Things to do in TirupatiSpiritual

Sri Kalahasti Temple visit

Tirupati

Fifty kilometres from Tirupati, the ancient Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple is one of the Pancha Bhuta Stalas — the five temples representing the five elements of nature, with Kalahasti representing air (vayu). The temple sits at the base of a hill on the banks of the Swarnamukhi river, and its gopurams soaring above the riverside are one of the finest pieces of Dravidian temple architecture in South India.

2–3 hours (including drive)Free entry; abhishekam rituals ₹200–500Year-round; Shivaratri is the major festival

Pro tip from your tour advisor

Kalahasti is renowned for Rahu-Ketu puja — a ritual to mitigate astrological doshas — which thousands perform here. If this applies to you or you are curious, arrive early as priests are in high demand.