Chandavaram Buddhist Site is an excavation site located in the Prakasam District of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the best ancient Buddhist sites in Andhra Pradesh. Chandavaram Buddhist site was discovered by Dr. Veluri Venkata Krishna Sastri in 1964. It is the right place for students and scholars to learn more about Buddhism. This site is only next to the Sanchi Stupa in significance and elegance and resembles the famous Dharajaka Stupa at Taxila.

Location of Chandavaram Buddhist Site
Chandavaram Buddhist Site is located on a hillock named Singarakonda on the banks of the River Gundlakamma. The town of Chandavaram is situated in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh.

History of Chandavaram Buddhist Site
Chandavaram Buddhist Site was built between the 2nd Century BC and the 2nd Century CE during the Satavahana dynasty. It is believed to have been built during the Satavahana regime. It was an active centre for Buddhist religious activities and was built and inhabited more than 2000 years ago as is evident from the carbon-dating of artefacts found. The monuments and artefacts such as pottery, coins, inscriptions written in the Brahmi language used then date back to the Satavahana period 2000 years ago. The remnants of Ayaka Pillars at Chandavaram Buddhist Site indicate that Hinayana form of Buddhism was in prevalence in this area in the bygone era. The Chandavaram Buddhist Site was used as a resting place by Buddhist monks travelling from Kashi to Kanchi.

Archaeological Findings at Chandavaram Buddhist Site
Excavations carried out here revealed a double terraced Maha Stupa on the hilltop of Singarakonda Hill. The dome which is 120 ft in circumference and 30 ft in height has carved panels portraying the Dharmachakra, the sacred Bodhi tree and other Buddhist symbols.

There were many other priceless findings during the excavations in the area. More than two dozen Buddhist slabs were found that were decorated with designs and inscriptions were found.

Apart from the main stupa, excavations also unearthed many other Buddhist Viharas, stupas, Satavahana coins, Brahmi label inscriptions and other items which are now housed at a museum under the Archaeological Survey of India.

Visiting Information of Chandavaram Buddhist Site
The airport at Vijayawada is the closest one to reach Chandavaram Buddhist Site. Buses run from Ongole for Chandavaram. Donakonda rail station is the nearest railhead from where one can also take private transport from Donakonda.