Tirupati
Perched at 853 metres atop the seven sacred hills of Tirumala, the Sri Venkateswara Temple is the most visited place of worship on earth — welcoming between 50,000 and 100,000 pilgrims every single day. The deity, Balaji or Venkateswara, is one of the most beloved forms of Lord Vishnu, and the darshan experience — moving through the ancient halls, hearing the Vedic chants, and finally standing before the golden idol — is overwhelming in its spiritual power regardless of your faith.
Book special darshan tickets online through the official TTD website at least 3 weeks in advance. Free accommodation is available for pilgrims at Tirumala but must be booked online. Head shaving at the temple is traditional and hundreds of barbers work around the clock.