Planning a Tirumala pilgrimage and want to skip those endless queues? The Rs 300 Special Entry Darshan (also called Seegra Darshan) is your best bet. Let me walk you through everything you need to know—from booking to darshan completion—based on real experiences and official TTD guidelines.
Here’s the bottom line: this darshan typically completes in just 2-3 hours compared to 8-12 hours in free darshan queues. Worth every rupee, trust me.
Why Rs 300 Darshan is Your Best Option
If you’re visiting Tirumala, especially for the first time or with family, the Special Entry Darshan changes the entire experience. Here’s what makes it special:
Time-Saving: Darshan completes in 2-3 hours versus potentially 12+ hours in general queues
Comfort: Dedicated entry point at ATC Car Parking, better queue management, and less crowd stress
Predictable Schedule: You book a specific time slot, so you can plan your entire trip around it
Family-Friendly: Booking for up to 6 people with one phone number makes group travel easier
The catch? These tickets are in HUGE demand. We’re talking sold-out-in-20-minutes kind of demand for popular dates. So timing your booking is everything.
Critical Booking Information You Must Know
Booking Window: Opens 3 months in advance on the official TTD website
Release Pattern: Usually released on the 1st of each month for 3 months ahead (but check TTD announcements)
Speed Required: Entire month can get fully booked within 20 minutes for peak dates
Cost: Rs 300 per person
Reporting Location: ATC Car Parking, Tirumala (not the main temple entrance)
Step-by-Step Booking Process (Follow Exactly)
Let me break this down into simple, foolproof steps. I’ve helped dozens of family members book these tickets, so I know where people get stuck.
Step 1: Be Ready Before Booking Opens
Visit https://ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in/ a day before the release to familiarize yourself with the interface. Know where to click, where to enter details—every second counts when bookings open.
Critical Preparation:
- Have ID proof details ready for all 6 travelers
- Keep your payment card/UPI details handy
- Use a laptop/desktop if possible (more stable than mobile during heavy traffic)
- Ensure strong internet connection
- Close unnecessary browser tabs to avoid crashes
Step 2: Login with Your Phone Number
Enter your valid Indian phone number and the captcha code, then click “Generate OTP.”
Important Notes:
- Only Indian phone numbers work—foreign numbers won’t receive OTPs
- You can book for maximum 6 people with one phone number
- Once you book, that phone number and email ID are blocked for the next month
Step 3: Wait for the Virtual Queue
After entering your OTP, you’ll see a screen timer (virtual queue system). This is TTD’s way of managing heavy traffic.
Do NOT refresh this page! Just wait patiently. Refreshing throws you back to the end of the queue. I’ve seen people lose their spot by panicking and refreshing.
Step 4: Select Special Entry Darshan
Once you’re past the queue, click on the “Special Entry Darshan” icon to see the Rs 300 darshan availability chart.
Step 5: Read the Color-Coded Calendar
The calendar uses colors to show availability:
Green: Slots available—book immediately if this is your date!
Yellow: Slots filling fast—don’t delay, they could turn red any minute
Red: Completely sold out—try another date
Blue: Quota not yet released—check back later
Pro tip: Have 3-4 backup dates in mind. Your first choice might already be yellow or red.
Step 6: Choose Your Time Slot
Select your preferred date and time slot. Morning slots (6 AM – 10 AM) tend to fill fastest because everyone wants to complete darshan early. Afternoon and evening slots stay available longer.
Step 7: Enter ID Proof Details
You’ll need to provide valid ID proof information for all travelers. Acceptable documents:
- Aadhaar Card (most commonly used)
- Passport
- Driving License
- Voter ID
Critical Warning: The name on your ID proof must EXACTLY match what you enter while booking. Even small spelling differences can get you denied at the entry gate.
Step 8: Complete Payment
Enter your payment details carefully. Double-check card numbers, CVV, and OTP from your bank.
Payment options include:
- Credit/Debit Cards
- Net Banking
- UPI
Step 9: Download Your Tickets IMMEDIATELY
The moment payment is confirmed, download your tickets. Don’t assume you can get them later from your email.
Missed the Download? Visit this link and enter the phone number you used for booking to retrieve your tickets. But don’t rely on this—download immediately after booking.
Important Rules & Restrictions
Can You Cancel or Reschedule?
No. Absolutely not. Once booked, your Rs 300 darshan ticket is final. You cannot:
- Cancel it
- Postpone it to another date
- Prepone it to an earlier date
- Get a refund
The only exception is during natural calamities or emergencies when TTD officially announces alternative arrangements. This is extremely rare.
Can Someone Else Use Your Ticket?
