Silathoranam Natural Arch
శిలాతోరణం
A rare natural quartzite arch on Tirumala hill, listed as a national geological monument and linked to legends about the deity.
Silathoranam is about 8 meters long and 3 meters high. It was formed by weathering and erosion of Proterozoic quartzite some 1.5 billion years old. It is one of the few natural arches in India, and the Geological Survey of India has designated it a national geological monument. Devotees believe the shape of the arch resembles the conch and discus of the main deity in the temple. A small garden and walking paths surround the arch. It is about 1 kilometer from the temple and can be reached on foot or by the free hill bus. Allow about half an hour for the visit.
Opening hours
About 06:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Sri Venkateswara Museum, Tirumala
- Tirumala Venkateswara Temple
- Srivari Padalu
- Sri Japali Hanuman Temple
- Akasa Ganga Theertham
- Papavinasam Theertham
- Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park
- Alipiri Footpath (Alipiri Mettu)