Senior Citizen Darshan Tirumala: Free Privileged Darshan
Senior Citizen Darshan Tirumala is a free, privileged darshan for elderly pilgrims with a shorter, seated route and no stairs. It is booked online in the monthly free special darshan release on the official TTD site.
Information guide for pilgrims. We are a taxi service and we do not provide or arrange darshan, sevas, rooms, tickets or donations. Please book only on the official TTD websites, and confirm details there. Last checked October 2026.
- CostFree; laddu is charged separately
- Who can availPilgrims aged 65 and above, with age proof
- How to bookOnline in the monthly free special darshan release
- When releasedAbout the 23rd of each month at 3 PM, for the month three months ahead
- People per bookingThe senior pilgrim plus spouse
- ID neededAge proof and Aadhaar
- Slots10 AM and 3 PM (Friday 3 PM only, per one source)
- Time neededAbout 30 minutes inside, plus counter time
What it is
Senior Citizen Darshan Tirumala is a free, privileged darshan for elderly pilgrims. The route is shorter and seated, with no stairs. TTD says it takes about 30 minutes depending on the crowd (Telangana Today, 2022).
Cost and laddu
The darshan is free. The laddu is charged separately: a 2022 report mentions 2 laddus for Rs 20 and extra ones at Rs 25, but this may have changed, so confirm at the counter.
Who can avail
Pilgrims aged 65 and above can use it, with age proof and Aadhaar. A spouse is allowed along with Aadhaar. A fact-check mentioned that the facility is allowed once in 90 days, but this is unconfirmed.
Walk-in tickets are generally not available, so plan ahead.
When tickets are released
Booking is online on the official TTD site, in the special quota section, as part of the monthly free special darshan release. Tokens open about the 23rd of each month at 3 PM for the month three months ahead.
Examples: tokens for November 2025 were released on 23 August 2025 at 3 PM; for August 2026, on 23 May 2026 at 3 PM; and for October 2026, on 23 July 2026. There was also a 23 December release for March 2026.
There is no payment. Cancellation rules were not found.
On the day
The reporting place is a counter near the SV Museum or S1 counter, with the special line near the Tirumala Nambi Temple. Sources name the spot slightly differently, so follow the instructions on your token.
Slots are 10 AM and 3 PM, with Friday at 3 PM only, according to gotirupati. A travel blog suggests reporting about two hours early, for example 1 PM for the 3 PM slot.
Facilities reported in 2022 include seating, food, free wheelchairs and a battery car from the parking area to the counter. Phones are not allowed.
Best time
Weekdays are lighter. This darshan was cancelled from 11 to 20 October 2026 for Navaratri Brahmotsavam, and on other festival days.
How to book, step by step
- Watch for the monthly releaseFree special darshan tokens open about the 23rd of each month at 3 PM for the month three months ahead.
- Open the special quota sectionGo to the official TTD site, ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in, and find the special quota section.
- Choose date and slotPick an available date and a 10 AM or 3 PM slot.
- Add the pilgrimsEnter the senior pilgrim and, if travelling, the spouse, with Aadhaar details.
- Save the tokenThere is no payment. Save the confirmation and carry age proof and Aadhaar.
- Report earlyReach the counter about two hours before the slot.
Please confirm before you travel
Reports differ on these points, and TTD can change rules at short notice.
- Slots are reported as 10 AM and 3 PM, but an earlier fact-check said 3 PM only.
- The counter location is named as S1, near the Nambi Temple, or Supatham in different sources.
- The 90-day gap rule and the daily quota (1,000 online per one report) are unconfirmed.
- The laddu price comes from a 2022 report and may have changed.
- The Tirumala distance of 22-26 km is a commonly cited figure, not verified.
Getting there from Tirupati by taxi
Tirumala (parking area and special counter near the SV Museum). Tirumala is about 22-26 km from Tirupati by ghat road. A battery car runs from the parking area to the counter. For the 10 AM slot, leave Tirupati by early morning. A taxi can drop you at Tirumala.
Day rent for a Tirupati to Tirumala trip. Diesel, driver charge and toll are charged extra. See the local taxi page for other trips.
Frequently asked questions
Is Senior Citizen Darshan free?
Yes, the darshan is free. Only the laddu is charged.
What age qualifies?
Pilgrims aged 65 and above, with age proof and Aadhaar.
Is booking online?
Yes, in the monthly free special darshan release on the official TTD site. Walk-in tickets are mostly not available.
Can my spouse join?
Yes, a spouse is allowed with Aadhaar.
Is the 10 AM slot available?
Reports differ. Some say 10 AM and 3 PM, and one says only 3 PM.
How long does it take?
About 30 minutes inside, plus time at the counter.