Sankaram (Bojjannakonda) is one of the quieter Buddhist sites on the Andhra coast, a pair of low rock hills near the town of Anakapalli where monks once cut stupas, prayer halls and living cells straight out of the stone. If you have already planned a trip around the beaches and Buddhist hills of Visakhapatnam, this is the half-day detour that rewards a slow look rather than a quick photo.
Sankaram, in Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh, is a rock-cut Buddhist monastic complex spread across two adjoining hills — Bojjannakonda on the east and Lingalakonda on the west — known for a monolithic main stupa, rows of small votive stupas and rock-cut caves with Buddha panels.
Key takeaways
- Sankaram sits about 3.5 km from Anakapalli town and roughly 40–45 km from Visakhapatnam city by road, reached via the Sabbavaram bypass.
- The two hills are Bojjannakonda (with a rock-cut main stupa and six rock-cut caves) and Lingalakonda (lined with many small monolithic votive stupas).
- According to the Archaeological Survey of India, coin and antiquity evidence dates the settlement to roughly the 2nd–9th centuries CE; a gold coin of Samudragupta was among the finds.
- Most visitor listings report no entry fee (as of October 2026); the hills are open in daylight, roughly 9 am–5 pm — reconfirm locally before you travel.
- The nearest railway station is Anakapalli on the Howrah–Chennai main line; the nearest airport is Visakhapatnam (VTZ).
- Carry water, wear grippy shoes for the rock steps, and plan the cooler months (roughly October to February) for the climb.
About Sankaram (Bojjannakonda) and quick facts
Sankaram is a Buddhist monastic site on two adjoining rock hills near Sankaram village, about 3.5 km east of Anakapalli in Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh. The eastern hill is Bojjannakonda and the western one is Lingalakonda. It should not be confused with the other Sankaram village in Madugula mandal, roughly 95 km from Visakhapatnam, which is unrelated.
The name Sankaram is widely read as a corruption of “Sangharama” (Sanskrit sangharama, a Buddhist monastery). According to the India rural tourism listing of the Ministry of Tourism and the Anakapalli district administration, the hills carry monolithic stupas, rock-cut caves, chaityas (prayer halls) and monasteries, and were among the notable Buddhist centres of Andhra from roughly the 4th to the 9th century CE.
On dating, the record attributed to the Archaeological Survey of India is more specific: coin and antiquity evidence places the settlement between about the 2nd and 9th centuries CE, with the earliest coin a gold issue of Samudragupta (4th century CE). Some popular and heritage accounts push the earliest activity back to the early centuries BCE; treat the earlier claim as attributed rather than settled. What is not in doubt is that the site shows the three broad phases of Buddhism — Theravada (Hinayana), Mahayana and Vajrayana — as noted by heritage bodies including INTACH.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Sankaram village, ~3.5 km from Anakapalli, Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh |
| Two hills | Bojjannakonda (east) and Lingalakonda (west) |
| Type | Rock-cut Buddhist stupas, votive stupas, caves and monastery remains |
| Dating (ASI-attributed) | ~2nd–9th centuries CE |
| Custodian | Reported as an Archaeological Survey of India site |
| Entry | No fee reported by most listings — reconfirm locally |
| Time needed | 1.5–2.5 hours for both hills |
Best time to visit Sankaram (Bojjannakonda)
The comfortable window to climb the Sankaram hills is the cooler, drier stretch from roughly October to February, when coastal Andhra sheds the worst of its heat and humidity. The site is open rock with limited shade, so a morning visit in winter is the easiest on the legs and the camera.
Summers (March to May) are hot and sticky on the exposed hillsides. The southwest monsoon (roughly June to September) greens the surrounding paddy fields and makes for handsome photographs, but the rock steps turn slick and a sudden shower can cut a visit short. The figures below are seasonal planning guidance; reconfirm current weather before you set out.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Oct–Feb | Coolest and driest; best for the climb and photos |
| Summer | Mar–May | Hot, humid, little shade; go early morning only |
| Monsoon | Jun–Sep | Green fields, atmospheric, but slippery rock and showers |
How to reach Sankaram (Bojjannakonda)
Sankaram is reached most easily by road from Anakapalli, about 3.5 km away, or from Visakhapatnam city, roughly 40–45 km away via the Sabbavaram bypass. There is no public transport to the hill gate itself, so plan a taxi, auto-rickshaw or your own vehicle for the last stretch.
By air: The nearest airport is Visakhapatnam International Airport (VTZ), about 40–45 km away, with domestic flights across India and limited international links. From the airport, hire a taxi or combine the visit with a Vizag city trip.
By rail: The nearest railway station is Anakapalli (station code AKP) on the Howrah–Chennai main line, where most passenger and express trains halt. From Anakapalli, it is a short 10–15 minute drive by auto or taxi to the hills. Visakhapatnam Junction is the larger railhead if you are coming from farther away.
