A part of the Visakhapatnam district in the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, Anakapalle, was initially under the rule of Kalinga dynasty. It was only in the later period that the town went under the Gajapati, Kakatiya, and Qutub Shahi empires. In around mid 15th century, Appalaraju came to power under the Nawab of Arcot. Today, a temple built by him attracts a large number of devotees from all over Andhra Pradesh on the Telugan New year. This temple was dedicated to Kakatambika, a family goddess of Appalaraju, however, the later rulers of the region renamed the deity Nookambika, or Nookalamma.

For a Buddhist tourist like you, more than this temple, the ruins of a Buddhist temple, Bojjannakonda, is attractive. Along with this temple, ruins of hundreds of other Buddhist monuments can also be seen in this area.

The trip to these Buddhist sites can be combined with a visit to the Sathyanarayana Swami temple and Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple. The former is situated on the top of a small hill at Kasimkota about 2 km from Anakapalli while the latter is located in Devipuram, 12 km away. The latter temple is renowned all over the world for being the largest temple in the structure of Sri Chakra.


Quick Getaways

• Visakhapatnam : One of the most famous tourist destination in the state of Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam is also known by the name of Vizag. The city is surrounded by three hills, each of which has a shrine dedicated to deities of different religion. Worthvisiting in this town are the Dolphin's Nose, a rocky promontory 358 m tall, the Ramakrishna Mission Beach and Rishikonda beach. Apart from this, there is also the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park which houses a number of animals and birds.
  
  
• Simhachalam : A temple at a distance of around 16 km from Visakhapatnam, Simhachalam is rated one of the most beautiful shrines in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It stands amidst densely wooded hills and is deidcated to Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy. The architecture of the temple, specially the Natya mantapa and the 96-pillared Kalyana mantapa, is one that deserves praise from you.
  
  
• Sankaram : The Buddhist remains of Sankaram were unearthed 1907, however they date back to 2000 years. Worthseeing here are monolithic Votive Stupas, Rock cut caves, and brick build structural edifices. The site is a must visit during your Buddhist trip to Andhra Pradesh.
  
  
• Thotlakonda : 16 km from Visakhapatnam, on the Bheemili beach road is the Buddhist complex known as Thotlakonda. Buddhist remains of this site include Stupa, Chaityagrihas, pillared congregation halls, bhandagaras, refectory (bhojanasala), drainage and stone pathways etc. Also unearthed during excavation of this site were Brahmi letters, Satavahana and roman silver coins, terracotta tiles, stucco decorative pieces, sculptured panels, stupa models in stone, Buddha padas and early historic pottery.
  
  
• Bavikonda : 15 kms northeast of the Visakhapatnam city, Bavikonda reveals an entire Buddhist complex comprising 26 structures. However, the major finding of the excavation work is a piece of bone preserved in urn. The bone is widely believed to be the mortal remain of the lord Gautam Buddha himself. The urn also preserves ash and charcoal.
  
  
• Pavuralakonda : This ‘hill of pigeons’ is located 24 kkms from Visakhapatnam city and preserves remains of Buddhist settlement that existed between 1st century BC to 2nd century AD.
  
  
• Gopalapatnam : Around this small village, you can see brick built stupas, viharas and other Buddhist remains.