Kalahasti is an ideal getaway from Tirupati, and Chennai as Chennai to Kalahasti tour packages is of four- hour duration or half a day. Day trips to this famous Temple of Kalahasteeswara, if planned strategically may also include trips to nearby places in Kalahasti.
About Kalahasti: One of the most revered of the five’ Pancha Bhootam Sthalam’, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kalahasti is 36 km from Tirupati and 113 km from Chennai. The Kalahasteeswara Temple or Kalahasti Temple is famous for its Vayu Lingam and is an incredible specimen of Chola and Vijaynagar style of architecture of the 10th century. This ancient temple is on the banks of the River Swarnamukhi. The Temple is also referred to in the ancient texts of India the Skanda Purana.
The architecture of Kalahasti Temple: An excellent and impressive example of Temple architecture, the structure was entirely carved out of a single stone hill. With 120- feet high Gopuram marking the entrance and an equally impressive 100-pillar mandapam inside, the Temple is indeed a treasured legacy by the ancient kings. Initially, the Pallavas kings started the construction work of the Temple later the work of the temple was completed by the Cholas and the Kings of Vijayanagara kingdom
Nearby places to visit: Among the top places which are included in the Kalahasti tour packages from Chennai, are various tours to the nearby temples like Srikahasteeswara temple, Pathala Vinayaka temple, Bharadwaja Tirtham, Tirupati and Tirumala, Subramanyam Swami temple. The package also includes tours to Jade falls Veylingala Kona falls, and Kannappa, Varadarajan and Pulicat sanctuary. Most of these are at a distance of two hours from Kalahasti.
Best time to visit: The ideal time to enjoy a tour to Kalahasti from Chennai would be October to March although the peak season for package tours from Chennai to Kalahasti is Nov to Feb and May.
How to reach
Chennai to Kalahasti tour packages is available from nearly all the tour operators. Tourists have the option of taking a one-day or two-day tour package. The packages generally cover a round trip and also include short trips to nearby places.
Some travel agencies may offer one-day trip which starts at 5 am and the trip is rounded off at 5 pm. Still, others may start at 11 am and round off at 10 pm. Travelers may choose a large or small vehicle of their choice and according to their budget. Apart from renting cars, budget travel can be availed through bus services. It is recommended to check the timing of departure and arrival of buses and book the tickets online.
Kalahasti is also accessible by train and connected to major cities in South India including Chennai. Taking a flight service from Chennai to Tirupati is a faster way to reach Kalahasti but a part of the journey either from Tirupati has to be covered via taxi or rented car.
Important festivals and rituals at Kalahasti Temple
The most important festival celebrated here is Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsava. The 12- day festival is celebrated during the Kartik month every year. Devotees throng the temple on the occasion.
The Kedaari Gowri Vratham is celebrated on Diwali at the temple premises and the celebration is attended by women who gather in this temple every year to worship Ammavaru.
One of the most important ceremonies that are conducted at the temple is Rahu Kethu Sarpa Dosha Nivarana Puja. This puja is conducted from 6 AM to 7 PM every day except on the Maha Shivaratri.