On the banks of the Sarada River, Sankaram hamlet, near Anakapalli, is a popular Buddhist heritage site. Bojjana Konda and Lingalakonda, two Buddhist sites, are located in this little village 41 kilometers from Vizag.

The story of this area as a Buddhist cultural and teaching center can be found in several Buddhist sites from the third and fourth centuries. Sankaram comes from the word Sangharama, which means "monastery."

Numerous monolithic stupas, rock-cut caves, ruins of prayer halls and meditation halls, brick-built structural edifices, and resting areas can be found on the twin hills of Bojjanna Konda and Lingala Konda. A Britisher named "Alexander Rea" discovered Bojjana Konda in 1906. Lingalametta is a Buddhist Heritage site with multiple monolithic stupas, caverns, and structural constructions dating back over 2000 years.

During the excavation of this site, many antique coins (from the Samudra Gupta and Satavahana periods) and clay tablets depicting Sitting Buddha were uncovered. The caves' granite faces are adorned with numerous Buddha statues.

There are guides available to tour you around the caves and explain their significance if you are a serious visitor. Many tour guides, however, are unable to communicate effectively in English. From the hilltops, you can observe the area's verdant fields and distant hills. In an hour, a casual tourist will be able to visit both venues.

On the nearby hill of Lingalametta, there are huge and small rock-cut monolithic stupas sculpted on single rocks of diverse shapes. Stupas can be as tall as a two-story building.

This region of the state contains relics from all three periods of Buddhism: Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. As a result, there is a Buddha statue on one hill and countless stupas on the other.

What is the best way to get to Sankaram?
Sankaram village, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, is 45 kilometers from Vizag. National Highway No. 5 takes less than an hour to get to this place. The nearest railway station is Anakapalli, which is 4 kilometers away from this historic monument.

The driving time from Anakapalli town is 15 minutes. There is no entrance fee to this venue. There are guides available to show you around the caves and explain their significance if you are a serious visitor to this place.

Sankaram's Attractions and Events
In Bojjannakonda, the Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana stages of Buddhism are all represented. The main attractions here are the imposing images of the Buddha seated in a meditation stance, as well as the stupa. Before being bricked up, the main stupa was cut out of rock.

Entry Fees and Timings for Sankaram
Sankaram is open to the public for free. It is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

By Yashaswini