Tirumala (the temple town at the top of the hills) is about about 70 miles northwest of Chennai. Tirumala is the abode of the Hindu god Venkateshvara, Lord of Seven Hills. Before 1870, the Tirumala Hills were considered so sacred that non-Hindus were not permitted to ascend them. This photo is taken near the beginning of the footpath to the temple complex. Most of the 50,000 + pilgrims who visit every day take a bus or drive, but a fair number walk. Many parts of Tirupathi (the "access" town at the bottom of the hills) and all of Tirumala and the Tirumala Hills are run by the efficient temple authorities (TTD). Many median strips are landscaped by the TTD's Forest Department. The streets leading to the footpath and up to the temple are unusually clean. In fact, the TTD asks people not to smoke in the hills.

© Monica & Mark Hughes 2000-02