3-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Visit to Simanchalam Temple

  1. Day 1: Simhachalam Temple
    20 minutes (10.3 km) from Visakhapatnam

    Start your spiritual journey in Simhachalam Temple, dedicated to Lord Narasimha. The temple architecture is a combination of Orissan and Chalukyan styles, and it's one of the eighteen Maha Kshetrams in India. The temple's sanctum sanctorum houses the 10.5 feet tall murti of Varaha Narasimha, along with the smaller murtis of Lakshmi Narasimha, Rama, and Krishna. The temple offers free prasadam to visitors, and the serene atmosphere is perfect for relaxing and meditating.

  2. Day 2: Rishikonda Beach and Kailasagiri Park
    40 minutes (20.6 km) from Simhachalam Temple

    Start your day by visiting Rishikonda Beach, a picturesque and calm beach that is perfect for a family outing. Enjoy water sports activities like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides here. After lunch, visit Kailasagiri Park, situated on a hilltop with a bird's-eye view of the city. The park offers attractions like the Shiva Parvathi statue, Titanic viewpoint, and children’s play area. You can also take the ropeway to the top of the hill and enjoy the panoramic view of the Bay of Bengal.

  3. Day 3: Borra Caves and Araku Valley
    2 hours 45 minutes (92.8 km) from Kailasagiri Park

    Embark on a scenic road trip through the Eastern Ghats to reach Borra Caves, located at an altitude of 705 meters. The caves are famous for their stalactite and stalagmite formations and the Gosthani River that flows through them. After exploring the caves, head to Araku Valley, a hill station known for its coffee plantations. Visit the Padmapuram Botanical Gardens, Tribal Museum, and Ananthagiri Waterfalls. Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee and local delicacies before returning to Visakhapatnam.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Simhachalam Temple (1-2 hours, free entry)
  • Rishikonda Beach (4-5 hours, water sports activities starting from INR 300)
  • Kailasagiri Park (2-3 hours, ropeway ride INR 120 per person)
  • Borra Caves (2-3 hours, entry fee INR 60 per person)
  • Araku Valley (5-6 hours, coffee and food starting from INR 100 per person)

  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 580 per person
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