Pavuralla Konda

Pavuralla Konda or Narasimhaswamy Konda is a historic site renowned for Buddhist excavations and is situated at about 5 km west of Bheemili and a distance of about 29 km from Vizag Railway Station. The hill also is known as ” hill of the pigeons ” or “white stone hill”.

It is located at 168 meters above sea level and covers an area of about 10 to 12 acres. In the northern coastal region of Andhra Pradesh in India, Pavuralla Konda is among one of the largest Buddhist monasteries. The presence and the flourishing of Hinaya Buddhism can be experienced in this place.

The artifacts excavated on this site are an interesting attraction of this place. They date back to the 3rd century B.C to the 2nd century A.D. In Pavuralla Konda you can see about 16 amazing rock-cut cisterns for storing the rain-water carved on the hillock. Along with this, among the ruins are located foundations of viharas, halls, circular chaityagrihas, consecrate stupas, Brahmi label inscriptions, etc. Pottery, clay vessels, cells for monks can also be seen at this location.

The State Archeology Department of Andhra Pradesh has also recovered coins, polished glass, beads, etc from the site. Several wells and water tanks constructed in the period between the 3rd century BC and 2nd century AD can be seen.

The Gosthani river is situated near the hillock, which acted for the early Christian period as a navigational path for inland trading. This Gosthani river also provides a mesmerizing view of the coastline. For history buffs and nature lovers, this place is a must-visit.