Temple and Pilgrimage Tours from Tirupati by Taxi
A guide to the temple towns you can reach by cab from Tirupati, with road distances, drive times and what each stop is known for.
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Photos: IM3847, CC BY-SA 4.0; రవిచంద్ర, CC BY-SA 3.0; Shivashanky, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Drive timeFrom about 15 minutes (Tiruchanur) to about 4 hours (Tiruvannamalai) one way
- Total trip timeHalf day for nearby temples, full day for Kanipakam, Srikalahasti or Kanchipuram, two days for Tiruvannamalai
- Best timeOctober to March, when days are cooler. Summers around May are hot, especially at Kanchipuram and Vellore.
Why Tirupati is a good base for temple tours
Tirupati sits at the meeting point of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, so a single vehicle can take a family to ancient temples in both states without changing base. Many pilgrims who come for Tirumala add one or two more shrines to the same visit. This page lists the temple and pilgrimage tours from Tirupati that are practical by taxi, with approximate road distances. The figures are rounded and vary a little with the route and traffic, so treat them as planning numbers.
Our service is the vehicle and driver only. Entry, tickets, special services and queues at each temple are handled by the pilgrim directly with that temple. We do not arrange them.
Nearby temples: under 80 km
Sri Padmavathi Temple at Tiruchanur is only a few kilometres from Tirupati town and is traditionally visited by many pilgrims as part of the Tirumala journey. A cab from Tirupati to Tiruchanur takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes.
Srikalahasti is about 38 km away, roughly one hour by road. The Vayu Lingam temple on the Swarnamukhi river is known as a Shiva shrine associated with the wind element and with rituals for Rahu and Ketu, and it is a regular half-day trip.
Kanipakam, around 70 km from Tirupati and about 1.5 to 2 hours' drive, is the Vinayaka temple on the Bahuda river, widely visited by pilgrims. Kanipakam and Srikalahasti are often combined in one day, with a round trip of about 220 km. Please confirm both temples' timings locally before you set off.
Across the border in Tamil Nadu
Kanchipuram, about 110 to 120 km from Tirupati and roughly 3 hours by cab, is the temple city of Kamakshi Amman, Ekambareswarar, Kailasanathar and Varadaraja Perumal. A Tirupati to Kanchipuram taxi works well as a full-day trip, and many pilgrims continue to Chennai or Mahabalipuram afterwards.
Vellore is roughly 110 to 135 km away depending on route. The Sripuram Golden Temple of Sri Lakshmi Narayani draws most visitors, and the old fort with the Jalakandeswarar temple is close by. Confirm the visiting hours and any entry procedure locally.
Tiruvannamalai, around 185 to 200 km and about 4 hours one way, is the Arunachaleswarar temple town below the sacred Arunachala hill. It is better as an overnight trip, especially if you plan the hill circuit. Pilgrims arrange their own stay.
Choosing a vehicle and planning the day
A sedan suits couples and small families. A larger SUV, tempo traveller or Urbania is more comfortable for elders, children and bigger groups with luggage. Start early, because temples are usually quieter in the morning and many Tamil Nadu temples close for a break around midday. See the related pages below for each destination, and the outstation and fleet pages for vehicle choices.
Timings and dress code
- Timings
- Every temple sets its own hours and they change on festival days. Confirm locally or on the temple's official page before you travel.
- Dress code
- Most of these temples ask for modest, traditional clothing. Rules differ by temple, so confirm locally.
Last checked October 2026. Timings and rules can change, so please confirm locally. We provide taxi service only. Temple entry and any tickets are arranged by the pilgrim directly with the temple.
Taxi cost by vehicle
About 220 km round trip. Under 300 km, the fare is the day rent plus a ₹1,000 driver fare.
Toll, parking, checkpost tax and invoice tax are extra. Overnight driver stay on multi-day trips is extra.
Book on WhatsAppFrequently asked questions
Which temples can I visit from Tirupati in one day by taxi?
Srikalahasti and Kanipakam together are a common one-day circuit of about 220 km. Kanchipuram alone, or Vellore alone, also fits a full day.
How far are Kanipakam and Srikalahasti from Tirupati?
Srikalahasti is about 38 km (around 1 hour) and Kanipakam about 70 km (around 1.5 to 2 hours) by road.
What is the best time for a temple tour from Tirupati?
October to March is the most comfortable. Leave early in the morning and confirm each temple's timings locally, as they change on festival days.
Is there a dress code at these temples?
Most ask for modest, traditional clothing, but rules vary by temple, so confirm locally before you go.
Which vehicle should a family choose for temple tours?
A sedan or SUV suits small families, while a tempo traveller or Urbania suits larger groups. Booking covers vehicle and driver only, and temple entry is handled by the pilgrim.