva Darshan (Free), SSD time-slot tokens, Divya Darshan (footpath), ₹300 Special Entry Darshan, Arjitha Sevas/DIP, SRIVANI, Senior Citizens & Physically Challenged Darshan, Angapradakshinam and VIP/Protocol (not a public ticket).
- Where to book: Only on TTD portal/app (online items) or designated counters (offline tokens/categories).
- Best plan: Fix dates → choose the right darshan type → align travel, room check-in slot and laddus.
Tirumala Darshan Types can feel confusing on your first visit. This complete guide groups every option—free, paid, and special categories—so you can book correctly, avoid touts, and enjoy a calm darshan.
Tirumala Darshan Types: the big picture (start here)
At Tirumala, access falls into three buckets:
- Free & tokened: Sarva Darshan (Free) with optional SSD time slots, and Divya Darshan for footpath pilgrims.
- Paid & scheduled: ₹300 Special Entry Darshan, and Arjitha Sevas (some via DIP lottery).
- Special categories: SRIVANI Trust, Senior Citizens/Physically Challenged/Long-illness, and Angapradakshinam.
VIP/Protocol darshan exists but is not a purchasable ticket; ignore “letter” claims.
Sarva Darshan (Free) & SSD time-slot tokens
- What it is: The free queue through Vaikuntham Queue Complex (VQC).
- SSD tokens: Optional Slotted Sarva Darshan tokens issued offline in Tirupati (commonly Srinivasam, Vishnu Nivasam, Bhudevi Complex). These are first-come-first-served and help you report in a time slot instead of waiting randomly.
- Who should choose: Families with elders/children who want predictability without paying.
- How to plan: Reach counters early, carry ID for adults, and keep luggage light. If tokens close for the day, join the straight free queue at VQC.
Divya Darshan (footpath walkers)
- What it is: Tokened free darshan for devotees walking via Alipiri or Srivari Mettu footpaths.
- Where tokens are handled: Typically linked to Bhudevi Complex/footpath checkpoints; tokens are scanned en route.
- Why it helps: Crowd discipline and fair priority for genuine walkers.
- Pro tip: Start before sunrise; use the free luggage transport to CRO so you walk hands-free.
₹300 Special Entry Darshan (Seegra Darshan)
- What it is: Paid, time-slotted darshan released online (₹300 per person).
- When to book: During the monthly release; slots sell out fast.
- What to carry: Government ID matching your booking; keep a buffer of 2–3 hours between your arrival on the hill and slot time.
- Smart pick: If your group includes elders but you missed SSD, this is the easiest structured option.
Arjitha Sevas & DIP lottery
- Direct-release sevas: Kalyanotsavam, Unjal, Arjitha Brahmotsavam, Sahasra Deepalankarana, etc., appear during monthly releases.
- DIP sevas: Suprabhatam, Thomala, Archana, Ashtadala run through an electronic lottery (DIP)—register within the window; if selected, pay within the deadline to confirm.
- Plan tip: Keep pilgrim profiles saved and payment method ready; book weekdays first.
SRIVANI Trust Darshan
- What it is: Darshan through the SRIVANI donation route with a dedicated booking flow on the portal.
- Reality check: It is not an agent package. Always complete donation and slotting inside the official portal; carry the receipt and ID.
- Who benefits: Devotees willing to donate via the official scheme for a structured darshan window.
Senior Citizens, Physically Challenged & Long-illness Darshan
- What it is: Special free darshan for eligible devotees with age/medical documents.
- How it runs: Quotas/tokens open as notified (often during monthly announcements).
- On the day: Bring original proofs, medicine, and one attendant (as permitted). Report early at the advised gate.
Angapradakshinam (inside the temple)
- What it is: A special offering performed inside the temple on notified mornings.
- How to get tokens: Released online/offline in limited numbers as per the monthly plan.
- Be ready: Dress modestly; follow instructions strictly; slots are few and go quickly.
VIP/Protocol break (read carefully)
- What it is: Protocol-linked arrangements for dignitaries; not for sale to the public.
- Important: Ignore “recommendation letters,” “VIP packages,” or WhatsApp QR payments. Many police/TTD vigilance cases involve such fraud. Book only on TTD channels.
Choosing the right option (decision table)
| Your situation | Best fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget trip, flexible timing | Sarva Darshan + SSD | Free, predictable slot with token |
| Family with elders/young kids | ₹300 Special Entry | Shorter, fixed slot |
| You love rituals | Arjitha Sevas | Seated participation + prasadam |
| You wish to walk to the hill | Divya Darshan | Priority for genuine walkers |
| You’re eligible (age/PH/illness) | Special free darshan | Dedicated arrangements |
| You want to donate | SRIVANI | Official donation + darshan |
Journey fit: Step 2 of 5 after fixing dates
- Pick from Tirumala Darshan Types above.
- Book on the TTD portal/app (or take SSD/Divya tokens offline).
- Align rooms: choose the right check-in slot (00:00–12:00 or 12:01–23:59).
- Travel buffer: reach the hill 2–3 hours before your darshan slot.
- Meals & mobility: rely on Annaprasadam, and ask volunteers for senior/PH assistance if needed.
Know Before You Go — mobile checklist
- Government photo ID for all adults
- Booking receipt/token and soft copy
- Modest dress; light shawl for queue halls
- Power bank, refillable water bottle
- Simple snacks for kids; regular meds
- Cash change (₹10/₹20) for lockers/tea
Pro tips (local wisdom)
- Weekdays (Tue–Thu) are smoother than weekends.
- For ₹300, avoid cutting it close—slot scanning closes before your time ends.
- Keep group together near the reporting gate; designate a meet-up point.
- Use TTD helpline for authentic info; ignore social media “agents”.
Common mistakes (avoid these)
- Confusing SSD tokens with the ₹300 ticket—they are different products.
- Booking darshan first and rooms later—reverse it or align check-in slot carefully.
- Reaching the hill minutes before your slot—traffic and security can delay you.
- Sending money to a personal UPI for “VIP” or “quick” darshan—report such offers.
Mini-FAQ on Tirumala Darshan Types
Is there online booking for free darshan?
No. Sarva Darshan is walk-in; SSD tokens are offline at counters in Tirupati.
Do children need tokens?
Below-12s are usually exempt in free/token queues; carry age proof.
How early should I arrive for ₹300?
Target 2–3 hours before your slot on the hill to clear parking, buses, and security.
Which ID is best?
Aadhaar is the simplest; the name on ticket and ID must match.
Conclusion
Choose from Tirumala Darshan Types based on your family’s needs, book only via official channels, and keep a simple, early plan. With the right slot and a calm buffer, your darshan will be peaceful and memorable.
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Byline: By Tirumala Tirupati Online Team
Last Updated (IST): 24 November 2025
Last Reviewed: 24 November 2025 — ✅ Verified by TTO Editorial Team
Useful Links
- TTD Official Booking Portal – darshan/seva/rooms dashboard.
- Sarvadarshanam & SSD tokens – official overview (VQC, timings, FCFS nature).
- ₹300 Special Entry Darshan – official page (time-slot booking).
- Divya Darshan (footpath) – official guidance (Alipiri & Srivari Mettu).
- SRIVANI Trust Darshan – official donation flow.
- Senior Citizens/Physically Challenged Darshan – official notice (as released monthly).
