Want to visit Tirumala for Darshan in May 2026? The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has officially announced that Special Entry Darshan tickets at Rs. 300 for May 2026 will be available for online booking starting 24 February 2026 at 10:00 AM IST.
What Is TTD Special Entry Darshan (Rs. 300)?
The TTD Special Entry Darshan, popularly known as the Rs. 300 Darshan or SED (Special Entry Darshan), is a paid, quota-based darshan at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala. It allows devotees to bypass the long free darshan queues and get a faster, more comfortable darshan of Lord Balaji.
Unlike the free Sarva Darshan (which can involve waiting times of 12 to 30+ hours), the Special Entry Darshan is designed to:
- Provide a time-bound, organized darshan experience
- Significantly reduce waiting time compared to free darshan
- Give devotees a more peaceful and less crowded experience in the temple queue
- Allow advance planning of your Tirumala pilgrimage trip
At just Rs. 300 per person, it is one of the most accessible and popular darshan options offered by TTD.
May 2026 Special Entry Darshan – Official Booking Details
TTD has officially announced:
📅 Booking Opens: 24 February 2026 ⏰ Time: 10:00 AM IST 💰 Ticket Price: Rs. 300 per person 🗓️ Valid For: May 2026 Darshan dates
Tickets are released in a strictly limited quota and are highly sought after by lakhs of devotees across India and abroad. Slots often fill up within minutes of going live.
Tirumala Angapradakshinam Tokens for May 2026 – Booking Opens 23 February 2026 at 10:00 AM
Who Can Book TTD Special Entry Darshan Tickets?
The Rs. 300 Special Entry Darshan is open to:
- All devotees — Indian citizens as well as NRIs and foreign nationals
- Individuals, couples, families, and groups
- Devotees of all ages (note: senior citizens and differently-abled devotees may have separate dedicated quota — check the TTD portal for details)
Each person requires an individual ticket, and all devotees must carry valid Aadhar card (for Indian citizens) or valid passport (for NRIs/foreign nationals) as identity proof on the day of darshan.
How to Book TTD Special Entry Darshan (Rs. 300) Tickets Online – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Visit the official TTD booking portal — www.ttdsevaonline.com or download the official TTD Mobile App.
Step 2: Log in to your registered TTD devotee account. If you don’t have one, register immediately — don’t wait until booking day.
Step 3: On the homepage, click on “Special Entry Darshan” under the Darshan section.
Step 4: Select May 2026 as the month and choose your preferred date and time slot.
Step 5: Enter devotee details for each person — Full Name, Date of Birth, and Aadhar number.
Step 6: Review your booking summary carefully and proceed to online payment of Rs. 300 per head.
Step 7: After successful payment, download and save your e-ticket (PDF or screenshot).
Step 8: Carry your printed or digital ticket along with your Aadhar card on the day of darshan.
⚠️ Pro Tip: Log in to the TTD portal at least 15–20 minutes before 10:00 AM on 24 February 2026. Keep all devotee details pre-filled and ready to avoid delays during booking.
What Is the Darshan Experience Like with a Rs. 300 Ticket?
Devotees with a Special Entry Darshan ticket are taken through a dedicated, faster-moving queue that is separate from the free Sarva Darshan queue. Here’s what to generally expect:
- Waiting time: Typically 2 to 5 hours, compared to 15–30+ hours for free darshan
- Queue path: A cleaner, air-cooled, and organized queue system inside the temple complex
- Darshan duration: A few seconds to a minute of direct darshan of Lord Venkateswara in the sanctum sanctorum
- Temple atmosphere: The inner sanctum is filled with the fragrance of flowers, the sound of Vedic chanting, and the golden glow of the Lord’s idol — an experience that stays with you forever
What to Carry on the Day of Darshan
- ✅ Printed or digital copy of your TTD Special Entry Darshan e-ticket
- ✅ Aadhar card (mandatory for each devotee)
- ✅ Comfortable, traditional attire — saree/churidar for women, dhoti/kurta-pajama for men
- ✅ Small bag for offerings (flowers, coconut) — check TTD’s current guidelines on items allowed inside
- ✅ Water bottle and light snacks for the queue wait
- ❌ No mobile phones, cameras, or electronic devices are allowed inside the temple sanctum
Important Rules and Guidelines for TTD Special Entry Darshan
- Tickets are non-transferable — the booked devotee must match the Aadhar details exactly.
