From central Visakhapatnam, Simhachalam Temple is a hilltop shrine to Lord Vishnu as Sri Narasimha Swami, making it a distinct inland stop from the city’s waterfront. Check the darshan schedule and visitor rules before setting out.
- Setting: Simhachalam Hill, which rises 244 metres.
- Darshan: a published schedule includes several daily darshan windows and service periods.
- Annual festival: Chandanotsavam takes place in March and April.
Temple setting and significance
Simhachalam Temple sits on Simhachalam Hill in Visakhapatnam, at a height of 244 metres, according to Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC). APSRTC describes the temple as dating to the 11th century. Its principal deity is worshipped as Lord Vishnu in the form of Sri Narasimha Swami.
The temple has a distinctive sandal-paste tradition. The Visakhapatnam District website explains that the deity’s image is kept covered with sandal paste, which is ceremonially removed during the annual Chandana Yatra, also called Chandanotsavam. Devotees then see the deity’s original appearance.
A Natya Mandapam stands on the north side of the temple, where Kalyanotsavam is performed. The hilltop location and these worship traditions make the temple a religious-heritage stop beyond the city’s waterfront.
How do you get from central Visakhapatnam to Simhachalam Temple?
You can travel from Visakhapatnam to Simhachalam by private bus or your own vehicle. The Devasthanam’s how-to-reach page identifies Simhachalam railway station as the nearest station, about 11.1 km from the temple, and says visitors can reach Visakhapatnam by APSRTC buses before continuing to Simhachalam.
From Daspalla Executive Court, the city centre is about 10 minutes by car; from there, plan the onward trip to the hilltop and allow time for queues and security checks.
The available route information does not give a specific central-city bus route or journey duration, so check local transport details when planning. The Daspalla Executive Court rooms are a useful starting point for the visit.
What are the darshan timings and visitor rules?
A published schedule reproducing the Endowments Department timings gives several daily darshan windows, with service periods and breaks between them. These times can change, so check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday to Saturday: open 24 hours
- Sunday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
- Suprabhata Seva: 04:00–04:30; Aaradhana: 04:30–05:30; Aaradhana Seva: 05:30–06:30.
- All Darshanams: 06:30–11:30, 12:15–14:30, 15:30–19:00 and 20:30–21:00.
- Rajabhogam: 11:30–12:15; Pavalimpu: 14:30–15:30; Aaradhana Seva: 19:00–20:30.
The Simhachalam Devasthanam darshan guidelines say men wearing half pants and women wearing nighties are not allowed inside for darshan. Bags are not allowed inside, and visitors must cooperate with bag and security checks. Mobile-phone use on temple premises, eatables inside the temple, smoking, spitting, alcohol and other intoxicants are prohibited.
Follow the queue system and park only in allotted parking slots. The guidelines also advise visitors not to approach touts for quick darshan or accommodation.
When is Chandanotsavam, and how should you plan?
Chandanotsavam is an annual festival held in March and April, according to the Visakhapatnam District website. APSRTC says the temple draws visitors especially during Chandanotsavam season, so expect a busier visit around the festival than on a regular day.
If you plan to go during the festival, allow extra time for the journey, entry checks and queues. Confirm darshan arrangements and transport details before travelling, and follow the temple’s queue and security instructions once you arrive.
For a broader look at the city around the temple visit, the Dwaraka Nagar and Jagadamba Junction guide covers two central Visakhapatnam areas.
FAQs
What is Simhachalam Temple known for?
It is a hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Sri Narasimha Swami. The deity’s image is kept covered in sandal paste, which is ceremonially removed for Chandanotsavam.
Is Chandanotsavam held every year?
Yes. It is an annual festival that takes place in March and April.
Can you take a bag inside the temple?
No. The darshan guidelines prohibit bags inside and ask visitors to cooperate with security checks.