Tirumala hills when viewed from the air appear to be coiled like a serpent with seven prominent peaks making it one of the best tourist places in Tirupati. This is what has probably led to the name― Seshachala―the mountain of Sesha―the divine serpent with seven hoods, also called Adisesha, on whom Lord Vishnu reclines. From time immemorial, these hills have been regarded as sacred as these were the abode of Lord Vishnu in his age. The seven peaks are named Seshadri, Vedadri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrishabadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri. It is on the last one that the temple of Lord Venkateswara is located. There are many legends associated with the temple but the most popular is related to his marriage to Padmavati, and the loan taken for the purpose from Kubera, the Lord of Wealth. It is said that the Lord is still paying back the interest on the loan, and devotees throng the temple to help the Lord with their small contribution to his cause.

Tirupati is said to be the busiest pilgrimage center in the world, and thus, among the most crowded. There is no dearth of places to visit in Tirupati and information about the temple but what few people know are the many interesting things to do, and places to see in and around Tirupati. The next time you visit Tirupati on a pilgrimage, take some time out to go and visit some of these sites. They can only enhance your experience!