Tirumala Special Entry Darshan vs Sarva Darshan – Booking, Waiting Time & Facilities Compared

 

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) offers multiple darshan options for devotees of Lord Venkateswara. The two most common are:

• Special Entry Darshan (₹300 ticket) – a paid, time-slotted darshan for convenience.
• Sarva Darshan (Free Darshan) – open to all devotees without tickets, but with longer waiting times.

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Special Entry Darshan (₹300)	Sarva Darshan (Free Darshan)
Cost	₹300 per person	Free
Booking	Online via TTD portal or counters	No booking required
Time Slots	Fixed slots released in advance; pilgrims must report at allotted time	No slots; entry based on queue system
Waiting Time	Shorter (1–2 hours depending on crowd)	Longer (6–12 hours or more during peak seasons)
Queue System	Dedicated, faster queue for ticket holders	General queue for all devotees
Children Policy	Below 12 years free (with age proof)	Free for all ages
Facilities	Includes 1 laddu prasadam per ticket; better crowd management	Laddu prasadam available separately
Best For	Families, elderly devotees, those preferring planned darshan	Devotees seeking traditional free darshan experience

Special Entry Darshan Highlights

• ₹300 ticket includes one laddu prasadam.
• Slots are released in advance (monthly/seasonal) and sell out quickly.
• Ideal for pilgrims who want shorter waiting times and fixed schedules.
• Recommended for families, senior citizens, and those traveling from far.

Sarva Darshan Highlights

• Free darshan, open to all devotees.
• Waiting times can be very long, especially during Brahmotsavam, Vaikunta Ekadasi, and summer holidays.
• Reflects the traditional pilgrimage spirit, where devotees patiently wait for darshan.
• Laddu prasadam can be purchased separately.

Important Guidelines

• Dress Code: Traditional attire required (Men – dhoti/pyjama with upper cloth; Women – saree/salwar kameez).
• ID Proof: Mandatory for Special Entry Darshan; not required for Sarva Darshan.
• Reporting Time: Arrive at least 1–2 hours before your slot for Special Entry.
• Peak Seasons: Book Special Entry tickets well in advance; Sarva Darshan queues may extend overnight.

Pilgrim Tips

• If traveling with elderly or children, Special Entry Darshan is more comfortable.
• If you want to experience the traditional spirit of Tirumala pilgrimage, Sarva Darshan is meaningful.
• Combine darshan + accommodation booking for smoother planning.

Always carry original ID proof for ticket verification.