Araku Valley Hill Station Tourism

Araku valley is a petite and immaculate hill station that is situated near the city of Visakhapatnam in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The hill station is popular for its relatively intact exquisiteness and the verdant green environs. The forests adjoining the hill station are a good place for a day trip and for those who have a passion for adventure sports including rock climbing and trekking. The place is situated near the Orissa border and is set between thriving green hills and has wonderful scenery. With each passing day, the Araku Valley is becoming the focus among tourists travelling in Andra Pradesh.

The climate is very pleasing here all round the year and can be visited even in the winter season. Araku Valley is well-known for the different kind of plantations in the region. Araku Valley coffee plantations produce good quality coffee which is are exported to different parts of the world.

Araku travel guide is a good way to know more about the place. The road to Araku Valley is through winding roads and Ghats and there are numerous hair pins and precipitous slopes. While going through the valley, one can notice the thick vegetation which makes for a very pictorial drive. There are various tunnels and bridges that fall en route.

Best time to visit Araku                                                                                                                   

Summer season in Araku
The summer season is usually warm and the temperature generally ranges between 18 and 28 degrees Celsius. The average temperature in this season ranges around 24 degree Celsius. Cool breeze from the mountains make the environment very pleasant.

Monsoon season in Araku
From June to October is the monsoon season. Araku gets extensive rainfall in monsoon. Since, the Bay of Bengal is situated close, the place experiences heavy rainfall. Due to extensive rain, landslides are very common in the region.

Winter season in Araku
December to February is the winter season and the temperature during these months drop down to five degrees Celsius. January is the coldest month of the year and it is the best time to visit Araku.

Tourist Places around Araku Valley- NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:                                                  

Araku is a place to relax and enjoy nature. There are few tourist spots in Araku and they can be visited in two hours time. If you have time you can go ahead upto 15 KM toChaparai to see the water passing over rocky slopes. If you are at Araku then you must see Borra caves. Chaparai 15 KM from Araku

• Ananthagiri
• Etikoppaka
• Tyda Nature Camp
• Borra Caves
• Dolphin's Nose
• Line of Three Hills
• Galikondalu view point ( 20 KM before Araku )
• Coffee plantation ( on the way to Araku)

How to reach Araku                                                                                                                       

Araku by Air
The nearest airport to Araku valley is located in the city of Vishakhapatnam which is 115 km away. From this airport many flights run on a regular basis connecting it to different parts of the country.

Araku by railways
There are two railway stations that solve the question of how to reach Araku by rail. Both are situated on the east coast line from Vishakhapatnam within the Araku valley. This is the most reasonable mode of transportation to reach the place.

Araku by road
From Vishakhapatnam (125 km), one can get buses to reach Araku Valley. Both private as well as state buses and cabs are found from here that charge a very less amount.

Coffee Plantations on Ananthagiri Hill,Araku valley

"Araku is popular for its famous coffee plantations. India’s first tribal growers’ organic coffee brand was launched in the Araku Valley in 2007. The premium organic "Araku Emerald" brand of coffee sells globally. Thousands of tribals in the Agency area are engaged in coffee cultivation as farm hands or small farmers"

Coffee Plantations on Ananthagiri Hills are a must visit especially if you are in the area. Miles and miles of coffee plantations await you in the mesmerizing hills of Ananthagiri, which begin as soon as you enter the Araku Valley. The smell of coffee leaves is spread through the entire valley rejuvenating your senses.

The plantations are deeply rooted in the history of the tribes of Araku Valley. Coffee estates gave the tribes the opportunity to join mainstream population and earn a living for themselves and their families. You will find a lot of tribal population working in the coffee plantations. The first organic coffee of India was produced in these plantations of Araku Valley by sheer hard work of the tribal groups. This organic coffee, branded under the name Araku Emerald, has gained popularity all over the world.

Many coffee plantations offer guest houses for tourists who wish to stay overnight at the plantations.

Galikondalu view point

This is the best tourist attraction in arakuvalley.

Line of Three Hills Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam is framed by a line of three hills, each with a shrine sacred to different religions. Venkateswara temple on the south hill called Sri Venkateswara Konda is a Hindu shrine. The north hill Darga Konda houses a Muslim shrine, Baba Ishaq Madina Dargah and the Christian shrine, Church of the Virgin Mary is on the central and the highest Ross Hill.

