Silathoranam and Chakra Teertha, Tirumala: Cab from Tirupati

What Silathoranam is

Silathoranam (also written Sila Thoranam or Shila Thoranam) means "stone arch". It is a natural rock formation on the Tirumala hill, shaped over a very long time by wind and water erosion in quartzite of the Kadapa group. Geologists date the rock to the Proterozoic era, well over 500 million years ago, and the arch was declared a National Geological Monument in 1981. It is also on India's tentative list for World Heritage status.

Reports give slightly different measurements for the span, so we avoid quoting an exact size. What visitors notice is a natural bridge of rock that looks almost man-made, standing among the hill boulders at around 860 m above sea level. The area around it is fenced and looked after by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

Where things are: arch, Chakra Teertha and the temple

Geography is easy to muddle, so here is what is where. The Silathoranam arch stands about 1 km from the Sri Venkateswara temple at Tirumala, near Chakra Teertha. Chakra Teertha is a sacred water source in the same area, visited by pilgrims as one of the hill teerthams. It lies close to the arch.

Both are on the temple side of Tirumala, unlike Papavinasanam and Akasa Ganga, which lie further out along the forest roads. The Srivari Pushkarini, the holy tank beside the main temple, is separate again and sits next to the temple complex. We could not verify other local names that guides sometimes use for this part of the hill, such as "Neela Thadri", so we do not describe them here; ask locally if a guide mentions them.

Why people stop here

For many visitors a Silathoranam Tirumala stop is a pleasant break in the day: it takes little time, is easy to reach, and is a rare geological sight at a pilgrimage site. Families photograph the arch and walk around the viewing area. Those interested in nature or geology often spend longer. Chakra Teertha, nearby, offers a quiet moment away from the temple crowds.

It is usually combined with Papavinasanam, Akasa Ganga and Japali, and with the Srivari Pushkarini. See our pages on these spots to plan one complete local sightseeing day in Tirumala.

If you travel with children, the arch is a good way to explain how rivers, wind and time shape rock. If you travel with elders, the short distance from the road means little walking, although the surface can be uneven. Photographers will find the best light early in the morning, when the arch is less crowded and the hills around it are clear.

How the trip works with a cab from Tirupati

Tirumala is reached by the ghat road, around 22 km from Tirupati, which takes 45 to 60 minutes. The arch is about 1 km from the main temple area, so the total is about 23 km one way. A Tirupati to Silathoranam taxi trip is rarely done as a standalone drive. It is normally included in a Tirumala local sightseeing day, with the vehicle waiting while you visit each place. We use a round-trip estimate of about 55 km, including local running between stops.

We are a taxi and tour-vehicle service only. We do not arrange temple entry, tickets or queue access. If you plan to go to the main temple, entry and tickets are handled by you directly with TTD. Rules on where private vehicles may stop inside Tirumala can change, so confirm locally which points are open to your car.

Practical tips

Agree a time with your driver for each stop and keep your phone charged for photos. Keep a respectful distance from the fenced rock and do not climb on or write on it. Monkeys are common, so keep food and bags secured.

Carry water and an umbrella in the monsoon. A sedan is enough for up to four people; an SUV or tempo traveller is better for larger families. Because opening hours were not verifiable from official sources, confirm locally on the day.

Taxi cost by vehicle

Frequently asked questions

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