Chilkur Balaji Temple rests in the charming village of Chilkur, west of Hyderabad. It is surrounded by trees and the lake, Osman Sagar. Pilgrims and tourists flock to this serene spot to appreciate its meditative atmosphere, picturesque scenery and separation from the busy Hyderabad streets. The temple is one of the oldest in the Andhra Pradesh region and is a source of great pride to its small village.
Arrive in the morning to avoid the crowds. Haggle with vendors who sell traditional food and homemade items outside the temple.
Walk through the temple’s multicolored entrance, which has been painted different shades of blue, pink and yellow. Make sure to take off your shoes as you enter the temple. Once inside, pause for a moment to admire the simplicity of the building’s interior.
Make your way to the inner sanctum through a small entrance into the shrine of Lord Balaji. There is a particular ritual for devotees of the temple that includes 11 circumambulations before making a vow and prayer. If the wish is granted, the devotee then walks around the inner sanctum 108 times.
The site was built more than 500 years ago and is dedicated to the deity Lord Balaji. It is also home to the god of visas, so expect to see aspiring travellers and corporate professionals hoping to get a blessing to visit a new country. Unlike many other temples, Chilkur Balaji Temple does not accept offerings.
When you’re done exploring the temple, visit the many shops around Chilkur. Explore the banks of Osman Sagar in the evening. Stay to watch as the sun goes down over the water.
Chilkur Balaji Temple is located in the Chilkur region, about 15 miles (25 kilometres) to the west of central Hyderabad. It has its own bus stop, which you can reach from the centre of the city. Make sure to see nearby attractions, such as the Mrugavani National Park to the northeast.
