Guntupalli Group of Buddhist Monuments

Guntupalli is a group of rock-cut caves and structures spread across a hillside at multiple elevations. The site combines meditation chambers, a main gathering hall, a central stone stupa, and several smaller monuments that formed a unified religious complex.

The site developed during the centuries before Christ, when the region was a major hub of early Buddhism. Over time, it expanded through additions of different building styles, with new stupas constructed across several hundred years.

The site reflects how Buddhist communities organized worship spaces for group rituals and individual devotion across multiple levels. Visitors can still trace the paths used for circumambulation and understand the rhythms of monastic life that once defined this place.

The site sits in a rural area but is easily accessible from larger towns nearby. Paths connecting the different structures follow natural contours, so wear proper footwear and allow time to move between levels and explore the different sections.

The rock architecture mimics wooden construction methods in its carved facades and entrance details, reflecting ancient building traditions. This technique of shaping stone to resemble timber work appears at other important religious sites from the same period.

Location: Kamavarapukota mandal

GPS coordinates: 17.01759,81.13032

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:43