Thotlakonda

Thotalakonda a beautiful Buddhist Complex located on the beach road connecting Visakhapatnam and the historic town of Bheemli. Located at a height of 128 meters on a hill top this place was inside the Kalinga region which was instrumental in promoting Buddhism to Sri Lanka, Burma and many other places. Welcome gate by the side of the beach road with an entry fee and good tar road at the top of the hill is constructed by the local body. Thotlakonda Complex Meditation halls are designed to protect Monks from outside disturbances with stupas at the centre and guards at the entrance of the hall. The layout of Kitchen and resting place for Monks are still giving a glimpse of simple life led by them. The direction of Sun rise and sun set are marked in stones. Monks visiting this Buddhist school from far places like China, Burma and other countries came through the sea route and used to stay here for months and year before completing their study. The complex has number of Stupas, Chaityas and Viharas. There are many rocks cut trough available here. Out of the 12 tubs used for storing drinking water, four are available within the complex and others were little outside the area. One of the troughs at the top of the hill still holding water in the all the seasons and never went dry in past many years. Probably the Telugu name Thotlakonda is derived from the Thotti (tub) and Konda (hills).