India >> South Zone >> Andhra Pradesh >> Visakhapatnam
About Visakhapatnam Vishakhapatnam, popularly known as Vizag, is the second largest city in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is a bustling industrial and naval port and is Andhra’s Jewel on the Bay of Bengal with the nation’s largest ship - building yard, the longest metalled beach and the world's highest broad gauge railway track. It also has a giant steel plant and a large fertilizer factory. It is rich in agriculture and has vast deposits of minerals.
| Area: | 78.33 sq km
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| Best Time to Visit: | October to April
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| Climate: | Located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, Vishakhapatnam has a typical coastal climate.
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| Main Languages: | Telugu, Hindi and English
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| Population: | Approximately 20 Lakhs
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| Temperature: | Summer - Max: 39 Min: 28
Winter - Max: 29 Min: 19
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Other Attractions In & Around
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Bavikonda
About 15 kms. from Vishakhapatnam town along the beach road leading to Bheemunipatnam (Bhimli) is the hill acquiring the name Bavikonda due to the existence of wells on the hill to collect rainwater for drinking purpose. It is also considered to be one of the oldest and sacred Buddhist centres in Asia.
The artifacts recovered here include Roman coins and Satavahana coins apart from pottery dating back to the 3rd century BC to the 2nd century AD. Bavikonda is considered by many to be one of the oldest and most sacred Buddhist centres in Asia. Today, the remnants of this ancient site are a testimony to the Buddhist civilisation that once thrived in southern India.With a series of hills cleverly carved into stupas, this site is very similar to Borobudur, Indonesia.. Excavations : Excavations on the hill-top brought to light an extensive Buddhist establishment consisting of a Mahachaitya, stupas, chaityagrihas, a congregation hall, platforms, viharas, kitchen-cum-store complex, pottery, relic caskets, tiles, stuccos, iron objects, moulded bricks, coins etc.
During the conservation work of Mahachaitya five receptacles containing silver and gold caskets were recovered from inner brick course of the anda at diagonal points exactly facing the ayaka platforms. Location : About 15 kms. from Vishakhapatnam. TOP
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Salihundam
Once known as meaning rice emporium, this little village is situated on the south bank of River Vamsadhara in Srikakulam district. But many called it Salyapetika meaning box of bones or relics as many monuments and images belonging to the later Buddhist period were found.
The little village of Salihundam is located at a distance of 5 kms. to the west of old seaport town of Kalingapatnam.
Some of the monuments and images at Salihundam belong to the later Buddhist period except a few brick remains, which seem to be little older.. Monuments and Antiquities : Maha Stupa, Chaityagriha, Maha Vihara, structural temples and Vajrayana images. History : The site was first discovered by Late Rao Saheb Gidugu Venkata Rama Murthy Pantulu in 1919 AD and later it was excavated by A.H. Longhurst, T.N. Ramachandran and R. Subrahmanyan (Report published).
During excavations relic caskets, four stupas, a chaityagriha and a number of sculptures reflecting the three phases of Buddhism - Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana were found dating back to about 2nd century B.C. to 12th century A.D. Importance : This village assumed archaeological importance owing to the existence of ancient monuments. There are a number of Buddhist stupas and a huge monastic complex on a hillock amidst scenic surroundings. You can see mahastupa, votive stupas, platforms and viharas.
The Buddhist stupas recently excavated reveal the importance of this place in the bygone days. There's distinct evidence of the presence of the 'Vajrayana cult'. The statues of 'Tara' and 'Marichi' were discovered at this site and from here Buddhism spread to Sumatra and other far-eastern countries.
The Archaeological Department is taking all measures to preserve these monuments, which are of great value. TOP
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Sankaram
Situated about 40 kms. from Vishakhapatnam sankaram village is of archaeological interest and has many Buddhist relics, including a life - size statue of Buddha.
The Buddhist ruins are located on the contiguous hills locally known as Bojjanakonda and Lingalametta about 3 kms. to the north of Anakapalle railway station. They consist of numerous monolithic dagobas, caves and structural buildings.. Significance : It is an ancient Buddhist site. One can see many monolithic stupas offering a glimpse at the Buddhist history of this region. Location : About 40 kms. from Vishakhapatnam Monuments and Antiquities : During excavation several antiquities like the seals, inscribed tablets, pots, and copper coins of 7th century AD were found. A significant find is the gold coin of Samudragupta of the 4th century AD.
Sankaram has numerous rock-cut caves buildings and images of Buddha and non-tantric form of Hariti. There are a few plain and small caves on the same hillock, which formed the Viharas (Shelters) for the teachers, monks and students.
This place has an array of Buddhist constructions made of stone.
These constructions are believed to be made during Mahayana period. The hills - Bojjanakonda and Lingalakonda have a monastery, numerous rock- cut stupas and sanctuaries cut into the sides of the hill with Buddha images and Viharas. The main stupa was first carved out of rock and then encased in bricks. TOP
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