The state of Telangana is home to many religious sites of historical and heritage prominence. One such renowned site for Buddhism is Dhulikatta village in Peddapalli district. The Buddhist circuit of the state has many prominent places that spell their glory. One such prominent place of Buddhism takes nestling in Telangana, at Dhulikatta. The village is only 25 kilometers away from Karimnagar.

The Buddhist Mahastupa or the great stupa and vihar in Dhulikatta village date back to 2nd century BC, which is about more than 2000 years ago. According to many historians, the description of this fortified town which is situated on the banks of a stream called Hussaini Vagu, is one of the 30 walled cities mentioned by Greek emissary Megasthenes.

The Buddhist Stupa has been built on a mound with light weight bricks, which is embellished with sculpted veneer slabs and beautifully carved limestone slabs. The remains and ruins of this ancient stupa that has been built on an elevated place are still discernible. The constructions of platforms give an elevated look to the Mahastupa.

The elegantly carved lime-stone blocks here are decorated with many Buddhist symbols like the Muchalindanaga (a snake from the Buddhist mythology). Several other artefacts discovered here such as punched coins from Roman Kingdom and Satvahana dynasty, beads, combs made of ivory, bangles and authentic silver jewellery have been brought to light during excavations conducted around the Mahastupa in Dhulikatta.

How to Reach

Dhulikatta is well accessible by road from Karimnagar, located at a distance of about 25 km. The nearest railway station to Dhulikatta is Peddapalli which is located at a distance of 15 kilometer approximately.