Dolphin's Nose at Visakhapatnam

The Dolphin’s Nose is a huge rock land resembling the shape of a dolphin’s nose, and an eye-catching attraction in Visakhapatnam. The headland is 174 meters high and at an altitude of 358 meters, projecting into the sea.

It is a single and gigantic hillock shaped like a dolphin’s nose owing to natural process hence the name Dolphin’s Nose. It guards the Visakhapatnam harbour and paves the way for sea water coming into the land area thus facilitating anchoring of ships.

A renowned powerful light house is positioned on the summit of the hill and guides the approaching ships to Visakhapatnam. The light house is useful for shippers as it gives out a light beam that could be seen as far as 65kms out at sea and flashes every 10 seconds. Other attractions on the hill and nearby are the Ross Hill, the highest peak of this place which also has a church named St John’s Church, Dargah Konda hill, which has a mosque cum dargah named Ishq Madina, and Venkateshwara Konda hill, which has a temple of Lord Venkateshwara.

Dolphin’s Nose is an appealing landmark that offers a panoramic view of the sea and Visakhapatnam city.

Best time to visit
The winter months of October to March offer pleasant climatic conditions and the best time to visit Dolphin’s Nose and the beautiful city of Vishakhapatnam.

Trivia
Dolphin’s Nose is also known as the Black Mores’ hill.

Each hill on this headland has one place of worship, dedicated to three major religions in the world, i.e. a temple, a mosque, and a church.

Timing
The Dolphin’s Nose remains open to public on all days.

TOURIST PLACES IN ARAKU

Araku valley, an amazing hill station, one of unfathomable valley in India lures the tourists with its breathtaking landscapes and pleasant  weather. Lush green forest, musical notes of waterfalls makes the journey more lively, located 115 km from Vizag, Andra Pradesh and close to Orissa border. Altitude is 1300 m above the sea level and valley spreads around 36 km. The drive on the Ghat road to Araku valley is entirely lined with thick forest on either side, climbing 4500 ft and sliding down to 3000 ft of valley which makes the trip very thrilling and trekking. More than 40 tunnels and number of bridges are on the way welcomes the tourists warmly. Dark shade and presence of sodium lamp inside the tunnel do their magic on travelers. The ascent up to the hill is gradual, provides enough Waterfalls, Orchards, gardens and forests are immense and incomparable beauties of this valley. Great place to relax and unwind from mundane tensions of everyday life. The heavenly vistas of this profound valley can be seen from various viewpoints and will remain etched in memories ever and forever. Araku valley is settlement of  tribal.  Dimsa, Mayur tribal dance, rich culturals, colorful attires and pleasing songs attracts environmentalists and nature lovers.

                                    TOURIST PLACES IN ARAKU

Araku Museum: It is a charming, red-roofed bungalow and one of the heritage museum of habitat, provides a glimpse of tribal life styles.  It preserves traits of original tradition, culture, fine arts of primitive tribes of India. It depicts portrays of daily life of tribal and sculptures are more realistic. The tribe weapons, chunky silver jewels are very ornate and elegant. Tribal arts and craft center is filled with rich workshop of artisans. Handicrafts made of bamboo, cane, terracotta and leather are worth to buy.  It is good to carry some souvenir to home.

Padmapuram Gardens: It is a botanical garden, built in 1942 on a 26-acre plot, appealing with wonderful collection of flowers, plants and trees. The serene atmosphere and numerous hefty trees makes this garden unique. Hanging cottage is the top most attraction. One can feel the swing along with these tree top cottage which are 10 feet above the ground. The scenic beauty is enjoyed by the toy train which starts from the garden entrance.

Tyda Park: It is an environment friendly park, located 75 km from Vizag and well equipped for trekking. It is an ideal place for bird watching. There are always guides and naturalists available who explains the identification calls, language of jungle and nature of plants and trees. It is developed with fantastic camping facilities at jungle bells which provides extra-ordinary and enchanting wilderness experience.  It houses many species of hares and avifauna. It is excellent place for rock climbing and shooting with bow and arrow.

Rishikonda Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches of Andra Pradesh. It is a suitable place for water sports. For water skiers and wind surfers Rishikonda beach is the ideal destination and perfect place for swimmers It is located 8 km from Vizag. One can enjoy variety of sea foods and local facial massages. Ramakrishna beach is very close to this place.

