Amaravati

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Amaravati, is one of the most significant Buddhist sites in the country which was formerly called as Dhanyakataka and Andhranagari. Almost 2000 years back, Acharya Nagarjuna constructed the country's largest stupa here. Today, Amaravati is considered as the most holy pilgrim centre for Buddhists in South India. It also houses an Amareswara temple.

Situated on the banks of river Krishna near Guntur, Amaravati is small town, which was the former capital of the Satavahanas and an important Buddhist center. Tourist can find here country’s largest stupa- the Mahachaitya Stupa, built during the 2nd century BC which is 29 m high with a width of 49 m. There are engraved marks on the cornice, which tales about Buddha's life. It is discovered by the British archaeologist Colonel Colin Mackenzie in 1797. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple of Amareswara is also situated here, which houses a massive Lingam. The Golden Triangle tour of Buddhism in Andhra Pradesh covers Amaravati along with Nagarjunakonda and Dharankota.