Start your day early in the morning in Tirupati with a drive to Vontimitta to visit the illustrious Kodandarama Swamy Temple. Dedicated to Lord Rama of the Treta Yuga in Hindu mythology, legend states that Lord Rama, his consort Sita and brother Lakshmana resided in this compound on their return from Lanka. The temple was developed during the time of the Vijayanagara Empire and is an exemplary example of the architectural style employed during the ruling period of Shri Krishnadeva Raya.

Be dazzled by the beauty of the idol of the deity and listen to the priest narrate the story behind the temple to imbibe the tremendous journey of the kings who devoted their efforts to building the temple and of the saints and seers who spent their time in its vicinity.

Spend some time admiring the astonishing engravings and inscriptions before heading out to the next stop in Nandalur. The Soumyanatha Swamy Temple is another beautiful example of the architecture of the Vijayanagara Empire. Built in the 11th century on 108 sculpted pillars, the temple is famous for its Chola-style architecture as well as the use of architectural calculations to ensure that no artificial light would be required to see the idol.

Also fascinating is that the east-facing idol looks exactly like Lord Venkateshwara in Tirumala, with the only difference of the Lord here not seen with Varada Hastham, asin every temple including in the Tirumala Hills, but with an inverted hand posture. The idol in this temple stands with the Abhaya Hastham posture with the palm of the hand pointing upwards which signifies the Lord showering protection and assurance to the visitor.

The last of the pilgrim circuit for the day includes the Parasurameswara Swamy Temple in Gudimallam. Excavations within the shrine brought to light a square rail and the Manusha Linga (the main idol)set within two highly polished stone rings sometime in the 2nd- 3rd century BCE. The greatness of this temple lies in its tall and erect Linga (idol) within the sanctum, which has no parallel in the country. It is a pillar with irregular, broad facets. The front contains an image of Siva standing on the shoulders of a Dwarf-Yaksa symbolising the push down of ignorance to grant and drive enlightenment.

The temple built around the idol was constructed in the later Chola and Vijayanagara empires, at least 1,000 years after the sculpture was erected. This highlights the marvel that has been in worship for approximately over 2,000 years.

Ruminate on to the enthralling architecture and memories made during the pilgrim site visits of the day, and head back to the city of Tirupati to explore the local market at the Srinvasa Pilgrim Complex for local handicraft shopping to top off this exciting day.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast to undertake the pilgrimage up to the Tirumala Temple.

Start the journey of the day at Alipiri, the base of the seven hills of Tirupati. Here stands a picturesque statue of Lord Hanuman and the beginning of the route that consists of 3550 steps totalling a distance of 11 kilometres. Two paths of stone, known as “Sopanamargas” lay the path to reach Tirumala from the foot of the hill for seekers wishing to take vows of pilgrimage. Pilgrims begin their yatra by seeking strength from Lord Hanuman for this journey.

On the way up the mountain, enjoy the scenic beauty of the seven hills that the city attains its name from. Upon reaching the peak of Venkatadri in the Seshachalam Hill range, the Sri Venkateswara Swami Vaari Temple stands. The temple is the richest religious establishment in terms of donations received and its inherent wealth, including the gold used to construct the shrine and the ornaments of the idol it shelters.

The architecture of the temple is characteristic of the ancient Dravidian branch and consists of intricate carvings on its walls and pillars, such as the towering Gopuram (gateway tower). Enjoy the architecture and opulence of the temple through its three dwaras (doors), each door made by the kings of empires that stood before.

Tirupati is one of India's most revered pilgrimage sites, and millions of people throng the city each year to seek the blessings of Balaji. Ensure that you book your travel and accommodation in Tirumala well in advance. The tickets for the visit to the temple can be booked here.

Head back to town after your visit and enjoy your dinner to complete this blessed day.