Tourist Places in Amaravathi

There are a number of tourist places in Amaravathi. Amaravathi is a place one of the important Buddhist site located near the ancient Satavahana capital, Dhanyakataka. This place was once the ancient capital of Satavahanas. Also it was one of the four renowned Buddhist centres of learning in the whole India.

This main site of Buddhism is 65 kilometers on the south-west of Vijayawada. It gave an impetus to art, architecture and trade as well as facilitated the spread of Buddhism on the east coast. It is very significant ancient Buddhist centre as well as the former capital of Andhras.

Previously this shrine was dedicated to Hinayana sect, but later under Nagarjuna was changed into a Mahayana sanctuary, where Buddha was well-regarded as Amareswara. A representative of Emperor Asoka, who went to spread Buddhism in this region, laid the foundation of the great stupa at Amaravati.

Dome of the foundation is now missing, but it is supposed that it had been built with large sized bricks. Its present height is 1.55 meter sand witha diameter of 49.30 meters. There is a stupa, which have the largest marble-surfaced dome in the whole world. It is decorated with rich carvings and depicts the different incidences from Buddha's life.

Generally the Mahastupa is well-known as 'Deepaladinne' or 'Mound of Lamps'. There are pieces of 2000 years old stupa, which include grass hump and a few stones. The Archaeological Museum here have a colection of panels, broken, railings and sculptures of the Bodhi Tree, charkas, pottery, coins, bangles and terracotta.

Chandavaram

Chandavaram is a Buddhist site and it is 150 kilometers from Vijayawada city. Its speciality is unique double terraced stupa on top of a hillock called Singarakonda, means a beautiful hillock. It is only place of its type in South India with more than 30 carved limestone panels adding beauty to the dome of the stupa.

Guntapalli

Guntapalli is also a beautiful Buddhist site and it is located 85 kilometsr away from Vijayawada city. It lies in valley, which has a horseshoe shape and it have rock-cut chaityas, votive stupas and viharas. Dignaga, who was the great Buddhist logician, supposed to have lived in this ashram.

Sankaram

Sankaram is located 41 kilometrs from Visakhapatnam city. Here one can easily visit to many monolithic votive stupas, brick-built structural edifices and early historic pottery. Satavahana coins since 1st century are also available here.

Salihundam

Salihundam is located on the right bank of the river Vamsadhara, about 116 kilometers from Visakhapatnam city. There are many Buddhist stupas as well as a huge monastic complex on a hillock with a beautiful surroundings. Here the statue of Tara and Marichi were discovered. Buddhism spread to Sumatra and other Far-Eastern countries from this place only.