God
The Mahastupa of the Buddhist heritage site is a 2000 years old monastic complex with remnants of stupas, chaitya grihas and viharas atop Thotlakonda Hill. Nikaya Buddhism appears to have been practiced here, including the worship of Gautama Buddha through symbols such as padukas and other material remains rather than using human representation.
Best Season To Visit
The best season to visit the temple is Winter season. The best months to visit are September to February.
Weather
Highest - April to June (40°C during day and 35°C during night)Average - May (38°C during the day and 25°C during night)Lowest - December to February (28°C during day and 20°C during night)Monsoon season – July to September
Dress Code
- For men the dress code is Shirt & Trouser, Dhoti or Pyjamas with upper cloth.
- For women the preferred dress code is saree or half-saree with blouse or chudidhar with pyjama and upper cloth.
- Shorts, mini-skirts, middies, sleeveless tops, low-waist jeans and short-length T-shirts are not allowed.
Do's & Dont's
- Do bathe and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple.
- Do respect ancient customs and co-piligrims while at temple.
- Smoking and drinking is prohibited in this temple.
- Chewing betel leaves, tobacco, gutka and spitting inside temple is strictly prohibited.
transport connections
| Name | Distance | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
 Visakhapatnam Bus Stand |
10.2 KM | 0866-2570005 |
 Visakhapatnam Junction |
21.1 KM | 139 |
 Visakhapatnam Airport |
30.8 KM | 08912851169 |
Architecture
The excavations established the existence of a Hinayana Buddhist complex which flourished 2000 years ago. To the South of the complex there is a tank that served as a water source to the inhabitants of the monastery. The excavations reveal Satavahana dynasty lead and Roman silver coins indicating foreign trade, terracotta tiles, stucco decorative pieces, sculptured panels, miniature stupa models in stone and Buddha footprints were also found. The excavations also yielded twelve inscriptions in the Brahmi script. From polygraphic studies, it appears that the hill might have been known as Senagiri, Senain Pali means "elder, superior". The complex had arrangements for storing food, clothing, medicines and served as a religious cum academic center. There appears to have been no royal patronage for this monastery. However traders and local believers seem to have supported the complex. In its heyday Thotlakonda might have accommodated more than 100 Buddhist monks. The lofty stupas shining during the day, with their light lime plaster and with rows of wick lamps during nights, might have served as guiding landmarks of nautical commuters.
History
The sign boards mentioned it's an ancient Buddhist Monastery which dates back it's existence of 2000 years ago. It is said that the place was in full process from 200 B.C and 200 A.D. It was evident that the Buddhist monks were arriving from places like China, Burma, and many other countries used to stay at this site for months before finishing their learning. Thotlakonda was well within the influence of ancient Kalinga, which was an important source of dissemination of Buddhism to Sri Lanka and various parts of Southeast Asia. It provides an insight into the process of transoceanic diffusion of Indic culture, especially Buddhism. A hill on the sea coast with a salubrious climate was an ideal attraction for the Buddhist monks to build a monastery complex here. The placid sea sheltered by the deeply in curved coastline here provided a haven for anchoring ships. Thotlakonda came to light during an aerial survey by the Indian Navy for setting up a Naval Base. After its discovery, major excavations have been conducted by the Andhra Pradesh State Archaeology Department during 1988 - 1993.
Temple Timings
| Day | Timings |
|---|---|
| All Days | 07:30 AM - 06:00 PM |
Tours
Airports
| Airport Name | Distance |
|---|---|
| Shamshabad | 40 KM |
| Lorem Ipsum | 12 KM |
Railway Stations
| Railway Station Name | Distance |
|---|---|
| Secunderabad | 10 KM |
| Nampally | 12 KM |
| Begumpet | 6 KM |
| Lingampally | 20 KM |
Bus Stations
| Bus Station Name | Distance |
|---|---|
| MGBS | 35 KM |
| CBS | 28 KM |
| kukatpally | 20 KM |
| Lingampally | 30 KM |
| Uppal | 35 KM |
Private Transports
| Transport Name | Distance | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
| Private Transport | 8 KM | 9546858757 |
| Private Transport1 | 8 KM | 9546858757 |
| Private Transport1 | 8 KM | 9546858757 |
| Private Transport1 | 8 KM | 9546858757 |
| Private Transport1 | 8 KM | 9546858757 |
Local Transports
| Transport Name | Distance | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
| Local Transport | 5 KM | 9546858757 |
| Local Transport1 | 5 KM | 9546858757 |
| Local Transport1 | 5 KM | 9546858757 |
| Local Transport1 | 5 KM | 9546858757 |
| Local Transport1 | 5 KM | 9546858757 |
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