Sila Thoranam Tirumala
A rare natural rock arch, Sila Thoranam is a geological marvel and a sacred site in Tirumala, blending nature's artistry with spiritual legends.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Serene atmosphere
Sila Thoranam Tirumala
Best Time
Serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rare natural rock arch, Sila Thoranam is a geological marvel and a sacred site in Tirumala, blending nature's artistry with spiritual legends.
"A quiet yet fascinating spot, adding a different flavor to the otherwise spiritually focused tour."
🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You might do a short, moderate trek. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the area. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Carry Water & Snacks
While not a long visit, having water and snacks is always a good idea, especially during warmer months.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Natural Rock Arch
Main formation
A rare, naturally formed stone arch, a geological wonder and a symbol of divine significance.
Spiritual Symbolism
Around the arch
Resembles divine symbols like a serpent's hood, conch, and chakra, adding to its sacred aura.
Peaceful Garden Setting
Surrounding area
A well-maintained garden offers a tranquil environment for reflection and photography.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Geological Marvel Meets Spiritual Site
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You might do a short, moderate trek. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the area. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Carry Water & Snacks
While not a long visit, having water and snacks is always a good idea, especially during warmer months.
📸 Perfect for Photography
The blend of natural beauty and spiritual ambiance makes it a great spot for memorable photos. :camerawithflash:
⏳ Quick Stop, Big Impact
This isn't a place to spend hours, but its unique nature makes it a worthwhile quick stop.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You might do a short, moderate trek. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the area. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Carry Water & Snacks
While not a long visit, having water and snacks is always a good idea, especially during warmer months.
📸 Perfect for Photography
The blend of natural beauty and spiritual ambiance makes it a great spot for memorable photos. :camerawithflash:
⏳ Quick Stop, Big Impact
This isn't a place to spend hours, but its unique nature makes it a worthwhile quick stop.
🙏 Respect the Site
Remember to respect the natural and cultural significance of this sacred and geological wonder.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Sila Thoranam to be a unique and fascinating natural rock arch, appreciated for both its geological wonder and spiritual significance. While not a large attraction, its peaceful garden setting and intriguing legends make it a worthwhile stop for those exploring Tirumala. Some note that the formation appears a bit worn with time, but its rarity and beauty are consistently praised.
"Silathoranam was another stop in the 9-places package tour I took in Tirumala. This natural rock formation is quite unique—it’s a naturally formed stone arch and is considered a geological wonder. It's also believed to have spiritual relevance, as its shape resembles the deity's Shankha and Chakra.
The site is peaceful and surrounded by greenery, making it a pleasant place to walk around and click some nice pictures. It’s not a large area, so the visit doesn’t take much time, but it’s definitely worth a quick stop, especially if you appreciate nature and history together.
A quiet yet fascinating spot, adding a different flavor to the otherwise spiritually focused tour."
Jagankumar E
"I visited Silathoranam as part of a multi-temple trip on Tirumala Hill. This unique site features a naturally formed stone arch. It's considered geologically and spiritually significant, though the formation is not in the best condition currently and appears a bit worn with time. The area is surrounded by various rock formations, adding to its natural charm. There's also a small temple nearby and a few animals around, making it an interesting stop for families and nature lovers alike.
For those interested in photography, Silathoranam offers plenty of scenic spots. The blend of natural beauty, rock textures, and spiritual ambiance makes it a perfect place to capture memorable pictures"
Santosh Kumar Yerramsetti
"Shilatornam (correctly, Silathoranam) is a unique natural stone arch located about 1 km north of the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala. It is a rare geological formation, estimated to be around 1.5 billion years old, created by natural weathering and erosion, and is recognized as a National Geo-heritage Monument.
The name combines Telugu words for "rock" (sila) and "garland/arch" (thoranam), referring to how this stone arch resembles a garland strung between two columns.
The arch is around 8 meters wide and 3 meters high.
It is one of only three such natural rock arches in the world, with the others being in the USA and the UK.
Religious and Mythological Importance:
Legends associate Silathoranam with Lord Venkateswara. One version says that the deity’s idol in the Tirumala temple is of the same height as the arch.
