I've started my journey from Satara (which is about 900kms from Tirupati towards Pune) early in the morning by own car. you can go by bus or train also..
2 nights 3 days are more than enough to explore whole Tirumalla city and near by places. 1) Kalahasti Temple - must visit for architecture. (avoid on holy days bcz of crowd)
7-8kms from tirupati hill entrance.
2)Sri venkateswara National park - Go for lions and crocodiles.
3) Chandragiri fort. all these places are in the distance of 25kms.
stay at temple property only which will be more affordable..