Nelakondapalli, Khammam

District

Khammam

Period of stupa

Around 3rd–4th century CE

Best time

October to February

Nearest railway station

Khammam

History and excavations

Local belief connects the area with King Virata, at whose court the Pandavas spent their year in disguise, and mounds here have long been associated with that story. Archaeological digs have brought to light a stupa, viharas and sculptures from the early centuries CE, when Buddhism flourished across the Krishna and Godavari basins. The finds place Nelakondapalli among the notable Buddhist sites of Telangana.

Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Jamalapuram

In the village of Jamalapuram in the same district, a hilltop Venkateswara temple is popularly called the 'Telangana Tirupati'. It is believed to be many centuries old, and tradition says the Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya supported its renovation. Green hills around the shrine make early mornings a peaceful time to visit.

Perantalapalli and the Godavari

Further afield, the tribal village of Perantalapalli sits on the Godavari, on the stretch from Kunavaram down to Rajahmundry, and is usually reached by boat through the Papi Hills gorge. The trip passes the confluence of the Sabari with the Godavari, and the village has a small Shiva temple and the Munivaatam waterfall nearby. It suits travellers who enjoy river scenery more than monuments, and it is best done as a full-day outing; carry water, snacks and sun protection, since facilities along the river are basic.

• Nelakondapalli Buddhist stupa site
• Jamalapuram Venkateswara temple
• Perantalapalli village
• Papi Hills boat trip
• Munivaatam Falls

Planning your visit

Khammam town has a railway station on the Vijayawada–Kazipet line and is the easiest base, with Nelakondapalli a short drive away. October to February is the comfortable season; summers here are very hot. Papi Hills boat trips run mainly after the monsoon, when water levels are good. We can add these stops to a longer Telangana or Godavari itinerary.

Also nearby