The Srivari Mettu footpath timings run from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM on most days. This shorter stone stairway is the quickest way to walk up to Lord Venkateswara on the Tirumala hills. Many pilgrims pick this route over the longer Alipiri path, because it saves both steps and hours.
Yet the timings shift on festival days. The token rules have also changed recently, and new wildlife safety measures affect who can climb and when. This guide pulls the current, verified details into one place, so you can plan the walk with confidence.
Temples Map is an independent pilgrim guide. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or the official website of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). We do not accept bookings, issue tokens, or take payments. For official darshan, seva, and accommodation services, use the TTD portal at ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in.
Srivari Mettu Footpath Timings at a Glance
- Opening timings: 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM on regular days (confirm locally, as TTD revises this)
- Distance: about 2.1 km to Tirumala
- Steps: roughly 2,388 stone steps
- Climb time: 1.5 to 2 hours for a reasonably fit walker
- Start point: near Srinivasa Mangapuram, about 20 km from Tirupati
- Darshan: free Divya Darshanam for foot pilgrims, with photo ID
- Cost: free to walk, with free Dharma Ratham buses to the base
Srivari Mettu Footpath Timings: Daily Opening and Closing
On a normal day, the Srivari Mettu footpath timings are 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM. TTD opens the gate at dawn. It then stops fresh entries in the evening, so everyone already on the path can finish before dark.
Some official notices list the evening cut-off closer to 4:30 PM. This applies mainly to vehicle entry from Srinivasa Mangapuram to the base. The exact closing time can change with the season and safety reviews. So always confirm the current timing at the entry point before you set out.
The path is well lit and patrolled, and the daytime window suits most walkers. Still, arriving early gives you the coolest air and the smoothest token. Reach the base by 6:00 AM, and you skip both the afternoon heat and the evening rush.
How Srivari Mettu Footpath Timings Change on Festival Days
On major festival days, the Srivari Mettu footpath timings extend, and the route often stays open around the clock. This happens during Vaikunta Ekadasi, Vaikunta Dwadasi, the annual Garuda Seva, and New Year. On these days, crowds swell far beyond normal, so the path may run 24 hours to move the extra pilgrims safely.
There is an important trade-off, though. On these same special occasions, TTD usually suspends the free Divya Darshanam tokens for foot pilgrims. You can still climb, but the priority queue benefit may not apply that day.
Check the festival notice before you plan a walk during Brahmotsavam or Vaikunta Ekadasi. The darshan rules differ from an ordinary day.
Steps, Distance, and Climb Time
Srivari Mettu carries roughly 2,388 stone steps across about 2.1 km. A few sources count slightly higher, near 2,400 to 2,500, since the number varies with how landing sections are tallied. Either way, it is far shorter than Alipiri, which stretches over 3,500 steps and around 9 to 11 km.
Most walkers finish Srivari Mettu in 1.5 to 2 hours. The catch is the gradient, because this route is steeper than Alipiri. So although it has fewer steps, the climb feels more demanding in places.
Take short breaks and keep water handy. Let the pace suit the slowest person in your group. The final stretch passes through Mokalla Parvatham before you reach the hilltop.
Srivari Mettu vs Alipiri: Which Footpath Suits You?
Both routes earn you the same free Divya Darshanam privilege. So the choice comes down to fitness, time, and where you start. The table below compares the two, so you can decide quickly.
| Feature | Srivari Mettu | Alipiri Mettu |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | ~2.1 km | ~9–11 km |
| Steps | ~2,388 | ~3,550 |
| Climb time | 1.5–2 hours | 3–5 hours |
| Gradient | Steeper, shorter | Gentler, longer |
| Start point | Srinivasa Mangapuram | Alipiri, near Tirupati |
| Regular timings | ~6 AM–5:30 PM | ~5 AM–9 PM (varies) |
If you are short on time or fairly fit, Srivari Mettu wins, because it is quicker. Do you prefer a gentler climb with more facilities, or are you walking with elderly family? Then many find Alipiri easier to pace, despite its length. Both are safe and busy with fellow devotees.
Divya Darshanam: How the Footpath Token Works
Divya Darshanam, often written as Divya Darshan or DD, is the free priority darshan for foot pilgrims. TTD gives it only to those who climb on foot. It rewards the padayatra, the sacred walk, with a faster entry into the Vaikuntam Queue Complex.
That beats the general Sarva Darshan line, which can stretch well beyond 10 hours on a busy day. So the footpath token is a real time saver.
A few rules matter here. You must carry a valid photo ID. TTD records the token against your biometric details, so it is not transferable to another family member. Children below 12 walk free and need no token.
The token issuing point for Srivari Mettu has shifted over the past couple of years. It has sat at the 1,240th step at times, and at the Bhudevi Complex near Alipiri at others. Because this keeps changing, confirm the current point at the counter on your travel date.
Your token is also scanned partway up, around the 1,200th step, which confirms you actually completed the climb. Keep it safe until you collect your laddu after darshan. If you buy your main darshan slot in advance, see our Tirumala ₹300 special entry darshan booking guide for the online steps.
How to Reach Srivari Mettu from Tirupati
Srivari Mettu sits near Srinivasa Mangapuram, about 20 km from Tirupati town. The easiest way there is the free TTD bus, locally called the Dharma Ratham. These buses run at no cost from Tirupati Railway Station and the central bus stand, and no booking is needed.
