Penchalakona is a small village and Hindu pilgrimage centre in Rapur mandal, Nellore district, about 70 km west of Nellore by the usual estimate. It sits at roughly 900 m in the Eastern Ghats, in forest that forms part of the Sri Penusila Narasimha Wildlife Sanctuary. Its temple to Lakshmi Narasimha is the reason most people come; it is a Swayambhu shrine where the deity is worshipped as a huge rock, and the name Penusila means big rock.
The valley is also linked to the sage Kanva, whose name survives in the river Kanva Nadi, later Kandaleru, and to the Chenchu Lakshmi legend, in which the goddess is born as the daughter of a forest chieftain. Tribal heritage is part of the place, and in 2015 a Girijan Utsav was proposed at the hill shrine.
There is little to do beyond the temple, a forest walk of about 40 to 60 minutes to a waterfall and the drive itself, so most visitors make it a half-day or full-day trip from Nellore. Accommodation is limited, with basic pilgrim lodging, and facilities such as ATMs are scarce. It suits quiet travellers who like forest air and short walks, not those seeking big-ticket sights.
Before you plan
Penchalakona at a glance
- Best months
- October to February is the most…October to February is the most comfortable; July to September has the strongest waterfall but slippery paths; April to June is hot
- Ideal trip length
- A half-day or full-day tripA half-day or full-day trip; overnight only if you want a quiet pilgrimage stay
- Airport
- TirupatiTirupati (Renigunta) Airport (TIR), about 100 km away by road
- Railway station
- NelloreNellore (NLR), about 80 km away; it is the nearest main railhead
- Getting around
- A hired car from Nellore or Rapur is…A hired car from Nellore or Rapur is easiest. Buses run to Rapur and nearby towns; the last leg usually needs a taxi.
- Daily budget
- Roughly ₹1,000-₹2,500 per person per…Roughly ₹1,000-₹2,500 per person per day excluding hotel, mainly for a hired car, simple meals and offerings; varies with the vehicle
- Senior comfort
- Moderate: darshan is manageableModerate: darshan is manageable, the road winds, facilities are basic, and the waterfall trek is not suitable for stiff knees
- Language
- TeluguTelugu; Hindi and some English are understood at the temple and in larger towns
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Penchalakona: January, February, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Penchalakona itinerary
One good day
1 day in Penchalakona
Leave Nellore early and reach Penchalakona by mid-morning. Take darshan at the Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple first, then, if you are fit, walk the 40 to 60 minute trail to the waterfall, starting behind the Anjaneya shrine. Return by early afternoon, eat a simple meal, and visit Kandaleru Dam on the way back if you have time.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Penchalakona
Arrive in the afternoon, check in to simple pilgrim lodging and visit the temple in the evening when the air is cool.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Penchalakona
Reach Penchalakona by afternoon and spend the evening at the temple.
Day-by-day plan →
