Silathoranam or Rock Garden

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India /Andhra Pradesh /Chittoor /Tirupati

Silathoranam is located about 1 km north of the Sri Venkateswara Temple, near the Chakra Teertham at Tirumala. Edit

Detail InformationEdit

Silathoranam or Rock Garden, Sila Thoranam, a naturally formed arch of rock is a distinctive geological wonder. The Arch is also called Silathoranam in local language (Telugu language: “Sila” means ‘rock’ and “thoranam” means a garland strung over a threshold, connecting two vertical columns or an ‘arch’ as in this case). Since the rock look likes and appears to be the hood of a serpent, a conch and a discus, it is conceived that this source is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara idol. The arch measures 8 m (26.2 ft) in width and 3 m (9.8 ft) in height, and the Geologists have identified the rocks on the hill as pre-Cambrian, and this arch formation suggests an antiquity of several million years to the Tirumala hill.
Reputed as the only one of its kind in Asia, it is believed to be several million years old. It is said that there are only two other sites like this in the entire world itself. The other two are the one that cuts through the headland of the Dalradian Quartzite in Ukand and the Rainbow Arch Bridge of Utah in USA .

Silathoranam or Rock Garden

HistoryEdit

In the 1980s, during excavations for a geological fault in the Tirumala hills, geologists found this rare geological formation of the rock arch which has two dissimilar sets of rocks with a connecting thin link. The assessed geological age of the rock arch is 1.5 billion years. Formation of the arch is attributed to intensified weathering and erosion of stream action that has withstood the torque of nature. This is a rare geological fault which is technically called in the geological idiom as ‘eparchian unconformity’.

Must SeeEdit

Popular

Visiting TimeEdit

N.A.

Closed OnEdit

N.A.

Best Season to VisitEdit

September to March.

Best Time To VisitEdit

Morning, Afternoon, Evening.

Time Required for SightseeingEdit

1 to 2 hours.

Ticket Required : No Edit

Individual National Adult Rs. : N.A.

Kids Rs. : N.A.

Individual Foreigner Adult Rs. : N.A.

Kids Rs. : N.A.

Still Photo Camera Rs. : N.A.

Video Camera Rs. : N.A.

Guide Required : No Edit

Approximate cost: N.A.

Dress Code (If Any) : No Edit

Dress Require: N.A.

Restaurants NearbyAdd / Edit

Hyderabad House ; Yalamuri Complex, Tuda Road | Besides Vasan Eye Care, Tirupati 517501, India ; Ph/M – 0877-2223324/25/26 ; Food Serve – Asian, Chinese, Indian, Vegetarian

How to ReachEdit

Taxi : Taxis are also available here.

Bus : APSRTC buses connect all towns in Andhra Pradesh with Tirupati. Tamil Nadu public transport corporation buses connect many cities in the state with Tirupati. KSRTC buses connect many cities in Karnataka with this holy city. The city has a wide network of inter state and inter city buses. Bus stops can be found all over the city from where you can catch a bus to your desired location.

Train : Tirupati Main is a major railway station and has five platforms and presently undergoing modernization. Tirupati is well connected to major cities across India especially Chennai, Bangalore, Kochi, Quilon, Trivandrum and Hyderabad. It is also connected by Chennai sub-urban railways in North-western line. Renigunta junction which lies on the busy Chennai – Mumbai rail corridor, is 15 km away from Tirupati city. Tirupati is starting point of many trains including, Tirupati-H. Nizammudin AP sampark kranti express, Hari priya express, Narayanadri express, Venkadadri express, Rayalaseema express. Recently, a double decker intercity express was introduced between Tirupati and Kacheguda.

Air : Tirupati Airport is located 15 km from the city center and has flights to Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, New Delhi. Additionally the airport offers flights to Coimbatore, Kolkata, Mumbai. The closest international airport is located in Chennai, (Chennai International Airport) which is 130 km (81 mi) from Tirupati. The Tirupati airport is not yet upgraded to an International airport.

Others : By Autorickshaw : Autos can easily be hailed from the streets. However the former is more expensive as compared to the latter.

By Foot : Tirupati is comparatively a small city, just 16 km, and some of its areas can be easily explored on foot. In fact the religious temples and some other holy places can only be explored on foot.

Things to CarryEdit

Carry Extra locks for your vehicle as well as rooms.

Safety / WarningEdit

Do not Wear inappropriate clothing.
Do not Consume alcohol.
Do not Eat Meat, Egg and Fish (non-vegetarian food) Considered as Meat in Hindu religion.
Do not Wear flowers – all flowers are for the Lord only.
Do not Spit or litter or create any kind of nuisance.
Before purchasing any product confirm the price from local people.