4-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Simhachalam in October 2023

1. Day 1: Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam
   20 minutes (8.3 km) from Vishakhapatnam Railway Station
   Visit the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam in the morning to see the stunning architecture of the temple and attend the morning aarti. In the afternoon, explore the pristine Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary and go on a trek. In the evening, head to the Rishikonda Beach to relax and watch the sunset.
2. Day 2: Ross Hill Church and Submarine Museum
   15 minutes (5.2 km) from Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam
   In the morning, visit the Ross Hill Church, a famous pilgrimage site for Christians. After that, head to the Submarine Museum to learn about the history of submarines. In the afternoon, visit the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park to see a variety of animals. In the evening, explore the bustling Jagadamba Center for shopping and try some local street food.
3. Day 3: Simhachalam Temple and Rushikonda Beach
   30 minutes (15.3 km) from Ross Hill Church
   Visit the famous Simhachalam Temple in the morning to see the beautiful architecture and attend the morning aarti. After that, head to the nearby Rushikonda Beach to relax and enjoy water sports. In the evening, visit the Kailasagiri Park to see the stunning scenic views of the city.
4. Day 4: Bhavani Island and Kondakarla Bird Sanctuary
   20 minutes (8.9 km) from Visakhapatnam Bus Station
   Start your day by visiting the peaceful Bhavani Island and taking a boat ride in the Krishna River. After that, head to the Kondakarla Bird Sanctuary to see a variety of birds. In the evening, visit the INS Kurusura Submarine Museum to learn more about the history of submarines.

Recommendations

Other local attractions to consider include the Buddhist Thotlakonda Monastery and the Borra Caves. A side trip to Araku Valley and Borra Caves would be a great way to maximize your fun. You can also try some local delicacies like Vada Curry and Pootharekulu.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam (1-2 hours, free)
• Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary (3-4 hours, INR 100)
• Rishikonda Beach (2-3 hours, free)
• Ross Hill Church (1-2 hours, free)
• Submarine Museum (1-2 hours, INR 40)
• Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (3-4 hours, INR 50)
• Jagadamba Center (2-3 hours, INR 500)
• Simhachalam Temple (1-2 hours, free)
• Rushikonda Beach (3-4 hours, free)
• Kailasagiri Park (2-3 hours, free)
• Bhavani Island (3-4 hours, INR 150)
• Kondakarla Bird Sanctuary (2-3 hours, INR 50)
• INS Kurusura Submarine Museum (1-2 hours, INR 40)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 980