A Complete Guide to Climbing Tirumala: Alipiri Mettu & Srivari Mettu Distance, Steps, and Timings

For devotees visiting Tirupati, climbing the Tirumala Hills on foot is considered one of the most sacred ways to reach Lord Venkateswara’s temple. There are two traditional footpaths — Alipiri Mettu and Srivari Mettu — that lead to the divine abode. In this guide, we’ll explore every important detail such as Alipiri mettu distance, number of steps, timings, and the difference between Alipiri and Srivari Mettu, helping you plan your spiritual journey comfortably.

1. 3550 Steps Tirupati in KM – The Alipiri Mettu Distance

The Alipiri Mettu route has around 3,550 steps, stretching approximately 9.8 kilometers (about 6 miles) from Tirupati to Tirumala. It is the most popular and traditional footpath used by lakhs of devotees every year.

• Total distance: ~9.8 km

• Total steps: 3,550

• Starting point: Alipiri, Tirupati

• Endpoint: Tirumala Temple

So, when someone asks, “3550 steps Tirupati in km?” — the answer is around 9.8 km.

2. Alipiri Mettu – Complete Details

The Alipiri Mettu route begins near Alipiri Gate in Tirupati, close to the Tirupati bus stand and railway station. This pathway is fully covered with a roof to protect pilgrims from sun and rain. It also features several rest points, drinking water facilities, and small temples along the route.

Alipiri Mettu Distance

The total Alipiri Mettu distance from the base to Tirumala is 9.8 km.

Alipiri Mettu How Many Steps

There are approximately 3,550 steps to climb.

Alipiri Mettu Number of Steps

The number of steps is consistent—3,550—and the path is divided into different sections called “gallis,” each with its own deity or resting point.

Alipiri Mettu How Many Kilometres

From Alipiri to Tirumala, the distance is 9.8 km, which usually takes 3.5 to 4 hours for an average devotee to complete.

3. Alipiri Mettu Opening and Closing Timings

The Alipiri Mettu pathway is open 24 hours a day, all year round. However, for safety reasons, it is advised to start the climb between 4:00 AM and 10:00 PM, especially for first-time visitors.
The path is well-lit, making it safe for early morning and late-night climbers as well.

4. Alipiri Mettu to Tirumala Distance

The total distance from Alipiri Mettu to Tirumala is about 9.8 km, covered in approximately 3 to 5 hours, depending on your pace and fitness level. Pilgrims can also get free Divya Darshan tokens along the route, which allows them to have darshan without waiting in the general queue.

5. Alipiri and Srivari Mettu Distance Comparison

There are two footpath routes to Tirumala:

• Alipiri Mettu: Around 9.8 km with 3,550 steps.

• Srivari Mettu: Around 2.1 km with approximately 2,388 steps.

So, when comparing Alipiri and Srivari Mettu distance, Srivari Mettu is shorter and steeper, while Alipiri is longer but easier to climb.

6. Alipiri Steps and Srivari Steps – What’s the Difference?

This clearly highlights the difference between Srivari Mettu and Alipiri Metlu — mainly in distance, elevation, and entry timings.

7. Alipiri or Srivari Mettu – Which is Better?

If you’re a first-time climber or prefer a comfortable, scenic route, Alipiri Mettu is ideal.
However, if you want a shorter and faster climb, Srivari Mettu is a great choice. Many devotees believe Srivari Mettu is more sacred since it was the original path used by Lord Venkateswara and Padmavathi Devi.

In short:

• Alipiri Mettu: Better for families and beginners.

• Srivari Mettu: Better for experienced or time-limited devotees.

8. Alipiri Steps to Srivari Mettu Distance

The distance between Alipiri and Srivari Mettu (by road) is approximately 18–20 km. Devotees can take a bus, taxi, or private vehicle between the two routes.

9. Distance from Srivari Mettu to Tirumala

From Srivari Mettu to Tirumala, the distance is 2.1 km, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to climb, depending on pace.

10. Distance from Tirupati Bus Stand to Srivari Mettu

The distance from Tirupati Bus Stand to Srivari Mettu (near Srinivasa Mangapuram) is around 16–18 km. Pilgrims can reach Srivari Mettu by APSRTC buses or private taxis easily.

11. Chandragiri to Srivari Mettu Distance

The Chandragiri to Srivari Mettu distance is approximately 6 km. Srivari Mettu lies near Srinivasa Mangapuram, close to Chandragiri, making it easily accessible by road.

12. Chandragiri to Tirumala Steps

If you are starting from Chandragiri, the best footpath to Tirumala is Srivari Mettu, since it is closer to Chandragiri. You can reach Tirumala within 2 to 2.5 hours by foot.

13. Climbing Tirumala Steps – What to Expect

Climbing the Tirumala steps is both a physical and spiritual experience. Along the way, you’ll find:

• Small temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman and other deities.

• Refreshment points and free drinking water.

• Resting sheds and scenic viewpoints.

• Divya Darshan token counters.

The journey symbolizes devotion, patience, and surrender to Lord Venkateswara.

14. Can We Climb Tirumala Steps with Shoes?

No, devotees are not allowed to climb the Tirumala steps wearing shoes as a mark of respect to the sacred path. It’s best to climb barefoot or wear socks if needed for comfort.

15. Distance of Tirupati Steps

The total distance of Tirupati steps (Alipiri route) is around 9.8 km. This includes 3,550 steps leading from Tirupati to Tirumala.

Conclusion

Both Alipiri Mettu and Srivari Mettu offer unique spiritual experiences for devotees climbing to Tirumala.

• Choose Alipiri Mettu if you prefer a longer, gradual climb.

• Choose Srivari Mettu if you want a quicker but steeper ascent.

No matter which path you take, the journey represents faith, endurance, and devotion to Lord Venkateswara. With clear knowledge of distances, steps, and timings, your pilgrimage will be smooth, memorable, and divine.

🕉️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many steps are there in Alipiri Mettu?

There are approximately 3,550 steps in the Alipiri Mettu route leading from Tirupati to Tirumala.

2. What is the total distance of Alipiri Mettu in kilometers?

The Alipiri Mettu distance is around 9.8 kilometers (6 miles) from the base in Tirupati to the Tirumala temple.

3. How many steps are there in Srivari Mettu?

The Srivari Mettu path has about 2,388 steps, making it shorter and steeper than Alipiri.

4. What is the distance between Alipiri and Srivari Mettu?

The distance between Alipiri and Srivari Mettu is around 18 kilometers by road.

5. Which is better — Alipiri Mettu or Srivari Mettu?

If you prefer a longer but less steep route, go for Alipiri Mettu.
If you want a shorter climb, Srivari Mettu is better. Both offer divine experiences and scenic beauty.

6. What are the Alipiri Mettu opening and closing timings?

The Alipiri Mettu path is open 24 hours, while Srivari Mettu usually operates from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM (timings may change on special occasions).

7. Can we climb Tirumala steps wearing shoes?

Yes, you can wear shoes while climbing Tirumala steps. However, many devotees prefer to climb barefoot as a mark of devotion.

8. What is the distance from Tirupati Bus Stand to Alipiri Mettu entrance?

The Alipiri Mettu entrance is approximately 4 kilometers from the Tirupati Bus Stand.

9. What is the distance from Srivari Mettu to Tirumala?

The Srivari Mettu route is around 2.1 kilometers in total walking distance to reach Tirumala.

10. Is there any difference between Alipiri Steps and Srivari Steps?

Yes.

• Alipiri Steps: 3,550 steps, 9.8 km, open 24×7.

• Srivari Steps: 2,388 steps, 2.1 km, open during specific hours.