Tirupati to Simhachalam Taxi: Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Near Visakhapatnam
Simhachalam is a hill temple on the northern edge of Visakhapatnam, around 740 km from Tirupati, so a cab trip needs three days with nights arranged by the traveller.
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Photos: Sree1959, CC0; eclicks_by_bunny, CC BY-SA 4.0; Saiphani02, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Distance from Tirupati740 km
- Drive timeAbout 12 to 13 hours one way, plus stops
- Total trip time3 days (nights on the way and at Visakhapatnam arranged by the traveller); 4 days if you add Visakhapatnam sightseeing
- Best timeOctober to February is cooler. Chandanotsavam on Akshaya Tritiya (April or May) is the biggest day and very crowded.
Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy at Simhachalam
Simhachalam, meaning the lion hill, is a famous Vishnu temple on a wooded hill north of Visakhapatnam city. The deity is Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, a combined form of the boar (Varaha) and man-lion (Narasimha) incarnations. Locally the Lord is affectionately called Appanna. A Tirupati to Simhachalam taxi trip is the way many south Andhra pilgrims reach this Vaishnava shrine, which is among the best-known of the Narasimha kshetras.
What makes the temple distinctive is that the image is covered with sandalwood paste for most of the year, and appears as a smooth, rounded form. Only on Akshaya Tritiya, in the festival called Chandanotsavam, is the covering removed so that devotees can see the original form of the deity for a day. Secondary sources give the 2026 date as 20 April, but confirm locally before planning around it.
History and architecture
The temple has inscriptions from several dynasties, including the Eastern Gangas and the Chalukya-Chola era, and later patronage from the Gajapati and Vijayanagara rulers. The architecture blends Kalinga and Dravidian styles, with a tall inner gopuram, pillared halls and detailed stone carving. Specific dates quoted by guides vary, so treat them as approximate.
Look for the Kalyana mandapam with its carved pillars, the Kappa Stambham (a pillar associated with prayers for children), and the quiet temple tank. The hill road through the greenery is also worth the drive, and the monkeys here are bold, so keep food out of sight.
How the trip works with a cab
The route follows the coastal highway north from Tirupati through Nellore, Ongole, Vijayawada, Eluru and Rajahmundry to Visakhapatnam, then up the short ghat to the temple. Different map sources quote from about 725 to 755 km to Visakhapatnam area, and we plan around 740 km one way. The round trip comes to roughly 1500 km including local movement.
Nobody should drive this in one stretch. A comfortable plan is day one to Vijayawada or Rajahmundry for an overnight, day two on to Visakhapatnam and the temple, and day three onward with a halt on the way back. Many families add a fourth day for the beaches and Kailasagiri hill in Visakhapatnam. All hotels are arranged and paid for by the traveller. We provide the vehicle and driver only.
Temple entry and any paid tickets are handled by the pilgrim directly with the Devasthanam. For this distance, an Innova class MPV or SUV, or a tempo traveller for larger groups, is the best fit.
Combining Simhachalam with Visakhapatnam sights
Visakhapatnam has several easy add-ons if you stay an extra day: the beach promenade, the Kailasagiri hill park with its cable car and views over the bay, the submarine museum and the Borra Caves region further inland. These are optional and fit well after the temple, since the hill road to Simhachalam is on the northern side of the city. The traveller books the extra night and any entry tickets directly.
Because the distance is large, many families treat this as a proper holiday plus pilgrimage rather than a rushed temple run. Keep a day of slack in case of heavy rain, highway delays or a long temple queue. If the whole group is elderly, consider breaking the first day earlier, at Nellore or Ongole, so that no single day exceeds seven or eight hours of driving.
Practical tips
Start early on the first day and avoid driving late at night on the highway. Carry a light shawl for the cooler hill, comfortable footwear for the temple floor, and cash for small expenses. Weekends, festival days and the Chandanotsavam weeks bring heavy crowds.
If you plan more temples on the same route, Annavaram is roughly halfway between Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, and Vijayawada Kanaka Durga is a natural first stop. For hill temples closer to home, see our Tirumala pages.
Timings and dress code
- Timings
- Guides disagree: one gives roughly 7 AM to 4 PM and 6 PM to 9 PM, another lists a morning, midday and afternoon-to-evening split. Confirm with the Simhachalam Devasthanam before you travel.
- Dress code
- Traditional clothing is advised: dhoti or pyjama with kurta for men, saree, half-saree or churidar with dupatta for women. Footwear is removed outside. Photography may be restricted. Confirm locally.
Last checked October 2026. Timings and rules can change, so please confirm locally. We provide taxi service only. Temple entry and any tickets are arranged by the pilgrim directly with the temple.
Sample plan
- Day 1, 4:30 AMLeave TirupatiCoastal highway via Nellore, Ongole, Vijayawada.
- Day 1, 1:00 PMLunch near VijayawadaOptional stop at the Kanaka Durga temple if you want to split the journey.
- Day 1, eveningOvernight near Vijayawada or RajahmundryHotel arranged by the traveller.
- Day 2, 7:00 AMDrive to VisakhapatnamAbout 5 to 6 hours from Rajahmundry, longer from Vijayawada.
- Day 2, afternoonSimhachalam templeEntry and tickets are handled by the pilgrim directly with the temple. Check the afternoon opening hours.
- Day 2, eveningOvernight in VisakhapatnamHotel arranged by the traveller. Optional beach or Kailasagiri visit.
- Day 3Return towards TirupatiA very long drive, best split with a halt at Vijayawada or Nellore.
Taxi cost by vehicle
About 1500 km round trip, billed on 1500 km (3 days at a 300 km daily minimum) at the per-km rate. Vehicle, driver and fuel are included.
Toll, parking, checkpost tax and invoice tax are extra. Overnight driver stay on multi-day trips is extra.
Book on WhatsAppFrequently asked questions
How far is Simhachalam from Tirupati?
About 740 km one way by road, which takes roughly 12 to 13 hours with stops. Map sources quote about 725 to 755 km to the Visakhapatnam area.
What are the Simhachalam temple timings?
Sources differ, so confirm the current hours with the Simhachalam Devasthanam. Some guides list morning and evening sessions with an afternoon break, and festival days change the schedule.
How many days do we need for Tirupati to Simhachalam by cab?
Three days at minimum with nights on the way, since the round trip is about 1500 km. Add a fourth day if you want to see Visakhapatnam. The traveller arranges the hotels.
What is the dress code at Simhachalam?
Traditional clothing is advised, such as dhoti or kurta with pyjama for men and saree or churidar with dupatta for women. Footwear is removed outside. Confirm locally.
What is special about Chandanotsavam?
The sandalwood covering of the deity is removed on Akshaya Tritiya for a day, so the original form is visible. It draws very large crowds, so plan well ahead and confirm the date locally.