Every year, millions of devotees flock to the sacred Seven Hills of Tirumala to catch a glimpse of Lord Venkateswara. It is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world, and with that popularity comes the challenge of securing a darshan slot. Whether you are planning a spontaneous trip or a well-organized pilgrimage, understanding the ticket booking system is the first step toward a hassle-free spiritual experience.
Navigating the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) booking options can feel overwhelming. From the popular ₹300 Special Entry Darshan to the exclusive VIP Break Darshan, knowing which ticket suits your needs and exactly when to book it can save you hours of waiting in queues.
In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about Tirupati VIP Darshan ticket prices, online booking availability, release dates, and essential tips for a smooth visit.
TTD 300 Rs Darshan Online Booking Availability
The most sought-after ticket for the general public is the Special Entry Darshan (SED), commonly known as the ₹300 ticket. Introduced to provide a quicker darshan experience compared to the free Dharma Darshan, this option allows devotees to book a specific time slot in advance.
Why choose the ₹300 ticket?
The primary benefit is time management. While free darshan queues can take anywhere from 10 to 30 hours during peak season, the ₹300 Special Entry Darshan typically concludes within 2 to 4 hours, depending on the rush.
Availability check:
Tickets for the ₹300 Darshan are released online by the TTD board roughly 2 to 3 months in advance. However, due to immense demand, these slots often get booked within hours—sometimes minutes—of release. To secure your spot, you must keep a close eye on the official TTD announcements regarding quota release dates.
TTD Darshan Online Booking Availability
Apart from the ₹300 tickets, TTD offers various other modes of booking darshan online. Understanding the color-coded availability calendar on the official website is crucial for planning your trip.
When you log into the TTD portal, you will encounter a calendar system:
- Green: Slots are available for booking.
- Yellow: Slots are filling up fast; immediate booking is recommended.
- Red: Quota is full.
- Blue: Quota has not been released yet.
It is important to note that availability changes rapidly. If you see a green slot for your preferred date, it is advisable to book it immediately rather than waiting.
Tirupati Darshan Online Booking
The entire booking process has been digitized to ensure transparency and reduce the influence of middlemen. Here is the standard procedure for booking any online darshan ticket:
- Official Portal: Always use the official website (ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in) or the TTDevasthanams mobile app. Avoid third-party sites that claim to sell tickets at a premium.
- Registration: You need a valid mobile number to generate an OTP for login.
- Selection: Choose the specific darshan type (Special Entry Darshan or Arjitha Seva).
- Devotee Details: Have your ID proof details (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID) ready. You will need to enter the name, age, gender, and ID number for every person in your group.
- Payment: Complete the transaction using net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI.
Once the payment is successful, the digital ticket will be generated. You must carry a printout of this ticket along with the original ID proof used during booking.
TTD Online Booking for Darshan 500 Rupees Ticket
There is often confusion regarding a “₹500 ticket.” Currently, the standard online booking options available to the general public are the Free Darshan (Slotted Sarva Darshan – SSD) and the Special Entry Darshan (₹300).
However, specific Arjitha Sevas (rituals performed to the deity) may range in price from ₹500 to ₹5000. Booking these Seva tickets essentially grants you darshan after the ritual is performed. While there isn’t a standalone “₹500 entry ticket” like the ₹300 one, booking a Seva that costs around that amount is an alternative way to secure entry if the standard quotas are full. Always check the “Arjitha Sevas” section on the TTD website for the latest pricing and inclusions.
TTD 300 Rs Ticket Online Booking Release Date
Timing is everything when it comes to Tirumala. The TTD board generally releases the quota for the upcoming months during the first or second week of the current month.
For example, the quota for May might be released in February or March. TTD announces the exact release date and time through press releases and scrolling notifications on their official website.
Pro Tip: Follow TTD’s official social media channels or check the “Latest Updates” section on their website daily if you are planning a trip in the next 3 to 4 months. When the quota opens, the server traffic is extremely high, so having a stable internet connection and your details ready is vital.
Tirupati Special Darshan Ticket Agent
A word of caution regarding agents: TTD has strictly clamped down on unauthorized agents selling darshan tickets. The sale of tickets is tied directly to the devotee’s ID proof.
