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The
village of Sankaram near Anakapalli, 38 km from Visakhapatnam is known
for its 3rd and 4th century Buddhist structures. Situated on two small
hillocks, 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 several Buddha images. There are a few small and simple caves on
the hillock, which formed the Viharas (shelters) for the monks and
students. The site, an archeologist’s delight has several antiquities
like the seals, inscribed tablets, pots, copper coins mostly of seventh
century AD. These were excavated a the site.
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A unique
feature of Bojjannakonda which was excavated under the aegis of
Alexander Rim in 1906, is that it shows all the three phases of
Buddhism. i.e Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana. The main attraction here
is the imposing figures of the Buddha, seated in a meditation-posture
and the stupa. The main stupa was first carved out of rock and then
encased in bricks. The hillock Lingalakonda, is located to the west of
Bojjannakonda.
Bavi Konda
Bavikonda, on the north west of Timmapuram, is about 16 km from
Vishakhapatnam along the beach road leading to Bheemunipatnam. The hill
acquired the name Bavikonda due to the existence of wells on the hill to
collect rain water for drinking purpose. The artifacts recovered here
include Roman and Satavahana coins apart from pottery dating back to 3rd
century BC and 2nd century A.D.
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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.
Pavurala Konda
Pavuralakonda or Narasimhaswamy Konda is located to the west of Bhimli
or Bheemunipatnam which is about 24 km. from Vizag. This hillock, also
called 'hill of pigeons', covering an area of 12 acres, is at a
height of 168mts above sea level. Excavations at the site reveal
that the place could be dated between 3rd century B.C. and 2nd
century A.D.
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Excavation
revealed nearly 16 rock-cut troughs or cisterns used for collecting
rainwater, foundations of viharas, with cells and common verandah,
circular chaityagrihas, votive stupas, halls, etc. The river Gosthani
which flows near Pavuralakonda served as navigation canal for inland
trade in the early centuries of the Christian era.
Thotla Konda
The Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex situated on a hilltop in Mangamaripeta
village is 15 kms from Visakhapatnam on the Vizag-Bheemili beach road.
Also known as 'the Hill of Eagles", the complex has a number of stupas,
chaityas, viharas, a congregation hall and a refectory belonging to the
Himayana School. This was mostly excavated during1982-92. These remains
are classifieds as religious, secular and civil. Excavated artifacts at
Thotlakonda comprise pottery, beads, bangle pieces, tiles, stuccos, iron
objects, sculptural remains, moulded bricks, inscriptions, coins, etc.
Getting
There
By Air: The
Visakhapatnam International Airport is located 7 km from the city.
It is a domestic airport and has daily flights from Hyderabad and Delhi
and also flights from Calcutta and Chennai, but they are less frequent.
There are several means to get from the airport to the city. You can
take the inter city ‘City Bus’ or get a taxi or and auto from outside
the airport. Pre paid taxis and car rentals are also available.
By Rail: Visakhapatnam Junction is on the main broad gauge railway line
from Calcutta to Chennai that runs along the coast. There are many
connections available from other parts of the country including Delhi,
Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata and Vijayawada.
By Bus: Visakhapatnam is connected to Chennai and Kolkata by NH 5.
Private buses and State Roadways buses service areas in and around
Andhra Pradesh and connect Vizag to neighbouring places like Behrampore
and Puri in Orissa. The state transport buses are really almost the very
basic in four-wheel travel. More comfortable bus travel by way of Volvo
buses that ply the route to Vizag are from Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata
and Vijayawada.
Getting Around
Local transportation is available in the form of buses, cycle rickshaws,
autos and taxis. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation
operates buses in and around the city. It has express and deluxe buses
along with luxury coaches which offer all kinds of amenities to their
passengers.
Apart from this, taxis and autos are easily available and cheap car
rentals and chauffeur driven cars are also a good way to get around the
city. For the more adventurous, bicycle rentals are also available.
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