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If you want to beat the heat, try leaving the Tirupati depot right after the 6:00 am bus starts. The route climbs early so the sun is still low when you reach the gate. If you prefer a quicker hop, a cab from the airport drops you at the base in about 35 minutes, letting you skip the bus wait. On the way up, a short pause at a shaded tea stall under the banyan tree gives a nice break before the main walls. Afterward, if you need a place to cool off, the Alexander Luxury Hotel in Anantapur is a convenient stop.