Bear Spotted at Alipiri, Tirumala — Devotees Alert! Safety Precautions & Guidelines

In a concerning development, a wild bear has been spotted near the Alipiri area on the way to Tirumala. According to reports, the bear was seen close to the Vinayaka Temple along the ghat road, a short distance from the Alipiri checkpoint.

This has created some panic among devotees, especially those travelling on foot via the Alipiri pedestrian route or the Srivari Mettu steps. While such sightings are not entirely new in the forested hills surrounding Tirumala, the recent appearance has prompted authorities and devotees to exercise extra caution.

Why Are Wild Animals Coming Close to Alipiri?

The Alipiri-to-Tirumala route passes through the dense forests of the Seshachalam hills. Due to factors such as:

• Shrinking forest cover
• Scarcity of food and water in the deeper forests
• Increasing human movement

wild animals like bears and leopards occasionally come closer to the pedestrian paths and ghat roads in search of food. Alipiri, being the main entry point, sees heavy footfall, which sometimes brings animals near human-populated zones.

Important Safety Precautions for Devotees

If you are planning to visit Tirumala via the Alipiri footpath or the ghat road, please follow these precautions:

1. Travel in groups: Never walk alone on the footpath, especially early morning or late evening. Travel in groups of four to five or more devotees.
2. Avoid early-morning & late-night travel: The risk is higher at dawn and dusk. Try to start your journey after sunrise and complete it before sunset.
3. Do not carry food openly: Bears have a strong sense of smell. Avoid carrying fruits, snacks or any food items openly; if you must, keep them properly packed in bags.
4. Make noise while walking: Talk loudly or chant “Govinda! Govinda!” or “Om Namo Venkatesaya” while walking — this helps alert animals to human presence.
5. Carry a torch/flashlight: Especially useful if you are walking in low-light conditions.
6. Stay on the main path: Do not wander into the forest or take shortcuts through the bushes.
7. Follow TTD & Forest Department guidelines: TTD has deployed staff and security on the footpath routes. If you spot any wild animal, immediately inform the nearest security personnel or TTD staff — do not try to take photos or videos from close range.
8. Senior citizens & children: Elderly devotees and families with small children are advised to use vehicles or the Srivari Mettu steps (relatively safer and better monitored) instead of the longer Alipiri route.

Spiritual Perspective

Lord Venkateswara is the supreme protector. Yet, as devotees, we must also act responsibly. Nature too is a form of the Divine, and we must respect the wildlife that resides in the sacred hills of Tirumala. While we pray for Lord Balaji’s blessings and protection, taking practical precautions is also part of our devotion and dharma.

What TTD Is Doing

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and forest department officials are monitoring the situation. Extra security and awareness measures have been put in place on the Alipiri pedestrian route. Devotees are requested to cooperate with the authorities.

Final Advice

• If you are travelling to Tirumala in the coming days, stay updated through official TTD sources.
• Prefer vehicle travel or the Srivari Mettu route if you are concerned about wildlife.
• Most importantly, go with full faith in Lord Venkateswara — He protects His devotees.

Jai Venkateswara Swamy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to walk the Alipiri footpath to Tirumala now?

It is generally managed by TTD, but follow precautions: travel in groups, start after sunrise and finish before sunset, stay on the main path, and carry a torch. If you are concerned about wildlife, prefer the Srivari Mettu steps or vehicle travel via the ghat road.

What should I do if I spot a wild animal on the footpath?

Do not approach it or try to take photos/videos from close range. Stay calm, keep to your group, and immediately inform the nearest TTD staff or security personnel. Follow their instructions.

Are bears and leopards common around Tirumala?

The Seshachalam hills around Tirumala are home to sloth bears and leopards. Occasional sightings near the Alipiri and Srivari Mettu footpaths do happen, after which TTD and the forest department step up vigilance.

Which route is safer for elderly devotees and children?

The Srivari Mettu steps are relatively shorter and better monitored; vehicle travel on the ghat road is also advisable for senior citizens and families with small children.

Sources & Context

• The Hans India — Leopard & sloth bear sighted near Alipiri footpath
• Deccan Chronicle — Leopard scare on the Alipiri route

Note: This information is based on recent reports as of June 2026. For the latest updates, please check the official TTD website (tirumala.org) or local authorities before travelling.