About Pavurallakonda
Pavurallakonda is popular, known as Narsimhaswamy Konda near Bheemunipatnam at about 29 kms to north of Visakhapatnam Railway Station. It is located at a height of 150 meters above the sea level. Pavurallakonda means ‘The hill of Pigeons’. (Pavurala in telugu means pigeons and konda means hill) But it is known as Pavurallakonda due to one more reason as due to the availability of white stone in the hillock. Pavurallakonda is located to the west of Bheemili, 25 kms from Visakhapatnam. It is a ruined hill-top Buddhist monastic complex. The ruins witness the existence of human habitation from 3rd century BCE to 2nd century CE. It is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries of North coastal region of Andhra. Hinayana Buddhism might have flourished.
Excavation of the site of Pavurallakonda relics two Brahmi label inscriptions, foundations of viharas, circular chaityas, votive stupas, halls etc. Beads, Polished ware, Coins etc were recovered from the site. There were unconcealed nearly 14-16 rock cuts or cisterns used for collecting fresh water to cater the Buddhist devotees, who used to live on the hillock site. Excavations and restoration programs are under progress by the archaeology department.
Tourist place
The Gosthani river flows close by the site of Pavurallakonda. The site is contemporary to Buddhist sites like Bavikonda and Thotlakonda in the district of Visakhapatnam. To ensure better protection and restoration of these buddhist sites the Indian National Trust of Arts and cultural heritage has appealed to the authorities after taking the declaration of Bavikonda,
Thotla konda, Pavurallakonda and Bojjannakonda as heritage sites by UNESCO. This will allow the way to steady flow of funds and also create employment opportunities for the local people of Visakhapatnam.
The neglected Buddhist heritage sites of Pavurallakonda will be revamped by the Visakhapatnam district tourism circuit is to be set up on the hill of Pavurallakonda. Already the vehicle approach road has been closed and there are weeds growing everywhere.
How to reach
Visakhapatnam Railway Station is the nearest station. APSRTC buses and private vehicles are available for road transport from the city of Vizag.
Nearby places
Indira Gandhi Zoo, Visakhapatnam (Vizag)
Kondakarla Ava and Bird Sanctuary, Visakhapatnam (Vizag)
Araku Valley, Visakhapatnam (Vizag)
Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam (Vizag)
Ramakrishna Beach and INS Kursura, Visakhapatnam (Vizag)