Hawa Pahaad: The highest point of Araku valley, located 1400 meters above sea level. It was once the battlefield of Orissa kings and Andra Pradesh fought and retained it. The lilac mountains and hazy mist are offers tremendous picturesque views. The weather is pleasant and invigorating. This completes the ascend of Araku valley hills.

Others: Anantagiri hills, Borra caves, Shimliguda are other famous tourist destinations near to Araku valley. There are many waterfalls like Katiki, Sangda and Dumbriguda. Famous for Bheemunipatnam beach   Many villages nearby Araku valley contains ancient temples and worth to visit.

                                       HOW TO REACH ARAKU

By Air: The nearest Airport is Vishakapatnam Airport, located 112 km from Araku valley.

By Train: Train journey is best choice as many unexplored sites of Araku valley can be enjoyed. Araku station is located 136 km from Vizag.

By Road: There are several bus services available from Vizag to Araku Valley. An excursion trip is conducted from Vizag everyday.

Weather: Average temperature ranges from 18°c to  26°C. Due to proximity rainfall is extensive on monsoon seasons. The best time to plan a visit if from March and October. 

Araku Railway station

Railway station is located at center of the town. Most of the resorts are available within 2 to 3 KM distance from railway station. Visakhapatnam Kirandul passenger reaches in morning 10.40 while travelling from Visakhapatnam to Kirandul.
58501 VSKP to KRDL : 10.40 Arrival - 10.45 Departure
58502 KRDL to VSKP : 14.50 Arrival - 14.55 Departure

Araku Railway station inquiry phone number is : 08936249632

Retiring room is available at Araku Railway station. Charges for each room of 3 bed capacity for 12 hours is Rs 165/- . Dormitory of 7 beds capacity is available at a cost of Rs 40 per bed. 

Travel to Araku Valley

Araku is one of the most important tourist destinations in Andhra Pradesh. A pleasant hill station famous for its scenic gardens with lush green nature, valleys, waterfalls and streams, offers an amazing scenic view. The tribes living in this valley wear colourful dresses and costumes.

Dhimsa dance with costumes and cultural performances accompanied with rhythmic pleasing songs are very popular. This famous folk dance is performed ‘Itika Pongal’, a traditional festival celebrated over there. It has got many overwhelming places and a travel to Araku valley gives you absolute joy over fold.

Araku valley tourist attractions-

Borra Caves

Borra Caves are located in the Araku Valley of the Ananthagiri hill range and is drained by the Gosthani River. These caves are considered one of the largest caves in India and are at a height of about 2,313 feet above sea level. These caves were discovered in 1807 by William King George of the Geological Survey of India and since then they have become a popular tourist attraction in the area.

Ananthagiri Hills

Ananthagiri Hills are most popularly known for coffee plantations. It is a good experience to witness the natural beauty of these hills. The hills of Ananthagiri come on the way to the valley of Araku. These hills also contain beautiful waterfalls that flow into the valley.

Araku Tribal Museum

Araku Tribal Museum is located on Araku Road in the Araku Valley. This Museum is built with mud and clay. This Museum is spread over two levels, one section displaying some rare artefacts belonging to the Eastern Ghats Tribal Culture. Another section of this museum showcases the local dances of Mayur and Dhimsa. October to March is the best time to visit Araku Tribal Museum.

Katiki Waterfalls

Katiki Waterfalls are the beautiful waterfalls in Araku. At a distance of 38 Kms from Araku, these Waterfalls are magnificent waterfalls near Borra Caves. Ghostani river is the source of these waterfalls and an approximately 50 ft Drop. August to December is the best season to visit this waterfalls.

Tyda Park

Tyda is a small tribal village and a distance of 75 kms from Visakhapatnam on the Araku road in the Araku Valley. This park is home to many animals like hares and avifauna. Tourists can enjoy their stay in log huts and tents set in tribal environs.

Padmapuram Botanical Gardens

Padmapuram Botanical Gardens is a historic garden located on the Araku Road in the Araku Valley. This garden was built to provide vegetable supplies for the soldiers who fought in the Second World War. These gardens act as a horticultural nursery and contain various types of flowers and trees. The main attractions here are the rose garden, the exotic varieties of plants and the toy train.

Matsyagundam

Matsyagundam is a beautiful pool in the Araku valley. This is a famous tourist destination with fish of many varieties. Popularly known as fish pool, this pool draws a large number of tourists. The villagers neither eat nor hunt the fish as they consider the pond to be a holy place. There is a Lord Shiva temple and a handful of tribals who live around. People from the Araku forest area and from the surrounding places gather once in a year to celebrate Maha Shivarathri to perform pujas and cultural programs.

