The Hindu pilgrim centre, Simhachalam with enchanting scenic beauty is situated about 16km from Visakhapatnam. The 11th century temple dedicated to Sri Varaha Narasimha (man lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu) is situated at the top of the Simhachalam range of hills popularly called the 'Hill of the Lion Lord'. The temple built by King Sri Krishna Devaraya is a marvel of architecture with a square shrine surmounted by a high tower, a portico in front with a small tower, a beautifully-carved l6-pillared Natya mantapa facing the portico and an enclosed varandah, all made of dark granite.

The shrine has inscriptions dating back to 1098 AD on its walls. Here, the idol of the presiding deity is always kept covered with sandal paste giving the appearance of a sandal wood Shiva Linga. The actual form of the deity in the tribhanga posture (i.e two hands with the head of a lion on a human torso) can be viewed only during the 'Chandanotsavam' alias 'Chandana Yatra' festival held in

March- April, every year which attracts thousands of devotees from all over the country. Other festivals celebrated here are the kalyanam of Varaha Lakshminarasimha (March-April) and Visakha Poornima (May).