Photo spot in Visakhapatnam
Simhachalam Temple
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
A hilltop 11th-century temple to Varaha-Narasimha in Kalinga architecture, its deity kept coated in fragrant sandal paste.
Best time
Early morning, when the hill is cool and the towers are in soft light; late afternoon for warm light on the stone from the approach.
Best angle
Stand at the foot of the steps below the main gateway and take a straight-on photo of the tower with the hill behind it.
Entry fee
Free
Opening hours
7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Crowd level
High
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Simhachalam Temple
Early morning, when the hill is cool and the towers are in soft light; late afternoon for warm light on the stone from the approach. Crowds here are typically high. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Simhachalam Temple
Stand at the foot of the steps below the main gateway and take a straight-on photo of the tower with the hill behind it. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
Before the temple gopuram
In the pillared hall
Outfit guide
What to wear at Simhachalam Temple
For photos at Simhachalam Temple, saffron, red and white work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Visakhapatnam.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Simhachalam Temple.
Eat nearby
Food near Simhachalam Temple
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for andhra meals nearby.
Special dishes to try
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Leave your phone in the car or hotel if you can, because the cloakroom queue adds time.
Go early in the morning, before the hill gets hot and the queues build.
Check the darshan break times before you set out, as the doors close for a while during the day.
Keep to the shaded paths and mats where you can, since the stone floors outside can burn bare feet by late morning.
Avoid the Chandanotsavam day unless you are ready for very long queues and heavy crowds.
Buy the temple's laddu prasadam at the official counter rather than from outside sellers.
Take your photos of the gateway tower from the approach, since cameras are not allowed inside.
A temple on the lion's hill
The Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple stands on the Simhachalam hill, about 300 metres up and roughly 16 km north-west of the city centre. The name means the hill of the lion. Inscriptions here date back to the 11th century, and the main shrine was rebuilt in the 13th century by the Eastern Ganga king Narasimhadeva I and consecrated in 1268. The stepped tower over the sanctum is in the Kalinga style, close to the temples of Odisha, and the complex looks like a fortress from outside. It faces west, which is unusual for a Hindu temple.
The hidden deity
Vishnu is worshipped here as Varaha Narasimha, part boar and part lion. The image is covered all year with a thick coat of sandalwood paste, which makes it look like a lingam. Only on Akshaya Tritiya, in April or May, is the paste removed for Chandanotsavam, when devotees see the true form. That day draws huge crowds. In April 2025 a wall collapsed beside the queue during heavy rain, and seven people died.
What to look for
Inside, the 96-pillared Kalyana mandapa has carvings of the forms of Narasimha. The walls of the sanctum carry fine stone sculpture, including Narasimha killing Hiranyakashipu. Many devotees embrace the Kappa Stambham, a pillar believed to grant wishes.
Rules at the gate
Phones and cameras are not allowed inside; there is a cloakroom. Traditional clothes are preferred. Darshan usually closes for breaks during the day, so check timings before you travel. Free and paid darshan queues usually run side by side.
Getting there
City buses and autos go to the foot of the hill, and a ghat road and buses take you up. There are also steps up the hill for those who want to climb.
Questions
Simhachalam Temple — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Simhachalam Temple?
Early morning, when the hill is cool and the towers are in soft light; late afternoon for warm light on the stone from the approach. Stand at the foot of the steps below the main gateway and take a straight-on photo of the tower with the hill behind it.
Is there an entry fee at Simhachalam Temple?
Entry to Simhachalam Temple is free.
What are the opening hours of Simhachalam Temple?
Simhachalam Temple is open 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
What should I wear at Simhachalam Temple?
Saffron, red and white photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Simhachalam Temple get?
Crowd levels are typically high. To miss the busiest window: early morning, when the hill is cool and the towers are in soft light; late afternoon for warm light on the stone from the approach.
What food should I try near Simhachalam Temple?
Try andhra meals at spots close by.
Why is the Simhachalam deity covered in sandalwood?
By temple legend, the deity is to stay covered in sandalwood paste all year except one day, and the custom is still followed. The paste is removed only on Akshaya Tritiya for Nijaroopa darshan.
Are mobile phones allowed in Simhachalam temple?
No. Phones and cameras must be deposited in the cloakroom before entry.
Who built Simhachalam temple?
The present shrine was rebuilt in the 13th century by the Eastern Ganga king Narasimhadeva I and consecrated in 1268, though worship here is older.
How do I get up Simhachalam hill?
By bus, taxi or auto on the ghat road to the temple, or on foot up the long flight of steps from the foot of the hill.