By road: Anakapalli sits on the NH16 (Chennai–Kolkata) corridor, so buses and taxis are plentiful. From Visakhapatnam, drivers typically use the Sabbavaram bypass toward Anakapalli. Confirm the final village turn-off with your driver or a maps app, as signage is modest.
| From | Distance (approx.) | How |
|---|---|---|
| Anakapalli town / station | ~3.5 km | Auto or taxi, 10–15 min |
| Visakhapatnam city | ~40–45 km | Taxi via Sabbavaram bypass, ~1–1.5 hr |
| Visakhapatnam airport (VTZ) | ~40–45 km | Taxi |
What to see at Bojjannakonda and Lingalakonda
The two hills divide the visit neatly: Bojjannakonda holds the carved caves and the big rock-cut stupa, while Lingalakonda is a hillside carpeted with small votive stupas. Give yourself time to walk both; the climb is short but the detail repays attention.
Bojjannakonda (east hill): According to the record attributed to the ASI, this hill has six rock-cut caves, several with sculptured panels showing a seated Buddha with attendants, and an upper tier with more Buddha figures. At the centre stands a large monolithic main stupa (the Maha stupa) surrounded by smaller monolithic stupas on rock-cut platforms, its dome built up in brick. An image of the goddess Hariti is recorded at the foot of the hill. Early twentieth-century excavations here yielded seals, inscribed terracotta tablets, beads and coins — among them the Samudragupta gold coin and copper coins of the Eastern Chalukya king Vishnuvardhana.
Lingalakonda (west hill): The western hill is lined with a large number of small rock-cut and monolithic votive stupas, set in rows along the rock so that from a distance the ridge looks studded. These were offerings made by pilgrims and monks. The hill is quieter than Bojjannakonda and gives the clearest sense of how busy a working monastery this once was.
| Spot | What it is | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bojjannakonda caves | Six rock-cut caves with Buddha panels | 45–60 min |
| Maha stupa (Bojjannakonda) | Monolithic main stupa with brick dome | 20–30 min |
| Lingalakonda votive stupas | Rows of small monolithic stupas on the ridge | 30–45 min |
A suggested half-day itinerary
Sankaram works best as a half-day trip, ideally paired with other Buddhist hills or Anakapalli town. A sample plan for a morning start:
- 8:30 am — Leave Visakhapatnam or Anakapalli; reach the hills while it is still cool.
- 9:30 am — Climb Bojjannakonda first; work through the caves, the Buddha panels and the main stupa.
- 10:45 am — Cross to Lingalakonda for the rows of votive stupas and the view over the paddy fields.
- 11:30 am — Return to Anakapalli for a late breakfast or early lunch.
- Afternoon — Optional: continue the Buddhist trail to the Vizag-area hills of Thotlakonda and Bavikonda, or head back to the city.
Where to stay near Sankaram
There is no hotel at Sankaram itself, so most travellers stay in Visakhapatnam and make a day trip, with Anakapalli as a simpler nearer option. Choose Vizag for range and comfort; choose Anakapalli if you want to be on the doorstep for an early climb.
- Budget (indicative, reconfirm): Simple lodges in Anakapalli town, roughly ₹800–1,500 a night.
- Mid-range (indicative, reconfirm): Business hotels in Visakhapatnam, roughly ₹2,500–5,000 a night.
- Luxury (indicative, reconfirm): Seafront and premium hotels in Visakhapatnam, from around ₹6,000 upward.
These bands are planning estimates as of October 2026 and vary with season and demand; book ahead for weekends and holidays. For the full range of city options, see the Visakhapatnam travel guide.
Food to try nearby
There are no reliable eateries at the hill gate, so eat in Anakapalli or Visakhapatnam and carry water and a snack for the climb. The region is known for coastal Andhra cooking — generous with rice, chillies and seafood.
- Andhra meals (rice thali with several spicy curries, pappu or dal, and pickle) — the everyday staple.
- Chepala pulusu (tangy fish curry) and prawn fry on the coast near Vizag.
- Gongura pachadi (a sour chutney made from sorrel leaves) — a signature Andhra accompaniment.
- Bandar laddu / local sweets are easy to find in town shops for the road.
Budget breakdown
A day trip to Sankaram is inexpensive; the main cost is transport, since entry is reported to be free. The table below is a per-person planning estimate for a day trip from Visakhapatnam, assuming two people sharing a taxi, as of October 2026. Reconfirm current fares.
| Item | Estimate (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared taxi (round trip) | 800–1,500 | Split between two; whole-day car costs more |
| Entry | 0 | No fee reported — reconfirm |
| Meals and water | 200–500 | In Anakapalli or Vizag |
| Buffer / incidentals | 200–300 | Auto to the gate, tips |
| Total | ~1,200–2,300 | Day trip, excluding stay |
Permits, fees and rules at Sankaram (Bojjannakonda)
No special permit is needed to visit Sankaram — it is an open archaeological site, not a restricted or border area, so there is no Inner Line Permit or protected-area clearance to arrange. On fees, most visitor listings report no entry charge as of October 2026, though a single blog cites an ASI-style ticket (₹25 for Indians, ₹300 for foreigners); this is unconfirmed by official sources, so carry small cash in case a nominal ticket applies and confirm at the gate.
