Nelakondapally Buddhist stupa gets tourism makeover
HYDERABAD: The Telangana government plans to turn the area around the Mahastupa at Mujjugudem in Nelakondapally mandal of Khammam district into a heritage, environmental and tourism destination.
The site, located in the Palair Assembly constituency, is surrounded by green fields and the nearly 650-700-acre Balasamudram lake. The government is preparing an integrated plan to develop the area while preserving its historical and environmental features.
The government has already introduced the Telangana Tourism Policy 2025-2030, with a focus on nature, medical and spiritual tourism as well as Buddhist circuits. The Nelakondapally Buddhist stupa is proposed as the first site to be developed under the Buddhist circuit initiative.
The stupa is described in the source as the second-largest Buddhist stupa in South India. Officials have prepared a master plan to preserve the ancient Buddhist structures while providing modern facilities for visitors. The plan is expected to be submitted to the government soon.
Balasamudram lake to get tourism facilities
Under the master plan, Balasamudram lake will be developed as a key component of the Buddhist site. Proposals include boating facilities, view areas, rest areas and landscaped lawns.
The plan gives priority to eco-friendly facilities without disturbing the natural character of the lake and while protecting its vegetation.
A Buddhist prayer hall, site museum, lotus pond, amphitheatre and visitor information centre have also been proposed.
A three-dimensional interpretation centre, exhibition galleries, information boards and dedicated walking paths will help visitors understand the history of the site.
The plan also proposes 24 cottages, a 20-bed dormitory, a food court and shops selling local products and souvenirs.
An administrative building, staff quarters, a community multipurpose hall, lawns for events, recreational facilities and a play area are also part of the master plan.
Land parcel: 8.16 acres.
Mahastupa remains the main attraction
The Mahastupa is the main attraction at the Nelakondapally Buddhist site. The massive brick structure, spread across a diameter of about 106 feet, is an important part of Telangana’s Buddhist heritage.
Archaeological excavations carried out in different phases since the 1970s have brought to light the historical significance of the area.
Excavations uncovered a large Buddhist mahastupa, wells, water-storage structures and brick-built structures. Archaeological finds include sculptures of Buddha, a bronze idol, terracotta figurines, pottery, metal objects, ancient coins and a miniature stupa carved in limestone.
Residential complexes for monks and water facilities were also found, indicating that the site once functioned as an organised Buddhist centre.
A museum will be built to present the history of the site and showcase these archaeological remains and artefacts.
