Simhachalam is a place of pilgrimage in Visakhapatnam mandal.  It is situated on the Simhachalam range of hills about 16 km. from Visakhapatnam.

The Simhachalam temple, the incarnation of Vishnu is  the most  famous, the richest and the best sculptured shrine.  The word Simhachalam etymologically means the hill of the lion.

The temple of Varaha Lakshminarasimha is situated on the hill which is 244 meters above the sea level.  The way up to the temple runs through the glen covered with pineapple fields besides mango, jack and other fruit trees.  

Architecturally this ancient temple deserves high praise.  It contains a square shrine surmounted by a high tower, a portico in front with a small tower, a square sixteen pillared mandapam facing the portico and an enclosed verandah, all made of dark granite.  All these are richly and delicately carved with conventional and floral ornaments and scenes from the Vaishnavite puranas.  One of the pillars locally known as the Kappa stambam is believed to possess great curative powers.  There is a stone car with stone wheels and prancing stone horses.

The image of the diety is small and always kept covered with sandal paste   In May every year  the sandal paste is removed ceremonially at the festival called chandana yatra which  attracts  thousands of people all over the country especially from surrounding areas of Orissa state.  

On the north side of the temple there is an excellent Natya mandapam where Kalyanotsavam is performed.  This mandapam is supported by 96 pillars of black stone, exquisitely carved and arranged in sixteen rows of six each.