- Entry is allowed only during the specified time slot on your ticket. Late arrivals may be denied entry.
- TTD follows a dress code — traditional Indian attire is mandatory. Western clothing (jeans, t-shirts, shorts) may be denied entry.
- Children under 5 years of age generally do not require a separate ticket, but this is subject to TTD’s current policy — verify before booking.
- Tickets are generally non-refundable. Check TTD’s cancellation policy on the official portal.
Difference Between Free Darshan and Rs. 300 Special Entry Darshan
| Feature | Free Sarva Darshan | Special Entry Darshan (Rs. 300) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Rs. 300 per person |
| Waiting Time | 15–30+ hours | 2–5 hours |
| Advance Booking | Not required | Required (online) |
| Queue | Very crowded | Organized & less crowded |
| Best For | Budget pilgrims with time | Planned, time-conscious pilgrims |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When does booking open for TTD Special Entry Darshan May 2026 tickets? A: Booking opens on 24 February 2026 at 10:00 AM IST.
Q: What is the ticket price for TTD Special Entry Darshan? A: Rs. 300 per person.
Q: Where can I book TTD Special Entry Darshan tickets online? A: On the official portal www.ttdsevaonline.com or the TTD official mobile app.
Q: How many tickets can I book per transaction? A: TTD generally allows booking for a limited number of devotees per transaction. Check the portal at time of booking for the current limit.
Q: Is Aadhar card mandatory for Rs. 300 darshan? A: Yes, Aadhar card is mandatory for Indian devotees. NRIs and foreign nationals must carry a valid passport.
Q: Can I book tickets at the Tirumala counter instead of online? A: A limited number of tickets may be available at physical counters, but online booking is strongly recommended as counter availability is not guaranteed.
Q: What happens if I miss my time slot? A: TTD strictly enforces time slots. Missing your slot may result in denied entry. Always arrive well before your allotted time.
Q: Is the Rs. 300 darshan ticket refundable? A: Tickets are generally non-refundable. Verify TTD’s latest cancellation policy on the official portal before booking.
Q: Can senior citizens or differently-abled devotees use the Rs. 300 ticket? A: TTD provides separate special quota for senior citizens and differently-abled devotees. Check the TTD portal for dedicated options.
Why You Should Book Early – Don’t Wait!
Tirumala receives anywhere between 50,000 to 1,00,000 devotees every single day, making it the most visited pilgrimage destination in the entire world. The Rs. 300 Special Entry Darshan quota for any given month is limited and is claimed by lakhs of eager devotees the moment booking opens.
Stories of devoted pilgrims missing out simply because they logged in 2–3 minutes late are common. The difference between getting a May 2026 Tirumala darshan and missing out entirely often comes down to preparation and being on time on 24 February 2026 at 10:00 AM.
Final Word – Book Your Darshan, Plan Your Pilgrimage
A visit to Tirumala Tirupati — standing before the majestic idol of Lord Sri Venkateswara adorned with golden ornaments and floral garlands, hearing the Vedic chants echoing through the sanctum — is a spiritual experience that words cannot fully capture. It is a moment that purifies the soul and fills the heart with peace and gratitude.
The Rs. 300 Special Entry Darshan gives you a planned, dignified, and peaceful way to experience this divine blessing.
🗓️ Mark 24 February 2026 on your calendar. ⏰ Be on the TTD portal at 10:00 AM sharp. 🙏 May Lord Venkateswara bless you with a beautiful darshan in May 2026.