Tirupati and Tiruvannamalai are two of South India’s greatest pilgrimage centres, and thousands of devotees, especially from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, visit both on the same trip. This guide explains how to travel from Tirupati to Tiruvannamalai by bus, car and train, with distance, time, routes and tips for Pournami and festival days.
Tirupati to Tiruvannamalai: Quick Facts
| Mode | Distance | Time | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car / taxi | About 190 to 200 km | 4 to 5 hours | Rs 4,500 to Rs 7,000 one way (taxi) |
| Bus (APSRTC / TNSTC) | About 190 km | 5 to 6 hours | Rs 250 to Rs 500 |
| Train (via Katpadi) | About 200 km | 4.5 to 6 hours | Rs 100 to Rs 600 |
The Road Route
The usual route runs Tirupati to Chittoor to Vellore to Tiruvannamalai. From Tirupati, drive south to Chittoor on the national highway, continue to Katpadi and Vellore, then take the Vellore to Tiruvannamalai road via Kannamangalam or Polur. Roads are good, with the Vellore to Tiruvannamalai stretch being a busy two-lane state highway.
Worthwhile stops on the way
- Sripuram Golden Temple (Sri Lakshmi Narayani Temple), just outside Vellore.
- Vellore Fort and Jalakandeswarar Temple, a 16th-century moated fort with a beautifully carved Shiva temple.
- Padavedu, a temple village near Polur famous for Renugambal Amman Temple (a short detour).
By Bus
Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) runs direct buses from Tirupati to Tiruvannamalai, with extra services before Pournami and Karthigai Deepam because of heavy Andhra pilgrim traffic. Tamil Nadu (TNSTC) buses also connect via Vellore. If there is no direct bus, take a bus to Vellore (very frequent) and change to one of the many Vellore to Tiruvannamalai buses. Book APSRTC services online in advance for Pournami weekends.
By Train
Tiruvannamalai station lies on the Katpadi to Villupuram railway line. Look for trains from Tirupati that run via Katpadi towards Villupuram or Puducherry and stop at Tiruvannamalai, or travel from Tirupati to Katpadi and change to a train or bus for Tiruvannamalai. Timings change periodically, so check the Indian Railways website or the NTES app before travelling.
Combining Tirupati and Tiruvannamalai: Sample 3-Day Plan
- Day 1: Tirumala darshan of Lord Venkateswara, Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple in Tiruchanur.
- Day 2: early start to Tiruvannamalai with a stop at Sripuram Golden Temple. Evening darshan at Arunachaleswarar Temple.
- Day 3: Girivalam at dawn, Sri Ramanasramam and Skandashram, then return.
Plan your Tiruvannamalai day with our one-day trip plan, and see special darshan ticket prices if you are short on time.
Tips for Andhra and Telangana Pilgrims
- Pournami Girivalam is extremely popular with Telugu-speaking pilgrims. Check exact Pournami timings in our Girivalam dates 2026 and 2027 calendars.
- Many lodges near the temple have Telugu-speaking staff, and some restaurants serve Andhra-style meals.
- Book rooms early for Pournami weekends; see our hotels in Tiruvannamalai guide.
- Follow the temple dress code: traditional wear is preferred.
- On Karthigai Deepam, private vehicles are stopped at temporary parking on the outskirts; shuttle buses run into town.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Tiruvannamalai from Tirupati?
Tiruvannamalai is about 190 to 200 km from Tirupati by road via Chittoor and Vellore, roughly 4 to 5 hours by car.
Are there direct buses from Tirupati to Tiruvannamalai?
Yes, APSRTC runs direct buses, with extra services around Pournami. You can also travel via Vellore, which has very frequent buses to Tiruvannamalai.
Is there a train from Tirupati to Tiruvannamalai?
Some trains on the Katpadi to Villupuram line connect Tirupati with Tiruvannamalai. Otherwise, take a train to Katpadi and continue by bus. Check current schedules on NTES.
Can I visit Tirupati and Tiruvannamalai in two days?
Yes, if you get Tirumala darshan on the first day and leave early the next morning for Tiruvannamalai. Three days is more relaxed.
Related guides: Hyderabad to Tiruvannamalai | Vellore to Tiruvannamalai
