Situated on the south bank of river Krishna, Amaravati is one of the most important and sacred Buddhist destinations in the world. Founded in the 2nd century BC, Amravati was amongst the most flourished Buddhist towns at that time and today the place is world-famous for the great Buddhist stupa, which dates back to Emperor Ashoka's reign. Known for its amazing chaityas, viharas, carvings and murals of the ancient Buddhist periods, Amravati attracts thousands of archaeologists and pilgrims from all around the world.

The importance of Amravati as a Buddhist destination can be ascertained from the fact that it's the venue of the Kalachakra 2006(3-15 January).

Ajanta was once one of the most favorite retreats of Buddhist monastic orders and so the place features several 'chaityas' (chapels) and 'viharas' (monasteries). The Ajanta Caves are world famous for their exquisite wall and ceiling paintings, panels and sculptures depicting various incidents from Buddha's life and other important Buddhist divinities.

The most important Buddhist sites in Amravati include the Mahachaitya or the Great Stupa, which was the largest stupa in India (95 ft high and 160 ft in width). Its cornice was engraved with the tales from Buddha's life. Though the great Stupa no longer intact, the remnants on the site give you a clear idea of the massive structure. One of the four gates of the Stupa has been restored which has interesting and typical carvings from Buddha's Life. Amravati also houses a number of small chaityas, viharas, murals and panels, making it a great Buddhist destination. Just adjacent to the Great Stupa is a grand temple dedicated to Lord Amarewara. O n your Amravati tour, you can also visit the Museum, which has a beautiful collection of Buddhist art and sculptures, excavated from the ruins. Some of the most valuable sculpture of Buddha and other remnants of the Great Stupa are also kept in the London Museum and Chennai Government Museum.

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