Kotappakonda, also called Trikóta Hills, is a sacred hill-temple site in Andhra Pradesh. The main temple is the Sri Trikoteswara Swamy Temple located atop one of the three peaks of the hill.
It is in the Palnadu district (earlier in Guntur-region) of Andhra Pradesh, near the town of Narasaraopet (sometimes spelled Narasaraopeta) and not far from larger cities like Vijayawada.
The temple is important in Shaivism (worship of Lord Shiva) and draws many pilgrims, especially during the major festival of Maha Shivaratri.
The temple has a unique significance because of its association with Lord Narasimha, who is worshiped here for protection, strength, and spiritual blessings. Devotees believe that offering prayers at Kotappakonda can remove obstacles in life and bring prosperity.
Udayasthamana Seva 2025,Booking,Rules & Cost
Significance of Kotappakonda Temple
Kotappakonda is famous for its three hill peaks, which represent different forms of Lord Narasimha. The main deity is considered very powerful and is believed to fulfill the wishes of devotees. Every year, thousands of pilgrims climb the hill and perform rituals to receive divine blessings.
One of the most notable festivals here is Sankranti Jatara, which attracts lakhs of devotees from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. During this festival, devotees perform special sevas, offer coconuts, and participate in cultural and spiritual events organized by the temple authorities.
An Overview of Kotappakonda Temple
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Kotappakonda Temple |
| Location | Near Narasaraopet, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh |
| Deity | Lord Narasimha Swamy |
| Significance | Worship for strength, protection, and prosperity |
| Main Festivals | Sankranti Jatara, Narasimha Jayanti, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Brahmotsavam |
| General Darshan Cost | Free |
| Special Sevas Cost | ₹50 – ₹500 depending on the seva |
| Tickets | Available online and offline; recommended to book special sevas in advance |
| Dress Code | Men: Dhoti/Kurta-Pajama; Women: Saree/Half Saree/Salwar Kameez |
| Temple Timings | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM (may vary during festivals) |
| Sevas Available | Suprabhatam, Archana, Abhishekam, Kalyanotsavam, Sahasranama chanting |
| Special Facilities | Wheelchair assistance, volunteers for guidance during festivals |
| Climbing Requirement | Steps to the hill; comfortable footwear recommended |
Temple Timings for 2025
If you plan to visit, here are the current known timings for darshan (temple visit) and sevas (services) at Kotappakonda:
- The temple usually opens 6:00 AM or earlier. One source reports “Morning 5:30 AM” as a start time in some cases.
- The general opening for darshan is from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM, then a break, and again 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM on a typical day.
- For example: Morning darshan: 6:00–1:00. Break: 1:00–3:00. Evening darshan: 3:00–8:00.
- Special sevas such as Abhishekam start early (e.g., 05:30 AM) in special cases.
Distance: Vijayawada to Kotappakonda
Knowing how far Kotappakonda is from major cities helps plan your trip.
- The road distance from Vijayawada to Kotappakonda is around 85 km to 90 km, depending on the route.
- One data point shows 88.7 km road distance from Vijayawada to Kotappakonda.
- Another source gives 104 km via a certain route from Vijayawada to Kotappakonda via Narasaraopet.
So you should plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours of travel from Vijayawada to reach Kotappakonda, depending on road and traffic.
Distance: Narasaraopet to Kotappakonda
Because Narasaraopet is the nearest major town, the distance from there is useful:
- The driving distance from Narasaraopet to Kotappakonda is about 13 km (~14 minutes) by car.
- Another source says 11 km.
So if you reach Narasaraopet (by train or bus), the final leg to Kotappakonda is quite short.
Rooms / Accommodation at Kotappakonda
If you need to stay near or at Kotappakonda, here are details on accommodation:
- The temple trust has guest-houses / dharamshalas (choultries) near the hill. For example: “Anandavalli Atithigruha” has rooms with daily maintenance charge of ₹ 250 each.
- “Thotavari Satram” has 8 rooms + one dormitory, charge of ₹ 300 (and dorm ₹ 1,000) per day.
- “Nandi Guest House” has 2 rooms, charge ₹ 750 per day.
- A guide article says that online booking for these guest-houses is not yet fully available; many rooms still must be booked by phone or in-person.
If you plan to stay the night, especially during a festival or weekend, book early and check what kind of room and amenities you get.
Online Booking / Guest-House Booking
Here is how to attempt booking accommodation or darshan:
- For accommodation: The guest-house booking is handled via temple office – phone numbers given: 9849916173 and 9908771463 for the Kotappakonda temple trust.
- Online booking for accommodation is still limited. Some websites say “currently most temple guesthouses require phone or in-person booking”; full online booking still under progress.
- For darshan or sevas: As of the latest publicly available info, some sevas (abhishekams) still must be booked offline (on-site) though announcements are made for online in future.