Another local belief says Lord Vishnu, as Venkateswara, put his first step at Sreevaripadalu (the highest point of Tirumala hills), the second step at Silathoranam, and the next at the sanctum where the idol is now worshipped.
The arch’s shape is also said to resemble divine symbols like a serpent’s hood, a conch, and a chakra.
Visiting information:
Silathoranam is close to Srivari Paadalu and Chakra Teertham.
It is accessible by road, and a small garden surrounds the site, offering a peaceful and scenic visiting experience.
Silathoranam is celebrated both for its natural geological wonder and its spiritual significance to devotees visiting Tirumala."
Avantika Prayag
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sila Thoranam is located about 1 km north of the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala. It's accessible by road and is often included in local package tours. You can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw from the main temple area.
Yes, many visitors report visiting Sila Thoranam as part of a multi-temple or 9-places package tour in Tirumala, making it convenient to access.
From Tirupati town, you'll first need to take a bus or taxi up to Tirumala. Once in Tirumala, you can then arrange local transport like an auto-rickshaw or taxi to reach Sila Thoranam.
Sila Thoranam is located near Srivari Paadalu (the highest point of Tirumala hills) and Chakra Teertham, making it easy to combine visits.
While it's about 1 km north of the main temple, walking might be an option for some, but local transport is generally recommended for ease, especially if you plan to visit other nearby sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no entry fee to visit Sila Thoranam. It's a natural site open for public viewing.
Sila Thoranam is typically open from 7 AM to 7 PM daily, allowing visitors to experience it during daylight hours.
Most sources indicate that there is no admission fee for Sila Thoranam, making it a free attraction.
Yes, Sila Thoranam is accessible year-round, though it's advisable to check local weather conditions, especially during monsoon season.
Photography is generally allowed at Sila Thoranam, and many visitors capture its unique beauty. However, always be mindful of any posted signs or local customs.
📸 📸 Photography
The natural arch itself is the main subject, but the surrounding garden and rock formations also offer great photographic opportunities. The golden hour light in the late afternoon can be particularly beautiful.
Absolutely! The unique geological formation, combined with the greenery and peaceful ambiance, makes it an excellent location for nature photography.
Early morning or late afternoon are ideal for photography. The soft light enhances the textures of the rock and creates a more serene atmosphere.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with local authorities or temple management before flying a drone in the Tirumala area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the arch and its surroundings. A standard zoom lens will also be versatile. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions if visiting during dawn or dusk.
🎫 🌟 Spiritual & Geological Significance
Geologists estimate the age of the Sila Thoranam arch to be around 1.5 billion years old, making it a significant geological formation.
'Sila' means 'rock' and 'Thoranam' means 'arch' or 'garland' in Telugu, referring to its appearance as a rock arch.
Sila Thoranam is considered one of only three such natural rock arches globally, with the other two located in the USA and the UK.
Legends associate it with Lord Venkateswara, with beliefs that the idol's height matches the arch, or that it marks one of the deity's divine footsteps. Its shape also resembles divine symbols.
Yes, due to its mythological associations and resemblance to divine symbols, Sila Thoranam is considered a sacred site by many devotees visiting Tirumala.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🧘 Spiritual Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geological Marvel of Sila Thoranam
The arch itself is approximately 8 meters wide and 3 meters high, a scale that allows visitors to appreciate the power of natural erosion and weathering. The surrounding area also features various rock formations, adding to the site's natural charm and making it a fascinating spot for nature enthusiasts.
While its geological significance is undeniable, the site is also a peaceful place to visit. The presence of a small garden and the natural beauty create a serene environment, offering a different perspective from the bustling temple complex.
Spiritual Significance and Local Legends
The shape of the arch itself is often interpreted as resembling divine symbols such as a serpent's hood, a conch (Shankha), and a discus (Chakra), all sacred to Lord Vishnu.
Many visitors find the site to be a quiet yet fascinating stop, adding a different dimension to their spiritual journey in Tirumala. It's a place where one can reflect on both the grandeur of nature and the depth of faith.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit