Bojjannakonda Buddhist Site Sees Surge in Tourist Footfall Ahead of Kanuma Mela
Visitor footfall at Bojjannakonda, a key Buddhist heritage site in north Andhra Pradesh, is rising steadily. Hundreds of people now visit the hill complex every day. The site is also drawing foreign tourists and Buddhist monks. Many of them offer special prayers. They also explore the ancient caves, stupas, and sculptures.
“Bojjannakonda has become one of the most active Buddhist heritage destinations in Andhra Pradesh,” said a representative of the Visakha Federation of Buddhist Associations. “We are seeing visitors daily, including monks and pilgrims from other countries.”
A Buddhist mela is held at Bojjannakonda annually during the Kanuma festival. This year, organisers plan to conduct the event on a larger scale.
“This time, we are planning it in a bigger way,” an organiser said. “There will be special prayers, a peace rally, and talks on the Buddha’s teachings.”In addition, the organisers said public response has been encouraging. They also expect a larger number of devotees this year.
Meanwhile, visitors say the hill complex offers a rare spiritual experience. It also provides a deep connection to history. “This place has a special calm,” said Ven. Tenzin, a Buddhist monk from Sri Lanka. “When you sit quietly, you feel peace. I came to pray and learn the history.”
Historians say Bojjannakonda has major historical value. Buddhist monasteries flourished here between the 4th and 9th centuries CE.“Bojjannakonda is not just a religious site,” said a local historian and heritage researcher. “It is a living record of monastic life over centuries.”
The site gained wider attention after excavations in 1906–07. British officer Alexander Rea led the work. During the excavation, inscriptions and coins were found. “The excavations showed how extensive the settlement was,” the historian said. “The remains reflect a well-developed monastic system.”
Further, experts say some gold coins belong to the period of Samudragupta. Others are believed to date back to the Satavahana era.
The hill complex is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It includes caves, Buddha images, stupas, and sculptures. It also has grain storage structures and brick-built monastic residences.
Recently, the site received new facilities through development works. These were taken up by the Union government for Rs 7.5 crore.
As a result, Bojjannakonda has become more appealing to visitors. The improvements include a laser show and a sound-and-light show. A meditation hall and entrance gateway were also built.“The aim was to improve visitor facilities without affecting heritage value,” said an ASI official. “The shows help visitors understand the site better.”
Recently, MLA Konathala Ramakrishna visited the premises. He reviewed arrangements for the Kanuma celebrations.