TTD Senior Citizen Darshan 2026: Online Booking, Eligibility, Timings, Ticket Release Dates & Insider Tips

Last Updated: February 26, 2026 | Verified from Official TTD Sources

🔔 LATEST UPDATE (Feb 2026): TTD Senior Citizen Darshan tickets for May 2026 will be released on February 23, 2026 at 3:00 PM. Book only via the official portal: ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in

If you are planning a pilgrimage to Tirumala Venkateswara Temple for yourself or an elderly family member, this is the only guide you need. TTD’s Senior Citizen Darshan scheme is a divine blessing — offering dedicated, queue-free access to Lord Venkateswara for devotees aged 65 and above. But with tickets selling out in under 3 minutes, knowing exactly how to book, what to carry, and what to expect can make the difference between a smooth pilgrimage and a missed opportunity.

This guide covers everything — from the latest 2026 quota release dates to real booking steps, documents, timings, facilities, dress code, travel tips, and FAQs — all updated with the most current information available.

TTD Slotted Sarva Darshan 2026: Complete Booking Guide, Token Counters & Timings

What Is TTD Senior Citizen Darshan?

TTD Senior Citizen Darshan, officially classified under “Special Darshan for Physically Disabled and Aged”, is a 100% free, priority darshan quota exclusively for elderly and differently-abled devotees. Instead of standing in general Sarva Darshan queues (which can take 8 to 20+ hours), senior citizens get access to a dedicated, shorter, and more comfortable entry process with reporting times, reserved seating, food, and wheelchair support.

The scheme was introduced by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to honour the elderly and ensure that age or physical limitations are never a barrier to experiencing the divine blessings of Lord Sri Venkateswara.

Who Is Eligible? (Full Eligibility Criteria 2026)

Before booking, carefully verify whether you qualify:

✅ Primary Eligibility

• Devotees who have completed 65 years of age on the day of darshan are eligible.

✅ Spouse Benefit

• If either husband or wife has completed 65 years, the younger spouse is also allowed to accompany them — even if the spouse is well below 65. Only the married spouse qualifies; other relatives do not.

✅ Grandchildren

• Grandchildren below 12 years of age may accompany the senior citizen without a separate ticket. Carry age proof for the child.

✅ Attendants for 80+ Devotees

• Devotees who have crossed 80 years of age are allowed one attendant or assistant (any person) to accompany and physically support them.

✅ Medical Cases

• Patients with permanent health conditions — including open-heart surgery, kidney failure, cancer, asthma, or other serious ailments — are eligible with valid medical records and Aadhaar card.

✅ Physically Challenged

• Differently-abled devotees with a valid disability certificate issued by the Medical Board (showing minimum 20% disability) are covered under the same quota.

❌ Who Is NOT Eligible

• General devotees below 65 years (unless accompanying a qualifying senior)
• Non-spouse family members (siblings, children, parents of the senior) — they must use a separate darshan type
• Devotees who have already availed senior citizen darshan within the last 90 days

Quick Reference: Key Details at a Glance (2026)

📅 TTD Senior Citizen Darshan Ticket Release Dates 2026 (Month-Wise)

This is the most critical table — every devotee must bookmark this. Tickets are released 3 months in advance on the 23rd of each month at 3:00 PM. Slots fill within minutes, so being ready before the release is non-negotiable.

⚠️ Note: Release dates and times can vary. Always verify on the official TTD website before your target release date. Subscribe to TTD notifications or check trusted pilgrimage update channels regularly.

Calendar Legend on the Booking Portal:

• 🟢 Green = Quota Available — you can book
• 🔴 Red = Quota Full — date is sold out
• 🔵 Blue = Quota Not Yet Released

📋 Documents Required for TTD Senior Citizen Darshan

Carry original documents — TTD strictly does NOT accept digital copies or photocopies at entry.

For the Senior Citizen (Mandatory):

• Aadhaar Card (most preferred and universally accepted)
• OR Voter ID Card / Passport / Senior Citizen Card / PAN Card

For Accompanying Spouse:

• Any government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar preferred)

For Differently-Abled Devotees:

• Disability Certificate from the Medical Board (minimum 20% disability)
• Aadhaar Card

For Medical Case Applicants:

• Relevant medical records/reports confirming the permanent health condition
• Aadhaar Card

For Accompanying Grandchildren (below 12):

• Birth certificate or any age proof document

⚠️ Critical Warning: Failure to produce original documents at the entry gate results in immediate cancellation of your darshan slot. You will then need to join regular Sarva Darshan queues.