No. Tirumala darshan tickets are strictly non-transferable. The person whose name and ID proof are on the ticket must be the one attending darshan.
At the entry gate, TTD staff will verify:
- Your printed/digital ticket
- Original ID proof (Aadhaar/Passport/DL)
- Your physical presence matching the ID
If there’s any mismatch, you’ll be denied entry—no arguments, no exceptions. I’ve personally witnessed people turned away at the gates for this.
Can You Use the Ticket on a Different Date?
No. Your ticket is valid ONLY for the specific date and time slot you booked. You cannot show up a day early or a day late.
Miss your slot? Your ticket becomes worthless. There’s no “use it later” option unless TTD makes an official announcement (which they might do only in cases of temple closure due to emergencies).
Pro Tips from Frequent Pilgrims
Set Multiple Alarms: When bookings open at midnight or early morning, set 3-4 alarms. Missing the opening minutes can mean missing your preferred dates.
Book for 6 Even If You’re Fewer: If you’re traveling with just 2-3 people, you might still want to book all 6 slots for flexibility. You can always decide who goes later (though remember, names can’t be changed).
Morning Slots = Fastest Booking: Everyone wants 6-8 AM slots. If you’re flexible, afternoon slots (2-4 PM) stay available longer and the temple is less crowded.
Screenshot Everything: From booking confirmation to payment receipt—screenshot it all. Save these on your phone and take physical printouts.
Reach Tirumala Early: Even with a time slot, reach ATC Car Parking at least 1 hour before your scheduled time. Parking, security checks, and walking to the entry point take time.
Dress Code Matters: Men must wear dhoti or full pants with shirt. Women should wear sarees, salwar kameez, or modest traditional dress. Shorts, torn jeans, and revealing clothes are not allowed.
Common Booking Mistakes to Avoid
Using the Same Phone Number Twice: Your phone number gets blocked for 30 days after one booking. Plan accordingly if you need to book multiple trips.
Wrong ID Details: Entering “Rajesh Kumar” in the booking but your Aadhaar says “Rajesh K.” will cause problems. Match exactly.
Slow Payment Processing: Don’t leave payment for the last minute. Have your card details pre-filled in your browser if possible.
Not Downloading Tickets: Assuming they’ll email it is risky. Download immediately and save multiple copies.
Arriving at the Wrong Location: It’s ATC Car Parking in Tirumala, not the main temple entrance. First-timers often get confused.
Bringing Too Many Bags: Lockers fill up quickly. Carry only essentials—phone, wallet, ID proof, and tickets.
What Happens on Darshan Day?
Here’s your day-of timeline:
2-3 Hours Before Your Slot: Reach Tirumala and park at ATC Car Parking
1 Hour Before: Complete security checks, deposit bags in lockers, and head to the Special Entry Darshan counter
30 Minutes Before: Join the special entry queue with your ticket and ID proof ready
During Darshan: Follow the designated path, maintain silence in the sanctum, and complete darshan peacefully
After Darshan: Collect prasadam, retrieve your bags, and exit through the designated route
The entire process, from entry to exit, typically takes 2-3 hours—a massive time saving compared to free darshan.
Is Rs 300 Darshan Worth It?
Absolutely, especially if:
- You have limited time in Tirumala
- You’re traveling with elderly family members or children
- You want a more organized, less stressful experience
- You value your time and comfort
For many devotees, the spiritual experience is enhanced when you’re not exhausted from 12-hour queues. You reach the sanctum with energy and focus rather than fatigue and frustration.
Final Checklist Before Your Tirumala Visit
✓ Tickets downloaded and printed
✓ Original ID proofs for all travelers
✓ Modest, traditional clothing packed
✓ Minimal bags (most items go in lockers anyway)
✓ Phone fully charged with digital ticket backup
✓ ATC Car Parking location saved on maps
✓ Arrival time planned for 1-2 hours before slot
✓ Accommodation booked near Tirumala if needed
The Spiritual Perspective
Beyond all the logistics and booking strategies, remember why you’re going. The Rs 300 darshan isn’t just about convenience—it’s about being in the right state of mind when you finally stand before Lord Venkateswara.
When you’re not exhausted from endless queues, when your elderly parents aren’t struggling with leg pain, when your children aren’t crying from hunger and fatigue—that’s when the darshan becomes truly meaningful.
The Rs 300 you spend isn’t buying a “better” darshan in spiritual terms—the Lord’s grace is equal for all. But it does buy you the physical comfort and mental peace to fully absorb that divine moment.
May your Tirumala darshan be filled with blessings and spiritual fulfillment!
Have you booked Rs 300 darshan tickets before? Share your booking tips or experiences in the comments below. First-time pilgrims especially benefit from real stories!
