What is Dollywood Like? 10 Things You Need to Know About the Theme Park

Of all the Americana adventures to be found in the Lower 48, Dollywood is undoubtedly one of the greatest.

Launched by America’s long-time sweetheart (that’s country-singer Dolly Parton, ahem) back in 1986, Dollywood put Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on the map. She took a previous Silver Dollar City (a sister to the Branson, MO property) and transformed it into a world of her own making.

Nestled right in the heart of the Smoky Mountains but not too far from Knoxville, it quickly became an amusement park that stood apart from its contemporaries.

Dollywood isn’t just about thrills. It’s also about the country experience from a range of angles, from music to food to good old-fashioned dinner stampedes.

And it’s taken home international awards that are highly prestigious, including the Applause Award, a Swedish award given to amusement parks that excel. (It’s sometimes called the Academy Award or Oscars for amusement parks—it’s a big deal.)

On top of that, the Dollywood Foundation funnels revenue from the park into Sevier County, where it’s located, and contributes a whopping $1.8 billion to Tennessee’s annual income.

I could keep going to highlight just how cool, innovative, and entertaining Dollywood is, but I think we should dig into the details instead.

What is Dollywood like for the average visitor who doesn’t care about awards and foundations? Here’s what you need to know.

What is Dollywood like? 10 facts to know before you visit

There are roller coasters

I know, I know—you likely already knew that Dollywood is home to rollercoasters, being that it’s an amusement park. But I want to highlight the range and quality of its rollercoasters, because they’re on par with larger parks like Six Flags, and I understand how some might think a country music-style amusement park might underdeliver on thrills.

Several are ranked as the best in the industry. The ride Lightning Rod is regularly lauded by amusement park addicts as being one of the fastest, scariest, and most well-maintained rides out there. Myster Mine and Wild Eagle are also heart-stopping rides that even veteran amusement park fans will enjoy.

And those are the only three I’m mentioning—guests have six more to explore, from the Tennessee Tornado to the Dragonflier.

Plus, a water park

Those rollercoasters are just the start. Dollywood is also home to Splash Country, which was voted a Top 10 Outdoor Waterpark by USA Today Readers. There are 16 different pools, rides, and water-bound experiences to enjoy. There are wilder rides, like Raging River Rapids and Fire Tower Falls, along with plenty of activities for the little ones, from The Butterfly to The Cascades.

The Splash Country Water Park is open from May to September. Check the calendar for more information on when it’s open during May, August, and September.

The shows might be the coolest part

Dollywood celebrates the 36th Grand Opening Season with its Season Passholder Preview at Dollywood on March 12, 2021, in Pigeon Forge, TN. © Curtis Hilbun / Dollywood

With so many roller coasters and a massive waterpark, you might think we’re coming to the end of Dollywood’s main attractions. Not even close. Next up: the range of shows.

The main event is the world-famous Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner show, which includes 32 horses and some of Tennessee’s most professional show riders. If you’re afraid of horses, go for the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, fun for all ages. Or if you’d rather dive into one of the most well-known (and ridiculous, dramatic) Appalachian family feuds, check out the Hatfield-McCoy Dinner Feud.

If none of those tickle your fancy, you can enjoy a dinner show that’s put on by automated chickens (Frizzle Chicken Café), explore a Titanic museum that’s full of real-life artifacts, or head to the Comedy Barn for a few laughs.

The Harvest Festival is a great time to visit

As a huge fan of Halloween, I would probably schedule my Dollywood visit around its Harvest Festival. The festival runs from September 12 to October 27^th, giving you plenty of time to stop in and wander amid the over 12,000 pumpkins that line the amusement park. Along with the Great Pumpkin LumiNights, you can also enjoy general autumn fare like great music and delicious treats, along with a brand new Candy Corn Country experience.

Christmas is another popular time at Dollywood

Can’t swing a visit during the Harvest Festival? Dollywood also throws a pretty spectacular Christmas event, called the Smoky Mountain Christmas. The park comes alive with holiday shows set amid elaborate, snowy decorations.

From falling snow in a winter wonderland to photo ops with Santa Claus to firework shows on the weekend, there’s something for everybody. There’s a new experience lined up for visitors this year, too, called the Peppermint Valley. The Christmas festival runs from November 1 until January 4.

