Chandavaram, located on the right bank of the river Gundla Kamma, is a part of Prakasam district in Andhra Pradesh, India. The district occupies an area of 17,626 sqkm and has its headquarters at Ongole which is 75 kms away. Vijaywada is around 150 kms away from Chandavaram.

The place is well known for being a major Buddhist site. Excavations carried out here revealed a double terraced maha stupa on the hilltop. The local people call this hill Singarakonda. The absence of Ayaka pillars at Chandavarman indicate that Hinayana form of Buddhism was in prevalence in this area in the bygone era. There is another stupa quiet closeby.

Also, closeby lie the ruin of a monastic complex which includes a Maha Chaitya with a dome 1.6 meters high & a drum 60 cms wide, a threewinged vihara like the Aparasailia monastery at Nagarjunakonda. Remnants of two other monasteries can also be seen. If you want to see more, there is a museum at the site displaying sculptures and other relics such as coins, black and red ware and inscriptions in the Brahmi script dating back to the century B.C.


Quick Getaways

• Doddavaram village : This village is located in the Praksam district and was known as Veera Narasimha Puri Agraharam during the rule of Addanki Reddy rulers. A number of temples dot this place, prominent amongst them are Sivalayam, SriRamalayam, Sri Narasimha Swami Alayam, Ankamma gudi, Chinna Ankamma gudi, Poleramma gudi, Veera Brahmendra Swami gudi, etc. Every year in the last week of March, the Ankamma thirunaala is celebrated which attracts a large number of villagers from nearby area. In May, a state level competition of Bulls known as "Rashtra Sthaayi eddula pandem" attracts participants from throughout the state of Andhra Pradesh.
  
  
• Markapur : The significance of this town lies in it being India's main slates manufacturing town. Apart from it, the historic temple of god Chennakesava is another attraction of this place.
  
  
• Ongole : The district headquarters of Prakasam, Ongole is well known for a breed of oxen which are considered virile and of superior stock. They are amongst the significant Zebu cattle breeds of the world.