Witness The Beauty Of Buddhism In Nelakondapalli In 2024

Nestled in Andhra Pradesh, Nelakondapalli is a hidden gem of history and culture. With a rich legacy of Buddhist stupas and temples in the region, it is popular among devotees. The land of Nelakondapalli is enriched by culture and traditions, boasting exquisite architecture. Explore the magnificent temples of the area and learn about the famous Bhakta Ramadas who devoted his life to the path of religion. With incredible views, undiscovered historical spots and places, spend your time without any crowd in this town. Come here to seek tranquillity and connect with your spiritual self.

Nelakondapalli Location & History

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Nelakondapalli is located in Telangana and has a rich Buddhist heritage. With a well-built transport network within the town and other south Indian cities by national highways. It is located 21 km to the southwest of Khammam.

Nelakondapalli is the birthland of Saint Khancherla Gopanna, who dedicated his life to the worship of Lord Rama. He built the Bhadrachalam temple, which overcame many hurdles in the 17th century. The Nelakondapalli Buddha stupa is an iconic creation of the 3rd century. It was under the Kakatiya dynasty and was dedicated to patrons of art and religion. The region suffered great destruction during the Mughal empire, but it stood the test of time. Archaeological excavations have led to the discovery of many Satavahana coins, bricks and earthen pots. The presence of Satavahana coins shows the region’s trade network and prosperity.

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Nelakondapalli Buddha Stupa

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• The stupa is 16.5 metres high and 57 metres wide, making it one of the largest in South India.
• The main stupa, which has five floors and a wheel-shaped structure from the outside, has a pradakshina path (circumambulatory path) for visitors. An aerial view of the stump shows the wheel-like structure, which symbolises the Buddhist dhamma.
• The stupa is made of burnt and unburnt bricks, proving that the construction was undertaken in different periods.
• The temple has a throne adorned with the Kaustubha gem, a sacred stone in Buddhism. It also has multiple Lotus carvings and designs.
• The stupa was built and maintained by the non-ruling classes, which is why Buddhism is popular in South India.
• As you enter, you will see viharas ( rooms) where the monks meditate and do their work.
• The prayer halls feature intricately designed pillars and ceilings. Inscriptions about the life of Buddha are in the area.

Nelakondapalli Temples

There are many prominent temples in and around Nelakondapalli, which you must visit. Here are some of the must-visit Nelakondapalli temples:

1. Sri Venkateswara Temple

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Dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, the manifested form of Lord Vishnu, this temple is a significant pilgrimage for Hindus. The presiding deity is believed to remove hurdles and provide prosperity in the lives of their devotees. The temple is built in a typical South Indian style with a towering gopuram. The entrance to the temple is decorated with mythological characters leading to the sanctum sanctorum. The main temple area worships Lord Venkateshwara with the devotees’ flowers, fruits, and offerings. You can enjoy the surrounding greenery and peace after visiting the temple.

Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry fee: Free

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2. Sri Anjaneya Swamy Temple

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Dedicated to Lord Anjaneya, the manifested form of Lord Hanuman, this temple is a source of power and strength for the devotees. Lord Hanuman is believed to embody power, courage and strength. The temple is characterised by Dravidian architecture. The sanctum sanctorum is adorned with an idol that holds a mace in one hand and gives blessings in the other. The temple sees a lot of locals and tourists on Tuesdays and Fridays, which are auspicious days for worshiping Hanuman.

Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry fee: Free

Places To Visit Near Nelakondapalli

Nelakondapalli sites are a treat to the eyes and once you are done exploring it, you might spend your remaining time in these places. To help you plan your itinerary, we have listed the most popular places to visit nearby Nelakondapalli.

1. Lakaram lake

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Located 22 km from Nelakondapalli, Lakaram Lake is a picturesque spot to watch the sun go down. Surrounded by a beautiful park and multiple seating areas around the lake, you will find yourself lost in its beauty. It was a small lake that was expanded into a water reservoir to serve Khammam’s water needs. This is a famous picnic spot among families seeking a peaceful, serene escape during weekends.

Visiting hours: 6 AM to 8 PM
Entry fees: None

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2. Ethipothala Falls

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Located 150 km from Nelakondapalli, Ethipothala Falls is a 70-foot cascading waterfall set amidst lush green forests. It is part of the Krishna River and is a picturesque sight to visit. You can trek to reach the waterfall and plunge into its lagoon to get refreshed. Sit around for a while, enjoy a picnic in the waterfall, and appreciate God’s creations.

Best time to visit: Early morning or evenings
Entry fees: None

3. Palair Lake

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Located 33 km from Nelakondapalli, Palair Lake is a tributary of the River Krishna. It is the main source of water in the region and covers a vast area of 1700 hectares. It is a scenic spot surrounded by lush green forests and calm waters. In the migratory season, unique birds visit the region. Sit back and watch the water flow as you unwind and relax here.

Visiting hours: 6 AM to 6 PM
Entry fees: None

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4. Undavalli Caves

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Located 67 km from Guntur, Undavalli Caves is a legendary sandstone architecture of the Gupta empire. The caves are adorned with stories and inscriptions of Lord Vishnu, Narasimha, and many other Hindu mythology characters. There are also many temples within the structure. The cave has four floors with multiple deities on each floor. Explore the ruins of the Gupta Empire and learn more about the lifestyle as you traverse these caves.

Visiting hours: 9 AM to 6 PM
Entry fees: INR 5

How To Reach Nelakondapalli

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By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, is the closest airport, operating flights from all over the world. The nearest domestic airport is Vijayawada Airport, located 144 km away from Nelakondapalli and can be reached by private cab or taxi.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Khammam railway station, located 21 km away from Nelakondapalli. You can also get off at the Mallemadugu railway station, which is a smaller station; hence, many trains may not stop here. You can also opt for Vijayawada junction, which is connected by all significant railways from the north.

By Road: Nelakondapalli is well connected with roads to all the nearby south Indian cities. There are many private and state-run buses which you can opt for from nearby towns.

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Nelakondapalli has a deep religious and historical background. Surrounded by beautiful lakes and nature views, you would find yourself at home in this place. If this guide about Nelakondapalli motivates you, here are some of the best packages for a trip to toHyderabad. Visit this divine land of Gautam Buddha and experience it to understand what words cannot explain.

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