Finding a room in Tirumala can feel like winning a lottery—especially during peak season. But here’s the good news: with the right approach, you can secure accommodation without the stress. Let me walk you through both online and offline booking methods.
The Offline Route: Walk-In at CRO Office
If you’re already in Tirumala or prefer booking in person, here’s what you need to know.
Location: CRO Office, Tirumala
Timings: 6 AM – 10 PM (arrive before 9 PM to be safe)
Reality Check: These days, you need to reach by 5-6 AM to have a real chance
How Offline Booking Works
Step 1: Show up at CRO Office with your Aadhaar card. Your face will be scanned (yes, really—TTD uses facial recognition now to prevent agents from hogging rooms).
Step 2: You’ll get a waitlist number. This isn’t a confirmed room—it’s your spot in the queue.
Step 3: Wait for the magic SMS. When someone vacates a room, you automatically move up the list. Currently, this takes about 5-6 hours.
Step 4: Got the SMS? Rush to the cottage reception within 30 minutes! Miss this window, and the room goes to the next person.
Important: Rooms are allotted for 1 day only. Extension is possible, but please vacate after darshan so others get a chance.
The Agent Trap (Avoid This!)
Let’s talk about something nobody warns you about properly. Agents promise guaranteed rooms for huge fees, but here’s the truth:
- Facial recognition means even agents can only book 1 room in 30 days
- No guarantee they’ll actually get you a room
- You might pay and still end up roomless in Tirumala
Bottom line: Skip the agents. Book directly yourself—either online in advance or offline when you arrive.
The Online Route: Book Before You Travel
This is your best bet if you’re planning ahead. Way less stressful than the offline gamble.
Quick Online Booking Steps
Step 1: Visit https://ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in/home/dashboard and login with your mobile number and OTP.
Step 2: Select your location from the dropdown:
- Tirumala – For staying on the hill near the temple
- Tirupati – For staying in the town (1-hour drive from temple)
- Talakona – 70 km away (only if visiting Talakona waterfalls)
Step 3: Choose your date, time slot, cost category, number of persons, and state. Click continue.
Step 4: Enter pilgrim details, address, phone number (critical—this is where your room allotment SMS goes), and email.
Step 5: Complete payment and save your receipt.
After You Book Online
When you reach Tirumala, scan your receipt at the ARP Counter near CRO Office. Within 15-30 minutes, you’ll receive your room allotment via SMS. Head straight to the cottage sub-enquiry office with your SMS to collect keys.
Much smoother than the offline waiting game, right?
Need Multiple Rooms or Multi-Day Stays?
Here’s where it gets tricky. TTD’s facial recognition system limits one room per person per 30 days. But there are legitimate workarounds:
Scenario 1: 4 People, Need 2 Rooms
Use 2 different mobile numbers and 2 different sets of ID proofs. Book separately—2 people on one booking, 2 on another.
Scenario 2: 2 People, Need 1 Room for 2 Days
- Day 1: Book online normally
- Day 2: Request extension at the cottage reception. They’ll collect additional caution deposit and rent on the spot.
Scenario 3: 4 People, Need 1 Room for 2 Days
- Day 1: Book with 2 people’s details (all 4 can stay in one room)
- Day 2: Use a different mobile number and the other 2 people’s IDs to book again
Scenario 4: 4 People, Need 2 Rooms for 2 Days (4 Rooms Total)
- Day 1: Book 2 rooms using 2 mobile numbers and 4 different IDs
- Day 2: Request extension at reception for both rooms
Extension Tip: Always inform the reception in advance if you’re extending. They’ll handle the paperwork and collect payment right there.
Quick Answers to Common Questions
Are there private hotels in Tirumala?
No. All accommodation is controlled by TTD, except for a few community-specific mutts.
Can I get a VIP room?
Visit Padmavathi Guest House Enquiry office. If higher-cost rooms are available, they’ll allot them based on availability.
What about recommendation letters?
Take your recommendation letter to JEO Office in Tirumala for approval stamp. Then submit it at Padmavathi Guest House Enquiry with 2 pilgrims’ Aadhaar xerox. Room allocation depends on availability—no guaranteed cottage selection.
Can I book additional rooms offline if I only got one online?
Yes! After reaching Tirumala, request additional rooms at CRO Office counters if available.
Pro Tips from Regular Pilgrims
Book Online Whenever Possible: The offline route is unpredictable. Online gives you certainty and peace of mind.
Set Booking Reminders: TTD releases quotas in advance. Mark your calendar and book the moment slots open.
Keep That SMS Safe: Your room allotment SMS is gold. Screenshot it, save it, don’t delete it accidentally.
Arrive Early for Check-in: Even with online booking, get to the ARP Counter early to complete scanning and allotment.
Pack Light: Tirumala rooms are basic but clean. You don’t need much beyond essentials.
Respect the System: Vacate after darshan. Thousands of devotees are waiting for the same blessing you received.
The Bigger Picture
Finding accommodation in Tirumala isn’t just about booking logistics—it’s part of the pilgrimage experience. The facial recognition system might seem strict, but it’s actually protecting devotees from exploitation. No more agents blocking rooms. No more inflated prices. Just fair access for everyone.
Whether you choose online or offline, go with patience and faith. Lord Venkateswara brought you this far—accommodation will work out too.
Planning your Tirumala trip? Book your room first, then plan everything else around it. That’s the secret to a stress-free pilgrimage!
Have you tried booking Tirumala rooms? Share your experience or questions in the comments—your insights help fellow devotees!