There are two official Dollywood Resorts—and they’re highly rated

You have plenty of options when it comes to lodging in and around Dollywood, from booking a rental in Pigeon Forge to renting one of the property’s multi-family cabins.

I recommend sticking to the two main resorts, as they come with perks like priority access to the parks and complimentary Time Saver passes. These are Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort or Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa.

HeartSong was designed with the gorgeous Smoky Mountains in mind, including in-room murals and sound machines that replicate the sound of a crackling fire. It’s perfect for families looking for cozy lodging, as you can book family suites that come with bunk beds.

DreamMore is all about highlighting the warmth of Southern Charm in a slightly more modern design. It also transforms over winter to become one of the most immersive and satisfying Christmas-themed hotels in the country. It’s also home to a full-service spa.

You can book special experiences

You can book add-on experiences for your Dollywood adventure, including the above-mentioned Doggywood boarding services and a guided tour of the Pumpkin LumiNights festivities. But that’s not all.

If you’re enjoying your time and want to dive deep into the history of Dollywood, you can book a private guided tour of the entire grounds. Or if you want a more hands-on experience, you can book activities like make-your-own candle and make-your-own glass-blown ornament. The coolest offer? Forging your own knife.

There’s a doggy daycare: Doggywood

Only service animals are allowed inside Dollywood—but the park has thought of everything, including your precious little pooch. With its highly unique Doggywood boarding service, you can set up your canine friend for success while your family enjoys the park and all it has to offer.

Just know that it’s not an overnight option; Doggywood operates as the same hours as the park.

Season pass holders can skip the line for free via the Golden Hours program

If you’re reading this article, you’re probably pretty new to Dollywood and not a season pass holder. That being said, you should know that the park has an amazing offer for its season pass holders: those who arrive during the park’s first hour can access its TimeSaver perks, which means you can skip the line. That’s a fantastic perk for regular visitors.

Dollywood’s 40^th anniversary is next year

Dolly Parton purchased Silver Dollar City’s sister property back in 1986 before transforming it into her very own Dollywood. Next year, in 2026, the park will celebrate its 40^th anniversary. Expect special events, unique celebrations, and other exciting announcements.

13 VRBOs & Airbnbs in Austin That Prove The City Still Has Style

Austin has historically had a reputation for being weird.

In a state as conservative as Texas, that ‘weird’ moniker is a reference to more liberal and artistic lifestyle choices, from hosting all-night jam sessions to supporting eco-conscious initiatives. Some might also point to Austin’s large population of college-aged students as an origin.

The motto ‘keep Austin weird’ was born in the early 2000s as a desire to maintain the city’s unique identity, which many argue began fomenting as early as the 70s.

Some believe the city has lost its weird edge thanks to corporate interests and gentrification, arguing it doesn’t look that much different than Houston or Dallas at this point.

Others argue that nothing can kill Austin’s true spirit and identity. Though a bit more underground than it was in the early 2000s, Austin’s weirdness still exists, and it’s exceedingly vibrant.

It might be harder to find, but it’s still out there. And you can get up close and personal at these Airbnbs in Austin that let their personalities shine, offering a great landing pad for citywide adventures, from SXSW to weekend trips.

Top 10 picks for VRBOS & Airbnbs in Austin

Frida House
Honey Cloud Studio Casita
Magical Tiny Home
East Side Treetop Getaway
Pink Pony Club
2 BR Bungalow
East Austin Bungalow
1 Mile to SoCo
Big Bright Room – Leafy Oasis (room rental)
Bluesy Traveler (room rental)

VRBOs & Airbnbs in Austin that prove the city still has style

Frida House

This Airbnb focuses on the beauty, innovation, and strength of the renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Along with its vibrant and cozy décor, you can expect a top-notch location. This rental property is located across the street from Austin’s top coffee house, called Mercado Sin Nombre, also voted one of the best in the country.

Honey Cloud Studio Casita

Honey Cloud is a passion project from an owner who wanted to build a treehouse right in their backyard. No, it’s not a bona fide treehouse in Texas, but it has lovely wood features and an absolutely massive skylight that makes the outdoors feel indoors. The amenities and pieces are certainly upscale, meaning this treehouse-inspired project isn’t rustic at all.