Dumbriguda Waterfalls

Dumbriguda is a small village in the Araku Valley. It is a popular tourist attraction with its endless streams that cut across big rock formations of Araku Valley. The beautiful Dumbriguda waterfalls present a serene picture with row upon row of Silverwood trees stacked up along the slopes of a valley.

Sangda Waterfalls

Sangda waterfalls are very close to the small village of Sangda and thus, the name of the falls. These falls are a very popular tourist attraction because of their beautiful surroundings. These waterfalls are located in the middle of jungle. The tremendous sounds of the cascading waters of the fall break the peace of the jungle. These falls are a favorite picnic spot.

The most shopped item in araku valley is coffee. The other items for which the tourists can shop around are handicrafts, silk and cotton weaved fabrics and attire, old antiques, junk jewelry etc. Hope this brief information on travel to Araku valley helps you to explore and visit this place at least once in your life time.

Coffee House
At the Araku town behind APRTC bus stand there is a coffee House. Here you will get all variety of Coffee. This is more of a museum of coffee plantation and production of India and world. There is a light and sound show on coffee plantation for 15 minutes with an entry fee of Rs 25. Inside you will get history of coffee plantation in Africa, Europe and India.

You can buy chocolates, cakes and different of coffee related products under one roof.

Araku tribal museum There is a tribal museum on tribal heritage, living system and culture. Near the museum boating facility is also available.

Ticket cost is Rs 10/- & Rs 5/- for child

Opening time
8.00 AM to 1.30 PM
2.30 PM to 6.30 PM

Araku tribal museum

Araku Valley is a famous hill station situated at a distance of 110 Kms from Vizag & 680 Kms from Hyderabad and often referred to as Andhra Ooty.

Located on the Eastern Ghats at an altitude range of 900 to 1400 meters above sea level, Araku is home to a number of tribal communities. Spread over an area of 36 sq. kms, Araku is a perfect tourist destination with pleasant climate, lush greenery, waterfalls and streams. The tribal habitat museum and the tribal village are the major attractions here. The tourists can see tribal folk dances like Dhimsa and Mayuri. The Araku Tribal Museum houses rich tribal tradition and number of artifacts and displays related to Eastern Ghat Tribal Culture.

At a distance of 2 Kms from Araku Bus Station, the Tribal Museum explores the tribal culture of Eastern Ghats.

The Museum exhibits rich tribal tradition and several artifacts. One can see the tools used by the tribes and avail information about the social and cultural aspects of the tribal people. There is a stall in the museum where handicrafts items of the tribes are sold. The weapons of the tribes form a large part of this fascinating but small museum. Their chunky silver jewellery, ornate and elegant, is showcased in the main atrium of the museum.

Best time to visit
Although Araku Valley has a moderate climate throughout the year, October to March is the best time to visit Araku Tribal Museum.

Timing
The museum remains open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Visakhapatnam hindu temple

Simhachalam
Sri V L N S Devasthanam Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530028, India
www.simhachalamdevasthanam.org.in
+91 891 276 4949

ISKCON Temple
Beach Rd, Hare Krishna Land, Sagar Nagar, Bheemili, Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam,
+91 891 252 8376

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
Simhachalam Kondapaina, Nearby Temple, Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam, Andhra

Venkateshwara Swamy Temple
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Sampath Vinayaka Temple
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
www.srisampathvinayagartemple.org
+91 891 257 7106

Sri Sita Rama Swamy Temple
Port Area, Visakhapatnam(Vizag), Andhra Pradesh 530001, India

Sagara Giri Kanaka Durga Temple
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Kali Maa Temple
Beach Rd, RK Beach, Kali Temple, Paanduranga Puram, Visakhapatnam, Andhra

Pandurangapuram Swamy Temple
Oota Gadda Rd, Beside Waltair Club, Siripuram, Paanduranga Puram, Visakhapatnam,

Reddy Thungalam Ramalayam
Tungalam, Auto Nagar, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530012, India

Ramalayam
Maddilapalem, Maddilapalem, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530013, India

