Leopard Alert in Tirumala: Wild Cat Spotted Near Vinayaka Swamy Temple Ghat Road
Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh – A wild leopard sighting near the Vinayaka Swamy Temple on Tirumala’s first ghat road has triggered serious safety concerns among pilgrims and tourists. The big cat was seen resting calmly on a crash barrier, captured in a viral video by passing motorists.
The incident has reignited ongoing concerns about wildlife venturing into human routes in the forested hill region, which is frequented by thousands of devotees daily. This area, being part of the Seshachalam forest range, is known for occasional animal movements — but such close sightings are rare and alarming.
Forest officials and the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) have:
🚨 Increased surveillance using camera traps and patrols
🚧 Advised pilgrims to travel in groups, especially during early morning or late hours
📢 Issued alerts urging public caution while using ghat roads
Officials Speak:
“A team is monitoring the area closely, and additional safety measures are being taken to avoid any human-wildlife conflict,” said a forest department official.
There have been past instances of leopard sightings and even attacks in the region, making continuous wildlife monitoring essential.
Safety Reminder for Pilgrims:
Avoid traveling alone, especially at dawn/dusk
Do not stop vehicles unnecessarily on ghat roads
Report sightings to forest or TTD authorities immediately
Call to Action:
If you're visiting Tirumala, stay vigilant and follow all local advisories. Devotion should never come at the cost of safety.
