Silathoranam - Hill Station - Andhra Pradesh
The remnants of Nature are always precious for archaeologists and historians. It is an amusing sight for lovers of vast landscapes. The natural rock formations also have a strong connection with mythological concepts.
The state government is in charge of this rare rock structure which is a National Monument. Silathoranam is less than a mile away from the famous Tirupati Temple.
'Sila' means Rock and 'Thoranam' means Arch in the Telugu language. At a height of 3 m and a width of 8 m, this rock dates to the Pre-Cambrian Era.
Geologists found this place where the rocks possess a thin link with each in the 1980s.
However, the rock is 1.5 billion years old. Eparchean Unconformity (rare geological fault) is the term for describing unimaginable extreme corrosion due to various climatic changes.
The mythological population believes Silathoranam was Lord Venkateshwara's first way to Tirupathi. The structure of the rock with discus, arch, and conch of Lord Venkateshwara support their theory.
Highlights:
There are only two other sites in the world to have undergone Eparchean Unconformity.
In the United Kingdom, the rock cuts through the cape of Dalradian Quartzite.
The second site is in the USA possessing the Rainbow Arch Bridge of Utah.
Sunrise, Sunset, and Full Moon make the arch seem adorable which is a definite sight to watch.
Nearest Tourist Attractions:
Srivari Museum: A place to visit to know about the religious history of this place. Photographs, sculptures, scriptures, and pooja utensils are impressive collections here.
Sri Varahaswamy Temple: Before visiting the Venkateshwara Temple, one should pray in this temple for hardcore mythological reasons.
Sri Bedi Anjaneyar Temple: Those who love Anjaneya (Lord Hanuman) will love this place for hearing the story of Lord Hanuman and his mother.
Best Time To Visit:
From September to February, the place has moderate to high intermittent rainfall. Rush during the September month is high due to Brahmotsavam Festival and Monsoon makes the Kapila Teertham Waterfalls look beautiful. Winter is the best time to visit this place, from November to February. From October to January, Talakona Falls poses its best while Dussehra and Navratri are important festivals to attend. From March to June, the temperature can rise above 42 degrees Celsius.
Way to Reach:
By Air - The nearest international airport is in Chennai and it takes around 4-5 hours to reach Tirupathi. The nearest Domestic Airport is in Renigunta 15 km away from Tirupathi. Silathoranam is 1 kilometer away from Tirupathi.
By Rail - Tirupati Main, Renigunta, and Anantarajupet are connected to major cities of India by Superfast Trains and Expresses.
By Road - Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu are well connected well to this place.