Simhachalam Temple Visakhapatnam refers to the historic hill temple of Lord Varaha Narasimha Swami in Simhachalam, near the city. You can plan your visit around its darshan schedule and reach it by bus, taxi or cab; the temple’s visitor guidance also sets out rules for entry and conduct.
- Location: Simhachalam, near Visakhapatnam
- Temple history: APSRTC describes it as built in the 11th century
- Bus option: APSRTC buses operate from Dwaraka RTC Complex via NAD Junction or Hanumanthawaka Junction
- Darshan: Scheduled in several daily windows, with breaks and seva periods
Staying at a three-star hotel in central Visakhapatnam puts the temple within reach as a local excursion.
About Simhachalam Temple
Simhachalam Temple is a historic hill temple dedicated to Lord Varaha Narasimha Swami, located in Simhachalam near Visakhapatnam. APSRTC describes the temple as built in the 11th century.
The hilltop setting makes the temple a distinct destination beyond the city centre. Allow time for the visit itself as well as the journey, and plan your arrival around the darshan hours rather than assuming access is continuous throughout the day.
What are the Simhachalam Temple darshan timings and visitor rules?
All Darshanams are scheduled in four daily windows, with breaks and seva periods between them. The temple’s published schedule gives these times:
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; no darshan or sevas during this period
- 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 break: 11:30–12:15; Pavalimpu break: 14:30–15:30
- Aaradhana Seva: 19:00–20:30
These hours and visitor arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go.
Follow the queue system and expect security checks at checkpoints. Bags and eatables are not allowed inside, and visitors must cooperate with bag checks. The guidance says men wearing half-pants and women wearing nighties are not allowed inside for darshan.
Mobile phones should not be used on the premises, and head guards such as helmets, caps, turbans and hats should not be worn there. Smoking and spitting are prohibited.
How do you get to Simhachalam Temple from Visakhapatnam?
APSRTC buses, taxis and cabs are among the ways to reach the temple. Buses operate from Dwaraka RTC Complex to Simhachalam via NAD Junction or Hanumanthawaka Junction. A city bus from D.B.S.
Complex departs every 10 minutes from CBS, with the last bus at 22:30; the distance is 16 km, with fares of ₹6 for adults and ₹3 for children.
The temple’s published directions put the distance from Visakhapatnam Railway Station at about 19 km and identify taxis, cabs and buses as travel options from the station. Simhachalam railway station is about 11.1 km from the temple, while Visakhapatnam Airport is about 13.5 km away. Check current bus services and fares with APSRTC before travelling.
If you are continuing your journey by train, the route from Hotel Diamonds Pearl to Visakhapatnam Junction can help with planning that city leg.
Planning a respectful visit
Keep the temple’s entry rules in mind before leaving: travel without a bag or eatables, dress in line with the stated restrictions, and be ready to follow the queue and security procedures. If you arrive by vehicle, use only allotted parking slots. The temple guidance also advises visitors not to approach touts offering quick darshan or accommodation.
For a wider city plan, place the temple visit alongside other stops only after accounting for the scheduled darshan windows and the journey. A one-day Visakhapatnam itinerary from the central city can help you plan the rest of your day. Keep the temple visit focused on its worship and follow the instructions given on the premises.
FAQs
Where is Simhachalam Temple?
It is in Simhachalam, near Visakhapatnam, on a hill.
Is there a break in darshan hours?
Open Monday to Saturday; closed Sunday. Yes. The published schedule includes a Rajabhogam break from 11:30 to 12:15 and a Pavalimpu break from 14:30 to 15:30.
Can you take a bag inside?
No. The visitor guidance says bags are not allowed inside and asks visitors to cooperate with security bag checks.
Can you reach the temple by bus?
Yes. APSRTC buses operate to Simhachalam from Dwaraka RTC Complex via NAD Junction or Hanumanthawaka Junction, as well as from D.B.S. Complex.