If an agent promises you a ticket for a premium price, proceed with extreme caution. The only authorized way to book tickets is through the TTD website, the app, or authorized tourism packages (like those from APTDC or TTD-affiliated state tourism boards) which include darshan as part of a travel package. Relying on unauthorized agents often leads to fake tickets and being denied entry at the screening points in Tirumala.
TTD Special Darshan Tickets
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, or for elderly and differently-abled devotees, TTD offers specialized access.
VIP Break Darshan (Special Seva)
This is distinct from the ₹300 ticket. VIP Break Darshan typically costs ₹500 per person (L1, L2, L3 layers exist, though rules change frequently). These tickets are often issued against recommendation letters from government officials or donors to the SRIVANI Trust.
SRIVANI Trust
The TTD board introduced the SRIVANI Trust scheme to curb the “recommendation letter” culture. By donating ₹10,000 to the trust, a devotee is eligible to purchase one VIP Break Darshan ticket for ₹500. This is the legitimate way for a common devotee to access VIP darshan without knowing a high-ranking official.
Senior Citizens and Differently Abled
TTD releases a separate, limited quota for senior citizens (aged 65+) and differently-abled persons. These slots are free or charged nominally and allow access through a special gate with fewer stairs and waiting time. These tickets also need to be booked online under the specific category.
Tirupati Ticket Booking: Seva Details
Booking a Seva is a spiritually enriching way to have darshan. Here are some key details regarding the timings and types of Sevas available.
Temple Name: Tirumala Venkateswara Temple
Darshan Type: VIP Break Darshan (via Seva or Trust)
Seva Booking Mode: Online via TTD Portal
Darshan Timings: Generally 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM (varies by day)
Booking Release: Monthly (usually 3-4 months in advance)
Popular Sevas and Timings
- Suprabhata Seva (3:00 AM – 3:30 AM): The waking up ceremony of the Lord. It is the first Seva of the day and highly revered.
- Tomala Seva (3:30 AM – 4:00 AM): The deity is adorned with garlands of flowers and Tulasi.
- Sahasra Deepalankara Seva (5:30 PM – 6:30 PM): The Lord and His consorts are taken out in a procession and seated on a swing amidst the light of a thousand lamps.
- Ekantha Seva (1:30 AM): The closing ceremony of the day.
Note: Participation in these Sevas often requires booking months in advance via the electronic dip system (lottery) or general release.
How to Book ₹1000 VIP Darshan Ticket Online?
Often referred to as the VIP experience via the SRIVANI Trust or specific tourism packages, securing a high-priority ticket involves the following steps:
- Visit the TTD Booking Portal: Go to the official website or app.
- Register or Login: Use your verified credentials.
- Select the Service: Look for “SRIVANI and Other Trust Donations” if you are opting for the donation-linked VIP break.
- Donate and Book: Complete the donation of ₹10,000 per person. Once the donation is successful, you will be redirected to book the darshan slot for ₹500.
- Enter Details: Add name, age, gender, and ID proof.
- Confirmation: Download the receipt.
Note: There isn’t a direct “₹1000 ticket” available on the open counter; usually, the cost is a combination of donation plus ticket price, or part of a tourism package.
How to Check Ticket Availability @tirumala.org
Checking availability before you attempt to book can save time.
- Log in to the TTD Booking Portal.
- Click on your desired service (e.g., “Special Entry Darshan”).
- View the color-coded calendar.
- Green: Available.
- Red/Gray: Full/Closed.
- If the date is green, click on it to see available time slots (e.g., 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM).
Important Tips Before Booking
- Plan Ahead: Slots fill up incredibly fast. Plan your trip 3 to 4 months in advance.
- Dress Code: This is strictly enforced. Men must wear Dhoti/Pyjamas with Upper Cloth. Western wear like jeans, t-shirts, and skirts are not allowed.
- One Ticket per Person: You cannot transfer tickets. The person named on the ticket must be the one visiting.
- ID Proof: Ensure the ID proof you carry physically matches the details entered online.
- Seva Flexibility: During major festivals like Brahmotsavam or Vaikunta Ekadasi, regular darshan patterns may change or be cancelled.
Conclusion
Visiting Tirupati is a journey of faith, but a little logistical planning ensures that your focus remains on the spiritual experience rather than administrative hurdles. Whether you opt for the ₹300 Special Entry, the SRIVANI Trust VIP break, or the free Sarva Darshan, booking online in advance is the golden rule for a stress-free visit. May you have a blissful darshan of Lord Venkateswara.