Pavurallakonda, Buddhist monastic complex in Visakhapatnam, India.
Pavurallakonda is a Buddhist monastic site on a hillside in Visakhapatnam with chambers and structures carved directly from the rock. The site includes carefully engineered cisterns built into the stone to collect and store water for the residents living there.
The settlement arose around 2000 years ago as a Buddhist monastic community that served as a spiritual center for several centuries. The site was eventually abandoned, but the remains carved into stone tell the story of this ancient tradition.
This was a center for Buddhist practice where monks lived and worshipped in carved chambers on the hillside. The layout shows how daily religious life was organized in this mountain community.
Reaching the site involves a walk uphill where you can see the landscape expanding around you as you go. The cooler months are best for visiting since the heat can be intense during other times of year.
The name comes from the local Telugu language and means 'Hill of Pigeons', inspired by the whitish-colored stones visible throughout the hillside. These stone formations give the place its distinctive appearance.
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