Historically, Visakhapatnam was a part of the Kalinga Territory. The great battle of Kalinga was won by Emperor Ashoka. He later converted to Buddhism, and Buddhist activities are known to have flourished in Visakhapatnam during his time. It is also claimed that the current Buddhist sites in and around Visakhapatnam were built during this period of time.

The Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex, which was built in the second century BCE and is located about 15 kilometers from Visakhapatnam, is a well-known Buddhist monument. This is known for its monastery complex and serene view.
The complex consists of Buddhist stupas and other structures which are discovered by the Indian Navy during an aerial survey and the Archaeology Department excavated Buddhist stupas in Thotlakonda from 1988 to 1993. Excavations revealed the existence of a Buddhist complex that flourished over 2000 years ago. Water is also stored in a tank to the south of the complex for use in the monastery.

Mr. Edmund Santhara, Malaysia's Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, emphasized the importance of focusing on developing the Thotlakonda and other Buddhist monuments in and around Visakhapatnam. He visited a Thotlakonda and then stated that Vizag has over 2000-year-old historical Buddhist monuments that are not found in many other countries, including Malaysia. He suggested that the government work to increase the popularity of these Buddhist monuments in order to attract Buddhists and tourists from all over Asia and the world.