🖥️ How to Book TTD Senior Citizen Darshan Online — Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

All bookings are now exclusively online. The offline counter at Vaikuntham Queue Complex-2 (VQC-2) in Tirumala no longer issues tickets. Follow these steps precisely:

Step 1: Open the official TTD portal: https://ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in/home/dashboard (Alternate link: https://online.tirupatibalaji.ap.gov.in)

Step 2: Click “Login” and enter your registered mobile number. Complete OTP verification. If you haven’t registered before, complete the one-time registration with your mobile number and Aadhaar.

Step 3: On the dashboard, click “Differently Abled Quota / Senior Citizen Darshan”.

Step 4: Select your category from the dropdown:

• Senior Citizen
• Medical Case
• Differently Abled / Physically Challenged

Step 5: Choose your preferred darshan date from the calendar. Green dates are available; red dates are full; blue dates are not yet released.

Step 6: Enter devotee details — name, date of birth, gender, and ID proof type and number.

Step 7: Upload age proof document (Aadhaar or valid government ID) as required.

Step 8: If adding a spouse, enter their details and ID proof separately.

Step 9: Review all entered information carefully and click “Confirm” or “Submit”. Payment is not required — the darshan is completely free.

Step 10: Download or print the confirmation slip. You will also receive confirmation via SMS and email. Carry the printed slip along with all original documents to Tirumala.

💡 Pro Tip: Pre-fill your profile on the TTD portal well before the release date. Enable auto-fill in your browser. Log in at least 15–20 minutes before 3:00 PM on release day. Keep all documents scanned and ready to upload instantly. The entire quota can vanish within 2–3 minutes — as confirmed by real devotees who faced sold-out slots even while filling forms.

⏰ Timings and Reporting Instructions

The main Senior Citizen Darshan slot is:

Darshan Time: 3:00 PM (Monday to Saturday)

Mandatory Reporting Time: By 1:00 PM (a full 2 hours before darshan)

Reporting Location: Senior Citizen Hall, South Mada Street (near Supatham Gate), Tirumala

Note: Some months may have an additional morning slot around 10:00 AM — always verify your exact slot on your booking confirmation slip.

What Happens If You’re Late?

If you miss the 1:00 PM reporting deadline, TTD staff will not accommodate you in the senior citizen queue. You will then have to join the Sarva Darshan (Free Darshan) queue — which can be 8 to 20+ hours of waiting. There are no exceptions, so arriving on time is critical.

🏥 Facilities Available for Senior Citizens at Tirumala

TTD has made impressive arrangements to make the darshan experience dignified and comfortable for elderly devotees:

Separate Queue: A completely dedicated queue away from the general crowd, ensuring no jostling, rushing, or long waits in the sun.

Reserved Waiting Hall: A comfortable, shaded waiting hall on South Mada Street where senior citizens sit and rest while awaiting their darshan time.

Complimentary Food and Refreshments: TTD provides free meals, water, and milk to senior citizens at the waiting hall before darshan.

Wheelchair Assistance: Wheelchairs are available free of charge at the entry points for devotees who cannot walk long distances. Battery-operated vehicles are also available for mobility support within Tirumala.

Srivari Sevaks (Trained Volunteers): Specially trained TTD volunteers assist elderly devotees through every step of the darshan process. If a spouse is unable to accompany, a Srivari Sevak steps in to help.

Medical Aid: Basic medical facilities and first-aid support are stationed throughout the darshan area. Emergency medical assistance is available if required.

Clean Restrooms: Dedicated restroom facilities are available near the senior citizen waiting hall.

Prasadam Counter: After darshan, devotees can purchase the famous Tirupati Laddus (approximately ₹50 per laddu) from designated Prasadam counters.

👗 Dress Code for TTD Senior Citizen Darshan

Tirumala maintains a strict dress code as a mark of respect to Lord Venkateswara. Entry will be denied if the dress code is not followed:

For Women: Saree, half-saree with blouse, churidar with dupatta, or salwar kameez with upper cloth. Avoid sleeveless tops, shorts, or Western casual wear.

For Men: Dhoti/veshti, or decent formal/traditional attire such as trousers with a shirt. Lungis tied at waist level without a shirt are allowed inside the temple as per traditional practice. Shorts, jeans, or sleeveless t-shirts are not permitted.