As the hills are reported to be an Archaeological Survey of India site, treat them as a protected monument: do not touch, chalk or climb on the carvings and stupas, do not remove anything, and keep the site free of litter and plastic. Photography for personal use is generally fine; for drones or commercial/video shoots, seek ASI permission in advance.
Practical tips
- Footwear and water: The climb is short but on uneven rock steps. Wear grippy shoes and carry water, especially outside winter.
- Timings: Local listings give the hills roughly 9 am–5 pm (some say to 6 pm); visit in daylight and reconfirm hours, as of October 2026.
- Cash and connectivity: Carry some cash; there are no ticket counters or ATMs at the site, and UPI may not work everywhere. Mobile coverage is generally available but can be patchy on the hill.
- Medical: The nearest hospitals are in Anakapalli town; Visakhapatnam has the larger, better-equipped facilities.
- Solo and women travellers: The site is low-key and generally safe in daylight; as anywhere, prefer morning visits and avoid being on the hills after dusk.
- Guides and signage: On-site interpretation is limited, so read up beforehand or hire a knowledgeable local driver-guide from Anakapalli or Vizag.
- Packing: Sun hat and sunscreen for summer; a light rain layer and extra grip for the monsoon.
Nearby places
Sankaram pairs well with the wider Buddhist and coastal circuit around Visakhapatnam. The table lists the easiest add-ons.
| Place | Distance (approx.) | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Anakapalli town | ~3.5 km | Food, lodging, railway station |
| Visakhapatnam city | ~40–45 km | Beaches, museums, Buddhist hills — see the Vizag guide |
| Thotlakonda / Bavikonda | ~45–55 km | Hilltop Buddhist monastery ruins near Vizag |
| Amaravati (near Vijayawada) | ~350 km | Major ancient Buddhist stupa site — see the Vijayawada guide |
Frequently asked questions
Where is Sankaram (Bojjannakonda) located?
Sankaram is in Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh, about 3.5 km from Anakapalli town and roughly 40–45 km from Visakhapatnam city by road. The Buddhist remains sit on two adjoining hills, Bojjannakonda (east) and Lingalakonda (west), beside Sankaram village, reached via the Sabbavaram bypass.
What is the entry fee and timing for Sankaram?
Most visitor listings report no entry fee at Sankaram as of October 2026, and the hills are open in daylight, roughly 9 am to 5 pm (some sources say to 6 pm). One blog mentions a small ASI-style ticket, which is unconfirmed, so carry small cash and reconfirm hours and any fee locally before you visit.
How old are the Bojjannakonda and Lingalakonda Buddhist sites?
According to the record attributed to the Archaeological Survey of India, coin and antiquity evidence dates the Sankaram settlement to about the 2nd to 9th centuries CE, with the earliest find a gold coin of Samudragupta. Some heritage accounts claim earlier activity, but the ASI-attributed range is the firmer figure.
How do I reach Sankaram from Visakhapatnam?
From Visakhapatnam, hire a taxi for the roughly 40–45 km drive via the Sabbavaram bypass toward Anakapalli, about one to one and a half hours. By train, travel to Anakapalli station on the Howrah–Chennai line, then take a short auto or taxi ride to the hills. There is no direct bus to the gate.
What is there to see at Sankaram?
At Bojjannakonda you see six rock-cut caves with seated-Buddha panels and a large monolithic main stupa ringed by smaller stupas. At Lingalakonda, the hillside is lined with rows of small votive stupas. Together they show Sankaram as a working Buddhist monastery across several centuries.
Do I need a permit to visit Sankaram?
No permit is needed to visit Sankaram. It is an open archaeological site in a non-restricted area, so there is no Inner Line Permit or protected-area clearance to arrange. As it is reported to be an ASI site, treat the carvings and stupas as protected: do not touch or deface them, and seek permission before flying a drone.
Last updated and sources
Sankaram suits travellers who like history at a slow pace — anyone already exploring Visakhapatnam’s beaches and Buddhist hills, or passing through Anakapalli, with an hour or two to spare. Go in the cool morning hours between October and February for the easiest climb.
Last updated: 30 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Anakapalli district administration, tourism pages (anakapalli.ap.gov.in); Visakhapatnam district administration, monuments page (visakhapatnam.ap.gov.in); C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre EcoHeritage profile of Bojjannakonda and Lingalakonda (ecoheritage.cpreec.org); Drishti IAS note on INTACH’s efforts and the three phases of Buddhism at the site (drishtiias.com); archaeological detail attributed to the Archaeological Survey of India via the public record on Bojjannakonda; transport and distance details cross-checked against rail/road distance listings. Accessed September 2026.