Magical Tiny Home

Tiny but packed with character, comfortable, and functional, this tiny home was designed by a local artist during the COVID lockdown. Think: total cottagecore in a mini package. As an added perk, this rental also puts you in walking distance of some of Austin’s top locations, such as Shipe Park and Pool.

East Side Treetop Getaway

Austonians love their treehouses and treetop getaways. This East Side rental takes you into the vibrant green canopy with its covered porch. Inside, expect ten-foot ceilings and large windows that are also surrounded by lovely greenery. In fact, there’s plenty of space to stretch in this large, one-bedroom rental.

Pink Pony Club

Like a Chappel Roan fever dream, this eclectic and brightly decorated four-bedroom getaway is easily one of the funkiest on the list. It looks like it was designed for influencer photo shoots with all its bright pink and audacious décor. However, the rooms are very tasteful and the beds look insanely comfortable—plus, that little outdoor pool is heated. Great for girl gangs of all ages.

2 BR Bungalow

Dubbed a two-bedroom bungalow, this large home comfortably sleeps six for larger groups heading to Austin. Is it ultra-funky and indie like the rest of the Airbnbs on this list? Not particularly, but the design elements are definitely bespoke and colorful. There’s also a great mini-pool in the back.

East Austin Bungalow

From the orange corduroy sofa to the shade structures in the backyard, this is the type of Airbnb in Austin that perks you up. Nestled amongst other bungalows on the East Side, you’ll feel like you’re part of the neighborhood. Full disclosure: the backyard comes with a fire pit and a BBQ grill that are situated on a dirt plot. I’m guessing the dirt plot is temporary or that there’s an environmental reason for it.

1 Mile to SoCo

This simple studio bungalow is bright, has a great location on Austin’s SoCo, and has a lovely design. It’s not the funkiest of the bunch, but I really love its outdoor terrace and sitting areas. Plus, it puts you smack in the middle of one of Austin’s oldest residential neighborhoods of Bouldin Creek.

Bluesy Traveler (room rental)

The best way to soak up the spirit of Austin is to book a room in a shared residence. Not only do you get the benefit of local recommendations and insights from your host, but you also get to live just like a local. Shea offers a bright and comfortable room in her home, which comes with a lovely backyard perfect for dining and a basic spread of snacks and coffee.

Big Bright Room – Leafy Oasis (room rental)

If you’re okay staying a bit further outside the city, this property offers a lovely respite in a forested, green half-acre property. There’s a massive deck out back that lets you soak up the scenery. Plus, many of the pieces in your rented room are bespoke and unique.

My 5 Slightly Controversial Opinions on the Best Shoes for Traveling

I like to think my controversial travel opinions signal my reliability—they, in the least, show that I think about things, and prioritize my experience over reputation or corporate interests.

Here are a few of them: American pizza is better than Italian pizza. (Lo so, dammi per spacciato. Me lo merito.) The only travel pillow you really need is a child’s plushie. And no one will ever convince me that Paris is worth visiting.

Last, but not least: Crocs are the indomitable choice of travel shoe.

Should you buy Crocs to add to your travel arsenal? Probably not, for a variety of reasons—but this article is focused on my slightly controversial travel opinions on the best shoes for traveling, which means we’re actually going to talk a lot about Crocs. And other shoes. Controversial shoes.

Here we go. Remember: it’s okay to disagree with me. It’s probably good that you do.

The best shoes for traveling… based on my slightly controversial opinions

Controversial opinion #1: Crocs are the very best travel shoes, but they can be disrespectful

What makes Crocs the best shoe for travel? They’re lightweight, they’re easy to pack, they’re easy to clean, they function as water shoes, they float, they come in a range of colors, and they’ve somehow weaseled their way into street fashion.

What makes Crocs disrespectful? When you travel, you’re essentially visiting someone else’s home. Where I live in the Mediterranean, dressing well as a tourist signifies that you respect local culture by ‘dressing the part’, so to speak. Even wearing flip-flops is banned in many parts of the region because it’s considered too informal.

That idea isn’t exclusive to the Mediterranean. Crocs might accidentally signal to locals that you regard a visit to their home turf as a hyper-casual romp where you feel comfortable wearing dirty gardener’s shoes. You can bring them along (I love to), but wear them wisely.

