I opted for the ITDC - thirupati package in the month of may 2010( for me, my parents and my brother).The package was 1600/head..
In includes A/C volvo from bangalore to Thirupati and Thirupati to Bangalore, 3 hour stay in PNR grant(3 star) hotel (only for refreshment) - 2 persons per room ( double bed and attached bathroom with hot water facility), guide charges, guide charges, vist to Padmavathi temple, chain coach transportation from thirupati to thirumala and return, shegra darshan ticket for balaji darshan.
Lets give me an overall idea of the package before recommending the same. Bus starts from Bangalore Race course Road at 8.30 pm. A/C volvo bus. They keep the timing very strict. Good. Dinner at 10.00 pm from kamat hotel - Neat and clean hotel with neat rest rooms and good south Indian food.
reaches thirupati at 2.00 am -- there you will meet the guide for the group
3 hour stay in PNR grant hotel( 3 star) for refreshment ( 2 to 5 am) - two persons/room - neat and clean room with double bed and attached bathroom(with hot water facility)
5 am - grup will go to Padvathi temple ( in the volvo itself) - package doent includes the padmavati darshan ticket
after that they will take you back to PNR grant hotel in the volvo - for break fast. Food Quality is good - I would say may be slightly costly - but it is always good to go for good food during a trip:
After break fast - guide will take you to the Chain coach(owned by APRTC) which will take you to the Thirumala. In thirumala, they will arrange the place to keep your footware and electronics accessories and Guide will arrange your darshan ticket.
For all the Govt. owned packages(ITDC, KSRTC, APRST, APTDC) they provide the VIP entry which will give you the darshan in one hour max ( 9 to 10) - guide will collect the prasadam for you and give to you after the darshan.
After Darshan you can come out and can collect your belongings and you will get 1 hour for shopping. 11.30 am APRTC chain coach will take you back to Thirupati. Luch from PNR grant hotel and after that around 1.30 pm - return journey will start from Thirupati around 6.30 - 7 pm you will be back in Bangalore. So some of the plus points for the package
Good and neat food ( of course you have to pay) - but they will take you to good hotels only
clean and neat stay for refreshment
good time management
Good Guide service
VIP entry in thirumala
Guide will take care of your belongings and safety there in Thirupati
So even if you are new to thirupati and alone also you can take this package with confidence. Nothing to worry you will have a peace of mind through out the journey. I will recommend this for the people who wants to take their parents to thirupati also. You wont be disappointed after the journey. One problem that can arise is the Volvo bus condition - as it is a Govt. owned Volvo as you know it wont be that much perfect.
But still it is A/C volvo - so Ok for this journey.
So I recommend this package to all my friends who want have a package tour to thirupati - Hope this review will be useful to you.Thanks