Highlights
- Mahalakshmi (Ambabai) darshan in Kolhapur
- Direct overnight train from Kolhapur to Tirupati
- Sri Padmavathi Ammavari temple, Tiruchanur
- Tirumala darshan on a slot booked in advance
- Sripuram Golden Temple at Vellore at dusk
- Departure from Katpadi, Chennai or Renigunta
This is the old Tirupati, Golden Temple and Mahalakshmi route, rebuilt around a train that makes it easy. You have darshan of Ambabai in Kolhapur in the morning, board the Haripriya Express before noon and wake up in Tirupati. After Tirumala, a drive into Tamil Nadu brings you to the Sripuram Golden Temple for the last evening.
Day-wise itinerary
Day 1: Kolhapur, Mahalakshmi (Ambabai) darshan, board the Haripriya Express
Most families come in on the overnight Mahalaxmi Express from Mumbai CSMT, which passes Pune around midnight and reaches Kolhapur early in the morning. From Pune you can also come by car. We meet you at the station, take you to freshen up, and then to the Mahalakshmi temple, one of the Shakti Peethas. The Haripriya Express leaves Kolhapur for Tirupati just before noon, so the morning is for darshan and a quick breakfast. Dinner is on the train.
Day 2: Arrive in Tirupati, Padmavathi temple at Tiruchanur
The train reaches Renigunta and then Tirupati in the morning. Check in, rest, and in the afternoon visit Sri Padmavathi Ammavari temple at Tiruchanur. Early night, with tomorrow’s temple clothes laid out.
Day 3: Tirumala darshan
Drive up the ghat road for your ₹300 or senior-citizen slot. Swami Pushkarini and Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy first, then darshan of Lord Venkateswara and the laddu prasadam. If you have time and energy left, visit Srikalahasti in the afternoon. Otherwise rest in Tirupati.
Day 4: Drive to Vellore, Sripuram Golden Temple
A morning drive south into Tamil Nadu to Vellore. Check in, rest, and go to Sripuram in the late afternoon. The walk along the star-shaped path to the Sri Lakshmi Narayani temple is at its best as the light fades and the gold lights up. Leave phones, cameras and bags at the hotel or in the car, because they are not allowed inside. The temple closes at 8 pm.
Day 5: Departure from Katpadi, Chennai or Renigunta
Drop at whichever suits your ticket home: Katpadi Junction, Vellore’s railway station; Chennai airport; or back to Renigunta for the Mumbai train via Pune. Tell us before booking, so we can time the drive to it.
Why this route still makes sense
Mahalakshmi of Kolhapur and Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala are linked in tradition, and many Maharashtrian families like to visit both on one trip. The daily Haripriya Express makes it practical: darshan in Kolhapur in the morning, a night on the train, and Tirupati the next morning, with no change of train. The connection in Kolhapur is the tight part. If your incoming train runs late, we can move Ambabai darshan to a night stay in Kolhapur and take the next day’s Haripriya, as long as your Tirumala slot allows it.
What's included and what isn't
Included
- Haripriya Express ticket, Kolhapur to Tirupati (class as requested, subject to availability)
- Hotel in Tirupati for 2 nights and in Vellore for 1 night, with daily breakfast
- Station pickup and car for Mahalakshmi darshan in Kolhapur
- Private car in Tirupati and on to Vellore, Sripuram and your departure point
- Help booking ₹300 or senior-citizen darshan on the TTD portal
Not included
- Train or flight to Kolhapur and from Vellore/Chennai/Renigunta home (quoted on request)
- Darshan tickets (₹300 per person, paid on the TTD portal)
- Srikalahasti visit, if added on Day 3
- Sevas, pujas and temple fees
- Lunches and dinners, and meals on the train
- Offerings, tips and personal expenses
Visa, costs, best time and travel tips: Tirupati Balaji Yatra Packages.
