Thursday, March 17, 2011

THOTLAKONDA BUDDHIST COMPLEX ,VISAKHAPATNAM,ANDHRA PRADESH


























  • Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex is located at a distance of 16 KM from Visakhapatnam city on the beautiful beach road connecting Visakhapatnam and the historic town of Bheemli.

  •  Located at a height of 128 meters on a hill top near the village Mangamaripeta, this complex was first discovered by an aerial survey by Indian Navy. 
                     
                                           
  • Excavation of the place done during years 1988 to 1992. This complex was active between the year 200 BC and 200 AD. 

  • This place was inside the Kalinga region which was instrumental in promoting Buddhism to Sri Lanka, Burma and many other places.
                           
                                             
  • Thotlakonda was identified as Hinayana Buddhist complex and AP tourism with the help of Viskhapatnam Urban Development Authority has taken up many development works to promote this place in tourism map of Andhra Pradesh.

  • Welcome gate by the side of the beach road with an entry fee and good tar road at the top of the hill is constructed by the local body.