Durga Temple
Seethammadhara, Visakhapatnam(Vizag), Andhra Pradesh, India

Kanaka Mahalakshmi Ammavari
Visakhapatnam, Odisha, India

Sai Baba Temple
East Point Colony, Pedda Waltair, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Jagannadha Swamy Temple
Port Area, Visakhapatnam, Odisha, India

Durga Ganapathi Temple
Dwarakanagar Rd, Seetamma Peta, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530016, India

Bellam Vinayakudu, Relli Veedhi,
Beach Rd, Maharani Peta, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Kali Temple
Steel Plant Colony, Visakhapatnam(Vizag), Andhra Pradesh, India

Sivalayam
Maddilapalem, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Durgalamma Temple
Maddilapalem, Maddilapalem, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530022, India

Sri Yoga Siddha Anjaneya Alayam
Kancharapalem, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Sri Vaibhava Venkateswara Swamy
N.G.G.O's Colony, Pattabhi Reddy Thota, Madhavadhara, Visakhapatnam(Vizag),

Sai Baba Temple
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530016, India

Sri Lakshmi Ganesh Temple
No. 54-36-15/1, Railway New Colony Rd, Nearby Main Rd, Railway New Colony,

Nilamvyapachettu Temple
Daba Gardens, Visakhapatnam(Vizag), Andhra Pradesh, India

Ramaadri
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Alivelumanga Temple
Vepagunta, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Kalinga Shri Rama Swamy Temple
Kurmannapalem, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530012, India

Venugopala Swamy Temple
Akkayyapalem Main Rd, Akkayyapalem, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530016, India

Kodanda Ramalayam
Muralinagar, Madhavadhara, Visakhapatnam, Odisha, India

Shiridi Sai Baba Temple
Prahaladapuram, Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530029, India

Sri Lakshmi Narayana Temple
Adarsh Nagar, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530040, India

Nookalamma Temple
Pendurthi, Visakhapatnam, Odisha, India

Hindu Temples
14-26-11, Angati Street, Maharani Peta, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530002,
hindutemples.webs.com
+91 97053 35095

Venkateswara Swamy Temple
Gambhiram, Andhra Pradesh 530052, India

Lalitha Devi Temple
Lalitha Nagar, Akkayyapalem, Visakhapatnam(Vizag), Andhra Pradesh, India
+91 891 646 0211

Hanuman Temple
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Ramalayam
Desa Pathrunipalem, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 531021, India

Ganesh Temple
National Highway 5, Srinivasa Nagar, Madhurawada, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Ramalayam
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Bangaramma Temple
Nathayyapalem, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530012, India

Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swami
Pedagantyada, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530044, India

Bhulokamamba
Aditya Nagar, Pendurthi, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 531173, India

Sri Kalyan Venkateswara swamy Temple
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Kunchamamba Alayam
Gajuwaka, Visakhapatnam, Odisha 530026, India

VInayaka Temple
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Temple
Auto Nagar, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530012, India
+91 99080 77479

Polamma, Muthyalamma & Nookalamma
14 - 26 - 6, Angati Street, Maharani Peta, Dandubazaar Up Road, Visakhapatnam,
hindutemples.webs.com
+91 97053 35095

Utkal Sanskrutika Samaj
Oota Gadda Rd, Chinna Waltair, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530003, India
+91 891 252 8818

Chinmaya Mission
Chinmaya Marg, Pedda Waltair, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530003, India
www.chinmayamission.com

Sai Baba Temple
boyapalem, Uppada, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Shiridi Sai Shanthi Dhamam,
Plot No:128, Samatha Nagar,, Gajuwaka, Visakhapatnam Port, Andhra Pradesh
+91 891 251 4912

Venkateswara Temple
Visakhapatnam, Odisha, India

Madhav Swamy Temple
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Ganesh Temple
Chaitanya Nagar, Maddilapalem, Visakhapatnam(Vizag), Andhra Pradesh 530013,

Vinayaka Temple
Lalitha Nagar, Akkayyapalem, Visakhapatnam(Vizag), Andhra Pradesh, India

Rushikonda BalaTripura Sundari
Rushikonda Beach, Near Gitam University, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh India,
+91 891 255 2808

Eerukumamba Temple
Railway New Colony, Visakhapatnam(Vizag), Andhra Pradesh, India

Shri Siva Rama Krishna Layam Temple
Prakash Nagar, Visakhapatnam, Odisha, India

Shiridi Sai Baba Temple
MVP Sector 3, MVP Colony, Visakhapatnam(Vizag), Andhra Pradesh, India

Araku

Araku Valley, Valley is an unexplored valley which is located roughly 120 kilometers away from Vizag. You may prefer to take a train from Vizag to Araku or Borra Caves. There is only one train from Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley , that is Vizag- Kirendul Passenger Train. Hence there is only one sleeper bogie attached to it. Rest all Coaches are general class. If you do not wish to travel in train you can always choose to take the Road. Exquisiteness of the Vizag to Araku railway line or the road is tantalizing, you come across many Lush Green Valleys, Waterfalls, Tunnels (only in Train Journey), and the road drive has some thrilling Hair Pin Bends giving you an adrenaline thrust.

