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Photo: Bhaskaranaidu, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
This is an architectural splendour, although some of the sculptures were defaced during the Islamic invasions. The temple inscriptions date the earliest donors to the 10th-11th centuries. The exact date of construction is unknown. It is 15 km from the city and is dedicated to the Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu, which is his half-man, half-lion avatar. The temple bears reference to the Chola and Chalukya styles of architecture.
Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Simhachalam, is a Hindu temple situated on the Simhachalam Hill Range, which is 300 metres above the sea level in the city of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped there as Varaha Narasimha. As per the temple's legend, Vishnu manifested in this form after saving his devotee Prahlada from a murder attempt by the latter's father Hiranyakashipu. Except on Akshaya Tritiya, the idol of Varaha Narasimha is covered with sandalwood paste throughout the year, which makes it resemble a linga. The temple was built in Kalingan architecture styles and stands unique in the historical region of Kalinga. The present temple was built by Eastern Ganga dynasty king Narasingha Deva I in the 13th century and consecrated by his son Bhanudeva I in 1268 AD. The temple was built by Akthayi Senapati, on the command of Narasingha Deva I.
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A gorgeous nature preserve that many people in Vizag itself seem to be unaware of. Kambalakonda is uncrowded and peaceful and within 20-25 minutes drive from the city centre. A nominal entrance fee of ₹10 is charged per adult. The greenery, the hiking trail and the fantastic view of the ocean from the rather flimsy viewing tower give a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
A summer residential palace of the royal family of Jeypore, and one of the most iconic historical buildings of the city. The palace is made of stone with twin octagonal projections on either side. The wooden windows are framed by segmented arched openings and the high Madras roofing within the halls are extensively employed by Burma teak to ensure cool comfort during the scorching hot summers of the coast. The main structure has semi-circular arched verandas and the rectangular wooden windows in the central porch with ventilators leading into the palace. The building has sixteen rooms and a massive hall that hosted dinners and parties for guests.
A house built by Monsieur Ross in 1864, later converted into a Mother Mary's Church. The pathway to the shrine is strewn with Catholic icons.