For Children: Decent, modest clothing appropriate for a religious setting.

⚠️ Important: Footwear is not allowed inside the temple, queue lines, or on Thiru Mada Streets. Footwear storage facilities are available near the entry points.

🚗 How to Reach Tirumala — Travel Guide for Senior Citizens

Tirumala is located atop the Seshachalam Hills at an altitude of approximately 853 metres. Here’s how to reach comfortably:

By Air: The nearest airport is Tirupati International Airport, approximately 40 km from Tirumala. Taxis and pre-paid cabs are available from the airport.

By Train: Tirupati Railway Station is a major railhead well-connected to Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi. From Tirupati, take a bus or taxi to Tirumala.

By Road (Tirupati to Tirumala): APSRTC buses run regularly from Tirupati bus stand to Tirumala (30–45 minutes, approximately ₹50–100). Private taxis cost ₹500–₹1,000 one way. For senior citizens, a private taxi or cab is strongly recommended for the comfort of travelling uphill without the stress of crowded buses.

TTD Free Bus Service: TTD operates free buses between Tirupati and Tirumala for registered devotees. Check availability at the bus stand.

Alipiri and Srivari Mettu Footpaths: These walking paths are available but are NOT recommended for senior citizens due to steep climbs and long distances.

🏨 Accommodation for Senior Citizens Near Tirumala

Booking accommodation in Tirumala or Tirupati in advance is strongly advised. TTD-run guest houses and cottages in Tirumala are available at subsidized rates and can be booked on the TTD portal. Accommodation quota for May 2026 opens February 24, 2026 at 3:00 PM alongside darshan ticket releases.

Private hotels in Tirupati city also offer comfortable options for senior citizens, many of which provide pick-up/drop services to the foothills.

⚠️ Important Rules — Do Not Ignore

1. 90-day gap is mandatory — you cannot avail this darshan more than once every 90 days.
2. Online booking only — offline/walk-in tokens are no longer issued.
3. No cancellation, postponement, or advancement — once booked, the slot is final.
4. Original ID documents are mandatory — digital or photocopied documents are rejected at the gate.
5. No electric gadgets are permitted inside the darshan area (phones, cameras, tablets).
6. Late reporting = forfeiture of slot — report by 1:00 PM for the 3:00 PM darshan.
7. Only spouse qualifies as attendant — other relatives must book separate darshan types (unless the senior is 80+ years).
8. Grandchildren below 12 only — older accompanying family members need separate tickets.
9. Avoid agents and fake websites — TTD has officially warned devotees. Only book at ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in.
10. Footwear not permitted on Thiru Mada Streets, queue lines, or inside the temple.

🆚 TTD Senior Citizen Darshan vs. Other Darshan Types (Comparison)

Senior citizen darshan is clearly the most comfortable and cost-effective option for eligible devotees. It is better in nearly every way compared to paid options.

💡 Insider Tips to Successfully Book TTD Senior Citizen Darshan Tickets

Booking tips from real devotees who have successfully navigated the 3-minute booking window:

1. Log in before 2:45 PM. Don’t wait until 3:00 PM to open the website. The portal gets extremely heavy traffic at release time.

2. Use a fast wired internet connection. Mobile data can be unreliable. A broadband connection gives a more stable experience.

3. Pre-fill your profile completely. Name, Aadhaar number, date of birth, address — all filled and saved in your TTD account before release day.

4. Have your scanned documents ready. The age proof upload is where many devotees lose precious seconds. Keep a scanned JPEG or PDF of your Aadhaar on your device, ready to upload instantly.

5. Use a laptop or desktop. The TTD portal works faster and is easier to navigate on a computer than a mobile phone.

6. Set multiple alarms. Set alarms at 2:45 PM and 2:55 PM on the release date so you don’t miss it.

7. Choose off-peak dates. Avoid Saturdays, Sundays, and major festival periods like Brahmotsavams, Vaikunta Ekadasi, and other Utsavams. Weekday slots are easier to book and offer a less crowded experience.

8. If you miss online booking: Some sources indicate that a limited number of walk-in tokens may occasionally be available at the Supatham entrance or Tirumala Nambi Temple counter — but this is not guaranteed. Call the helpline at 155257 to verify current status.

9. Download the TTD mobile app. The official TTD app (available on iOS and Android) allows booking with push notifications for quota release updates, giving you a slight edge over web-only users.

10. Book for off-festival months. Months like June–August (post-summer, pre-festival) tend to have slightly better availability than November–January (peak season).

