Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex is a hilltop archaeological site near Mangamaripeta, around 15 km from Visakhapatnam along Beach Road toward Bheemunipatnam. You can see remains from an ancient Buddhist centre and look out over the Bay of Bengal.
- Setting: A hilltop 128 metres above sea level.
- What you’ll find: A Mahastupa, votive stupas, viharas and stone pathways.
- Coastal pairing: Rushikonda Beach is another stop near the site.
The hilltop Buddhist archaeological site
Thotlakonda is a Buddhist archaeological complex whose excavated remains and finds date from between the 3rd century B.C. and the 3rd century A.D. The site’s name is associated with rock-cut cisterns; nine were cut into the hill.
The complex includes a Mahastupa, votive stupas, a Silamandapa, viharas and stone pathways. It has 26 structures belonging to three phases, including exposed remains of a pillared hall, sculptured pillars and stupas with their usual components.
Finds from the site include Roman and Satavahana coins, Brahmi label inscriptions, miniature-stupa and stone-railing fragments, sculptural panels depicting Buddhapadas, and red-ware sherds. The remains give the hilltop more to see than its coastal outlook: they point to the range of structures and objects associated with the complex.
The complex overlooks the Bay of Bengal, with a panoramic view across the surrounding area. From the central city, the Beach Road route passes toward Bheemunipatnam; Diamonds Pearl is in Visakhapatnam.
Checking access, timings and site rules
Opening times and entry arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00–17:00
- Sunday: 8:00–18:00
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
An APTDC Vizag City Tour includes Thotlakonda and Rushikonda Beach and runs from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The non-air-conditioned tour tariff is ₹534 for adults and ₹380 for children; the air-conditioned tour tariff is ₹675 for adults and ₹563 for children. Confirm that the tour, timings and prices still apply before making plans.
For tour arrangements and availability, call the Central Reservation Office at 0891-2788822 or 9848813584.
How do you get from Visakhapatnam to Thotlakonda?
Thotlakonda lies about 15 km from Visakhapatnam, along Beach Road toward Bheemunipatnam. The approach climbs to the archaeological site on a hill near Mangamaripeta. The route is described without a travel time, so allow for your departure point and conditions when planning.
If you’re arranging a day around the city, the Visakhapatnam one-day itinerary from the central city can help put the site in context with other city stops.
Combining the site with nearby coastal viewpoints
Pair Thotlakonda’s hilltop outlook with a visit to Rushikonda Beach, 8 km from Visakhapatnam. Swimming and windsurfing are possible there.
For a longer coastal outing, Bheemunipatnam is the direction of travel along Beach Road from Thotlakonda. The Bheemunipatnam coastal day trip offers a way to plan that wider stretch of coast.
FAQs
What is Thotlakonda known for?
It is a Buddhist archaeological complex with a Mahastupa, votive stupas, viharas, a Silamandapa and stone pathways. Its excavated remains and finds date from between the 3rd century B.C. and the 3rd century A.D.
How far is Thotlakonda from Visakhapatnam?
It is about 15 km from Visakhapatnam, near Mangamaripeta on Beach Road toward Bheemunipatnam.
Can you visit Rushikonda Beach on the same outing?
Yes. Rushikonda Beach is 8 km from Visakhapatnam, and an APTDC city tour includes both the beach and Thotlakonda.
Is there an entry fee at Thotlakonda?
Entry arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go.