Telangana’s Nelakondapalli Buddhist site to be developed as an international heritage and tourist destination: Minister

An imposing Buddhist maha stupa at Nelakondapally in Khammam district. | Photo credit: File Photo

The historic Buddhist stupa at Nelakondapalli and its surrounding areas in Palair Assembly constituency in Khammam district will be developed into an international Buddhist heritage and tourist destination, Revenue, Housing and Information and Public Relations Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy has informed.

The minister on Monday laid the foundation stone for tourism facilities and restoration and conservation of the protected Buddhist site at Nelakondapalli.

Highlighting the rich heritage and historical significance of the ancient site, the minister said that the excavations carried out there in the past had revealed several antiquities which were subsequently preserved in the Hyderabad museum.

He said a meeting would be held at Nelakondapalli to seek views and suggestions from Buddhist monks, experts and local people to convert the ancient site into a major tourist destination while preserving its rich heritage for future generations.

Heritage Department Director K. Arjun Rao and Collector Khammam Divakara TS were present.

Published – 26 Oct 2026 20:40 IST