Controversial opinion #2: Flip-flops are another great option, but they could be a death wish

Similar to Crocs, flip-flops (think: Hawaiianas or a similar brand) are some of the most portable, easy-to-clean, and wearable shoes for travelers. But you might quickly notice that they’re causing you more harm than help. (In addition to upsetting locals who might think they’re too casual.)

First, flip-flops offer little to no support to your feet, meaning they can quickly get uncomfortable. From arch support to shock absorption, they’re a pretty terrible pick for a day spent zipping around London.

Second, they won’t prevent you from slipping and sliding, which is a big issue in places like Porto, Portugal, with their subpar sidewalks. In general, we tend to rush when we travel, whether trying to make a train or find our tour guide, and it’s easy to slip and fall in flip-flops.

Lastly, they don’t protect you from stepping in puddles of dubious liquids, which is a risk in any large city.

Controversial opinion #3: You’ll probably be fine with one pair of shoes

If you’re bringing more than one pair of shoes on a weekend trip, I challenge you to limit yourself to one pair. (Toss in some nice socks or slippers for your rental/hotel room, if you like.) Even if you’re packing for a week-long trip, you might be able to get away with packing one pair of shoes—especially if you aren’t facing inclement weather that’s hot and/or rainy.

If that’s the case, and you’re heading someplace with reasonable temperatures, stick to one pair of reliably comfortable shoes. For me, that’s either a pair of sturdy sandals or sneakers.

Sure, I need to be a little mindful of Ye Old Swamp Foot and make sure to air out my sneakers if I’m doing a lot of walking. But setting them in an airy location overnight or using a little bit of talcum is a fantastic solution—and it saves you space in your luggage.

Controversial opinion #4: Pack your clothes based on the shoes you’re going to bring

My perennial packing advice is to first pack for the weather, then the purpose of your trip. Don’t be wishful or think that you’ll suddenly start wearing hefty, high-fashion pieces on your vacation. When it comes to shoes and packing, I highly suggest figuring out which pair of shoes fits your trip best.

That pair of shoes will be based on the weather and the purpose of your trip, just like your clothes. One of my controversial travel opinions on the best shoes for traveling is to let that pair guide the rest of your packing list.

Find your most comfortable, basic, and mix-and-matchy clothes that fit well with that pair of shoes—I’m sure it’ll help you narrow down what makes the final cut.

Controversial opinion #5: People can tell where you’re from based on your shoes, and that’s okay

Another controversial travel opinion here: who cares if someone can tell you’re a tourist? I’ve noticed a lot of Americans feel shy about being identified as an American abroad, whether based on their habits or their clothes. I’m not sure why any tourist wants to blend in.

Sure, we need to be respectful as tourists—which is why I recommend avoiding the Crocs even though they’re deliciously perfect for travel. But here’s my last opinion on the best shoes for travel: don’t get hung up on whether they’re trendy or reveal your nationality.

What Animals Can You See on the Galapagos Islands? Top 10 Sightings

The Galapagos Islands are the stuff of travel legends.

First, because flights and lodging on the islands are prohibitively expensive for most travelers. Second, the islands are geared more heavily toward ecological and marine preservation—not tourist adventures. Third, they’re located almost 1,000 miles from the coast of Ecuador, making flight times around two hours.

That being said, the trip isn’t impossible to swing.

With some focused saving and thoughtful trip-planning, you can put together the trip of a lifetime. Best of all, similar to countries like Costa Rica and Bhutan, the Galapagos has many protections in place to shield the negative effects of tourism from native wildlife and marine life.

Sure, global warming is a serious issue for marine life on the Galapagos Islands, but it’s worth pointing out that the Ecuadorian government has done a commendable job to protect the islands and actively foster their long-term well-being.

As an added bonus, the dozens of hospitality and tour groups on the island have also made concerted efforts to minimize their footprint while also funding and founding organizations that work to preserve the ecological balance on the islands.

But I do have a suggestion—after all, the Galapagos Islands are a global treasure. If you’re going to go with a cruise, I highly recommend opting for a smaller-impact experience, like on one of Ecoventura’s Origin, Theory, or Evolve vessels.

Ecoventura uses unique technology on its vessels that minimize its carbon emissions by 30% and nitrogen oxide emissions by 90%. They’re focused on high-quality, low-volume tourism—as it should be in places like Galapagos.

