Salihundam

This village shot into prominence because excavations revealed the existence of an ancient Buddhist settlement. Situated 18 Kms from Srikakulam on the banks of the river Vamsadhara, a maha stupa, votive stupas, chaityas, platforms and viharas have been unearthed here with inscriptions dating back to the 2nd century A.D.

The main stupa on a hilltop measures 46 ft in diameter while the maha vihara salipethaka has an entrance in the shape of a swastika. Significantly, this was the place from where the message of Buddhism spread to Sumatra and other eastern countries.