Sri Sri Pydimamba Temple

The goddess here is considered to be the "Grama Devata" (deity who protects the city). This ancient temple is located close to the railway station and the temple is one of the major and prestigious religious attractions in the district.

Address:  There are two temples in Vizianagaram dedicated to the goddess. One is in the heart of the city and the other is near the Railway Station.

srisampath vinayagar temple

Upland Main Road is a must stop for every New vehicle in Vizag. Such is the faith that the people of the city have in this deity.

Legend
Pooja/Prayer Information
Special Prayer/ Pooja Timings
Ganapahi Homam 500-700 am
Abhishekam 700-1100 am
Vedaparayanam 430-530 pm
Relegious Discources 630-830 pm

Sarvadarshanam 530-830 pm Sri Sampath Vinayaka Swamy Temple was constructed in the year 1962 in the premises of M/s S.G.SAMBANDAM & Co. in the Asilmetta area. The purpose was to offer a place of worship for the family members and staff and also to ward off possible VASTU DOSHA of the building. Soon the local fishermen started offering prayers at the temple. while taking their ‘catch’ to the market They also started ‘DEEPARADHANA’ at this temple and started experiencing miracles in their lives.

5 years later when the Paramacharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham His Holiness Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamy reconsecrated the shrine and placed the ‘GANAPATHY YANTRAM’ with his own hands. Since then the temple became popular with devotees increasing day by day.

During the 1971 Indo - Pak war the then Admiral Krishnan of Eastern Naval Command broke 1001 Coconuts in the temple and prayed for warding off Pakistani attack on the City from the sea. Within a few days, a Pakistani Submarine Ghazi tried to attack the port city was destroyed and the city and the citizens were spared from death and destruction.

Sthalapurana

M/s S G Sambandam & Co commisioned the construction of the temple in the year 1962 and Paramacharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham His holiness Sri Chandrashekarenra Saraswathi Swamy reconsecrated the shrine and placed "Ganapathy Yanthram" with his own hands in the year 1967.
How to Reach There

The temple is located within a walking distance from the RTC COMPLEX and just a couple of kilometers from the Railway Station.
Suggested Itinerary

Full Day Itinerary Dolphins Nose, Ross Hill, RK Mission, Aquarium, Lane Of Fame, Submarine Museum, Visakha Museum, VUDA Park, Sivaji Park, Kailasgiri Park
Events and Attractions

More than 2 million devotees visit the temple annually to seek the blessings of lord. Many devotees experience miracles after praying at this temple. The temple is also immensely popular with New Vehicle Owners. Long queues of New Vehicles can be seen daily at the temple to invoke the blessings of the Lord and for Vahana Puja
There are many other people who regularly visit the temple and experience miracles. Some puja’s are booked years in advance.

Even the VIPs prefer to pray along with ordinary devotees happily here. Though the pujas are conducted during specified hours, you can visit the temple any time to have the ‘darshan’ and seek blessings of the Ganesh.  Special Homams are performed during the Vinayaka chavithi, Ugadum Shivaratri festivals.


http://www.srisampathvinayagartemple.org/

Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Temple, Visakhapatnam

In so far as Sthalapuranam of this Temple is concerned, there is no authentic information. It is learnt that Sri Kanaka Maha Lakshmi Ammavaru is the family deity of the then “Rajas of Visakhapatnam”. The locality where the idol was found is called “Burujupeta” since it was near “Buruju” of the “Fort” of the then Rajas.

