The ancient Buddhist complex at Thotlakonda, which dates back to the second and third centuries BC, is all set to get a new public interface with an exhibition and amenity center adjacent to the main site. The center, which will open to visitors from March 1, aims to present the excavated remains and archival material in a way that allows the hilltop Buddhist complex to speak more clearly to contemporary audiences.
The excavated remains are on display at the newly built interpretive center at the 3rd century BC Buddhist site of Thotlakonda in Visakhapatnam. Developed to showcase artefacts and explain the historical significance of the site as an ancient monastic complex overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the center will open to the public soon. | Photo credit: KR Deepak
Located about 15 kilometers from the city of Visakhapatnam near Kapulauppada on a windswept hill overlooking the Bay of Bengal, Thotlakonda has long remained a quiet but significant marker of the region’s maritime and Buddhist past. The site, under the State Department of Archeology and Museums, has long attracted tourists, scholars and students.
R Phalguna Rao, Assistant Director, Department of Archeology and Museums, Visakhapatnam, explains the new interpretive center at the 3rd century BC Buddhist site of Thotlakonda, which will soon be opened to the public in Visakhapatnam. | Photo credit: KR Deepak
The new center houses the nine main exhibits mounted on plinths, along with other structural fragments that were previously stored or left in place. The new center attempts to consolidate these fragments into a coherent public narrative. The initiative was spearheaded by Visakhapatnam District Collector MN Harendhira Prasad, who revived and completed the project after earlier construction activity had stalled. In 2025, ₹9 lakh was sanctioned by KS Viswanathan, the then Commissioner of Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority, for the construction of the building. Work then slowed down until the district administration regained focus and brought the structure to readiness.
One of the excavated remains is on display at the newly built interpretive center at the 3rd century BC Buddhist site of Thotlakonda in Visakhapatnam. Developed to showcase artefacts and explain the historical significance of the site as an ancient monastic complex overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the center will open to the public soon. | Photo credit: KR Deepak
R Phalguna Rao, deputy director at Visakhapatnam’s Department of Archeology and Museums, notes that nearly 20 photographs documenting excavations from the late 1980s and early 1990s will line the walls. “The intention,” he says, “is to create a space where visitors can understand the context of the remains rather than encountering them as isolated stones.” There is also a modest book and souvenir counter and a snack stand.
Objects that talk
Among the most eye-catching exhibits are the two Buddhapadas, or carved footprints of the Buddha. History chronicler Jayshree Hatangadi points out that these are unusually loose. “In many later depictions, Buddhapadas bear elaborate iconography such as wheels, lotuses and auspicious symbols. The Thotlakonda specimens show minimal ornamentation, suggesting a phase before such a visual vocabulary became widespread,” he says. Their reticence offers valuable insight into the early aniconic traditions of Buddhism, when symbolic presence preceded anthropomorphic depiction.
A view of the new interpretive center at the 3rd century BC Buddhist site of Thotlakonda, soon to be opened to the public in Visakhapatnam. | Photo credit: KR Deepak
Another notable piece is the Bharavahaka, a stout male figure that once lay in the open at the site. Scholars interpret the figure as a symbol of service and reverence, perhaps representing the communities whose labors supported the monastic establishment. Carved ear ornaments and clothing provide clues to period clothing practices.
The excavated remains are on display at the newly built interpretive center at the 3rd century BC Buddhist site of Thotlakonda in Visakhapatnam. Developed to showcase artefacts and explain the historical significance of the site as an ancient monastic complex overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the center will open to the public soon. | Photo credit: KR Deepak
Also occupying the plinth are the remains of Muchalinda, the serpent king who is believed to have hidden the meditating Buddha under his hood. The fragment retains a coiled shape and the design of several hoods, evoking a story that traveled across Buddhist artistic traditions. Deepastamba and the sculptural representation of Kanthaka, the horse associated with Siddhartha’s renunciation, further expand the interpretive framework. Together, these pieces expand the conversation from monastic routine to the broader cosmology and storytelling that shaped early Buddhist communities.
Hill discovered
A view of the 3rd century BC Buddhist site of Thotlakonda, where an interpretation center is being established in Visakhapatnam. Developed to showcase artefacts and explain the historical significance of the site as an ancient monastic complex overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the center will open to the public soon. | Photo credit: KR Deepak
The expert report on Thotlakonda’s discovery dates back to an aerial survey by the Indian Navy that surveyed the northeast coast for a potential naval base. The unusual contours of the hill attracted attention, which led to a survey of the terrain and possible excavations. Researchers VV Krishna Sastry, B Subrahmanyam and N Rama Krishna Rao documented the findings in detail.
Between 1988 and 1992, five field excavation seasons uncovered the brick and stone remains of the main stupa, several votive stupas, stone platforms, and structural outlines of residential quarters. Artifacts recovered from the trenches included early historic pottery such as tan ware and black and red ware, satavahana and Roman coins, Brahmi inscription labels, inscribed chhatra fragments, terracotta and glass beads, bangles, stucco fragments and sculptural pieces. The material record indicated sustained occupation and participation in trade circuits that linked the region to wider sea routes.
After its identification, the hill was declared a protected monument under the Andhra Pradesh Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1960. Some architectural fragments were collected and placed near the main stupa, though many remained without explanatory support. The interpretation center tries to solve this gap by placing individual objects in a coherent narrative.
Permanent monastic life
A view of the 3rd century BC Buddhist site of Thotlakonda, where the Visakhapatnam Interpretation Center is being established. Developed to showcase artefacts and explain the historical significance of the site as an ancient monastic complex overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the center will open to the public soon. Photo by KR Deepak / The Hindu | Photo credit: KR Deepak
According to Phalguna Rao, the complex reflects a flourishing Hinayana Buddhist settlement that remained active for nearly four centuries. A hilltop location overlooking the Bay of Bengal would allow the monks to observe the movement of the sea while maintaining contemplative seclusion. The rock-hewn water management systems, living cells, dining room, and gathering spaces suggest an organized monastic routine rather than a transitional dwelling.
A view of the 3rd century BC Buddhist site of Thotlakonda, where the Visakhapatnam Interpretation Center is being established. Developed to showcase artefacts and explain the historical significance of the site as an ancient monastic complex overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the center will open to the public soon. Photo by KR Deepak / The Hindu | Photo credit: KR Deepak
Collecting early sculpture fragments, contextual photographs and brief explanations, the new center aims to provide an entry point for school students, researchers and tourists who might otherwise struggle to interpret the scattered remains.
A nominal entry fee of ₹20 for adults and ₹10 for children to enter the main area. The Department of Archeology and Museums is now awaiting corporate CSR support to operationalize the ticketing and admissions infrastructure.
Published – 27 Feb 2026 10:59 IST
