Buddhist Sites In and Around Vizag

Dating back to 2nd Century CE, Vishakapatnam or Vizag in Andhra Pradesh has been a lively base for Buddhist activities. The famous Buddhist sites in and around Vizag are known to have been part of the Kalinga territory when Emperor Ashoka won the great battle of Kalinga. The sites were perhaps developed by King Ashoka himself after embracing Buddhism. #13;Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department has been making great efforts to restore the past glory and make it presentable for tourists. With many Roman coins found and traces of good drainage facilities, these Buddhist sites are more than just religious spots. Thotlakonda, Bavikonda, Bojjannakonda, and Pavurallakonda are the famous Buddhist sites declared as heritage sites by UNESCO. Many Buddhist monks from China, Tibet and Sri Lanka are known to have come to Vishakapatnam to meditate in the name of the great Buddha. #13; Thotlakonda seems to have been a thriving centre for marine trade and religious activities. Scholars opine that Hinayana Buddhism was practiced around here... Situated about 15 km from Vishakapatnam, Thotlakonda houses maha stupa, chaitya griha and many other rock-cut structures that are categorised as religious, secular and civil by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Bavikonda, meaning the hill of wells, has many wells that were in use for rainwater harvesting. Of the many remains of Lord Buddha, a piece of bone is supposed to have been placed in the stupa here. Located about 15 km from Vishakapatnam, Bavikonda is a must visit. This place calls for high maintenance by the authorities. Surrounded by paddy fields, Bojjannakonda rock-cut caves lies on the hilltop in a village called Sankaram. An adjacent hill called Lingalakonda also houses many Buddhist relics. Located around 40 km from Vishakapatnam, Bojjannakonda was unearthed by a British archeologist, Alexander Rea. The site is at least 2000 years old. Pavurallakonda, meaning the pigeon hill, is located to the west of Bhimli and around 25 km north of Vishakapatnam. The place holds the remnants of many stupas, cisterns and rock-cut steps... Known to be one of the largest Buddhist sites in Andhra Pradesh, River Gosthani flows close by. To experience the glory of the river present and the glory of the bricks past, is totally worth it!