🙏 What to Expect on the Day of Darshan

Early Morning: Arrive in Tirumala the previous day if possible, or start from Tirupati early in the morning. Reaching Tirumala by 10:00 AM gives you time to settle, freshen up, and be stress-free.

By 1:00 PM: Report at the Senior Citizen Hall on South Mada Street near the Supatham Gate with your printed darshan slip and all original ID documents.

At the Hall: TTD staff verify documents. You will be issued a token or directed to the seated waiting area. Free meals and refreshments are provided here.

At 3:00 PM: Devotees are taken in groups through the dedicated senior citizen queue to the main temple sanctum.

The Darshan: The moment of beholding Lord Sri Venkateswara in his full golden splendor — adorned with divine jewelry, garlands, and surrounded by the resonance of Vedic mantras — is an experience beyond words. Most devotees describe it as the peak spiritual moment of their lives.

After Darshan: Collect prasadam, purchase laddus at the counter, and take time to rest and absorb the divine experience before heading back.

📱 TTD Official Contact Information

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the age limit for TTD Senior Citizen Darshan? Devotees who have completed 65 years of age on the date of darshan are eligible.

Q2. Is TTD Senior Citizen Darshan free? Yes. It is 100% free of charge. No payment is required for the darshan itself. Optional paid sevas are available separately if desired.

Q3. Can I book a ticket at the Tirumala counter offline? No. TTD has permanently stopped offline token issuance. All bookings must be done online in advance via the official portal.

Q4. My wife is 68 and I am 60 — can we both go for Senior Citizen Darshan? Yes. Since your wife qualifies (68 years), you (the younger spouse at 60) are also allowed to accompany her.

Q5. Can I bring my son or daughter to assist me? No. Only the married spouse qualifies as an accompanying attendant. Exception: Devotees 80 years and above may bring any one attendant. If the spouse is absent, Srivari Sevaks are available to assist.

Q6. How many months in advance can I book? Typically 3 months in advance. The quota is released on the 23rd of each month at 3:00 PM.

Q7. How quickly do tickets sell out? Extremely fast. Real devotees have reported all slots selling out within 2–3 minutes of the quota opening. Being prepared in advance is essential.

Q8. What is the TTD helpline number for Senior Citizen Darshan? 155257 and 1800-425-4141 (toll-free).

Q9. Can grandchildren accompany me? Yes. Grandchildren below 12 years of age can accompany you without a separate ticket. Carry their age proof.

Q10. Can I cancel or change my booking date? No. TTD does not permit cancellation, postponement, or advancement of booked slots. In very rare special circumstances, TTD authorities may allow cancellation — contact the helpline for such cases.

Q11. What if I arrive late for my reporting time? You will forfeit your senior citizen darshan slot and must join the Sarva Darshan (Free Darshan) queue — which can take many hours.

Q12. Can I go for darshan more than once in a month? No. This darshan is permitted only once every 90 days per devotee.

Q13. Are wheelchairs available? Yes. Wheelchairs and battery-operated vehicles are available free of charge at entry points for those who need mobility assistance.

Q14. Can I upload a photocopy of my Aadhaar for online booking? For the online booking form, a scanned digital copy is acceptable for the upload field. However, at the actual Tirumala entry gate, original physical documents are mandatory — no digital or photocopied documents are accepted.

Q15. What is the darshan timing on Sundays? The primary senior citizen darshan (at 3:00 PM) typically operates Monday to Saturday only. Sunday availability varies and should be confirmed on your booking confirmation or via the helpline.

Conclusion: A Pilgrimage of Dignity and Devotion

The TTD Senior Citizen Darshan is more than a convenience — it is a profound act of respect for the elderly devotees who have spent a lifetime in faith and service. By eliminating the physical burden of long queues and providing thoughtful facilities like free food, wheelchairs, trained volunteers, and a reserved waiting space, TTD ensures that the golden years of a devotee’s life can include a spiritually fulfilling, dignified darshan of Lord Venkateswara.

Plan ahead, mark the quota release date on your calendar, prepare your documents well in advance, and be ready online before 3:00 PM on the 23rd of the month preceding your intended visit. The sacred hills of Tirumala await.

Govinda! Govinda! Om Namo Venkatesaya! 🙏

For the most current, real-time information, always verify at the official TTD portal: ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in

TTD Helpline: 155257 | Toll-Free: 1800-425-4141