For a Buddhist tourist to Andhra Pradesh, a visit to Guntupalli is highly recommended because it is widely acclaimed to be one of the most beautiful Buddhist sites in the region. The site is located atop a hill and has rock cut chaityas, votive stupas and viharas, several images of the Buddha for you to see. All these Buddhist treasures are believed to pre date even the world famous Ajanta and Ellora caves of Maharashtra. It is also believed that the great Buddhist Logician, Dignaga made this place his residence for quiet sometime during his life.
Quick Getaways
- Kolleru Lake : Occupying the area of 308 sq km between the
deltas of Krishna river in both Krishna and West Godavari district, the
Kolleru lake is one of the attractions which you should not miss out
during your trip to Guntupalli. The lake is a large one and fed directly
by seasonal Budameru and Tammileru rivers. The sanctuary has a wealth of
flora and fauna and a large number of migratory birds from northern Asia
and eastern Europe come here between the months of October and March.
These birds include Red-Crested Pochards, Blackwinged Stilts, Avocets,
Common Redshanks, Wigeons, Gadwalls and Cormorants, Garganys, Herons,
Flamingos & among others. As for the resident birds, they include
Grey pelicans, Asian Open-billed Storks (Anastomus oscitans), Painted
Storks (Mycteria leucocephala), Glossy Ibises, White Ibises, Teals,
Pintails, Shovellers. The lake was declared a wildlife sanctuary in
November 1999.
- Palkol : One of the most important trading centre in the
West Godavari district, Palkol has a population of 57171. The town is
also known by the name of Palakollu or palacole. The major attraction
here is the Ksheera Rama Lingeshwara Swami Temple which has Lord Shiva
as its presiding deity. This temple dates back to 15th century and is
today counted amongst the tallest temple tower in Andhra Pradesh.
Another attraction of the place is the Ashtabhuga Lakshmi Narayana Swami
Temple which is quiet popular for its festivals, specially Bhramostavam.
- Bhimavaram : The wealth of Bhimvaram, the second largest
town of West Godavari district qualifies it for being labelled as the
commercial headquarters of the West Godavari district. Worthvisiting
temples here include Gunupudi Somarama temple, Mavullamma temple,
Bhimeshvara, Datta Kshetram, Subbaraidu Temple, Venkateswara Temple and
Jain Temple at PeddaAmiram.
- Dwaraka Tirumala : This is a tiny village located some 40 km
from Eluru, the district headquarters. The village is quiet well known
for its temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. The place is also known
as ‘Chinna Tirupathi’.
- Eluru : The headquarters of the West Godavari district,
Eluru has a number of historical monuments for you to see and enjoy. For
example, there is the Eluru Fort which was constructed by the Muslims
who brought stones from the temples at Vengi.Also to be seen in the town
are the temples of Janardhana and Jalapaharesvara.
Getting There
By Air - The Gannvaram airport is the closest
one and is at a distance of 40 km from Eluru. Flights from here connect to
Hyderabad and Chennai.
By Rail - Eluru is the closest railway station from Guntupalli and lies on the Kolkata-Chennai railway line. Trains from here run to Hyderabad.
By Road - Eluru is connected by frequent buses from Vijaywada. You can also reach Eluru by road from other parts of the state as it is well connected by Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC). Eluru is also connected to Chennai and Kolkata by NH-5. The Buddhist site of Guntupalli can also be reached by road.
By Rail - Eluru is the closest railway station from Guntupalli and lies on the Kolkata-Chennai railway line. Trains from here run to Hyderabad.
By Road - Eluru is connected by frequent buses from Vijaywada. You can also reach Eluru by road from other parts of the state as it is well connected by Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC). Eluru is also connected to Chennai and Kolkata by NH-5. The Buddhist site of Guntupalli can also be reached by road.
