AT A GLANCE

Why go?

Perched on a small granite hill amid the paddy fields near Anakapalle, Bojjannakonda is one of Andhra Pradesh's most remarkable Buddhist sites. Dating from the 4th to 9th centuries AD, the hilltop is crowned by a massive brick stupa surrounded by rock-cut caves, monolithic stupas, and ancient monastery cells — a complex that represents all three phases of Buddhist practice: Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Originally called Buddhuni Konda, meaning "Hill of the Buddha," the site was excavated in 1906 by British archaeologist Alexander Rea and has drawn pilgrims and scholars ever since.↗↗↗

Just 42 kilometres from Visakhapatnam, Bojjannakonda offers a rare chance to walk among 1,500-year-old Buddhist architecture in a setting of extraordinary quiet. The climb up its 150 rock-cut steps leads to six caves, sculptured panels of seated Buddhas, and a panoramic view over the surrounding countryside toward its equally fascinating twin hill, Lingalakonda.↗↗