Cultural Tourism

Salihundam

Salihundam is a village and panchayat in Gara Mandal of SRIKAKULAM district in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is situated on the south bank of River Vamsadhara at a distance of 5 kilometers west of Kalingapatnam and 18 kilometers from SRIKAKULAM town. It was known as Salivatika(meaning rice emporium). But many called it “Salyapetika” (meaning box of bones or relics). There are a number of Buddhist stupas and a huge monastic complex on a hillock amidst scenic surroundings. The site was first discovered by Gidugu Venkata Rama Murthy in 1919. During excavations relic caskets, four stupas, a Chaityagriha, structural emples and a number of sculptures reflecting the three phases of Buddhism – Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana were found dating back to about 2nd century BC to 12th century AD. The statues of ‘Tara'[1] and Marichi were discovered at this site and from here Buddhism spread to Sumatra and other far-eastern countries.

 

Rajam

Rajam or Razam is a census town, municipality and mandal headquarters in SRIKAKULAM district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Rajam mandal is bordered by Ganguvari Sigadam, Santhakavati and Regidi Amadalavalasa mandals of SRIKAKULAM district and Vizianagaram district. Rajam is situated at a distance of 40 Kms. from SRIKAKULAM town. The place has nostalgic association with Tandra Paparayudu, the valiant Sardar of Bobbili.

Danthapuri

Danthapuri is one of the historical place near Amadalavalasa. This village situated on the way from Amadalavalasa to Hiramandalam in India, 10km from Amadalavalasa. Ancient Buddha stupa are present in this place. It is believed to be a place of Buddha religion and a shiddhardas living place. It is an important archeological place, called Boudha Gynana dantha puri, where the archeological department found some bricks, pots, nabed wear, terracotta articles, bangles, beads, stone and iron articles. It is elevated in the BC 261 after Kalinga battle by Ashoka Chakravarthi. Kalinga rajas treated as capital of their region. The Boudha Gynana dantha collected and presented by Arhat Kheru Terudu to Brahmadatta Raja of Kalinga. Brahma Datta Kalinga Raja constructed a monument on Boudha Gyana Dahtha in this place so the place is called Danthapuri.