Simhachalam Varāha Lakṣmī Narasiṃha Temple
The deity covered in sandal paste all year
From the official temple website
Managed by Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam
⭐ Why it is famous
The image stays encased in a thick sandalwood coat; its true form is revealed for just twelve hours on Akṣaya Tṛtīyā at the Chandanotsavam, when lakhs queue overnight.
📜 Pilgrimage history
An 11th-century Chola-Kalinga structure enlarged by the Eastern Gangas; Krishnadevaraya erected a victory pillar here in 1516.
🕰️ Temple timings
- 07:00 – 16:00 and 18:00 – 21:00
🙏 Darśan details
- Free darśan; ₹100 special entry
- Nijarūpa darśan only on Akṣaya Tṛtīyā
🚉 Location & getting there
📍 Simhachalam Varāha Lakṣmī Narasiṃha Temple, Visakhapatnam, VisakhapatnamSimhachalam North / Visakhapatnam (VSKP) — 12 km
- Government: APSRTC Complex, Visakhapatnam — city buses run to the hill foot
- Private buses: Private buses from Dwaraka Nagar, Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam (VTZ) — 20 km
City buses from Visakhapatnam RTC complex to the hill base; ghāṭ road to the top.
🪔 Poojas, sevās & tickets
This temple does not publish a rate list. Darśan is free; ārcanā, abhiṣeka and other sevās are booked at the counter inside the temple on the day.
🧭 Around the temple
Places to see besides the temple — tap any one to open it in Google Maps.
Kailasagiri Hill ParkHilltop garden park with panoramic views of Visakhapatnam city and coast.RK BeachPopular urban promenade beach in Visakhapatnam.Borra CavesMillion-year-old limestone caves in the Ananthagiri hills.Visakhapatnam Submarine MuseumDecommissioned INS Kursura submarine turned museum on RK Beach.
🛏️ Where to stay
- Devasthanam guesthouse
- Full range of Visakhapatnam hotels
₹ Indicative trip cost (per head, 2 days)
| Budget | Standard | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| ₹3,000 | ₹6,000 | ₹14,000 |
🛕 Nearby temples
📌 Other attractions nearby
- RK Beach
- Kailasagiri
- Borra Caves
- Araku Valley