Last updated: 2026-09-23
When tourists think of Visakhapatnam, their minds immediately drift to the sun-drenched coastal stretches of RK Beach, the sweeping curves of the marine drive toward Bheemunipatnam, or the misty valleys of Araku and Borra Caves. But if you want to experience the true spiritual heart of Vizag—coupled with a short, thrilling hill climb—you need to point your ride inland toward the dense, forested slopes of the Eastern Ghats.
Standing tall at approximately 244 meters above sea level is Simhachalam, home to the ancient Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple. Located just about 18 kilometers from the heart of the city, this hilltop temple is not just a place of deep devotion; it is a masterpiece of medieval architecture and one of the finest short riding routes in the region. If you want to beat the city traffic and experience the cool breeze on the ghat road, choosing a simhachalam temple vizag bike trip is the most practical and exhilarating way to do it.
At Ever Green Travels, we help hundreds of travelers navigate Vizag's roads every week. Here is our practical, rider-first guide to exploring Simhachalam like a local.
Starting your journey from our hub in the Railway New Colony area, the ride to the foot of Simhachalam hill takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the time of day. You have two primary routes to choose from:
From the Railway Station area, you head towards Kancharapalem, pass through the industrial corridor, and connect to Gopalapatnam. From here, a dedicated road leads straight to the Simhachalam foothill (known locally as Adavivaram). While this route is direct, it can get crowded during peak commuting hours (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM).
If you prefer wider roads and a smoother cruising experience, head towards Maddilapalem, hop onto National Highway 16, and take a left at the Hanumanthawaka junction. This route wraps around the scenic, green fringes of the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary before bringing you to the backside of Simhachalam hill. It is slightly longer but highly recommended for riders who love open spaces.
Once you reach the foothills at Adavivaram, the real fun begins. Unlike the challenging hairpins of the Araku road, the Simhachalam ghat road is short, well-paved, and highly organized. Here is what you need to know about the climb:
Dating back to at least the 11th century, the Simhachalam temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha (the half-man, half-lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu). Unlike modern temples made of concrete, Simhachalam is built entirely of solid stone and represents a fascinating architectural marriage between the Kalinga style of Odisha and the Dravidian styles of the Chola and Chalukya empires.
When you enter the inner sanctum, you will not see the ferocious form of a lion-man. Instead, you will see what looks like a smooth, heavy Shiva Lingam. This is because the deity is kept covered in a thick, continuous paste of sandalwood (chandanam) throughout the year to cool the "urga" (fierce) energy of the lord.
The only day of the year when the sandalwood paste is carefully scraped off is during the festival of Akshaya Tritiya (usually falling in April or May). For just twelve hours, devotees can view the actual, raw stone idol of the deity. This festival draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. If you plan to ride up during Chandanotsavam, prepare for massive traffic blockages at the foothills; a two-wheeler is practically the only vehicle that can navigate the outer cordons during this rush.
As you walk through the beautifully carved stone corridors (the Mukha Mandapa), look for a highly polished wooden pillar known as the Kappala Stambham. Local belief dictates that wrapping your arms around this pillar and making a wish brings immense health, prosperity, and even cures chronic illnesses. You will always find a small, polite queue of devotees waiting to embrace this pillar.
To ensure your trip goes smoothly without any unexpected hiccups, keep these practical points in mind:
Because Simhachalam is relatively close to central Vizag, you do not need to dedicate an entire day to it. In fact, we recommend a classic "Hill to Coast" itinerary:
Start your morning around 6:30 AM by picking up your ride from our garage, so you reach the hilltop as darshan opens for an early, peaceful visit. Enjoy a traditional breakfast of hot idlis and filter coffee at the hilltop or the foothills. By 10:30 AM, ride down the ghat and head towards the coast. You can cruise along the beach road past RK Beach, visit the Kursura Submarine Museum, and head up to Kailasagiri hill for lunch with a view of the Bay of Bengal. Wind up your afternoon at Rushikonda Beach or enjoy a quiet sunset ride all the way to Bheemunipatnam (Bheemili).
Don't rely on expensive cabs or unpredictable auto-rickshaws to explore the hills and beaches of Visakhapatnam. Having your own set of wheels gives you the absolute freedom to explore Vizag on your own terms, stop for pictures on the ghat road, and travel at your own pace.
At Ever Green Travels, we maintain a diverse, meticulously serviced fleet of scootys and powerful commuter motorcycles perfect for the Simhachalam climb. You can check out our available options and competitive pricing directly on our fleet page.
We are conveniently located in Railway New Colony, just a quick 5 to 10 minute walk from the Vizag Railway Station.
Have questions about documentation or want to reserve a ride for your upcoming trip? Give us a call at 9603888055 or chat directly with our booking assistant on WhatsApp at 7993288216. Let’s get your Vizag adventure started!
Serving Vizag since 2013 from Railway New Colony, near Visakhapatnam Railway Station. Call or WhatsApp 9603888055.