After all, if you’re heading all the way to the Galapagos Archipelago, you’re going to want to see some of its most famous sea, land, and air creatures. And the only way you can do that is with an experienced and ethical guide. Again, you’ll pay more for a more luxurious experience on a smaller vessel, but it almost guarantees that you’ll be able to get your eyes on the most iconic creatures of the Galapagos Islands.

Now onto the big question—

What animals can you see on the Galapagos Islands in terms of land, sea, and air creatures? Let’s explore.

What animals can you see on the Galapagos Islands?

Marine Iguana

This iconic lizard has ultra-sharp claws and a flat body that lets it swim in the sea. (It also looks strikingly like a mini-Godzilla.) You’re most likely to see them hanging out on the volcanic rocks along the coast. Just watch out—they sneeze to expel salt from their nostrils.

Blue-footed Booby

This marine bird can be seen diving headfirst into the ocean on hunting expeditions, usually with a few friends in tow. You’ll know it’s the blue-footed booby thanks to those iconic, bright blue feet, which males will lift high in the air as part of their courtship dance.

Galapagos Tortoise

Galapagos Islands, Giant Tortoise (Getty)

World famous for being more or less immortal, these land tortoises often live over 100 years—and can weigh close to 1,000 pounds. Each island on the archipelago is home to a slightly different subspecies, which evolved to handle that island’s unique conditions. There are multiple breeding centers you can visit across the islands.

Galapagos Penguin

There are penguins on the Galapagos Archipelago—so, what animals can’t you see in the Galapagos Islands? That might be the better question. This little penguin is the only species to be found north of the equator, often gliding through the water swiftly. That means one thing: you need to be pretty eagle-eyed to catch a glimpse of these pint-sized penguins.

Flightless Cormorant

This large, flightless bird is only found on select Galapagos Islands—and it’s a heavy-hitter for those interested in Charles Darwin and all his (r)evolutionary ideas. (Get it? Anyone?) The cormorant has powerful legs that it uses to hunt along the coast, usually for fish and octopi. You’ll immediately recognize it due to its cartoonishly small wings and devilishly bright blue eyes.

Galapagos Sea Lion

Known for being some of the chilliest sea lions in the world, these mammals are known for being highly sociable and curious about visitors. It’s not uncommon for them to join snorkelers as they drift in the waves. If you’re lucky, you might get the chance to swim alongside a playful little pup.

Galapagos Hawk

Meet the archipelago’s most dangerous predator: the Galapagos Hawk. It’s also one of the most threatened species on the islands, having been nearly wiped out in recent decades. Conservation efforts are underway, but their populations are still low, meaning sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Darwin’s Finches

Female finch in a tree near Puerto Ayora in the Galapagos Islands in Eduador (Getty)

Similar to Galapagos Tortoises, Darwin’s Finches cover a range of subspecies that are uniquely adapted to life on the island. The most visible way that you’ll see these morphological changes is the finches’ beaks, which evolved into distinct shapes based on the birds’ diet. In total, there are 18 known subspecies of these finches.

Lava Lizard

You’re guaranteed to spot lava lizards all throughout the Galapagos Islands. These small lizards are known for their bright red, orange, and yellow throat coloring. They like to hang out on rocks, soaking up the rays with a little sunbath.

Land Iguana

I started the list with one of the coolest lizards in the Galapagos—but the marine iguana isn’t the only iguana that calls the archipelago home. Meet the flashy, orange-scaled land iguana. They live in the low and dry deserts on the islands and have been recently reintroduced to the wild across several locations thanks to ongoing breeding programs.

8 ‘Secret’ Museums in Florence You Might Miss

Home to the Galleria Palatina, the Circuito Museale Boboli e Argenti, Gallerie dell’Accademia, and the famous Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence is Italy’s informal museum capital.

Even globally, Florence has a reputation for housing some of humanity’s most impactful works of art and academia, having served as a major hub during the Renaissance.

What does all that hype and prestige mean for you, my dear traveler?

You’re even more likely to miss out on Florence’s lesser-known museums, exhibits, and programs. Even if you’ve visited the city more than once, you still might be waltzing past its best-kept secrets.

Ready to take a look behind the curtain? Don’t miss these ‘secret’ museums in Florence that many tourists skip out on because they don’t have enough time or because they didn’t hear about them in the first place.

