Thotlakonda & Bavikonda

On your Andhra Pradesh tour, if you wish to add a touch of historical and cultural charm, visit the hills of Thotlakonda and Bavikonda, located about 15 km from Visakhapatnam city. These are ancient Buddhist sites that attract tourists and scholars from far and wide. The hills are home to remarkable archaeological remains that were discovered during an aerial survey conducted by the Indian Navy over Vizag Port. These similarly positioned hillocks overlook the enchanting Bay of Bengal, offering both scenic beauty and historical significance.

Thotlakonda

The word Thotlakonda in Telugu means ‘the hill in the shape of an eagle’s head’. The scenic Thotlakonda hills are dotted with ancient Buddhist structures such as stupas, chaityagrihas, pillared congregation halls, viharas with monks’ cells, bhandagaras (storerooms), a bhojanshala (refectory), parts of a well-planned drainage system, stone pathways, and large water reservoirs. The entrance gate to the hill is built in a traditional Buddhist architectural style.

As you reach the hilltop, you come face to face with well-preserved ancient ruins. The Buddhist complex on the hill encompasses the remains of an ancient monastery and an advanced centre of learning. Visitors can explore meditation halls within the complex, which were designed in a manner that ensured minimal disturbance from external noise, creating a serene atmosphere for monks.

Archaeological explorations at the site have revealed several artefacts such as various types of pottery, beads, tiles, bangle fragments, stucco pieces, moulded bricks, coins, inscriptions, iron objects, and sculptural remains, highlighting the site’s historical importance.

Bavikonda

The term Bavikonda in Telugu means ‘a hill of wells’. It is one of the oldest Buddhist sites in Asia and is well known for its large circular tanks or wells, which were once used for water storage and for dyeing monks’ robes. From this hill, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape along with fascinating Buddhist ruins spread across vast stretches of land. According to historical records, Bavikonda was once an important centre of learning for Hinayana Buddhism, which flourished here between the 3rd century BC and the 3rd century AD.

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