Simhachalam

One of the "richest" deities in those parts is the Varaha Lakshminarasimha Swamy standing atop of the verdant Simhachalam Hill, just 16 km from Visakhapatnam. The deity portraying "Ugra Narasimha" is constantly covered with sandalwood paste, giving it the appearance of a Shiva Linga. During the Chandanotsavam in April-May, the mound of sandalwood paste is broken up and devotees can have a glimpse of the deity in all its majesty ("Nijaroopa darshanam"). It is believed that when the deity is stripped of all the chandan paste, it is the hottest day in that part of the state. Though Simhachalam is very close to Visakhapatnam, there are Choultries to stay in serene surroundings.