Ghantasala Buddhist Stupa

Ghantasala Buddhist Stupa is an ancient Mahachaitya located in Ghantasala village, Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh. Dating from the 2nd century BCE to 3rd century CE during the Satavahana and Ikshvaku periods, it is one of the earliest Buddhist sites in South India. Excavated in the 19th and 20th centuries, the site revealed a large brick stupa, sculpted limestone panels, relic caskets and inscriptions indicating its importance as a major Buddhist centre.

Visitors can expect an open-air archaeological site with the brick remains of a large ancient stupa, including the circular drum, foundation and reconstructed portions. The site is set in a flat rural village landscape with information boards explaining the layout. Sculpted limestone panels and carvings originally from the stupa are displayed at the nearby Archaeological Museum. The area is quiet and primarily for sightseeing, photography and learning about early Buddhist architecture.