Free Locker & Pilgrim Amenities at Tirumala – Guide to PAC Locations, Booking, Timings

Learn how to use the Free Locker & Pilgrim Amenities at Tirumala facilities at Tirumala: key locations (PAC-1, PAC-2, etc.), how to book (on‐arrival only), what you can store, timings and pro-tips.

Brief Summary

• Free lockers are available at several Pilgrim Amenities Complexes (PACs) at Tirumala.
• There is no advance online booking: lockers are allotted on arrival.
• Two prominent locations are PAC-1 (beside CRO Office) and PAC-2 (on the way to GNC cottage).
• Lockers are used to store electronic devices, luggage, or items not permitted into darshan line.
• Facilities operate 24 × 7, with free deposit but may require a refundable caution or token in certain cases.
• Pro Tips: arrive early, carry a small bag size, keep your token or receipt safely, consider freshening up at PACs.
• FAQ section clarifies size, booking, timeframe, when to get locker, and how retrieval works.

Visiting the sacred hill-shrine of Tirumala (for the divine darshan at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple) can be a spiritually fulfilling experience — and understanding the logistics can make it significantly smoother. One of the most helpful facilities available for pilgrims is the free locker / baggage-deposit service provided by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). In this article we outline the key aspects: where the lockers are (Pilgrim Amenities Complexes or “PACs”), how to use them, what you can store, how booking works, the timings, and pro-tips for a comfortable visit.

What are the PACs and free lockers?

The PACs (Pilgrim Amenities Complexes) at Tirumala are large pilgrim-friendly facilities operated by TTD. They offer amenities such as hall accommodation, toilets, bathing facilities, hair-tonsure counters and lockers / baggage‐deposit counters.
According to several sources:

• There are free lockers (or “lockers free of cost”) available within these PACs.

• They are designed to help pilgrims who carry luggage, electronic gadgets, bags etc that cannot be taken into the darshan queue. One guide says: “Timings: 24/7 … Charges: Free of cost (TTD does not charge for lockers or baggage deposit).

• For those walking up the hill path, TTD specifically mentions that transport of luggage, free of cost, is provided from certain drop‐points so that pilgrims need not carry heavy bags uphill.

Thus, the free locker service is a valuable convenience for any pilgrim visiting Tirumala.

Key Locations of Free Locker Facilities

Here are the major PAC locations you should note (with approximate position):

• PAC-2: On the way to GNC cottage (or sometimes referred to as just “PAC-2”), also serves locker/baggage deposit.

• Some sources mention PAC-3 (behind PAC-2) and possibly more newer PACs like PAC-4 / PAC-5 though details are less official.

Important Location Notes:

• The facility is within the Tirumala hill area, so once you reach the hilltop and the main temple complex, these PACs are relatively accessible.

• If you are approaching via footpath (Alipiri or Srivari Mettu) or via bus/car to the hill, dropping valuables early at a PAC before entering the darshan queue is recommended.

• Make sure to ask for the locker counter at the PAC when you arrive.

How to Book / Use the Free Locker

• There is no advance online booking for the free lockers in the PACs. Multiple visitor feedback states: “There is no online bookings for locker facility so on arrival you can get.

• On arrival at the PAC locker counter, you’ll be issued a token or slip which you need to keep safe. This ensures you can retrieve your items after darshan.

• Insert your bag/luggage in the locker, lock it (or you use your lock if permitted) and hold on to the receipt/token.

• Some sources mention a caution deposit (e.g., “Free Locker will be allotted on paying Rs. 500 as caution deposit. This amount will be refunded once the Locker Lock is returned to the staff.”) though this appears to be older guidance or may vary. Retrieval: After darshan, return to the same counter (or designated withdrawal counter) with token and claim your items.

Timing & Access

• According to credible sources, the locker counters at major PACs operate 24 hours (i.e., round-the-clock) so you can deposit or retrieve at any time.

• However, during peak season, festival times or heavy crowd loads, there may be short waits to obtain a locker. Arrive early for assurance.

• If you arrive late in night or early dawn, you should still be able to access the locker counter since it is designed for pilgrims who may reach at odd hours.

What Can You Store? & What Are the Size / Rules?

Rule-Highlights / Tips:

• Keep the token/receipt safely; you will need it for retrieval.
• Use your own lock if permitted for extra security.
• While deposit is free, you are responsible for retrieval within a reasonable period.
• If you deposit large items, you may face capacity constraints — best to travel light for darshan.

Pro Tips for Pilgrims

• Arrive early to secure a locker before the darshan queue starts swelling.
• If you are walking up the hill path (e.g., from Alipiri or Srivari Mettu), consider dropping heavy luggage at the PAC at the base or as instructed by TTD so you don’t carry them uphill.
• Keep your essentials (ID, small cash, water) with you; deposit only non-essentials.
• Note the PAC and locker counter location in your mind/map so you can return easily after darshan.
• In case of doubt, ask the staff at the Central Reception Office (CRO) or PAC desk; they are used to pilgrim queries.
• For groups/families, it may help to designate one person to handle the locker deposit & token retention.
• Check mobility-friendly access if you are senior or differently-abled — PACs are fairly accessible.
• After darshan, don’t delay retrieval too much; although 24-hour operation is listed, practicality or security may impose limits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I book a locker online ahead of time?
A1. No — current information indicates that locker allocation is done on arrival only.

Q2. What are the timings of the locker facility?
A2. The major PAC locker counters operate 24-hour (round-the-clock) service.

Q3. How large a bag can I keep? Can a trolley/suitcase go in?
A3. Medium sized backpack or luggage is acceptable. Larger trolleys or suitcases may face issues — many pilgrims report that large suitcase storage is “not possible” in some lockers.

Q4. Is there any cost?
A4. The service is described as free at major PACs (no charge for deposit). A caution-deposit system was mentioned in older sources, but current official‐site reference emphasises free usage.

Q5. Where is the best locker location for my darshan route?
A5. If your darshan queue is from the ATC car-park or main entry, PAC-1 (beside CRO) is highly convenient. PAC-2 is also well placed. Ask local staff on arrival for easiest access with your scheduled darshan time.

Q6. What if I return late after darshan — can I still retrieve my items?
A6. Since service is 24 hrs you should be able to do so, but in practice it’s best not to delay too much after darshan to avoid any risk of counter change or closure.

Key Takeaways

• The free locker service at Tirumala via PAC-1, PAC-2 etc is a major convenience for pilgrims carrying bags/electronics.
• Booking is on arrival only, no advance online booking.
• Service is 24×7, but aim to deposit early and retrieve promptly.
• Size matters — large suitcases may not fit; travel light for convenience.
• Keep your token/receipt safe, always ask staff for directions and help.
• Use the locker so you can enjoy darshan unburdened by luggage or valuables.

Author: Vijaya Durga Pemmasani