If you have ever wondered whether any of your favourite film stars own a hotel near the sacred Tirumala hills, you are not alone. The spiritual capital of Andhra Pradesh sees a steady stream of celebrities visiting for darshan, and many devotees naturally assume that some of them have invested in hospitality properties in the area.
The short answer is: no major film celebrity directly owns a hotel in Tirumala or Tirupati. However, the hospitality landscape near the temple has some fascinating connections to the world of cinema, politics, and business that are worth exploring.
The Oberoi Group's Controversial Hotel Project
The most significant hospitality development near Tirumala in recent years involves the Oberoi Group, one of India's most prestigious hotel chains. However, this is not a celebrity-owned venture — it is a corporate hospitality project that has been mired in controversy.
The Mumtaz Hotel Controversy
In early 2025, a major controversy erupted when it was revealed that Mumtaz Hotels Limited, a subsidiary of The Oberoi Group, was allocated land near the foothills of Tirumala to build a luxury resort. The proposed project involved an investment of approximately Rs 250 crore to construct a 100-room five-star hotel.
What happened next:
- Hindu seers launched protests demanding the project be stopped
- The Andhra Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, cancelled the land allotment following widespread protests
- The project was eventually offered alternative land outside the sacred zone
The Oberoi Group connection: The Oberoi Group is owned by the Oberoi family — Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi and Vikramjit Singh Oberoi. While they are business magnates, they are not film celebrities.
Akhanda Hotel: A Fan's Tribute to Balakrishna
While no celebrity owns a hotel, there is a heartwarming story of a fan who named his hotel after his favourite star.
In 2022, a devoted fan of Nandamuri Balakrishna opened a hotel called 'Akhanda Hotel' in Tirupati, named after Balakrishna's blockbuster film 'Akhanda'. The hotel was a tribute to the actor's iconic dual role as Akhanda and Murali Krishna in the film.
Key point: The hotel is owned by a fan, not by Balakrishna himself. The actor has no ownership stake in the property.
To understand more about how celebrities and dignitaries visit Tirumala, you can read our guide on how do celebrities get VIP darshan in Tirumala.
Taj Tirupati: A Luxury Hotel with No Celebrity Connection
Another prominent hotel in Tirupati is the Taj Tirupati, a five-star property operated by the Indian Hotels Company (IHCL). The hotel is owned by Bliss Hotels Ltd — a private company incorporated in 1987. The Director of Bliss Hotels Ltd is Mr. Balakrishna Reddy, who serves as Vice President of the South India Hotels and Restaurants Association (SIHRA), but he is not a film personality.
Do Celebrities Stay in Hotels When They Visit?
While celebrities do not own hotels in Tirumala, they often stay in premium accommodations when they visit for darshan. Some of the places where celebrities have been known to stay include:
- Taj Tirupati – The only five-star hotel in Tirupati
- TTD VIP Guest Houses – Exclusive accommodations managed by TTD for dignitaries and VIPs
- Sri Vibhava Guest House – Where some celebrities and VIPs have stayed during their visits
For a complete understanding of where celebrities stay during their visits, you can read our guide on where do celebrities stay in Tirumala.
Why Can't Celebrities Easily Buy Property in Tirumala?
The reason no celebrity owns a hotel in Tirumala is simple: private property ownership is heavily restricted.
Under the Andhra Pradesh Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Act, 1987, any private individual who owns property on the Tirumala Hills cannot sell, exchange, mortgage, or lease it without TTD permission. The TTD has the "right of pre-emption" — the first right to purchase any property that comes up for sale.
Additionally, Rule 196 states that an area of 10⅓ square miles around the temple is the exclusive property of TTD. Private leases and sub-leases at Tirumala are declared null and void.
For a complete understanding of property rules in Tirumala, you can read our guide on can we buy property in Tirumala.
Quick Summary
| Hotel/Project | Owner/Connection | Celebrity Involvement? |
|---|---|---|
| Mumtaz Hotel (Oberoi Group) | Oberoi family (business magnates) | ❌ No |
| Taj Tirupati | Bliss Hotels Ltd (Balakrishna Reddy) | ❌ No |
| Akhanda Hotel | Balakrishna fan (tribute) | ❌ No (fan-owned) |
| TTD VIP Guest Houses | Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams | ❌ No |
Plan Your Pilgrimage with Confidence
While celebrities may not own hotels in Tirumala, you can still experience the divine presence of Lord Venkateswara through a smooth and well-planned pilgrimage. For those seeking a peaceful, time-efficient darshan, the VIP Break Darshan offers the closest and most serene experience.
Ready to book your VIP Break Darshan? Visit our dedicated booking page: https://tirupatidarshanticketbooking.com/tirupati-vip-break-darshan.php
Looking for Special Entry Darshan? Check out: https://tirupatidarshanticketbooking.com/ttd-special-darshan.php
Explore More Pilgrimage Guides
Visit our complete Blog Hub for detailed guides on all aspects of Tirumala pilgrimage:
- What is VIP Break Darshan at TTD? – Complete overview of VIP Break Darshan
- How Much Does VIP Break Darshan Cost at TTD? – Complete pricing breakdown
- How to Get VIP in TTD? – Complete guide to all VIP darshan pathways
- How Much Time Will It Take for VIP Break Darshan? – Time commitment explained
- What is Not Allowed in Tirumala? – Essential rules for your pilgrimage