This stunning four-storey cave temple was probably originally carved out of the hillside for Buddhist monks in the 2nd century AD, then converted to Hindu use in the 7th century. The shrines are now largely empty, except those on the third level, one of which houses a huge reclining Vishnu. A row of gnome-like stone Vaishnavaite gurus/preachers gaze out over the rice paddies from the terrace. It's 9km southwest of downtown Vijayawada: autorickshaws or Ola/Uber cabs here cost ₹150 one way.
Undavalli Cave Temples
Top choice in Telangana & Andhra Pradesh
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
15.98 MILES
This historic site was the earliest centre of Buddhism in southern India, with the nation's biggest stupa, 27m high and 49m across, constructed in the 3rd…
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15.87 MILES
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This giant 38m statue of a seated Buddha is located on the edge of town, on the site where the Dalai Lama spoke in 2006. Its base is hollow, and when you…
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Dating back to the 12th century, this important temple is located on Indrakeeladri Hill, close to the Krishna River, and draws many pilgrims.
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9.62 MILES
This ruined fortress, 25km northwest of Vijayawada, was built around 1360 by the Reddy kings, and passed through a succession of later rulers, including…
Nearby Telangana & Andhra Pradesh attractions
2.19 MILES
Dating back to the 12th century, this important temple is located on Indrakeeladri Hill, close to the Krishna River, and draws many pilgrims.
9.62 MILES
This ruined fortress, 25km northwest of Vijayawada, was built around 1360 by the Reddy kings, and passed through a succession of later rulers, including…
15.87 MILES
This small museum has a fine collection of intricate stone sculptures from the adjacent site and other pieces from across the state, most dating from the…
15.98 MILES
This historic site was the earliest centre of Buddhism in southern India, with the nation's biggest stupa, 27m high and 49m across, constructed in the 3rd…
16.16 MILES
This giant 38m statue of a seated Buddha is located on the edge of town, on the site where the Dalai Lama spoke in 2006. Its base is hollow, and when you…