8 ‘secret’ museums in Florence

Stibbert Museum
Museo di Palazzo Davanzati
Museo del Novecento
Ferragamo Museum
Palazzo Pitti
Museo Galileo
La Specola
Studio Abba

8 museums in Florence that you might not have heard about

Stibbert Museum (Museo Stibbert)

ITALY – NOVEMBER 21: Armour display, Riding Salon, Stibbert Museum, Florence. Italy. (Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images)

Ready to explore one of the most extensive and odd private art collections in the world? Stibbert Museum includes dozens of exhibits that showcase the private collections of Frederick Stibbert, amassed throughout the 19^th century. A favorite from visitors is the massive arms and armory collection, where you can get up close and personal with real-life, knightly suits of armor.

Museo di Palazzo Davanzati

This storied, centuries-old palazzo is filled with artifacts, art, furniture, and other gems from the Middle Ages. Think of it like stepping into a time capsule of what life would have been like for a wealthy, noble family from Florence’s Renaissance Era glory. If you like museums that feel atmospheric, don’t miss Palazzo Davanzati.

Museo del Novecento

Hidden in plain sight right next to the Piazza del Duomo, this museum showcases some of the lesser-known yet high-impact artworks from Florence and around Italy. There’s just one catch: they don’t date back to the Renaissance but to the 1900s instead. (Novecento = Nine hundred.) Opened in 2010, it’s also the youngest museum on this list—by a long shot.

Ferragamo Museum

(Photo by Alessandra Benedetti/Corbis via Getty Images)

Let’s keep drifting a bit from the standard Renaissance-era fare. The Ferragamo Museum is yet another under-the-radar museum in Florence because it revolves around one of the city’s lesser-known exports: fashion. (Usually, Milan takes the cake when it comes to Italian fashion.)

The museum delves deep into the life and legacy of Salvatore Feraggamo, who left Florence as a child and grew up in the US as a shop boy before becoming one of the world’s most iconic designers in the mid-20^th century. If you like fashion, don’t miss out. On the other hand, if you don’t like fashion, I’d probably skip this one.

Palazzo Pitti

(Photo by Roberto Serra – Iguana Press/Getty Images)

Palazzo Pitti is not a secret by any stretch, but it’s often the first big-name museum that gets slashed when visitors are strapped on time. In addition to rococo walls laden with art and almost endless exhibits on a range of masters, you also get a closer look at Italian royalty and how they once lived. If you like the royal exhibits, make sure your ticket includes access to the Royal apartments.

Museo Galileo

Museum Galileo, the former Institute and Museum of the History of Science. (Getty)

If you like history and astronomy, you might already know that Galileo Galilei was born in Pisa but spent time teaching and learning across the country. His daughters, for example, ended up at convents just outside the city.

At Museo Galileo, you can take a closer look at many of the instruments that Galileo and like-minded contemporaries would have used to investigate the natural world. Some date as far back as the 1200s, and give off pure steampunk vibes.

La Specola (Museo di Storia Naturale)

Visitors in skeletons hall in the La Specola exhibits of the Museo di Storia Naturale di Firenze. (Getty)

Speaking of investigating the natural world, you can take a closer look at the many specimens, tools, and creations that the infamous Medici Family helped fund during their reign in Florence. From anatomical models to taxidermized animals to collections of butterflies, it’s a delightful and slightly strange look into the past. (Note: La Specola is closing in September 2025 and won’t reopen until early 2027, unfortunately.)

Studio Abba

Last but not least, I’m rounding off this list of ‘secret’ museums in Florence with a contemporary art museum. Studio Abba houses some of the best modern works from around the country. Displayed inside Palazzo Roselli del Turco, it’s a fittingly classic location that makes the works even more dramatic to behold.

The less secretive museums you still might be missing

While I have you here, don’t miss out on these other highly rated but sometimes missed museums in Florence:

Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
Palazzo del Bargello
Museo di Palazzo Vecchio—and Gucci Garden, hidden inside
Palazzo Strozzi
Palazzo Medici Riccardo—and the Medici Chapels

The World Tour of Oopsies—Chapter 14: The Idol (Part II)

[The World Tour of Oopsies is an ongoing series of travel stories about my first decade of travel. During these adventures and misadventures, I had to unlearn many things I thought I knew about life. Welcome to my miseducation.]