The route usually passes Kapila Theertham, Alipiri, the SV Zoological Park, and Srinivasa Mangapuram. The final stop is Srivari Mettu itself. Time your journey to fit the Srivari Mettu footpath timings, so you begin the climb with hours of daylight left.
Buses start in the early morning and continue through the day. The exact schedule shifts with traffic and demand, so check our Tirupati to Srivari Mettu free bus timings guide for the current stops. Vehicle entry to the base is often stopped in the late afternoon, so aim to reach well before then. If a free bus is not running when you arrive, local buses and share autos also connect Srinivasa Mangapuram to the base.
Facilities Along the Path
TTD has developed Srivari Mettu well for pilgrims. The stairway is largely covered, which shields you from sun and rain. It also stays lit for early and evening walkers.
You will find drinking water points, restrooms, resting sheds, and seating at intervals. Medical assistance and security patrols cover the route, and CCTV cameras watch the path.
At the base, a luggage counter lets you deposit bags free of charge. You collect them after darshan, so you can climb light. These amenities make the walk manageable even for first-time pilgrims. Just pace yourself and carry your own water bottle too.
Safety and Health Notes Before You Climb
This is a real climb, so treat it like one. The 2,388 steps and the steep gradient strain your knees and heart, and the afternoon sun adds to it. Carry water, keep any regular medication with you, and rest whenever you feel breathless.
If you are elderly, pregnant, or managing a heart or joint condition, talk to your doctor first. In that case, consider the vehicle route instead.
Wildlife safety has also become a genuine concern. Leopards have been sighted near the footpaths, and one tragic incident took a child’s life. After that, TTD tightened the rules.
Children under 12 are not allowed on the footpaths after 2:00 PM. Late-afternoon entries may also be restricted or moved to supervised groups. These measures change with conditions, so read the current safety notice on the official TTD website before you start. Never let children walk ahead alone.
Insider Tips Most Guides Miss
- Start at first light. A 6:00 AM start beats the heat and the token rush, so the climb stays calm.
- Carry a small water bottle. Water points exist, but gaps between them feel long on the steep stretches.
- Keep your token dry and safe. A missed scan can cost you the priority queue, so use a zip pocket.
- Check the festival calendar. On Vaikunta Ekadasi and Garuda Seva, the path may stay open longer, yet the free token can be suspended.
- Many walk barefoot as a vow. If you prefer footwear, choose grippy, comfortable shoes, since steps get slick after rain.
Best Time to Start Within Srivari Mettu Footpath Timings
The best slot inside the Srivari Mettu footpath timings is early morning, right at the 6:00 AM opening. The air is cool and the steps are quiet. You reach the top with time to spare for darshan.
Weekdays such as Tuesday and Wednesday are usually calmer than weekends. Avoid starting late in the afternoon, because the heat is harder and the closing cut-off leaves little margin. The wildlife restrictions also weigh most on late entries.
Does your train reach Tirupati at night? Then rest first and begin the climb at dawn, rather than pushing through in the dark.
Srivari Mettu Footpath Timings: The Bottom Line
Srivari Mettu is the fast, spiritually rich way to walk up to Tirumala. It runs about 2,388 steps and takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Plan around the Srivari Mettu footpath timings of 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and carry a photo ID for the free Divya Darshanam token.
Respect the safety rules on timing and children. Always cross-check the current timings, token point, and festival notices on the official TTD portal before you travel, because these details do change. Walk early, walk steady, and let the climb be part of the darshan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current Srivari Mettu footpath timings?
The Srivari Mettu footpath timings are usually 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM on regular days. Some notices list an earlier evening cut-off near 4:30 PM for entry from Srinivasa Mangapuram. Confirm the exact timing at the base or on the TTD portal, since it can change.
How many steps does Srivari Mettu have?
Srivari Mettu has roughly 2,388 stone steps over about 2.1 km. A few counts run slightly higher, near 2,400 to 2,500. Most fit walkers complete the climb in 1.5 to 2 hours.
Do Srivari Mettu footpath timings run 24 hours?
Not on regular days, since the path runs during daytime hours only. On major festivals like Vaikunta Ekadasi and the annual Garuda Seva, it often stays open 24 hours to handle the crowd.
Do I get Divya Darshan by walking Srivari Mettu?
Yes. Foot pilgrims on Srivari Mettu qualify for the free Divya Darshanam token, which gives priority entry over the general queue. You need a valid photo ID, and the token is biometric and non-transferable. On some special festival days the token is suspended.
Is there a free bus to Srivari Mettu?
Yes. TTD runs free Dharma Ratham buses from Tirupati Railway Station and the central bus stand to the Srivari Mettu base. No booking is needed. Timings vary through the day, so check on arrival.
Is Srivari Mettu safe for children and elderly pilgrims?
It is a steep climb, so pace it carefully. Children under 12 are not allowed on the footpath after 2:00 PM due to wildlife safety rules. Elderly pilgrims or those with health conditions should consult a doctor and consider the vehicle route.
Where do I get the Srivari Mettu token?
The token issuing point has changed recently. It has been at the 1,240th step and at the Bhudevi Complex near Alipiri. Because it varies, confirm the current point at the counter on your travel date. Your token is scanned partway up to verify the climb.