Therefore: if you wish to stay overnight, call ahead. For darshan, make sure you check the temple’s official website or enquiries for any online slot booking
Temple Contact / Phone Number
For direct contact with the temple office (for accommodation, darshan queries etc):
- Phone numbers: 9849916173, 9908771463.
- Address: Sri Trikoteswara Swamy Temple, Narasaraopet Mandal, Kotappakonda, Guntur (Palnadu) District, Andhra Pradesh – PIN 522601.
Keep these numbers saved in your phone in case you need last-minute help or confirmation.
How to Reach & Travel Tips
Here are practical travel tips for reaching Kotappakonda:
- The nearest railway station: Narasaraopet. From there you can hire taxi or local bus to the hill (13 km approx) as noted above.
- By road: From Vijayawada, Guntur, Chilakaluripet etc. For example, the route from Chilakaluripet to Kotappakonda is about 21 km.
- It’s advised to go early morning to avoid steep climb or traffic if you are going by foot. The hill has steps and ghat road options.
- If you plan to stay overnight, avoid festival peak times (especially Maha Shivaratri) if you want less crowd and easier lodging.
Distances & Key Numbers Summary
Here are some important numerical data points relevant to your planning:
- Vijayawada → Kotappakonda: ~ 85–90 km road distance.
- Narasaraopet → Kotappakonda: ~ 11-13 km.
- Guest-house charges (example): ₹ 250/day (Anandavalli), ₹ 300/day (Thotavari), ₹ 750/day (Nandi).
- Temple opening hours: Morning ~6:00 AM, break 1:00-3:00 PM, evening ~3:00-8:00 PM.
Knowing these numbers will help you plan travel time, budget for stay, and schedule your day
Things to Do & What to Expect
When you visit Kotappakonda, here are some of the key experiences and what to expect:
- Climb / reach the hill: There are steps and a ghat road to reach the temple hilltop. The view from the hill is scenic.
- Darshan of the main temple: In the top peak (Brahma Shikharam) is the main shrine of Trikoteswara Swamy.
- Experience hillside environment: Because it is on a hill, carry water, comfortable shoes, maybe umbrella (depending on weather).
- Stay nearby: The guest-houses are simple; expect basic amenities if you stay inside the temple complex. Private hotels in nearby towns may offer more comfort.
- Best timing: The weather between September-March is cooler and better for visit. Avoid the midday heat if climbing steps or walking.
Overview Table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name of place | Kotappakonda (Sri Trikoteswara Swamy Temple) |
| State / district | Andhra Pradesh – Palnadu (earlier Guntur region) |
| Temple Timings | ~6:00 AM – 1:00 PM, then 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM (approx) |
| Distance from Vijayawada | ~85-90 km by road |
| Distance from Narasaraopet | ~11-13 km by road |
| Guest-house charges | ₹ 250/day (basic), up to ₹ 750/day in some guest houses |
| Contact Phone | 9849916173 / 9908771463 |
| Online booking status | Accommodation bookings mostly phone/in-person; darshan/seva online booking coming soon |
| Nearest railway station | Narasaraopet |
| Best months to visit | September – March (cooler weather) |
| Festival highlight | Maha Shivaratri – major pilgrimage event |
| Travel tip | Arrive early, book lodging in advance if festival time |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are the daily timings of the temple at Kotappakonda?
A: The temple generally opens around 6:00 AM for morning darshan, then breaks around 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and resumes for evening darshan till about 8:00 PM.
Q2. How far is Kotappakonda from Vijayawada?
A: It is about 85-90 km by road from Vijayawada, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and route.
Q3. How far is Kotappakonda from Narasaraopet?
A: About 11-13 km. From Narasaraopet you can take a local vehicle or bus to reach Kotappakonda.
Q4. Can I book a room inside the temple complex?
A: Yes, there are guest-houses run by the temple trust. Charges start from around ₹250/day for basic rooms. However, booking is mostly via phone or in-person at present.
Q5. Is there online booking for darshan or sevas at Kotappakonda?
A: As of now, full online booking for darshan and sevas is not fully enabled. Some sources say online booking capability is coming soon.
Q6. What is the contact number for the temple office?
A: Two numbers to note: 9849916173 and 9908771463.
Q7. What time should I arrive if I want a less crowded visit?
A: Arriving early in the morning (around opening time) is best. Also avoid the festival time unless you want large crowds.
Q8. What is the best time of year to visit?
A: September to March are ideal because weather is milder and more comfortable for hill-visits.
Q9. Do I need to climb many steps to reach the temple?
A: Yes – the temple is on a hill. There is a ghat road for vehicles but many devotees use steps. Wear comfortable footwear and be prepared.
Q10. Are private hotels available near Kotappakonda instead of staying on the hill?
A: Yes. There are guest houses and small hotels in nearby towns (like Narasaraopet) and at foot of the hill. If you want more comfort, you might stay in a nearby town and visit the temple early.