Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex

Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex is an ancient Buddhist settlement on a hilltop about 15 km from Visakhapatnam city, overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Dating from the 2nd century BCE to 2nd century CE, it was a Hinayana Buddhist monastery and was discovered in 1976 during an aerial survey. The site contains stupas, chaityas, viharas, votive stupas and rock-cut cisterns spread over the hill.

Visitors can expect a hilltop archaeological park with exposed ruins of a Buddhist monastery complex. The site includes a large Mahastupa, numerous votive stupas, pillared congregation halls, vihara cells, chaitya-grihas, stone pathways and rock-cut water cisterns. The complex is set on a hill about 128 metres above sea level with panoramic views of the coastline and Bay of Bengal. Areas are open-air with information boards and uneven stone surfaces to explore on foot.