Nelakondapalli Buddhist site to be developed as a major heritage, tourism hub; ₹4.26 crore earmarked

Buddhist monks at the ancient Buddhist Mahastupa in Nelakondapalli in Khammam district on Tuesday.

The state government has drawn up plans to develop the ancient Buddhist site at Nelakondapalli into a world heritage site and tourist destination, aiming to place it among the top three Buddhist centers in India, Khammam Collector Divakara TS said.

He was speaking at a meeting on development, conservation and restoration of the Buddhist Mahastupa at Nelakondapalli in Khammam district on Tuesday.

Mr. Divakara said a comprehensive action plan was being prepared to preserve the historical significance of the site while developing it as a major destination for Buddhist pilgrims and tourists.

The meeting was attended by officials from the Department of Heritage, Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TGTDC), archeology and tourism experts, Buddhist monks from India, Cambodia and Thailand and other stakeholders.

According to the press release, the discussions focused on the preservation and restoration of ancient buildings and the improvement of tourism infrastructure in the place.

Mr. Divakara said a core committee consisting of experts in Buddhist traditions has been constituted to finalize the development plan.

The government aimed to make Nelakondapalli a prominent Buddhist center over the next 18 months, taking into consideration the suggestions of Buddhist monks and other experts.

The initiative seeks to enhance the national and international significance of the site while promoting the Buddha’s message of peace, compassion and harmony, he said.

Director of the heritage department prof. K. Arjun Rao said tourism infrastructure at the Buddhist site would be built at an estimated cost of ₹ 2.50 crore under the aegis of TGTDC.

Conservation and restoration work on the ancient Buddhist Viharas and other related structures would be done at an estimated cost of ₹1.76 crore.

Conservation and restoration work would be carried out using scientific methods to preserve the original structures, their architectural features and historical significance.

Published – 13 Oct 2026 20:09 IST