Catch up on my world tour of Oopsies:

The Recap: A short conclusion to my first three years of travel

Part I / Back in India

An aerial view of Vidhan Soudha and High Court building, Bangalore, India (Getty)

I had two options on where to go for my sophomore year of college: Bengaluru, India, or Guangzhou, China. I chose India, still feeling deeply invested and curious about my experiences in Kolkata during my first trip to the country (see: Ch. 3 and Ch. 4).

I arrived in Bengaluru in late August with around 15 classmates, ready to learn. I was hungry to know more about culture and religion, especially yoga, tantra, and Tibetan Buddhism. I was also interested in learning Hindi, and started by memorizing the script.

From our main base in Bengaluru, where our professors and school staff operated a small learning center with a kitchen where we ate idli, vada, and sambar daily, Southern India became our oyster.

We visited regions like Puducherry, sites like Mahabalipuram, and sacred locations like Tiruvannamalai. We were educated by professors, yoga masters, and local teachers. The most memorable trip was our pilgrimage to a place called Tirupati, located east of Bengaluru in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

It would be my second run-in with a powerful idol—but I didn’t know it yet.

Part II / Tirupati

Tirupati (or Tirumala) is a city of pilgrimage and is considered as the most visited place of worship in the world. View of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. (Photo by Soltan Frédéric/Sygma via Getty Images)

Part of attending an ‘experiential learning’ college was foregoing traditional academic principles to stretch the mind. What do I mean by that?

When our class of around fifteen students packed into a bus at around midnight, we were told that we were going to a pilgrimage in Tirupati for the god Venkateswara, an incarnation of the God Vishnu, whose role is to maintain and sustain our reality. (He also goes by Govinda, Balaji, and Srinivasa.)

That’s all.

As a bunch of young college students, we sidled in and fell asleep for what would be a six-hour-long drive straight through the night.

We woke up, we were shuffled from the bus, then fed, and then led to a massive temple complex. When I say massive, I mean that this complex can easily handle around 100,000 pilgrims at the same time. It’s one of the most-visited sites in India, with around 24 million devotees passing through each year. The average daily pilgrim number is 60,000.

Believers come to leave offerings to Venkateswara, who is primarily associated with helping us humans get through Kali Yuga. I suggest reading about Kali Yuga from Ananda, but if you want a TL;DR for a complex spiritual concept, here it is: humanity is in the last stage of a four-part cycle, and it’s the worst of all the stages by a long shot.

Part III / Waiting

Devotees gather to collect entrance tokens to visit the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirupati district of India’s southern state of Andhra Pradesh, on January 8, 2025. (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)

Hopefully, you clicked on that link and learned a little bit about Kali Yuga. I think it paints a striking portrait of what it was like to delve into highly complex and ancient Hindu beliefs. I was very interested in learning more—but waiting in the long, endless lines at Tirupati is one of the more memorable moments on my world tour.

We stood and waited for hours, packed in fairly well-organized lines that snaked up a large hill toward the temple, surrounded by thousands of others. (The image above shows what the lines were like.)

We were peppered with information as we neared the temple. But, again, the point of experiential learning is to experience lessons without so many rigorous academic expectations, especially in the realm of religion.

Sometime around twelve hours after we had boarded the bus in Bangalore, our group finally reached the main temple. Inside waited an idol of Venkateswara, but not all of my classmates had put that together. The line bottlenecked, leading into a dark, covered temple; there, attendants were shoving people forward to keep the masses moving.

Before we knew it, we were swept up into the action. Packed into a tight group, we were forced by many powerful hands to keep stepping forward, stepping forward, stepping forward. The area was fifty times the size of the inner sanctum of the Kalighat temple in Kolkata, and there were hundreds more bodies around me.

Surrounded by so many resistant worshippers who wanted to maximize their time in the inner sanctum, I almost missed the idol—

But I managed to see Sri Venkateswara’s murti, absolutely massive and adorned in vibrant flowers, looking graceful, powerful, and wise.

I must have observed the idol for one split-second before being hurled toward the exit.

Once outside, most of my classmates were baffled. I think around one-third of us even saw the idol. The rest were left wondering what we’d just done, and why they’d been dragged from their beds to experience the Tirupati darsan.