Bavikonda, Buddhist archaeological site near Visakhapatnam, India
Bavikonda is an archaeological site positioned on a hill about 130 meters above sea level near Visakhapatnam. The complex contains remains of monasteries, burial mounds, and prayer halls that can be explored through walking paths around the excavated structures.
The Buddhist monastery complex began as a spiritual center during the 3rd century BCE and flourished for centuries as monks established their community here. The site was eventually abandoned during periods of conflict, a story uncovered through British archaeological investigations early in the 1900s.
This site served as a center where Buddhist monks gathered and studied teachings over many centuries. The presence of artifacts from distant regions shows how people and ideas traveled along ancient trade routes to reach this hilltop sanctuary.
The site sits about 16 kilometers from Visakhapatnam city center and welcomes visitors throughout the day without charging an entrance fee. Walking around the hilltop structures is straightforward, though comfortable shoes help on the uneven terrain and slopes.
The name Bavikonda comes from Telugu language meaning hill of wells, referring to how monks engineered rainwater systems to supply themselves on the slopes. This ancient water management method kept the community self-sufficient during dry seasons when streams below the hilltop ran low.
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