subject: Simhachalam Home Of Vishnu [print this page] The Simhachalam Temple, also called the Simhadri Temple, is a Hindu place of worship located in Visakhapatnam, in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Both names, Simhachalam and Simhadri, mean the same thing- Lion Hill. Tourists visiting Visakhapatnam should definitely try and visit the Simhachalam Temple. It is one of eighteen temples dedicated to the Hindu deity Vishnu, also called Narasimha (the man lion). The structure combines Dravidian and Orissan architectural styles, and is a stunning example of Indian architecture.
It is widely considered one of the most important temples in the country and many devotees come here on pilgrimage. The temple's main idol is covered in a paste made out of sandalwood throughout the year. This cover is removed for twelve hours on Akshaya Tritiya day which falls in May. The temple is situated on top of a hill and is surrounded by lush forestry. It is slightly unusual in that unlike most Hindu temples which face east, Simhachalam faces west. The best way to get to the Simhachalam Temple is by foot.
Visakhapatnam (referred to as 'Vizag' by the locals) is found on India's south eastern coast and is the second biggest city in Andhra Pradesh after Hyderabad. Although it is a highly industrialized city, it has become a popular tourist destination within India due to its amazing beaches, landscaped parks and cultural attractions. Attractions to visit in Visakhapatnam include the Ramakrishna Beach, the Rishikonda Beach, the Kambalakonda nature sanctuary, Matsyadarshini Aquarium, the War Memorial and Araku Valley.
The easiest ways to get to the city are by train and plane, although there are buses as well. Travellers have a lot of options when it comes to travel within the city. There are plenty of buses, taxis and three wheelers. It is always best to negotiate a price before getting into a taxi or three wheeler. When it comes to accommodation there are quite a few good Visakhapatnam hotels to choose from. The Gateway Hotel Beach is a fine Visakhapatnam hotel located by the sea. Presenting gorgeous vistas of the Bay of Bengal, it is a terrific place to stay.
