Simhachalam Temple Temple

Address: Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 531162, India

Website: http://www.simhachalamtemple.com/

Hours: Temple opens early morning and closes in the late evening; typical darshan hours split between morning and evening pujas (exact daily hours vary).

Admission: No general admission fee; special sevas and entry to inner sanctum require donations or bookings (fees vary).

Simhachalam Temple is a Hindu temple complex on Simhachalam hill near the coastal city of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, India, dedicated to a combined form of Vishnu commonly referred to as Lord Narasimha or Varaha Narasimha. The shrine is a major devotional centre for the region.

The complex is visited for daily worship and for its large annual festival season, which attracts pilgrims from across the state; the hilltop location provides a stepped approach and road access for devotees. The main sanctum houses the principal deity, which is the focus of ritual observances and processions.

The temple has medieval origins and developed over centuries into a prominent pilgrim centre, with successive patrons contributing to its fabric and ritual calendar. It remains an active temple with regular puja, festivals and pilgrim services.

Geographically the temple sits on Simhachalam hill just outside Visakhapatnam in northeastern Andhra Pradesh and is accessible by road from the city.

• Major pilgrimage site: The temple is a major pilgrimage centre in Andhra Pradesh and receives large numbers of worshippers during its principal annual festival period.

Simhachalam is about 20 km northwest of Visakhapatnam city centre. From Visakhapatnam railway station or the central bus depot, hire an auto‑rickshaw or taxi for a 30-45 minute ride up to the temple hill. Local buses also run toward Simhachalam but may require a short uphill walk from the nearest stop.

• Visit during the Jayanthi and annual brahmotsavam festivals if interested in spectacle, but expect very large crowds and long queues.
• Non-Hindus should be aware the temple practices dress codes: modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is expected; men may be required to remove shirts in some sanctums.