According to local story, in the year 1912, the Idol of Godess Sri Kanaka Maha Lakshmi Ammavaru was taken out from the well and it was installed at the center of the road i.e., amidst the Municipal lane. The Municipal authorities, for the purpose of widening the road, have shifted the Idol from admidst the road to a corner of the road. During which period i.e., in the year 1917 the dangerous contagious disease `Plauge’ spread over the town and so many deaths occurred in Visakhapatnam village. The people of Visakhapatnam were afraid of the incident and thought the devastation was due to shifting of idol of goddess `Sri Kanaka Maha Lakshmi’ and therefore, re-erected Ammavari Idol to its original place i.e., at the center of the road as it existed now. Owing to re-erection, the `Plague’ disease was cured and normalcy was restored. With this, the villagers have a staunch belief that it is all due to miracle of Goddess., and thus from then onwards the Villagers used to worship the Goddess by peforming sevas with much devotion. Further, the people of the vicinity have strong belief that ` Sri Kanaka Maha Lakshmi Ammavaru’ is the `MOTHER OF TRUTH’ and will always bless her devotees by fulfilling their requirements. The lady devotees have staunch belief that the Goddess bless them with “Sumangali”. The devotees of Goddess bring their newly born babies to the temple and keep them at the feet of Goddess and seek blessings.

Trikalarchana Timings:

Prathakala Pooja at 05:00 a.m.
Madhyahna Pooja at 11:30 a.m.
Pradoshakala Pooja at 06:00 p.m.

Sri Varaha Lakshmi Nrushimha Swamy Temple, Simhachalam

The shrine which is dedicated to Lord Narasimha or Vishnu in the aspect of a lion is built on the top of a hill which is about 800 feet above sea level. The presiding deity here is Varaha Lakshminarasimha, combining the iconographic features of Varaha and Narasimha. The image resembles a Shivalingam covered with sandalwood paste. Legend has it that the Ugra form of Narasimha as he killed the demon Hiranyakashipu was so fierce that the image is kept covered by sandalwood paste throughout the year. It is only once a year, during the Chandana Visarjana in May that the sandalwood paste is removed. This day is considered to be especially sacred, and people visit the shrine to have Darshan of the Lord on this day.

Lord Siva assumed the shape of bird or Sarabha and pacified Lord Narasimha. The consecration of this image of the Lord in this form is said to destroy enemies, secure success in battles, cure all ailments and procure every good. One of the pillars in the Mukhamantapa of the temple is named Kappam Stambham or the pillar of tribute. This attracts a large number of pilgrims, since the popular belief is that the pillar has the power of curing barrenness among women and cattle disease.
Noteworthy features of the temple: This temple boasts of a beautiful stone chariot drawn by horses. The Kalyana Mandapa within the temple has 16 pillars with bas reliefs depicting the incarnations of Vishnu. Narasimha, the man lion incarnation of Vishnu, is seen in several depictions throughout the temple.

LEGEND:
Hiranyakasipu was a Rakshasa king. He was in fact one of Vishnu's Dwarapalakas or gate keepers in Vaikuntha, Jaya and Vijaya. They had to take birth in the mortal world thrice because of a curse given by Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanathana and Sanathkumara, who were not allowed to take darshan of Mahavishnu by them. The other palaka was born as his brother Hiranyaaksha. Hiranyakasipu wanted to become immortal and hence performed austerities (tapasya) to propitiate Lord Brahma. However, Lord Brahma said that was not possible. So Hiranyakasipu asked Lord Brahma to grant him a boon so that he would not be killed by any animal or man, neither in the morning nor in the night, by any weapons, neither in the sky nor on the earth.  

Hiranyakasipu wanted the entire world to worship him. But, Prahalada, his son, was a devotee of Lord Narayana and always expressed his bhakti towards Him. Inspite of warning him several times, Hiranyakasipu could not alter Prahlada's devotion. This made Hiranyakasipu angry and he made numerous attempts to get Prahlada killed. One of them was to throw him off the top of a mountain. However, Vishnu rescued him by moving the mountain and made a small path for Prahaladha. It is said that in the place where the Lord stood to protect Prahaladha is the place where the temple is built.

Reaching Simhachalam                                                                                                     

One can reach Simhachalam from almost any where in Vizag. If you get down at the Waltair Railway Station, you can visit Simhachalam by Bus ( 6A ) or hire a Cab.

Busses numbered 6A and 40 start from the Dwaraka Bus Station ( APSRTC Complex ).

If starting from Gajuwaka, you can get Bus numbered 55. And if you want to start from Maddilipalem, get the bus numbered 540.

If you like to have a more comfortable journey, hiring a cab is always a good idea.